NUR1102 - Health assessment in clinical practice

Leader: Ms Ailsa Rickards (Gippsland), Ms Robyn Fairgall (Peninsula) & Ms Lyn Faulks (Mildura)

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2007 (Day)
Mildura Second semester 2007 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit incorporates a lifespan and holistic perspective for care. The unit examines fundamental knowledge and skills in preparation for the care of individuals who have developed health problems. Emphasis is placed on systematic methods for health assessment of clients and the development of appropriate plans for care intervention and the evaluation of that care. Knowledge and skills are developed in recognition of the legal and ethical dimensions of care. Clinical practice experience is an integral component of this unit and concentrates on the attainment of fundamental client care skills. Students are expected to develop a sound knowledge to the nursing needs of clients.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students are expected to be able to:

1. describe the role of the nurse/midwife in supporting the activities of daily living for clients;
2. demonstrate a beginning understanding of physical, psychological and social changes that affect the person with health problems;
3. develop beginning holistic therapeutic caring skills for the clients;
4. describe appropriate communication and personal interaction strategies involved in the assessment of clients;
5. practice physical assessment skills in a simulated clinical environment;
6. plan, implement and evaluate care for selected clients using standard decision making frameworks;
7. identify and utilise culturally relevant and age specific strategies that promote the independence, self esteem and dignity of clients; and
8. develop an ability to integrate science knowledge with nursing practice.

Clinical Objectives
On completion of clinical practical experience, students are expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge base for safe practice as a novice practitioner; 2. begin to use a systematic process plan, deliver and evaluate care that is based upon the physical and developmental needs of the client; 3. demonstrate professional and personal accountability as a novice practitioner when providing nursing care; 4. identify the legal and ethical implications of delivering care to the individual client; 5. communicate effectively communication with clients and other members of the health care team; 6. begin to reflect on their learning when documenting client care; 7. consistently demonstrate a satisfactory level of psychomotor skills appropriate to the safe delivery of care; and 8. discuss the role of all health team members in the care of the individual client.

Assessment

Clinical assignment: 30%
Written examination: 50%
Class/tutorial assignment: 20%
Students must pass the skill assessment, clinical assessment and written examination to pass the unit
Students must attend 90% of all scheduled laboratories - refer to school guidelines for details

Contact hours

6 hours per week (lectures, tutorials, labs) plus 150 hours clinical

Prerequisites

NUR1101

Co-requisites

Only available to students enrolled in: Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing/ Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic), Bachelor of Nursing and Rural Health Practice or Bachelor of Midwifery.