NUR4402 - Clinical honours thesis II: Framing a research proposal

Leader: Dr Ysanne Chapman (Peninsula), Professor Karen Francis (Gippsland) & Dr Lisa McKenna (Midwifery)

Offered

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

Synopsis

The unit provides students with the opportunity to develop an appropriate hypothesis or research question and derive an appropriate research design showing regard to the practical problems of conducting research in clinical settings. Ethical issues are also considered. The clinical aspect of the unit provides the student with the opportunity to explore areas of nursing interest related to their clinical research topic. The unit aims to promote the students' responsibility for their own learning by exercising choice, developing objectives and negotiating to fulfil these objectives in consultation with both academic staff and clinicians.

Objectives

At the completion of the unit the student will be expected to:

1. identify a research topic that addresses a significant clinical issue. This may be a part of an existing project, or alternatively a new initiative;
2. develop a research problem, question or hypothesis;
3. formulate and present a research plan;
4. develop and present a research proposal, including a literature review;
5. participate in research seminars and workshops;
6. apply to ethics committees for research approval as necessary;
7. develop a learning contract addressing the clinical learning needs of the student;
8. demonstrate safe clinical practice based on sound theoretical knowledge and reasoning;
9. perform detailed nursing/midwifery clinical assessment of clients;
10. resolve clinical problems appropriately;
11. proficiently implement nursing/midwifery care as planned;
12. demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural dimensions of care;
13. practice with increasing independence; and
14. incorporate evidence based practice findings into clinical/midwifery practice.

Assessment

Oral seminar presentation of research plan (15 minutes): 20%
Written submission of research plan (500 - 1000 words): 10%
Written submission of research proposal (5000 words including literature review): 50%
Ethics application(s): 20%
Students must pass clinical (including Learning contract) to pass unit.

Prerequisites

NUR2103, NUR2113, NUR2104, NUR3106, NUR2201, NUR2303, NUR2304, NUR3305, NUR2401 and NUR4401

Co-requisites

Available to students undertaking Honours degree of Bachelor of Nursing or Honours degree of Bachelor of Midwifery only