NUR4403 - Clinical honours thesis III: Conducting a research project

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

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2007 (Day)
Peninsula First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

The unit provides students with the opportunity to implement the research proposal developed in NUR4402. Students will further develop a literature review, finalise ethical approval for their research, and collect, organise and manage the data for the study. The clinical aspect of the unit provides students with the opportunity to integrate clinical practice skills obtained in the Bachelor of Nursing/Midwifery programs with practice in the clinical/midwifery environment in which their research is being conducted. The increased clinical/midwifery practice will enhance practical experiences, establish confidence and allow the student to become an integrated member of the health care team.

Objectives

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

1. generate a critical review of the literature and theoretical frameworks relevant to their field of study;
2. accurately collect, manage and secure data for health profiles and/or health histories for individuals, groups or communities;
3. finalise the ethics approval process for the project;
4. conduct a pilot study (if appropriate) to anticipate and address practical problems that may arise in the course of data collection;
5. apply clinical reasoning to selected pathophysiological and psychosocial nursing/midwifery phenomena; and
6. demonstrate safe clinical/midwifery practice based on current theoretical and pharmacological knowledge.

Assessment

Oral seminar presentation: 30%
Written clinical research issues report: 40%
Submission of a research progress report: 30%
Clinical component: Pass/Fail. Students must pass the clinical to pass the unit

Prerequisites

NUR2401, NUR4401, NUR4402