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Monash University
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Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery

Course code: 3953 ~ Course abbreviation: BN/BMid ~ Total credit points required: 192 ~ 4 years full-time, 8 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Gippsland)

Course description

The aim of the Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery is to produce a nurse midwife who is a highly capable individual able to work in partnership with the interdisciplinary team in general nursing and midwifery practice settings.

Course objectives

On completion of the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery graduates will be able to: practice within the scope of practice and standards set down by the ANCI national competencies for registered nurses and ANMC national competencies for midwives; provide beginning level holistic health care for individuals and communities in our multicultural society; practice within ethical and legal guidelines; plan, implement and evaluate care that encourages individuals to achieve optimum health and well being; demonstrate knowledge that is evidence-based and underpinned by sound political, historical, cultural and social understandings of health; appreciate the significance of ongoing education and research to improve practice; work collectively and collaboratively with others on the health care team and value the partnerships formed with people in their care.

Special requirements

Police Checks and Working with Children Checks

Organisations that host clinical and community placements require students to have current Police Checks and Working with Children Checks regarding their suitability to undertake such placements. All enrolled and prospective students are advised that they will be required to obtain both of these checks prior to undertaking their course. Working with Children Checks are valid for five years and are available free. Police Checks must be applied for and paid for annually, however in some community partnered programs there may be a requirement to have a police check renewed every six months.

Drug Administration Policy

Students should be aware of their legal position regarding the administration and storage of drugs. In addition, it is the policy of the campus that where drugs are required to be checked by two people prior to administration under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Victoria), and Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations (1995); the student and supervisor (clinical teacher or registered nurse) are considered as one person. Students should be aware of the Drug Administration Policy relevant to the particular year of study.

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses during clinical placement. Uniforms and accessories are required for clinical placements and students will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

Vaccination Policy

It is required that students obtain proof of relevant vaccinations prior to clinical placements. Arrangements regarding serological screening and vaccination will be organised with the campus nurse on commencement.

Course structure

Units of study and clinical placements will be undertaken throughout the course. The clinical practica comprise a major component of the course and require students to have experiences in a variety of clinical settings. Travel to metropolitan and rural off-campus locations for clinical practica will be required.

Course requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery, students must satisfactorily complete the following units:

First year

First semester
  • HSC1301 Human structure and function 1
  • NUR1001 Professional communication
  • NUR1003 Nursing, society and culture
  • NUR1101 Perspectives of health and wellness
Second semester
  • HSC1302 Human structure and function 2
  • MID1002 Making practice connections
  • MID1003 The childbearing journey
  • NUR1102 Health assessment in clinical practice 2

Second year

First semester
  • MID2004 Being with birthing woman (consortium unit)
  • MID2006 Practice allegiances
  • NUR2002 Nursing practice in context 1
Second semester
  • MID2102 Towards a midwife self
  • NUR2004 Nursing practice in context 2
  • SRH2002 Indigenous health and wellbeing

Third year

First semester
  • MID3103 Childbearing obstacles (consortium unit)
  • MID3104 Navigating childbearing challengers
  • NUR2003 Contexts of health care
  • NUR3002 Nursing practice in context 3
Second semester

Fourth year

First semester
Second semester
  • MID4001 Preparing for practice (Midwifery)
  • NUR3004 Preparing for practice (Nursing)

Clinical Practice

Students are required to undertake clinical practice in health settings throughout the four years of the course. Clinical practice is a compulsory component of the course.
In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Clinical experience is obtained in a wide variety of health agencies throughout Victoria, Australia and overseas.
Clinical experience makes up fifty percent of the BN/BMid course. Generally speaking, students on clinical experience will take on shift work, including weekend shifts and night duty and work a supervised unpaid 37.5 hour week. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. Make-up for time missed will be arranged in consultation with the clinical coordinator on receipt of a medical certificate.
Where a student's skill or knowledge is found to be inadequate, access to the clinical component of the unit will be denied.
A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery will be awarded on completion of the course and will lead to eligibility for registration with the Nurses Board of Victoria as a Division 1 Nurse and endorsement as a Midwife on the Division 1 register.

Contact details

Visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/nursing; email nursing.enquiries@med.monash.edu.au; telephone +61 3 9902 6454