Leader: Ms Melanie Birks (Gippsland), Ms Kaori Shimoinaba (Peninsula) & Ms Lyn Faulks (Mildura), TBA (Leongatha)

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2008 (Day)
Leongatha First semester 2008 (Day)
Mildura First semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of nursing care for individuals and communities by introducing concepts, processes and skills required for nursing practice Concepts introduced include body mechanics, pain and comfort, the collection of health and nutritional profiles and issues of growth and development across the individual's lifespan. It aims to introduce students to complementary therapies and the notion of healthy lifestyles for the older and younger person. The unit includes theoretical and practical information about nursing skills, concepts and processes in a clinical practice component.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the concept of health from biomedical and psychological perspective; 2. begin to evaluate the concept of health needs or challenges for the normal individual or group over the lifespan;
2. perform selected basic care skills in a simulated environment using evidence-based approach;
3. demonstrate knowledge and skills for the assessment of health and development of individuals over the lifespan;
4. accurately collect and record data for health profiles and/or health histories for either individuals, groups or communities;
5. demonstrate a beginning understanding of the theories and the effects of pain; and
6. demonstrate an ability to maintain safe body mechanics and comfort for clients/patients.

Assessment

Written examination: 50%
Clinical fieldwork: 50%
Practical skills examination: pass/fail - students must pass this examination to pass the unit
Students must attend 90% of all scheduled laboratories - refer to school guidelines for details

Contact hours

13 weeks x 2 hours lectures, 13 weeks x 2 hours tutorials, 8 hours student directed learning activities, 96 hours of clinical placement.

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.