Leader: Associate professor Tony Barnett and Ms Merylin Cross

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2008 (Day)
Mildura First semester 2008 (Day)
Mildura Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the expanded practice role associated with rural/remote nursing and provides an opportunity for students to experience a range of rural health settings including multipurpose services, integrated community health services, bush nursing services and isolated health centres, and work with clinicians from other disciplines. Students will develop clinical skills under the instruction and guidance of clinicians co-opted for unit development and sessional teaching into lectures, tutorials and clinical laboratories.

Objectives

Educational objectives:

1. Discuss the diverse roles and functions of the rural nurse;
2. Identify the range of players providing multidisciplinary health care services in a rural community;
3. Differentiate the roles of other health professionals and their interface with nursing in the rural context;
4. discuss the priorities and needs of other health team members to facilitate appropriate referral and health outcomes;
5. critically analyse the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in rural health care;
6. Assess, triage and where appropriate provide care as instructed by various health disciplines;

Clinical Objectives: 7. Work effectively with members of an interdisciplinary team; 8. Access interdisciplinary resource networks to facilitate appropriate referral and optimal utilisation of limited health care resources; 9. Demonstrate sensitivity and commitment to enhancing independent practice and teamwork, and 10. Practice with increasing independence.

Assessment

Assignment: 40%
Poster presentation: 30%
Case study: 30%

Prerequisites

NUR2103, NUR2113

Co-requisites

Available only to students undertaking Bachelor of Nursing and Rural Health Practice