Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

The content of the course is designed to facilitate diploma-qualified, re-entry and overseas trained nurses function effectively in an ever-changing global practice environment. The course assists students to develop skills necessary to critically evaluate new information, concepts and evidence for practice. Graduates will be able to recognise the need for innovation in health care and respond to the challenges of change. It is designed to consolidate the nurse's role as educator, clinician, researcher, manager, and patient advocate and to promote quality-nursing care. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical principles of nursing and their application in the clinical environment.

On completion of this course, the graduate will be expected to be able to:

• practice in accordance with internationally recognised professional and legal standards and ethical codes for Registered Nurses
• deliver holistic, culturally responsive nursing care in a variety of health care settings
• demonstrate effective written and verbal communication in leadership, management, team work and client care roles
• assess and prioritise health care needs, referring to other health professionals as needed
• plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based nursing care
• promote independence and self help for individuals and groups to achieve and maintaining optimal levels  of health
• demonstrate knowledge of health systems and organisational processes
• promote ongoing education of self and others.

Police checks and Working with Children checks

Organisations that host clinical and community placements require students to have current Police 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 Police and Working with Children checks prior to undertaking their course. Working with Children checks are valid for five years and are available free. Police checks must be applied 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 responsibilities regarding the administration and storage of drugs. In addition, it is the policy of the School of Nursing and Midwifery that where drugs are required to be checked by two people prior to administration; 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. For more information please visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/nursing/current.html and refer to the section entitled 'Clinical Guidelines'.

Vaccination Policy

It is required that students obtain relevant vaccinations prior to clinical placements for presentation to the course coordinator on request.

Fieldwork will be undertaken in a range of hospitals and health care agencies.

Students must achieve a satisfactory clinical assessment to successfully complete the course.

Clinical practice units

This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit.

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.

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.

Students seeking registration on completion of the course must seek approval from the Nurses Board of Victoria prior to undertaking the course.

On completion of the course, graduates may be eligible to register in Division One with the Nurses Board of Victoria.

The course comprises eight units taught over two semesters. Students complete a research unit and seven additional units and undertake six weeks of supervised clinical practice.

First semester

All students

• NUR2001 Evidence-based health care
• NUR2201 Therapeutics and medication
• NUR2447 Clinical concepts
• NUR3003 Education for clinical practice

Second semester

On-campus (Peninsula) students

• NUR1202 Legal issues and concepts
• NUR2104 Mental health nursing 1
• NUR2445 Clinical assessment in nursing

• NUR4501 Acute care clinical

Off-campus (Gippsland) students

• NUR2445 Clinical assessment in nursing
• NUR2446 Leadership and management of nursing care
• NUR3202 Transition to professional roles
• NUR3543 Legal and ethical issues in contemporary nursing

Minimum grade for course completion

Students must achieve a minimum grade of pass in all units in order to successfully complete the course. On campus students who seek registration with the Nurses Board of Victoria must successfully complete the clinical component of the course.

Bachelor of Nursing Studies