Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

The Master of Nursing Practice is a coursework higher degree that encompasses both theoretical units and clinical practice units aimed at graduates from other disciplines. The course is a pre-professional program that on successful completion allows the student to apply to the Nurses Board of Victoria to register as a Division 1 Registered Nurse. The course is based on the principles of student-centered adult learning principles emphasising innovation and problem solving and further developing students as life-long learners. The principles of flexible learning emphasising the discovery, analysis and integration of information, problem-solving, and communication is the cornerstone of this program.

On completion of the course the graduate will be able to:

• critically evaluate contemporary issues in nursing and health service management within the Australian health care system
• examine theoretical frameworks for ethical and legal nursing practice
• discuss the physical, psychological and social changes that affect the person with health problems
• demonstrate clinical decision making and clinical reasoning skills
• identify and utilise culturally relevant and age specific strategies that promote independence, self esteem and dignity
• demonstrate leadership through application of best practice principles and evidence informed nursing practices
• observe, measure and present clinical data and discuss the validity of the data
• demonstrate safe evidence based clinical practice based on the integration of theoretical principles and practical skills
• demonstrate the application of science knowledge when conducting and documenting comprehensive assessments of clients utilising appropriate assessment tools
• evaluate the clinical application of evidence based research and the ethical principles in the management of complex nursing situations
• reflect critically on their own actions and on the nature of nursing practice in relation to the management of complex health situations, and Practice in accordance with ANMC Competencies for the Registered Nurse and other professional standards.

Credit provision has already been given in the form of an accelerated four semester program. No further credits will be given.

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.

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses related to clinical placements.

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 relevant vaccinations prior to clinical placements for presentation to the course coordinator on request.

Clinical practice

In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. The Master of Nursing Practice course has approximately fifty percent of the program allocated to clinical experience. Generally speaking, students on clinical experience will participate in shift work including weekend shifts as prescribed in each unit of study, in an unpaid fully supervised capacity. Later in the program there may be a requirement to do occasional night duty.

Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. 'Make-up' time for any missed shifts 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.

Assessment

Assessment approaches will vary according to the learning objectives including examinations, written assignments, quizzes, oral or poster presentations, laboratory or simulation exercises and clinical assessments.

After successful completion of the program students will be able to apply for registration as a Division 1 Registered Nurse with the Nurses Board of Victoria.

The course consists of eight core units.

First year

• NUR9001 Contemporary nursing practice 1
• NUR9002 Contemporary nursing practice 2
• NUR9011 Contemporary nursing in context 1
• NUR9022 Contemporary nursing in context 2

Second year

• GHS9850 Nursing practice and management
• NUR9003 Contemporary nursing practice 3
• NUR9004 Contemporary nursing practice 4
• NUR9033 Contemporary nursing in context 3

Master of Nursing Practice