Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit focuses on multi-disciplinary care and models of care delivery with an emphasis on ageing, chronic and life limiting illness. With the evolving role of the nurse as primary care providers it introduces the student to the issues facing older people and will include healthy ageing, the ageing process, polypharmacy, lifestyle issues, advanced health assessment related to people with complex health needs and legal and ethical issues associated with aging, chronic illness and palliative care. The threads of pain management studied in NUR3002 - Nursing Practice in Context 3, will be further explored at an advanced level.

Objectives

On completion of this unit the student will be expected to be able to:

1. discuss perspectives, and the physical, psychological and social aspects of ageing in the context of health and illness in older people in our community;
2. describe the impact of ageing and chronic illness on clients, families and carers;
3. analyse the legal and ethical issues that arise from changes to cognition, chronic and life limiting illness such as challenges to autonomy, protection of patients, quality of life and euthanasia;
4. differentiate the roles of nurses working in multidisciplinary teams, who care for people with chronic and/or life limiting illness in different health care environments;
5. utilise holistic health assessment skills to assess the complex health needs of older adults, people with chronic and life limiting illness in relation to physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs;
6. demonstrate a range of evidenced based interventions that support the person experiencing complex care needs;
7. identify the resources for people with issues related to ageing, chronic and life limiting illness in the community, and
8. utilise the health promotion, supportive and palliative approaches to care for people with chronic and life limiting illness in a range of health care settings.

Assessment

Examination (3 hour): 50%
Written assignment: 35%
On-line guided activity: 15%
Clinical placement assessment (100% attendance): pass/fail.

Students must achieve a pass in the clinical placement to pass the unit
Students must attend 90% of all scheduled laboratories - refer to school clinical guidelines for details.

Students are required to attend 80% of clinical workshops/tutorials, unless they are able to provide medical or other certification.

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Meredith McIntyre

Prerequisites

NUR2002, NUR2004, NUR2104, NUR2003