Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

The course aims to develop a graduate nurse who is committed to the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health and to the prevention of disease. It is anticipated that this first level practitioner will be skilled in the delivery of holistic health care and be able to apply an extensive body of knowledge from the relevant disciplines in a range of practice environments. Students are expected to develop the skill of critical analysis in relation to the theory and practice of nursing, and also develop skills according to accepted standards of nursing practice.

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

• meet currently accepted standards of nursing practice as set down in the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National Competencies for the Registered Nurse
• provide holistic nursing care as a first-level practitioner in a variety of health care settings compatible with the broad health care needs and goals of Australia's multi-cultural society
• encompass caring as a foundation concept for nursing practice
• demonstrate effective communication in the health care setting
• practice safely and maintain legal and ethical standards of practice
• identify the health care needs and problems of individuals and groups of people in a variety of settings
• set priorities in respect of health care needs and problems and make referrals when appropriate
• plan, implement and evaluate care activities which encourage individuals and groups to achieve independence or self help in achieving and maintaining optimal levels of health
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of political, historical, cultural, social and professional forces which have influenced nursing in the past and which provide the potential for change within nursing
• understand the scientific principles underlying safe physical care of the client
• appreciate the importance of participating in further education
• understand and appreciate the importance of nursing research and critically analyse and apply research findings to nursing practice
• have developed an ability to work within a team and adopt a collaborative approach to health care both at an interpersonal and an interdisciplinary level
• participate in quality improvement programs to ensure quality care practices
• participate in health teaching to individuals and groups.

Students who successfully complete a TAFE Certificate IV in Health (Nursing) may apply for credit for up to 24 credit points in the first year of the course. Students who have succesfully completed a TAFE Diploma of Nursing may apply for credit for up to 48 credit points in the course, potentially enabling them to complete the degree in two years.

Police checks and Working with Children checks

Organisations that host clinical and community placements require students to have current Police 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 these 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 keeping with the Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) and the Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2006 (Vic). The School of Nursing and Midwifery have formulated a policy and students should be aware of the drug administration policy relevant to their 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. Students may not be eligible to attend clinical placement without the required vaccinations

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. All students in this course will be required to attend a variety of clinical placements including mental health placements. Travel to metropolitan and rural sites may be required. Clinical placements begin in the first year of the degree and will increase in duration and complexity as the student progresses.

Generally speaking, students on clinical experience will take on shift work, including weekend shifts and night duty and work a supervised, unpaid 40 hour week. Make-up for time missed will be arranged in consultation with the clinical coordinator and unit 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.

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.

Successful completion of the course will lead to eligibility for registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

Students complete 20 compulsory units comprising 18 core units and two electives, many of which have clinical practice requirements.

The following course requirements refer to the Bachelor of Nursing course approved from 2007. Students enrolled prior to 2007 should consult the 2006 Handbook for course requirements. Archived Handbooks are available at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks.

First year

First semester

• BMA1901 Human structure and function
• NUR1001 Professional communication
• NUR1003 Nursing, society and culture
• NUR1101 Perspectives of health and wellness

Second semester

• BMA1912 Human bioscience in nursing
• NUR1022 Cultural responsiveness for health care professionals
• NUR1102 Health assessment in clinical practice
• NUR1202 Legal issues and concepts

Second year

First semester

• NUR2001 Evidenced based health care
• NUR2002 Nursing practice in context 1
• NUR2003 Contexts of health care

Second semester

• NUR2004 Nursing practice in context 2
• NUR2104 Mental health practice 1
• elective

Third year

First semester

• NUR3002 Nursing practice in context 3
• NUR3003 Education for clinical practice
• NUR3104 Mental health practice 2
• elective

Second semester

• NUR3004 Preparing for practice
• NUR3005 Chronicity in health care

Bachelor of Nursing