Undergraduate - Course4506 - Bachelor of Nursing (Community Health)

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 relevant disciplines in varied practice settings across both community and hospitals. 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 Accreditation Council (ANMAC) National Competencies for the Registered Nurse
• provide holistic nursing care as a first-level practitioner in community and health care settings compatible with the broad health care needs and goals of Australia's multicultural society
• encompass caring as a foundation concept for nursing practice
• demonstrate effective communication in community and health care settings
• practice safely and maintain legal and ethical standards of practice
• identify the health care needs of individuals and groups of people in community and health care settings
• set priorities in respect of health care and education 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
• work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team  approach to health and community care both at an interpersonal and an interdisciplinary level
• participate in quality improvement programs to ensure quality care practices
  plan and deliver health teaching to individuals and groups.

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/fieldwork.
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.

In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision.

Clinical experience is obtained in a wide variety of health agencies throughout Victoria, Australia and overseas.
Clinical experience makes up approximately 50 per cent of the Bachelor of Nursing (Community Health) course. 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. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. Make-up for time missed will be arranged in consultation with the clinical coordinator on receipt of a medical certificate.

A student may be denied access to or withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school.

Pending - National accreditation with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council.

The Bachelor of Nursing (Community Health) is a three year full-time or six year part-time degree which provides a broad educational foundation for general nursing practice as well as a focus on community health and primary care.

The course consists of 22 core units, drawn from both nursing and public health/health promotion. Students also undertake clinical placements in order to gain experience in a wide variety of related health agencies. Graduates will be eligible for registration as Registered Nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Year one

First semester

• BMA1901 Human structure and function
• NUR1001 Professional and scholarly communication
• NUR1101 Perspectives of health and wellness
• HSC1081 Foundations of public health

Second semester

• BMA1912 Human bioscience in nursing
• NUR1102 Health assessment in clinical practice
• NUR1202 Legal issues and concepts
• HSC1072 Health promotion 1

Year two

First semester

• NUR2106 Integrated nursing practice 1
• NUR2003 Contexts of health care
• NUR2107 Person-centred mental health care

Second semester

• NUR2206 Integrated nursing practice 2
• NUR2207 Mental health clinical practice
• HSC2051 Health program planning

Year three

First semester

• NUR3002 Integrated nursing practice 3
• NUR3003 Education for clinical practice
• NUR3001 Evidence-based health care
• HSC3052 Health promotion in primary and clinical settings

Second semester

• NUR3004 Preparing for practice
• NUR3005 Chronic illness management in primary care

• Nursing

Bachelor of Nursing (Community Health)