Undergraduate - UnitNUR2002 - Nursing practice in context 1

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Synopsis

This unit introduces the concepts of medical and surgical nursing across the lifespan along with an introduction to pharmacology. A case based approach is used to facilitate the integration and application of pharmacological principles and associated drug groups underpinned by human pathophysiology related to the body system under review. Systems studied include respiratory, cardiovascular and endocrine. Pain management and wound assessment and integrity, introduced in first year, are explored at an increasingly complex level. The clinical practicum component provides opportunities to develop competency to a year two (2) level in a range of skills learnt in the simulated laboratory environment

Outcomes

On completion of this unit, it is expected that the student will be able to:

1. demonstrate a knowledge of the pathophysiological changes associated with respiratory, cardiovascular and endocrine dysfunction, and their application to the nursing care of clients in medical/surgical settings;
2. discuss the basic principles of pharmacology, therapeutic drug administration and monitoring as they relate to nursing;
3. analyse the problems associated with drug administration, including drug interactions and the use of drugs across the life-span;
4. describe the legal and professional nursing requirements associated with quality use of medications including safe drug administration, storage and handling;
5. identify and apply appropriate evidence based nursing interventions when caring for clients with compromised wound integrity, and pain management;
6. begin to develop the ability to plan culturally relevant and age specific nursing interventions for acutely ill clients;
7. identify ethical issues relevant to the nursing care of clients with an alteration in health status;
8. demonstrate safe clinical practice in an acute care setting based on the integration of theoretical principles and practical skills;
9. provide person centred care according to relevant nursing care principles, to clients under the supervision of registered nursing staff and the clinical teacher;
10. conduct and document comprehensive assessments of the needs of clients utlising an appropriate assessment tool, and
11. begin to evaluate self-performance in terms of the delivery of quality nursing care.

Fieldwork

Clinical Placement 3 weeks (120 hours)

Assessment

Examination: 60%
Case study: 30%
Quizzes: 10%
Skill assessment: Pass/Fail Clinical placement assessment, 100% mastery Calculation hurdle. Students must achieve a pass in the examination,the skill assessment and the clinical placement to pass the unit.
Students must attend 100% of all scheduled laboratories, unless a medical certificate is provided - refer to school's clinical policy for details.

Chief examiner(s)

TBA

Contact hours

Five (5) hours lectures per week supported by 2 hours laboratory, 1 hour of tutorial with two (2) hours of online guided learning activities per week plus three (3) weeks of clinical placement at five(5) days/week (based on an 8 hour day/40 hour week).

Prerequisites

Must have passed an BMA1912 AND Must have passed an one of NUR1102 or NUR1203

Co-requisites

Only available to students enrolled in: Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing/ Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic), Bachelor of Nursing Practice, Bachelor of Nursing Practice/Bachelor of Midwifery or Bachelor of Nursing Community Health.