Undergraduate - Course3963 - Bachelor of Nursing Practice

This course offers the student the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in nursing and prepares the graduate for a career in nursing or further study at postgraduate level.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• provide person-centred nursing care as a beginning practitioner in a variety of health care settings within local and global contexts
• incorporate cultural, spiritual, developmental and social dimensions in the assessment of an individual and in the planning, implementation and evaluation of their care
• practice in a safe manner that meets accepted legal, ethical and professional standards, including the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse
• enhance practice through the use of reflection in various aspects of the nursing role
• communicate effectively both with the individuals for whom they care and those with which they work
• use and apply evidence-based practice as a foundation for nursing care
• contribute effectively to the delivery of high quality health care to individuals, families, groups and communities
• develop and implement health promotion and education programs to change/improve the health status of individuals, families, groups and communities

Students who have successfully completed a TAFE:

• Certificate IV in Health (Nursing) may apply for credit for up to 24 credit points in the first year of the course
• Diploma in Nursing may apply for credit for up to 48 credit points in the first year of the course.

Special requirements

Students must refer to the information available on the special requirements outlined below. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they have the correct documentation.

Police checks

Students must have a current Police check regarding their suitability to undertake placements. Information available at http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/police-checks.html.

Working with Children checks

Students must have a current Working with Children check regarding their suitability to undertake placements. Information available at http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/wwc-check.html.

Immunisation and infection procedures

Students must comply with procedures to minimise the risk of cross-infection of communicable diseases, and obtain documentary evidence of relevant vaccinations prior to clinical placements. Information available at http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/immunisation.

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'.

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.

Clinical experience makes up approximately 50 percent of the 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. Make-up for time missed 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.

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 and meeting the requirements for registration outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia will lead to eligibility for registration as a registered nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Details regarding the boards requirements can be found at http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx

This course consists of compulsory units and an elective covering three themes and four streams. In first year students focus on the theme of healthy living; in second year the focus shifts to pathophysiology and in third year it considers all aspects of health care in acute care and community. The following major streams run throughout the curriculum:

• personal and professional development
• scientific basis of clinical practice
• society, population, health and illness
• nursing knowledge and skills.

First year

Semester one

• BMA1901 Human structure and function 1
• NUR1002 Health, illness and professional nursing
• NUR1101 Perspectives of health and wellness
• NUR1201 Appreciating research and scholarship

Semester two

• BMA1912 Human bioscience in nursing
• NUR1202 Legal issues and concepts
• NUR1203 Evidence-based nursing practice

Second year

Semester one

• NUR2002 Nursing practice in context 1
• NUR2006 Principles of nursing pharmacology
• SRH2002 Indigenous health and wellbeing

Semester two

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

Third year

Semester one

• NUR3003 Education for clinical practice
• NUR3104 Mental health practice 2
• NUR3106 Introduction to high acuity nursing

Semester two

• NUR3009 Transition to nursing practice
• NUR3204 Integrated Community Care

Bachelor of Nursing Practice