Undergraduate - Course4506 - Bachelor of Nursing (Community Health)

This 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 in both community and hospital settings. 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.

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:

• 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 multi-cultural 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 practice
• plan and deliver health teaching to individuals and groups

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'.

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.

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.

National accreditation with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council.

This course consists of 22 core units, drawn from both nursing and public health/health promotion.

First year

Semester one

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

Semester two

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

Second year

Semester one

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

Semester two

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

Third year

Semester one

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

Semester two

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

Bachelor of Nursing (Community Health)