Postgraduate - UnitNUR5218 - Advanced clinical decision making

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

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

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit	School of Nursing and Midwifery
Offered	Clayton Second semester 2014 (Flexible)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Bev Copnell

Notes

==Fieldwork==
Students must be employed for at least 2 days per week in an appropriate clinical environment cognisant with course objectives and have support to undertake extended clinical practice.

Synopsis

This unit extends students' clinical assessment, diagnostic and pharmacologic knowledge and skills to enable them to plan and implement evidence-informed interventions. It includes prescribing of medications and referral to other health professionals. Use of technology in students' specific area of practice is emphasised. The unit promotes a holistic model of care that includes recognition of and respect for cultural identity and lifestyle choices. It also provides an examination of contemporary issues that impact on Nurse Practitioner practice and inform the scope of the NP role in specific practice areas.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

Demonstrate extended skills in diagnostic reasoning
Synthesise and interpret findings from clinical assessment and diagnostic tests to plan and implement appropriate, evidence-based preventive and/or therapeutic interventions
Analyse the specific health care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and incorporate their cultural beliefs and practices into all interactions and care planning
Critically analyse the concept of cultural safety in relation to Nurse Practitioner practice
Critically analyse the scope of Nurse Practitioner practice in a specific practice area
Demonstrate understanding of the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of advanced nursing practice
Critically analyse clinical issues that support or complicate Nurse Practitioner practice
Critically analyse the impact of social and cultural factors on the health of individuals and communities, and the implications for Nurse Practitioner practice.

Assessment

Clinical portfolio (Pass / Fail)
Written examination (2 hours) (40%)
Evidence-based case study (3,000 words) (30%)
Written assignment (3,000 words) (30%)