Master of Nursing Practice

This course encompasses both theoretical units and clinical practice units aimed at graduates from other disciplines. The course is a pre-professional program that on successful completion allows the student to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to register as a Division 1 Registered Nurse. The course is based on the principles of student-centered adult learning principles emphasising innovation and problem solving and further developing students as life-long learners. The principles of flexible learning emphasising the discovery, analysis and integration of information, problem-solving, and communication is the cornerstone of this program.

Please note the Master of Nursing Practice is an entry to practice degree that offers a professional nursing qualification for individuals who have gained a non-nursing undergraduate degree. The Master of Nursing Practice is not a postgraduate degree for individuals who are already nurses and who wish to undertake study to advance their practice or who wish to pursue a research pathway.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

On completion of the course the graduate will be able to:

• critically evaluate contemporary issues within Australian health care contexts
• examine theoretical frameworks for ethical and legal nursing practice
• discuss the physical, psychological and social changes that affect the person with health problems
• demonstrate clinical decision-making and clinical reasoning skills
• identify and utilise culturally relevant and age-specific strategies that promote independence, self esteem and dignity
• demonstrate leadership through application of best practice principles and evidence informed nursing practices
• observe, measure and present clinical data and discuss the validity of the data
• demonstrate safe evidence-based clinical practice based on the integration of theoretical principles and practical skills
• demonstrate the application of science and nursing knowledge when conducting and documenting comprehensive person-centre assessments
• evaluate the clinical application of evidence-based research and the ethical principles in the management of complex nursing situations
• reflect critically on their own actions and on the nature of nursing practice in relation to the management of complex health situations, and practice in accordance with ANMAC Competencies for the Registered Nurse and other professional standards.

No credit will be granted for this 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. Refer to the faculty's police checkspolice checks (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/police-checks.html) webpage.

Working with Children checks

Students must have a current Working with Children check regarding their suitability to undertake placements. Refer to the faculty's Working with Children checksWorking with Children checks (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/wwc-check.html) webpage.

Immunisation and infection procedures

The faculty recommends that all students accept responsibility for having up-to-date immunisations before commencing this course. Recommended immunisations include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, shingles, tuberculosis and hepatitis A and B. Refer to the faculty's Immunisation and infection riskImmunisation and infection risk (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/immunisation.html) webpage.

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. Refer to the faculty's clinical guidelinesclinical guidelines (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/nursing/current.html) webpage.

Assessment

Assessment approaches will vary according to the learning objectives including examinations, written assignments, quizzes, oral or poster presentations, laboratory or simulation exercises and clinical assessments.

Clinical practice

In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. The Master of Nursing Practice course has approximately 50 per cent of the program allocated to clinical experience. Students on clinical placements are required to participate in unpaid fully supervised shift work that can include weekend shifts and night duty.

Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. 'Make-up' time for any missed shifts 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 related to clinical placements.

Uniforms and accessories are required for clinical placements and students will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

After successful completion of the program students will be able to apply for registration as a Division 1 Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

This course consists of eight core units.

First year

• NUR5002 Contemporary nursing practice 2
• NUR5011 Contemporary nursing in context 1
• NUR5022 Contemporary nursing in context 2
• NUR5111 Contemporary nursing practice 1

Second year

• GHS5850 Nursing leadership and management
• NUR5003 Contemporary nursing practice 3
• NUR5004 Contemporary nursing practice 4
• NUR5033 Contemporary nursing in context 3