NOTE: This course has had one or more changes made to it since publication on 1 October 2016. For details of changes, please consult the Handbook change registerHandbook change register (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2017handbooks/2017-change-register.html).
The Graduate Certificate of Advanced Clinical Nursing is a post-professional program for registered nurses wishing to undertake specialist training. The course combines theory and clinical practice components with the aim of developing students as life-long learners with problem solving, communication and research skills. Successful graduates will work as specialist nurses in one of the following areas:
- medical surgical nursing
- paediatric emergency nursing
- paediatric intensive care nursing
- paediatric nursing.
Offered in partnership with key health care provider, Monash Health, students will undertake clinical practice and assessment in a state-of-the-art clinical specialist environments. Students will undertake leadership units at Monash and will be able to apply theory to practice under specialist supervision.
Medical surgical nursing
The advance practice general nurse requires a diverse knowledge and skill base to appropriately and effectively assess and manage clients/patients in a hospital environment. These studies enable students to develop proficiency in the holistic management of patients with cardiac, respiratory and renal dysfunction, and shock in the ward environment.
Students must be employed in a medical or surgical ward to complete this specialisation.
Paediatric nursing
These studies provide a foundation for any nurse working with children. This stream prepares students for the management of ill paediatric patients. The student will develop theoretical and clinical proficiency in the therapeutic interventions essential to care for paediatric patients and their families. The principles and practices taught throughout the course can be applied to all areas of paediatric nursing.
Students must be employed in a paediatric ward to complete this stream.
Paediatric emergency nursing
These studies prepare students to deliver care to paediatric patients and their families in emergency departments. The student will develop theoretical and clinical proficiency in assessment, recognition and management of the deteriorating paediatric patient. Skills will include advanced paediatric resuscitation, ventilation, triage, haemodynamic monitoring, trauma, and transportation considerations.
Students must be employed in an emergency department that treats paediatric patients to complete this specialisation.
Paediatric intensive care nursing
These studies prepare students to deliver care to paediatric patients and their families in the intensive care unit. The student will develop theoretical and clinical proficiency in the management of critically ill paediatric patients with respiratory, cardiac, and renal conditions and shock. This stream will also prepare students to manage mechanical ventilation and advanced haemodynamic monitoring in the paediatric population.
Students must be employed in an intensive care unit that treats paediatric patients to complete this specialisation.
These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).
Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that students will be able to:
- critically evaluate contemporary issues in specialist nursing contexts
- examine theoretical frameworks for ethical and legal practice in specialist nursing
- demonstrate complex clinical decision-making and clinical reasoning skills
- identify and utilise culturally relevant and age-specific strategies that promote independence, self-esteem and dignity in specialist nursing practice
- demonstrate leadership through application of best practice principles and safe evidence informed specialist nursing practice
- apply detailed knowledge of pathophysiology associated with the specialist area of nursing practice
- perform clinical application of evidence-based research and the ethical principles in the management of complex nursing situations
- demonstrate competency to practice as a specialist nurse in the management of complex health situations and professional standards.
This course does not lead to registration as a nurse and is not registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced clinical nursing, Part B. Specialist nursing practice and Part C. Clinical leadership and application.
Part A. Foundations for advanced clinical nursing
This studies will provide you with the foundations of pathophysiology to prepare for clinical assessment in your chosen area of specialisation. You will develop skills in health assessment that include physical appraisals and assessment analysis. This study provides the opportunity for practising nurses to revise and extend on existing skills and knowledge.
Part B. Specialist nursing practice
In these studies you will develop both theoretical and clinical proficiency in the essential therapeutic interventions needed to care for patients. You will develop your skills and knowledge in a hospital setting and apply critical thinking to identify key links between pathophysiology and treatment/management rationales. These studies provide options for registered nurses seeking leadership roles in the clinical specialisation. The studies draw on best practices within the nursing specialisations for the development of advanced knowledge and skills.
Part C. Clinical leadership and application
This studies will enable you to develop theoretical knowledge and skills to apply leadership principles to your chosen area of practice. You will learn about complex decision making in the context of clinical practise and explore a range of clinical contexts.
The course comprises 24 points structured in three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced clinical nursing (6 points), Part B. Specialist nursing practice (12 points) and Part C. Clinical leadership and application (6 points).
The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2017handbooks/maps/map-m4017.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.
Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.
Part A. Foundations for advanced clinical nursing (6 points)
Students complete 6 points of studies according to their specialist area:
Paediatric emergency nursing; Paediatric intensive care nursing; Paediatric nursing
- NUR5704 Pathophysiology for advanced paediatric nursing
Medical surgical nursing
- NUR5703 Pathophysiology for advanced clinical nursing
Part B. Specialist nursing practice (12 credit points)
Students complete:
- NUR5708 Specialist nursing practice (12 points)
Part C. Clinical leadership and application
Students complete:
- NUR5325 Clinical leadership in nursing
Students completing the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Clinical Nursing are eligible to progress to M6006 Master of Advanced Nursing.
