NUR1112 - Fundamental skills and knowledge for nursing and midwifery practice 1 - 2017

This unit introduces students to the human body as it relates to health and key nursing practice concepts.

An understanding of the structure and function of the body will enable students to undertake systematic assessment of the physiological and psychosocial aspects of a person related to factors that affect health across the lifespan.

Students will apply their knowledge of cells and tissues, the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, autonomic nervous system and the heart and circulatory system, and the respiratory system to infection control, nutrition, vital signs, ECG, oxygen delivery, and medication administration.

The unit provides students with the opportunity to question the evidence for fundamental nursing interventions, demonstrate a systematic and holistic approach to assessment and interpretation of findings.

In a simulated environment, students will practice patient assessment, urinalysis, blood glucose measurement, and safe administration of oral medications, and use of oxygen delivery devices.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the normal structure and function of body systems including basic biochemistry and homeostasis as they affect health across the lifespan;
2. Identify the normal structure and function of cells and tissues, and the associated nursing practice considerations involving infection prevention and control, and manual handling;
3. Identify and describe the normal structure and function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, autonomic nervous system, the heart, circulatory system, and respiratory system when using a systematic approach to health assessment;
4. Identify and apply the principles of accountable documentation in the recording of systematic health assessment data;
5. Outline the principles of pharmacology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics necessary for safe medication administration;
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the heart, lungs and thermoregulation in measuring and documenting vital signs, and the ability to perform an ECG;
7. Outline the evidence in support of fundamental nursing interventions involving nutrition and hygiene, infection control, manual handling, medication administration, and oxygen delivery;
8. Demonstrate satisfactory performance in a simulated practice environment in patient assessment, urinalysis, blood glucose measurement, safe administration of oral medications, and use of oxygen delivery devices.

• Written Examination (2 hours) (40%) (Hurdle)
• Clinical Skills Assessment (Vital Signs Assessment) (30 minutes) (10%) (Hurdle)
• Mid-Semester Test (Bioscience) (60 minutes) (10%)
• Moodle Lessons & Workshop/CLE Preparation (Online) (5,000 words) (20%)
• Written Assessment (Health History) (2,000 words) (20%)

Hurdle:

Students must pass the written examination and clinical skills assessment to pass the unit.

Students must submit a police check, working with children check and immunisation compliance forms and evidence of serology to pass the unit and be allocated a clinical placement.

Lectures: 4 hours per week

Workshops: 1 hour per week

Clinical Learning Environment Session: 1 hour per week

Tutorials: 1.5 hours per week

Practical Sessions: 2 hours per fortnight

See also Unit timetable information

Associate Professor Meredith McIntyre

Nursing

Nursing and midwifery