12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Melanie Bishop
(Peninsula)
Ms Nicole Kovach
(Clayton)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This clinical practice unit introduces students to the nursing management of patients with complex and/or life threatening problems across the lifespan.
A case based approach will support the integration of advanced health assessment skills, evidence based practice and application of ethical principles in the management of complex nursing situations. This unit will focus on the translation of knowledge involving the management of the deteriorating patient.
Pathophysiology, pharmacology and evidence based healthcare will be critically examined concurrently as each complex health care situation is examined.
This approach will complement the clinical experience that students will undertake during the unit. In simulated and actual clinical settings, students will apply diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative techniques associated with caring for a person with a complex body system health breakdown in a range of settings.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Apply knowledge and concepts of biological, pathophysiological, psychological and social sciences to patients with complex and/or life threatening illness throughout the life span.
- Acquire in-depth knowledge on complex health problems experienced by patients throughout the lifespan in a range of settings.
- Identify and implement response systems for the deteriorating patient in the clinical setting.
- Explain appropriate therapeutic medications in the context of drug actions, indications, dosage, interactions and reactions in the patient with complex and/or life threatening illness.
- Identify, analyse and resolve clinical concerns in the patient with complex and/or life threatening illness.
- Develop and implement patient centred care appropriate to the needs and wishes of the patient and their family/carer, regardless of race, age, gender, sexual preference, physical or mental state or other diverse needs.
- Critically reflect on the values, attitudes and communication required by nurses when caring for patients and families/carers with diverse needs; complex and/or life threatening illness or the deteriorating patient.
- Undertake complex nursing activities in a range of health settings and apply appropriate principles of prioritising and time management according to the clinical setting.
- Critically reflect on decisions and judgements made to demonstrate accountability for evidence informed patient care.
- Practice with increasing independence in accordance with the Australian and Midwifery Council National competency standards for the registered nurse, Codes of ethics and Code of professional conduct for nurses.
Fieldwork
Clinical Placement three (3) weeks (120 hours)
Assessment
- Written assignment (3000 words) 30%
- Examination 3 hours (40 %) (Hurdle)
- Online case scenario (10%)
- Clinical Placement: A -Performance Assessment: B - Placement Hours (20%) (Hurdle)
Workload requirements
On campus learning (lectures, clinical learning environment and workshops): 54 hours
Online & self-directed activities: 114 hours
Clinical placement: 3 weeks (120 hours)
Total: 248
See also Unit timetable information