Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject it is expected that the student will be able to explore the fundamentals of nursing practice based on the development of the nurse learner from noviceship to expertise; develop an understanding of human growth and development; incorporate knowledge of human development in health assessment; develop an understanding of health patterns as a range of attitudes and behaviours practiced by individuals through their lives; focus on health assessment and decision making in nursing using a collaborative model; promote a critical examination of the nursing process as the behaviourist tool for the delivery of nursing care; begin to develop an awareness of the nurses' possible contribution in meeting health needs of individuals and groups throughout their lives; begin to practice nursing in extended care facilities and in other non-acute settings; demonstrate safe clinical practice based on sound theoretical understanding; develop an understanding of the meaning and process of dying and death; display sensitivity and caring toward the dying person and the family.
Synopsis The subject provides the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of nursing theory and practice explored in this subject and to apply this theory in various health care settings. The subject aims to promote student's proficiency in a range of skills necessary to function safely as a novice and to apply these skills within a caring context. Emphasis is placed on the development of effective interpersonal skills; on human development across the lifespan and on fundamentals of caring for clients in extended care settings. The teacher will act as exemplar and facilitator of learning. A series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions will be provided. Students are responsible for skill acquisition using computer-assisted learning packages, video-tapes, slide-tape, laboratory sessions and laboratory study guides. Attendance at nursing skill laboratories is mandatory. In the clinical setting the student will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Attendance at clinical sessions is mandatory. Reflection on practice is encouraged through keeping a professional journal and group debriefing in the clinical setting. Where a student's skills and knowledge are found to be inadequate, access to the clinical component of the subject will be denied.
Assessment Written (1000 words): 15% + Subject test: 15% + Nursing skills test and oral examination: 15% + Examination: 45% + Clinical documention 10% + Clinical performance including clinical documentation: pass/fail + Written work will be evaluated each week of clinical placement + Successful completion of the subject requires a pass in the theoretical examination + Students who do not pass the clinical component are deemed to have failed the whole subject