Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives This subject allows the student to explore the knowledge base necessary for safe practice in the handling, administration and storage of drugs as part of the overall plan for nursing care of clients; develop the ability to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of drug therapy for individuals; identify and take appropriate action in circumstances of adverse effects of drug responses; develop an awareness of the factors governing the production of drugs and drug trials for humans; gain awareness of the costs of drug treatment in health care; identify legal and ethical implications of drug therapy and administration; comply with recommendations of the Nurses Board of Victoria regarding drug administration by students; develop appropriate skills related to drug administration under supervision; demonstrate the ability to perform drug and intravenous fluid calculations accurately; examine philosophy and methods of other health practitioners and develop an appreciation of their contribution to health care; develop a knowledge base sufficient to appraise critically a range of healing practices and their role in health care; understand and develop skills in alternative ways of promoting health and wellbeing; discover that being a healer necessarily involves a measure of self-healing, entailing growth for both healer and client; explore the principles and methods of therapeutic touch; discover and learn to incorporate techniques of relaxation, guided imagery, music therapy, play and laughter in nursing practice.
Synopsis This subject explores pharmaco-dynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapeutics to develop an awareness of the role of drug therapy in the health care of individuals and communities. It aims to provide the student with knowledge and skills sufficient for safe practice in the handling, storage, administration and evaluation of the effects of drugs on individuals within all age groups. It explores independent and traditional modalities of care and encourages creativity in seeking ways of promoting well being within a holistic caring paradigm. It broadens the repertoire of skills which nurses employ in caring. The subject is taught by lectures, lecture/demonstrations, nursing skills laboratories and group interaction. Clinical practice as a teaching and learning method will be arranged at intervals during the subject for GHS2412. Application of theory from GHS2410 will be able to be applied during this clinical practice.
Assessment 2 Written Assignments 1 X 1000 words : 15% and 1 x 2500 words: 25% + Examination: 60%