MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Nursing Handbook 1996

Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia

Caution Copyright © Monash University 1996
ISBN 1037-0919

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996


OUTLINE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

CONTENTS

  1. Caroline Chisholm School of Nursing
  2. Centre for Graduate Studies in Clinical Nursing
  3. School of Health Sciences
  4. Subfaculty of Nursing

Caroline Chisholm School of Nursing

Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Extended Care)

Course code: 1309

Course coordinator: Ms J Yalden

Not offered in 1996

Aims

The course aims to provide graduate nurses with the opportunity to develop and apply knowledge, skills and attitudes required for competent extended care nursing practice.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

+ recognise health care needs and problems for aged and/or disabled persons and groups within the community;

+ set priorities in respect to health care needs and problems and make referrals when appropriate;

+ plan, implement and evaluate holistic patient/client health care activities for a range of impairment and/or disability categories;

+ plan, implement and evaluate care activities which encourage persons or groups of persons to achieve potential for self-help in attaining and maintaining optimal levels of health in given circumstances;

+ work effectively and safely as an individual and cooperatively within a team;

+ maintain legal and ethical standards of practice;

+ engage in continuing education, personal and professional development;

+ demonstrate competency in the performance of clinical skills within the extended care setting;

+ participate in, and implement findings from, research associated with extended care and rehabilitation;

+ implement teaching and learning strategies in educating individuals, the family and/or significant others, and the community in caring for aged and/or disabled persons, whether sick or healthy.

Entry requirements

A degree, a current RN practising certificate, and at least one year relevant professional clinical experience, special entry available.

Course outline

The Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Extended Care) consists of eight subjects which will normally be completed over a period of two years. Successful completion of the course requires the study of one core research subject, at least four specialty subjects, and three elective subjects negotiated with course coordinator.

Core studies

+ NGS6201 Research I

Specialty subjects

+ NSG6401 Extended care nursing I: perspectives on extended care nursing

+ NGS6402 Extended care nursing II: principles and practice of extended care nursing

+ NSG6403 Extended care nursing III: therapeutics in extended care nursing

+ NSG6404 Management and interdisciplinary practice

Elective subjects

+ NSG6101 History and philosophy of nursing

+ NSG6102 Politics of health

+ NSG6202 Research II

Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Community Health)

Course code: 1246

Course coordinator: Ms J Oates

Aims

The course aims to facilitate acquisition and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for competent community health care practice by graduate nurses. Graduates should be capable of functioning as advanced care givers in the community health settings, be able to demonstrate an ability to apply advanced problem-solving skills to patient and community care, and be equipped to respond to an increasingly integrated health care environment.

Objectives

On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

+ clearly identify the domain of community health care nursing practice in relation to its philosophical base, role and functions in health care;

+ demonstrate a knowledge of public health concepts;

+ appreciate social policy as it is applied to regional and community health care issues and the provision of nursing services;

+ analyse and utilise health promotion strategies and models of behavioural change for health in a community environment;

+ effectively work in interdisciplinary teams and coordinate community care for individuals, families and groups;

+ liaise and advocate with other social and health institutions on behalf of individuals, families, groups and communities;

+ interpret and critically appraise quantitative and qualitative research;

+ demonstrate a working knowledge of health program planning, delivery and evaluation;

+ act as catalysts for change and innovation in community health nursing.

Entry requirements

A degree, a current RN practising certificate, and at least one year relevant professional clinical experience. Special entry available.

Course outline

The Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Community Health) consists of eight subjects which will normally be completed over a period of two years. Successful completion of the course requires the study of one core research subject, at least four specialty subjects, and up to three elective subjects negotiated with the course coordinator.

Core subject

+ NGS6201 Research I

Specialty subjects

+ NSG5501 Foundations of community health nursing

+ NSG5503 Health promotion

+ NSG5508 Family health studies

+ NSG5509 Community mental health

+ NSG5510 Community care

Elective subjects

+ NSG6101 History and philosophy of nursing

+ NSG6102 Politics of health

+ NSG6202 Research II

+ Students may also select up to three subjects from other graduate subjects offered by the school and subfaculty or, subject to approval, from other departments of the university.

Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Palliative Care)

Course code: 1270

Course coordinator: Ms S Lee

Course description

In a health care environment that is rapidly changing, a constant factor is that people who are dying and their loved ones, need control over their lives. Nurses who have successfully completed this course of study will be equipped with skills and knowledge to participate within a multidisciplinary team in the provision of physical, emotional and spiritual support for people with terminal illness and their families. Through such support, the expert palliative care nurse is able to foster client decision making in situations often clouded by misunderstanding and confusion.

Aims

The palliative care nurse must combine a high level of knowledge, interpersonal skills and an ability to solve complex problems in a variety of environments. The course aims to:

+ facilitate the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, skills and attitudes inherent in palliative care practice;

+ develop the ability to critically and systematically evaluate practice;

+ consider the diversity in needs of individuals, clients, their families and carers in a variety of care environments;

+ promote practice which recognises legal and ethical codes of conduct and the importance of patient advocacy;

+ foster the development of strategies to involve individuals, groups and the community as the unit of palliative care.

Objectives

On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

+ conceptualise the philosophy of hospice and palliative care as it applies to clinical practice;

+ demonstrate understanding of political and policy decisions that impact on the practice of palliative care;

+ utilise the decision-making process in assessing planning and evaluating problems related to clients, caregivers and the community, involved with terminal illness;

+ plan care that reflects their critical analysis of the clients cultural and spiritual beliefs and of the client's needs in relation to grief and bereavement;

+ utilise a range of options in assisting clients to maintain their preferred lifestyle;

+ analyse a range of palliative care skills related to caring for clients and their families;

+ Critically analyse the professional issues that impact on palliative care;

+ efficiently utilise palliative care resources;

+ interpret and critically appraise quantitative and qualitative research.

Entry requirements

A degree, a current RN practising certificate, and at least one year relevant professional clinical experience, special entry available.

Course outline

The Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Palliative Care) consists of eight subjects which will normally be completed over a period of two years. Successful completion of the course requires the study of one core research subject, at least five specialty subjects, and two elective subjects negotiated with course coordinator.

Core subject

+ NGS6201 Research I

Specialty subjects

+ NSG6301 Introductory perspectives on palliative care and the hospice concept

+ NSG6302 Principles and practice in hospice and palliative care

+ NSG6303 Professional issues in hospice and palliative care

+ NSG6305 Interpersonal relations in palliative care

+ NSG6202 Research II or

+ NSG6304 Clinical studies in palliative care

Elective subjects

+ NSG6101 History and philosophy of nursing

+ NSG6102 Politics of health

Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Psychiatric Nursing)

Course code: UPPNPF

Course coordinator: Mr S Elsom

Course description

This course is designed for registered nurses who have an interest in mental health and who may wish to pursue a career in psychiatric nursing. In this time of change in the provision of mental health services there is an acute need for educational programs which will equip professional nurses with the specialist skills required by mental health care agencies at local, national and international levels. The course is offered by distance education mode and makes extensive use of computer technology to facilitate between students, teaching staff, clinical experts and consumers. The course is full fee paying.

Aims

The overall aim of the course is to provide registered nurses with skills and knowledge necessary to provide optimal levels of care for people with mental disorders.

Objectives

On completion of the course students are expected to be able to:

+ demonstrate an awareness of the mental health needs of a community and the role of a specialist mental health service in addressing these needs;

+ understand that the majority of people with major mental illness can be effectively and efficiently cared for in the community utilising a combination of contemporary biological and psychosocial treatment methods;

+ utilise a range of skills and effective therapeutic strategies in meeting the needs of people with mental illness, their families and the community;

+ critically analyse contemporary issues impacting upon the practice of professional psychiatric nursing.

Entry requirements

A degree, a current RN practising certificate, and at least one year relevant professional clinical experience, special entry available.

Course outline

The Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Psychiatric Nursing) consists of eight subjects which will normally be completed over a period of two years. Successful completion of the course requires the study of one core research subject, at least four specialty subjects, and three electives.

Core subject

+ NGS6201 Research I

Specialty subjects

+ NSG5214 Counselling

+ NSG5215 Foundation of psychiatric nursing

+ NSG5216 Psychiatric nursing clinical practicum

+ NSG5227 Integrated mental health care

Elective subjects

+ NSG5521 Psychogeriatric nursing

+ NSG5222 Psychiatric rehabilitation nursing

+ NSG5223 Drug and alcohol nursing

+ NSG5524 Child and adolescent psychiatric nursing

+ NSG5225 Power, politics and psychiatric nursing

+ NSG5226 Transcultural psychiatric nursing

+ NSG5228 Applied research in psychiatric nursing

Students may also select up to three subjects from the graduate subjects offered by the subfaculty or, subject to approval, from other departments of the university.


Centre for Graduate Studies in Clinical Nursing

Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Critical Care)

Course code: 1243

Course leader: Ms Anne Nolan

The course

In collaboration with relevant health care agencies, the Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Critical Care) responds to the increased industry demand for highly educated critical care practitioners in metropolitan, regional and rural sectors. It will be offered both full-time and part-time and will use a variety of education delivery modes and clinical facilities.

Aims

The course aims to:

+ facilitate acquisition and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes for competent clinical practice;

+ foster awareness of the divergent needs of different health care organisations and clients;

+ promote professional values of critical care nursing specialists, including nursing accountability and professional development.

Clinical practice is included in the course and takes place in a variety of settings throughout south-eastern Victoria.

Objectives

The above aims underpin the following course objectives. Upon completion of all course requirements, it is expected that graduates will:

+ demonstrate competency in the performance of complex clinical skills within the critical care environment;

+ explore complex and life threatening health breakdown and related nursing implications;

+ pursue problem-solving methods for individual nursing decision making, intervention and evaluation;

+ use research methods for improving nursing practice and patient outcomes;

+ examine a range of professional issues relating to current and future critical care nursing practice;

+ reflect on the critical care ethos as it relates to nursing individuals ranging from the highly technological environment to the community.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants will normally have:

+ a degree;

+ a current RN practising certificate; and

+ at least one year relevant professional clinical experience

Special entry to the course is available

Course structure

Students will be required to undertake six core subjects and will choose one stream of two specialist subjects, for a total of eight subjects. In a part-time enrolment, students will complete two subjects each semester over two years. These are normally timetabled in two days per week so that students can be employed part-time. Alternatively, students may enrol full-time and complete the course in one year.

Core components

+ CNS6101 Research utilisation

+ CNS6201 Health, caring, environment and technology

+ CNS6202 Research in health care environments

+ CNS6301 Advanced pathophysiology

+ CNS6401 Critical care concepts 1

+ CNS6402 Critical care concepts 2

Specialist studies

+ CNS6501 Emergency nursing 1

+ CNS6502 Emergency nursing 2

+ CNS6511 Nephrology nursing 1

+ CNS6512 Nephrology nursing 2

+ CNS6521 Intensive care nursing 1

+ CNS6522 Intensive care nursing 2

+ CNS6531 Cardiac nursing 1

+ CNS6532 Cardiac nursing 2

Graduate Diploma of Midwifery

Course code: 1240

Course leader: Ms Susan Gumley

Midwifery is a requisite in areas where the role of the registered nurse encompasses the care of childbearing families. It is also a requirement for nurses to secure employment in rural and `outback' Australia.

Aims

The overall aim of the course is to produce a graduate who, when endorsed by the Nurses Board of Victoria, is prepared to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during the pre-conceptual interval, pregnancy, labour, and post-partum period, and accept responsibility for the birth of the baby and the care of the newborn infant, in a variety of settings.

Objectives

In line with the above aims, the objectives of the course are as follows. Upon completion of all course requirements, it is expected that graduates will:

+ demonstrate skills specific to the practice of midwifery;

+ strive to maintain and raise the standard of midwifery care;

+ acknowledge responsibility for the development of professional and personal standards.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants will normally have:

+ a degree;

+ a current RN practising certificate;

+ at least one year relevant professional clinical experience

Special entry to the course is available.

Course structure

Students will be required to undertake four core subjects and four specialist subjects for a total of eight subjects. In a part-time enrolment, students will complete two subjects each semester over two years. These are normally timetabled in two days per week so that students can be employed part-time. Alternatively, students may enrol full-time and complete the course in one year.

Core components

+ CNS6101 Research utilisation

+ CNS6201 Health, caring, environment and technology

+ CNS6202 Research in health care environments

+ CNS6302 Nature and science of midwifery

Specialist studies

+ CNS6551 Normal process of childbirth 1

+ CNS6552 Normal process of childbirth 2

+ CNS6553 Midwifery practice Issues: clients at risk A

+ CNS6554 Midwifery practice issues: clients at risk B

Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Perioperative)

Course code: 1255

Course leader: Ms Deidre MacKechnie

The course

This course is based upon a nursing framework consistent with the goals of postgraduate university education for nurses. The curriculum is framed around three major concepts of professional practice: perioperative nurses do for patients what they would do for themselves if able; use the nursing process to underpin their decision making; and advocate for patients throughout the perioperative experience from the point of `decision to operate' through recovery and restoration of health.

Aims

The course aims to:

+ facilitate acquisition and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for competent perioperative nursing practice;

+ foster awareness of the divergent needs of different health care organisations and client/patients;

+ promote professional values of perioperative nursing specialists including nursing accountability and professional development.

Objectives

The above aims underpin the following course objectives. Upon completion of all course requirements, it is expected that graduates will:

+ demonstrate an appreciation of the role of the perioperative nurse as patient advocate throughout the period of increased patient vulnerability;

+ demonstrate proactive pre-operative patient preparation and education;

+ pursue problem solving methods for individual nursing assessment, decision making, intervention and evaluation;

+ examine a range of professional issues relating to current and future perioperative nursing practice;

+ use research methods for improving nursing practice and patient outcomes;

+ demonstrate competency in the performance of complex clinical skills in the perioperative environment;

+ demonstrate interdisciplinary liaison with other health professionals involved in perioperative care.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants will normally have:

+ a degree;

+ a current RN practising certificate; and

+ at least one year relevant professional clinical experience.

Special entry to the course is available.

Course structure

Students will be required to undertake four core subjects, two specialty concept subjects and two sub-specialty subjects for a total of eight subjects. In a part-time enrolment, students will complete two subjects each semester over two years. These are normally timetabled in two days per week so that students can be employed part-time. Alternatively, students may enrol full-time and complete the course in one year.

Core components

+ CNS6101 Research utilisation

+ CNS6201 Health, caring, environment and technology

+ CNS6202 Research in health care environments

+ CNS6301 Advanced pathophysiology

Specialist studies

+ CNS6403 Perioperative nursing of adults and children

+ CNS6404 Anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic nursing principles and practices

+ CNS6541 Perioperative nursing subspecialty A

+ CNS6542 Perioperative nursing subspecialty B


School of Health Sciences

Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Community Health)

Course code: HPCHDG

This course is of two years duration, offered part-time and by the distance education mode. The structure consists of three core subjects and five specialist subjects in community health.

Aims

The course has been designed to provide registered nurses with in-depth knowledge and specialist skills to promote effective functioning in the community health area. Graduates should therefore be capable of functioning as advanced care givers in the community health settings, be able to demonstrate an ability to apply advanced problem-solving skills to patient and community care, and be equipped to respond to an increasingly complex health care environment.

Objectives

On successful completion of the course, it is expected that students should be able to:

+ clearly identify the role of the nurse in community health and primary health care practice;

+ appreciate research into community health nursing;

+ appreciate social policy as it is applied to regional and community health care issues and the provision of nursing services;

+ effectively carry out individual, family and community assessments which identify health problems and obstacles to health and well-being, and outline strategies/interventions through which these can be overcome;

+ compile a detailed community profile that identifies obstacles to health and outline community development strategies/interventions through which they can be overcome;

+ effectively act as a health education and resource persons to individuals, families and communities;

+ act as catalysts for change and innovation in community health nursing.

Entry requirements

Applicants should satisfy the general entrance requirements to the university, be registered as a nurse with an appropriate statutory authority and have successfully completed an undergraduate degree. Experience in the relevant area of practice is desirable.

Please note: Students who are not currently working in a community setting will be required to undertake four weeks practice in a community setting of their choice.

Course outline - community health

Year one

First semester

+ GHS8746 Lifespan development: a psychosocial perspective

+ GHS7642 Health education and promotion

Second semester

+ GHS7742 Community health: principles and practice

+ GHS7740 Population health

Year two

First semester

+ GHS7741 Family health

+ GHS7640 Methods of information collection, analysis and usage

Second semester

+ GHS7743 Community health practice: specialities

+ GHS7744 Clinical project

Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Gerontics)

Course code: HPGEDG

This course is offered part-time and by the distance education mode over two years. The structure consists of three core subjects and five specialist subjects in gerontics.

Aims

The course has been designed to provide registered nurses with in-depth knowledge and specialised skills to promote effective functioning in the gerontic area. Graduates should therefore be capable of functioning as advanced care givers in aged care health settings; be able to demonstrate an ability to apply advanced problem-solving skills to patient care, and be equipped to respond to an increasingly complex health care environment.

Objectives

On successful completion of the course, it is expected that students should be able to:

+ clearly identify the role of the nurse in caring for the older adult;

+ appreciate current research into older adult nursing;

+ appreciate social policy as it is applied to older adult nursing care issues and the provision of nursing services;

+ demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the ageing process;

+ undertake comprehensive individual and family assessment which identifies obstacles to health and independent living and strategies to overcome or cope with them;

+ discuss common nursing problems of the gerontic client and demonstrate an awareness of strategies to overcome them;

+ describe the nature, process and evaluation of rehabilitation and therapeutic care for the older adult;

+ act as effective health educators and resource persons to individuals, families and communities;

+ act as catalysts for change and innovation in older adult nursing.

Entry requirements

Applicants should satisfy the general entrance requirements to the university, be registered as a nurse with an appropriate statutory authority and have successfully completed an undergraduate degree. Experience in the relevant area of practice is desirable.

Course outline - gerontics

Year one

First semester

+ GHS8746 Lifespan development: a psychosocial perspective

+ GHS8745 The physiology of ageing

Second semester

+ GHS8747 Gerontic nursing processes I

+ GHS8751 Aged care policy and management practice

Year two

First semester

+ GHS7640 Methods of information collection, analysis and usage

+ GHS8748 Gerontic nursing processes II

Second semester

+ GHS8750 Gerontic nursing processes III

+ GHS8749 Clinical project


Subfaculty of Nursing

Master of Nursing

Course code: HMNUDG (Gippsland) 1250 (Peninsula)

Course coordinators: Dr G Sandhu (School of Health Sciences); Associate Professor E Duffy (Caroline Chisholm School of Nursing)

The course is offered part-time over four years, via distance education at Gippsland or at Peninsula campus. The masters degree by research may be taken on either campus, full-time or part-time.

Aim

The program has been designed to provide advanced nursing studies to prepare suitable candidates for positions of leadership and influence in the health care system.

Objectives

On completion of the course, students are expected to:

+ contribute to the continuing advancement of nursing practice;

+ demonstrate an ability to plan, conduct and utilise research in nursing;

+ make a contribution to the unique body of nursing knowledge;

+ demonstrate the potential to contribute effectively to professional debate both nationally and internationally;

+ demonstrate the acquisition of leadership skills in professional nursing;

+ demonstrate an ability to initiate and manage change within the health care environment;

+ demonstrate the ability to prepare material for publication.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for admission to candidature a person must:

+ have graduated with, or qualified for the Bachelor of Nursing degree with honours; or

+ have graduated with, or qualified for the degree of Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Health Science (NSG)/Bachelor of Applied Science (Nursing) and has graduated with, or qualified for, the Graduate Diploma of Health Science or the Graduate Diploma of Nursing; or

+ have qualifications and experience which, in the opinion of the board, are equivalent to a fourth year or satisfactory substitute for the qualifications prescribed above; shows a high level of achievement in the applicant's field of study, or shows analytical, creative, or critical skills appropriate to the applicants' proposed course of study and has experience in research; and

+ currently be a registered nurse (or hold a qualification recognised as equivalent by the board); and

+ have two years of professional nursing experience.

Course requirements

Satisfactory completion of four core subjects, one advanced nursing elective subject and a minor thesis; advanced research subject (if necessary) and research for major thesis.

Course outline Year one

First semester

+ GHS9842 Graduate nursing studies 1 (core subject)

Second semester

+ GHS9843 Graduate nursing studies 2 (core subject)

Year two

First semester

+ GHS9844 Graduate nursing studies 3 (core subject)

Second semester

+ GHS9845 Advanced nursing elective

Year three

First semester

+ GHS9841 Research methods and issues

Second semester

+ GHS9846 Thesis (minor)

Year four

First semester

+ GHS9846 Thesis (minor)

Second semester

+ GHS9846 Thesis (minor)


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