GHS3543/GHS3543H/GHS3543S

Legal and ethical studies in nursing

6 points * 12 hours of study per week * First semester * Gippsland/distance

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students will be expected to recall the basis of the contemporary Australian legal system; develop an understanding of legal principles relevant to the nurse/patient relationship; demonstrate an understanding of various legal issues relating to nursing care; explore and work through selected legal and ethical issues in contemporary health care; and develop resolutions to ethical dilemmas in nursing practice, which are consistent with personal and professional standards.

Synopsis This subject is designed to provide students with an understanding of the major legal parameters related to nursing practice and to provide a framework for exploring ethical issues in health care.

Assessment Three assignments: 100%

Prescribed texts

Bandman and Bandman Nursing ethics through the lifespan Norwalk, Appleton and Lange, 1990
Burdess N The handbook of students skills for the social sciences and humanities Prentice-Hall, 1991
Johnstone M Bioethics: A nursing perspective Saunders-Bailliere and Tindall, 1989
Staunton P J and Whyburn B Nursing and the law 3rd edn, Harcourt Brace, 1993
Wallace M Health care and the law 2nd edn, Law Book, 1995