NUR3106

Nursing practice 6: Introduction to high dependency nursing

9 points * 5 hours a week (lectures, tutorials, labs) plus 150 hours clinical * First semester * Gippsland (from 1999 onwards) and Peninsula * Prerequisites: NUR2103, NUR2113, NUR2104, NUR2105, NUR2303, NUR2304, NUR2201

Objectives On completion of this subject students are expected to display in-depth knowledge of a range of complex health problems experienced by patients throughout the lifespan; evaluate the nursing literature that conveys both the science of nursing and the importance of its clinical application; apply the clinical reasoning process to selected concepts related to pathophysiological and psych-social nursing phenomena; identify and apply appropriate and culturally relevant therapeutics to the health breakdown process; demonstrate safe clinical practice based on sound theoretical knowledge.

Synopsis The topics covered in this subject are intended to provide the necessary specific background to enable the student to practice with beginning competence in the care of patients experiencing serious life threatening illness. Concepts such as impaired immuno-competence, altered circulation, multi-systems disorders and trauma will be studied in this unit. Whilst the focus will be high dependency care, other specialist areas of nursing practice, such as perioperative, coronary care, acute medical surgical and emergency nursing will be introduced in relation to individuals throughout the lifespan. Students will be provided with learning opportunities in these clinical settings.

Assessment Written assignment: 40%* Examination: 60% * Clinical assessment: pass/fail * 100% attendance at clinical placement is compulsory * Students must pass both the theoretical and the clinical components in order to pass this subject.