Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Aged Care )

• The course
• Aims
• Objectives
• Entry requirements
• Course outline
  • Core studies
  • Specialty subjects
  • Elective subjects

The course

Peninsula campus (on-campus)
Course code: 1309
Course coordinator: Ms J Yalden

Aims

The course aims to provide graduate nurses with the opportunity to develop and apply knowledge, skills and attitudes required for competent aged 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 aged 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 (Aged 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 Adult care and the challenge of ageing
• + NGS6402 Professional issues in gerontological nursing
• + NSG6403 Nursing therapeutics in rehabilitation and aged care
• + NSG6404 Management of nursing resources

Elective subjects

• + NSG6202 Research II
• + NSG6900 Management of client health/illness states

Subjects may also be selected from other graduate subjects offered by the School of Nursing or, subject to approval, from other departments of the university.