Acute & Critical Care Theory 1

Subject 514-808 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 42 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials
Total Time Commitment: Students are expected to devote approximately 6-10 hours per week his subject
Prerequisites: n/a
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's courses. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Pat Nicholson
Subject Overview:

This subject provides the opportunity for students to enhance their specialty practice by gaining beginning theoretical knowledge relating to caring for patients across the lifespan who are acutely or critically ill.

Students will learn about scientific principles and research evidence relating to conducting an admission assessment, understanding admission findings, and identifying patients at risk of life threatening complications. Students will become familiar with immediate interventions required to establish and maintain patient stability, including, but not limited to life support techniques. The underpinning biological basis and evidence based principles behind treatment and symptom management (including pharmacology) of diseases/illnesses commonly treated in each critical care practice setting will be described.

Assessment: Written assignment of 2000 words due week 5 (40%)Closed book 3 hour written examination at the end of semester (60%)
Prescribed Texts: n/a
Recommended Texts: A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in the subject.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their beginning specialty nursing practice through:

  • the ability to understand, apply and evaluate assessment data to identify patients at risk of life threatening complications;

  • the ability to understand and evaluate specialised interventions as described in the subject content to provide a foundation for understanding the delivery of care at the beginning level;

  • the capacity to use skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, rational inquiry and self-directed learning to apply theoretical knowledge to beginning level practice.

  • an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

  • the ability to apply scientific knowledge to understand skills and techniques applicable to the specialist area.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate coursework student:

  • a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in written modes of communication;
  • a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work.
Links to further information: http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
Notes: Level: 4th Year

This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the University's on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.

The minimum computer hardware and software specifications for the subject are consistent with the University's guidelines on the expected standard of computer equipment (http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/CompStd.htm):

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