Applied Concepts-Cancer&Palliative Care

Subject 514-892 (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: 36 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials
Total Time Commitment: Students are expected to devote approximately 9 hours per week to this 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

Nicole King
Subject Overview:

This subject applies nursing knowledge to develop skills consistent with implementing nursing care as a proficient level Cancer & Palliative Care specialty practitioner. The epidemiological, philosophical and psycho-social issues associated with disease processes and end of life care are explored from both the patient and nurses' perspective. Learners are particularly challenged to reflect on personal and professional values and the social, cultural and political context of their practice. An appreciation of the multi-cultural nature of society is developed and the meaning of death is explored from an historical and contemporary perspectives, including consideration of common death rituals and funeral customs from a variety of cultures. Spiritual care is placed within the concept of holistic care as well as considering strategies for optimal bereavement care within a multicultural society and in observance of legal and ethical factors. Learners are encouraged to develop knowledge and skills to work within an interdisciplinary health care team and to assist the person and their family to optimally respond to the impact of illness.

Assessment: Written assignment of 1500 words due week 6 (35%) 10 minute group presentation week 11 (20%)Written assignment of 2000 words due end of semester (45%)
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 proficiency in specialty nursing practice through:

  • acquisition of skills for working within an interdisciplinary health care team
  • exploration and reflection on personal and professional values and the social, cultural and political context of collaborative practice;
  • capacity to explore the psychosocial impact of diagnosis, treatments and prognosis on the person confronted by a potentially life threatening illness, their family and professional carers;
  • knowledge and skills to assist the person and their family to optimally respond to the impact of illness;
  • ability to discuss the meaning of death from an historical and contemporary perspective;
  • ability to outline the common death rituals and funeral customs from a variety of cultures;
  • the ability to consider strategies for optimal bereavement care within a multicultural society;
  • an awareness of pertinent legal protocols and ethical matters regarding end of life care;
  • the ability to discuss the place of spiritual care within the concept of holistic care;
  • an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;
  • an ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;
  • advanced skills and techniques applicable to the discipline;
  • well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area, characterised by flexibility of approach;
  • an advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the specialist area;
  • an appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area.

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

  • the capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work; and
  • a capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society.
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):

No special computer skills are required. Students are required to have skills consistent with the University's Statement of "Basic Expectations of Student Computer Skills" : http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/stuskills.html which includes basic knowledge of computer operating systems, word-processing skills, email use, and the internet. Specifically students need to be able to write, edit and save an essay on the computer and be competent in the use of standard WWW browsers and should be able to use information searching techniques.

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