Paediatric Nursing

Subject 514-769 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 6.25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

On campus
For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 18 lectures/tutorials/seminars, 6 clinical laboratory sessions, 80 clinical practicum, TOTAL: 104 hours
Total Time Commitment:

Approximately 140 hours
Students are expected to devote approximately 5-6 hours a week to this subject and 40 hours per week for two weeks during clinical practicum.
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.

Contact

School of Nursing and Social Work
The University of Melbourne
Level 5, 234 Queensberry St
Carlton Victoria 3053 AUSTRALIA
T: +61 3 8344 9400
F: +61 3 9347 4375
W: www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
W: www.socialwork.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject provides the opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge in the specialty practice area of paediatric nursing
Students will explore the impact of hospitalisation on children; understand beginning assessment of the paediatric patient and common paediatric conditions responsible for presentation to hospital. In particular this subject will focus on basic nutritional requirements and fluid and electrolyte maintenance of the child, and principles of growth and development, which underpin accurate assessment of the newborn, infant and preschooler. Interventions initiated by nurses at a beginning level of specialty practice will be described in terms of the research evidence underpinning practice.
Objectives:

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 recognise and plan a response to paediatric patients experiencing alterations to health and wellness;
  • 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 of specialty practice specifically for paediatric patients;
  • the capacity to use skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, rational inquiry and self-directed learning to apply theoretical knowledge to beginning level practice for caring for paediatric patients;
  • 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.
Assessment: a) 500 word plan for written assignment (20%) - Due week 4
b) 2,000 word written assignment (80%) - Due week 12
Prescribed Texts: Specific readings and web-based resources selected by the subject coordinator will be made available to students through the Leaning Management System (LMS).
Breadth Options:

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

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.
Related Course(s): Master of Nursing Science

Download PDF version.