Paediatrics Theory 2

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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.

This subject is designed to consolidate and extend the integration of theoretical and practical aspects of specialty nursing for the beginning specialty paediatric nurse. It builds on the knowledge and skills learnt in Paediatrics Theory 1 and expands the students knowledge with regard to the range of patients encountered in paediatric practice settings.

Students will build on assessment skills and theoretical knowledge to include assessment and management of the paediatric surgical patient and the assessment and management of specific physical and psychological illness states. Growth and development principles will build on first semester with the focus on middle childhood and adolescence.

There is a continued emphasis on scientific principles and research evidence underpinning practice and further developing beginning skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, rational inquiry and self-directed learning to solve patient management problems in specialty practice.

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

• integration of the theoretical content covered within the subject to develop new knowledge that supports safe practice as a beginning specialty nurse in paediatrics;
• the ability to integrate knowledge and skills learnt in the subject to recognise and plan a response to patients experiencing alterations to health and wellness that occur in the specific context of paediatrics;
• the ability to understand and evaluate specialised interventions as described in the subject content to provide a foundation for participating in the delivery of care at the beginning level of paediatric nursing practice;
• the capacity to use skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, rational inquiry and self-directed learning to apply knowledge learnt in the theoretical component of the subject to beginning level paediatric nursing;
• 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.

1. 20 minute individual presentation (40%) - Due end of semester
2. A three hour written examination (60%) - At end of semester

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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 oral and written modes of communication;
• a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work.

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.