Applied Concepts in Paediatrics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

None

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 think 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 extends knowledge to develop skills beyond those necessary for functioning as a beginning level practitioner in a range of paediatric care settings. Foundational scientific concepts will be applied to support nursing interventions at a proficient level of specialty practice specifically in the areas of neonatal care, paediatric fluid and electrolyte balance, paediatric respiratory function, paediatric nutrition and illnesses arising from congenital abnormalities. The experiences of paediatric patients and their families will be explored with a focus on understanding the impact of hospitalisation on the family unit. A problem-based learning approach will be utilized in order to link understanding of the pathophysiological and psychosocial nature of paediatric illness to clinical nursing practice in specific paediatric practice settings. For example, problem solving exercises relating to paediatric respiratory function and support will specifically prepare nurses working in paediatric critical care for assessing and managing acutely ill paediatric patients admitted during the winter months.

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

• integration of the theoretical content covered within the subject to develop new knowledge that supports safe and proficient practice as a 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 a variety of paediatric care contexts;
• 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 proficient 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 functioning within the clinical context as a proficient level paediatric specialty nurse;
• an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;
• an ability to evaluate and synthesize the research and professional literature in the discipline;
• well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area
• an appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area.

1. Written assignment of 2000 words (45%) - Due week 8
2. Written assignment of 1500 words (35%) - Due end of semester
3. 10 minute individual presentation (20%) - Due 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 presentations;
• an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research;
• a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
• an appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area;
• the capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work.