Cancer & Palliative Care Theory 2

This subject is not offered in 2013.

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.

It expands the student's knowledge with regard to the range of patient's encountered in cancer and palliative care practice settings, the complexity of disease processes, treatments (including pharmacology), symptoms and symptom management, and subsequent nursing assessments, interventions and supporting technical skills. Students also learn how to anticipate, identify and manage oncology and palliative care emergencies.

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.

• integration of the theoretical content covered within the subject to develop new knowledge that supports safe practice as a beginning specialty nurse in Cancer and Palliative Care settings
• 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 Cancer and Palliative Care settings
• 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 Cancer and Palliative Care 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 Cancer and Palliative Care nursing clinical 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.

1. Written assignment of 2000 words (40%) - Due mid semester
2. Closed book, 3 hour written examination (60%) - At the end of semester

None

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.