Contemporary Nursing

This subject is not offered in 2014.

In addition students are expected to devote an additional 6 hours per week to study in this subject.

None

None

None

This subject requires students to actively and safely contribute to clinical activities. Students who think their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Nursing Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

This subject provides the opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge in the specialty practice area of acute care nursing. Students will learn about scientific principles and research evidence relating to conducting an admission assessment, understanding admission findings, and identifying patients at risk of or experiencing life threatening complications. The underpinning biological basis and evidence-based principles behind treatment and symptom management (including pharmacology) of diseases/illnesses commonly treated in each practice setting will be described. Interventions initiated by nurses at a beginning level of specialty practice will be described in terms of the research evidence underpinning practice.

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to understand, apply and evaluate assessment data of patients experiencing alterations to health status in the chosen area of specialty nursing;
• demonstrate the ability to adjust care and priorities in changing situations;
• demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology and medication administration specific to the chosen area of specialty nursing
• demonstrate competent skills in therapeutic nurse/patient communication;
• understand the legislation and funding arrangements relevant to the chosen area of speciality nursing and the implications of this for leadership and management skills when a Division 1 Registered Nurse;
• apply scientific knowledge to explain the rationale for interventions applicable to the chosen specialty area;
• use research findings to support or critique current practice in the chosen specialty area of practice;
• understand the impact of the chosen area of specialty nursing on resource management and sustainability.

In addition, students should be able to demonstrate that they have met their own individualised learning objectives.

• 500 word learning contract (20%) – due week 6
• 1500 word Reflection (80%) - due week 1 of examination period
• Professional Placement Experience Placement Appraisal (Pass/Fail) - due week 1 of examination period
• Presentation of Learning's (5 minutes) Last week of semester - Hurdle

Attendance at all professional placement experience days is compulsory

Students are directed to seek information specific to the location of their specialty placement

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of these subjects, students should be able to demonstrate:

• the capacity for information seeking, retrieval and evaluation;
• critical thinking and analytical skills;
• an openness to new ideas;
• cultural sensitivity;
• planning and time management skills;
• the ability to work effectively in an interprofessional team;
• the ability to communicate knowledge through classroom and web-based discussions and written material;
• 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.