Contemporary Nursing

Subject NURS90057 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours lectures/tutorials/seminars/workshops. A minimum of 80 hours professional placement experience.
Total Time Commitment:

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

Prerequisites:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 1
12.50
Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

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.

Contact

Ms Amanda Connors

Nursing
Melbourne School of Health Sciences
The University of Melbourne

Alan Gilbert Building, Level 7, 161 Barry St
Carlton Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA
T: +61 3 8344 4171
F: +61 3 8344 4188
E: nursing-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
W: www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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.

Assessment:
  • 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

Prescribed Texts:

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

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

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.
Related Course(s): Master of Nursing Science

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