Units: NH and NS - Nursing

First Year Units

NH100 An Introduction to the Human Body I

Pre-requisites: NIL

This unit introduces the nursing student to an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, which is essential for the application of nursing practice.  The systems covered in this unit include: the organisation of the human body; cells and tissues; the skin; musculoskeletal, cardiovascular (including blood); digestive (including nutrition), urinary, respiratory (including fluid & electrolyte and acid-base balance) systems.

 

NB100 The Sociology of Health and Illness: Developing Healthy Communities

Pre-requisites: NIL

This unit recognises that a number of variables affect a person’s life and well being and should be considered in day to day nursing care. These effects are not only related to a person’s discussions regarding health but also rely on interplay between the environment they live in and the type of health care that is available to them. This unit will explore the social and cultural dimensions as well as environmental issues relating to health and review the patterns of social inequality which affect health; thus giving the student nurse grounding for understanding individual and community health issues.

 

NS100 An Introduction to Nursing

Pre-requisites: NIL

This unit introduces the nursing student to the role of the nurse. It is intended to integrate the care of the aged with the essential skills, knowledge and attitudes required by nurses as beginning practitioners. The learners are encouraged to engage the social issues of ageing and critical reflection is a major theme throughout.  Students will be allocated to a clinical practicum at the completion of the theoretical component of this unit.  Students will be informed of placement details during the course of first semester once placements are confirmed by the Clinical Coordinator in the School of Nursing (SoN).  Placements will be available in aged care facilities and any other facility offering experiences of essential nursing care, for example, aged care day centre, restorative units, community, community home care program for the aged or dementia units.

 

NS105 Child Maternal and Paediatric Nursing Care

Pre-requisites: NH100, NS100

This unit introduces the student to the role of the Registered General Nurse in caring for women, their babies and family during and after pregnancy.  It is intended to prepare the student to provide safe, competent and responsible nursing care in a hospital and community environment.  The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the physiological and psychological aspects of pregnancy and child care.  Knowledge from this unit will allow student nurses to work in clinical settings to assist in the care of a child with a disability.  This unit will also explore the role of the Paediatric Nurse, Midwife and the Child Health Nurse.

 

NUR100 Nursing Communications

Pre-requisites: NIL

This unit is designed to provide the concepts and skills needed to obtain and use information effectively.  The emphasis is on the location and use of information in the field of health but the strategies learned can be used in any subject area.  Major information sources covered include library, electronic databases and the Internet.  Different forms of academic writing, critical thinking principles, correct referencing and avoiding plagiarism are also covered.  The second half of the unit focuses on interpersonal communication skills essential for health professionals including the professional-helping relationship, nursing documentation, and presentation skills.  The unit will provide knowledge and skills to complete the tasks required for academic writing and interpersonal communication I health care environments.

 

PS100.3 Developmental Psychology

Lifespan development assumes the human organism is in a state of constant development: psychologically, socially and biologically, and that understanding development within each of these realms can enable an educated response to challenges that arise across the lifespan.   As each of us is both student and participant in human development the course aims to integrate theory, empirical research and personal insight.   The major theories of human development are covered and the practical implications of those theories for working with people at different stages of life are discussed.  There is a strong emphasis on the critical thinking skills required to evaluate and utilise developmental theories and perspectives.   The course will discuss the individual within a systemic framework to provide a context for individual development. 

 

NH101 An Introduction to the Human Body II

Pre-requisites: NH100

This unit continues on from NH100 and completes the introduction of the nursing student to an overview and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Anatomy studies the structure of the human body and the relationship of parts to one another. Physiology is concerned with the function of the body and how particular body parts work to sustain life. The content is essential knowledge for the application of nursing assessment, skill and practice.

 

Understanding the human body in a comprehensive way enables the student to be cognisant of complex nursing actions and to provide rationales that support appropriate decision making and interventions. Knowledge gained from this unit is necessary to ensure knowledgeable, safe and accurate care is given to patients; for the ability to interpret and understand medical records; and to be able to converse and discuss patient care with both patients and all health professionals.

 

NH104 Introductory Course to Microbiology/Epidemiology and Disease Prevention

Pre-requisites: NH100

This unit introduces the nursing student to infection control as an integral part of quality health care in hospital and community settings.  Microbiology is not infection control per se, but understanding the key elements of micro-organisms and the way they can impact on the health of a person, family and community, is an important requisite to interrupting the transmission of disease.

It is also imperative that nurses have a working knowledge of the principles of epidemiology, surveillance and outbreak management of infections to provide ongoing care in special situations. 

The topics covered in this unit include microbial growth invivo & invitro; anti-biotic therapy, resistance & ‘superbugs’; transmission of infection & infection control; communicable disease epidemiology in Australia; surveillance & outbreak management.

 

NPD101 Legal Issues in Nursing Care

Pre-requisites: NS100

Nursing care activities are performed within legal boundaries as well as acceptable ethical frameworks, thus it is crucial that individuals involved in the provision of nursing care have a ‘working’ knowledge of the relevant aspects of the law.

 

This subject explores relevant aspects of the law which impact on the provision of nursing care.  It analyses assumptions about what is law as opposed to what is ethics and examines case histories as a means of developing practical skills in legal problem identification.  It is designed to equip students with the competencies required to enable them to function in accordance within the legislative and legal parameters that affect nursing practice, while re-emphasising the importance of protecting rights.

 

NS201 Histories and Theories of Nursing

Pre-requisites: NIL

The visions of the past reflect the present and illuminate the future. The history and theories of nursing are the foundation of which we build our profession and they influence every aspect of the art and science of nursing.

 

NSP101 Clinical Practicum 1

Pre-requisites: NH100, NS100

 

This unit will give students an overview of the clinical learning expectations to be achieved whilst on practicum. The unit will also explore strategies for the students to utilise that will enhance communication within the multidisciplinary team. There will also be a focus on building reflective practice skills that will enable the students to maximise opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge that underpin quality practice. The aim is to prepare students to appreciate the clinical environment and the learning experience that is provides.

 

The unit will also offer an opportunity for students to consolidate the skills competencies practiced in the laboratory, translating them to real work experiences.

 

NSP102 Clinical Practicum 2

Pre-requisites: NS105, NSP101, NH101

 

This unit will give students an overview of the clinical learning expectations to be achieved whilst on practicum. The unit will also explore strategies for the students to utilise that will enhance communication within the multidisciplinary team. There will also be a focus on building reflective practice skills that will enable the students to maximise opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge that underpin quality practice. The aim is to prepare students to appreciate the clinical environment and the learning experience that is provides.

 

The unit will also offer an opportunity for students to consolidate the skills competencies practiced in the laboratory, translating them to real work experiences.

 

Second Year Units

NH200 Understanding the Disease Process

Pre-requisites: NH104, NSP102

Nursing students must be able to distinguish between the normal and abnormal clinical presentations of patients.  This unit aims at consolidating their understanding of ‘normal’ and introduces the concepts of ‘abnormal’ in body systems with a nursing focus.

 

NH204 Comprehensive Nursing Care

Pre-requisites: NH104, NSP102

In this unit students will by observation and practical involvement apply the principles of health assessment and the nursing process to manage nursing care of the patient.  Evidence-based nursing material related to the health assessment of a patient is delivered via a theoretical and problem-solving approach.  This enables students to apply the principles to nursing practice.

 

NH203 Pharmacology

Pre-requisites: NH104, NSP102, NDP101

It is the responsibility of the nurse to understand the effects and consequences of medications administered to their patients.  The nurse evaluates the appropriateness of medications according to their own knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and biochemistry when administering such medications.  This unit provides essential knowledge for the nurses’ role in medication therapy.

 

NS200 Nursing Care I

Pre-requisites: NH104, NSP102, NDP101

This unit builds upon previous skills gained in the first year of the undergraduate nursing degree. As such students will be introduced to more complex nursing procedures. Students shall also demonstrate these skills competently in the clinical area under the direct supervision of their mentor.

 

NPD201 Ethical Issues in Nursing Care

Pre-requisites: NPD101, ET100

The profession of nursing operates within acceptable ethical frameworks and it is crucial that nurses have a working knowledge of the relevant aspects of ethical theory as they relate to nursing practice.

This subject explores the particular aspects of ethical theory that impact on nursing care. It will seek to examine, by way of case study, the process of ethical decision-making and by so doing, encourage the involvement of the student in debate concerning ethical issues of a clinical nature.

 

NS203 Nursing Care II

Pre-requisites: NSP201

This unit builds upon skills gained in the first year and second year (semester one) of the undergraduate nursing degree.  As such students will be introduced to more complex nursing procedures necessary for implementing planned nursing care for patients in medical and surgical areas.  These skills will include the care of surgical wound drainage tubes, suture insertion and suture removal, conservative sharp wound debridement, selecting appropriate wound dressings, documenting wound care plans, compression bandaging, pressure ulcer assessment and preventative ulcer management and pre/ post operative care of a person with a surgical stoma.

NS204 Operating Room Nursing Care

Pre-requisites: NSP201

Perioperative nursing is an integral part of the patient’s surgical experience, and provides fundamental knowledge and understanding for the care of an acute surgical patient. Perioperative nursing involves the care of the patient before, during and after an operative procedure that may be performed under either a local or general anaesthetic. Perioperative nurses apply infection control principles in the preparation and management of the operating theatre environment. An understanding of human anatomy and physiology assists the perioperative nurse in caring for the perioperative patient, transferring and positioning the patient for surgery, recognising and responding to changes in the patient’s clinical condition, and in caring for the patient during the emergence and recovery from anaesthesia. Perioperative nurses communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and work within a legal and ethical framework. Perioperative nurses also monitor and manage the potential hazards that exist within the complex technological environment of the operating suite.

 

NS305 Nursing Aspects of Community Care

Pre-requisites: NB100, PS100.3

This unit develops the students’ understanding of Primary Health Care and the role of the nurse as a provider of care from a primary health care perspective. It explores the concepts of community development, social justice mediation, liaison, and advocacy as they relate to community nursing practice.

 

NSP201 Clinical Practicum 3

Pre-requisites: NH200, NH203, NH204, NS200, NSP102

This unit will give students an overview of the clinical learning expectations to be achieved whilst on practicum. The unit will also explore strategies for the students to utilise that will enhance communication within the multidisciplinary team. There will also be a focus on building reflective practice skills that will enable the students to maximise opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge that underpin quality practice. The aim is to prepare students to appreciate the clinical environment and the learning experience that is provides.

The unit will also offer an opportunity for students to consolidate the skills competencies practiced in the laboratory, translating them to real work experiences.

 

NSP202 Clinical Practicum 4

Pre-requisites: NS203, NS204, NSP201

This unit will give students an overview of the clinical learning expectations to be achieved whilst on practicum. The unit will also explore strategies for the students to utilise that will enhance communication within the multidisciplinary team. There will also be a focus on building reflective practice skills that will enable the students to maximise opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge that underpin quality practice. The aim is to prepare students to appreciate the clinical environment and the learning experience that is provides.

The unit will also offer an opportunity for students to consolidate the skills competencies practiced in the laboratory, translating them to real work experiences.

 

 

 

Third Year Units

NB300 Counselling Skills for Nursing

Pre-requisites: All second year units

When people require nursing care, they may be experiencing difficulties in many areas of their lives. Nurses have a unique relationship with their patients, and counselling skills can be used very effectively as part of holistic care, to enhance nurse/patient relationships. Models of nursing allow for nursing interventions of a counselling nature to be a significant part of care, providing emotional support and/or problem identification and management. The focus of counselling can be on the assets, strengths and potential of each person rather than on the traditional sickness model. When using counselling skills effectively the nurse is using him/herself as the main therapeutic tool. Self-awareness and self-care are therefore also important issues in the development of good counselling skills.

 

NPD301 The Role of the Professional Nurse

Pre-requisites: All second year units

Planned specific skills for transition into the work force will be delivered in the unit. Generic skills and preparation for functioning as a Professional Nurse will be taught. Expert practitioners will address the students’ questions in relation to transitional issues. Students will be taught self-care, work force issues and skills needed to be truly reflective practitioners.

 

 

NS301 Contemporary Nursing Care for the Mentally Ill

Pre-requisites: All second year units

This unit will equip the student with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to care for and support those suffering from mental illness and their families, both in a hospital setting and in the community.  The student will explore past and current ethical, legal and clinical issues related to mental health nursing, and various treatment modalities.

 

 

NPD304 Management in the Australian Health Care System / The Australia Health Care System

Pre-requisites: All second year units

This unit is designed to give students an overview of the Australian Health Care System from a nursing context.  It will describe how the Australian Health Care system is structured and regulated, and explain the differentiation between the roles and responsibilities of levels of government through to the health workforce. 

The unit will also emphasise the specific role of nurses as members of a multidisciplinary team within the health care system.  It will provide an introduction to contemporary theories and perspectives on leadership and management in nursing by addressing issues such as vision, motivation, authority, ethical conduct, culture, commitment and the implementation of change based on reliable evidence.  The aim of the unit is to introduce students to the Australian Health Care System and to encourage them to take a more active role in health care setting management and leadership.

 

NPD303 An Introduction to Research Methods in Clinical Nursing

Pre-requisites: All second year units

This unit introduces the student to research in nursing. It provides the student with opportunities to understand broad aspects of nursing research and it will equip them with skills that they will be expected to use in due course.  These opportunities range from accessing and using quality research materials right up to using research in clinical practice settings. In sum, this unit introduces nursing students to the power of quality nursing research and provides foundations upon which students may build throughout their chosen career paths.

 

NS303 Nursing of the Critically Ill

Pre-requisites: NSP301

To provide foundation knowledge required for the undergraduate nurse in a critical care setting, building on previous medical/surgical and psychosocial units.

 

NS306 Aboriginal Health

Pre-requisites: NB100, PS100.3

It is well known that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are one of the most disadvantaged groups within Australia. Statistically, they are the most socially and economically disadvantaged and are the sickest when compared to the rest of the population.  This reason for this shocking state of health is multi-causal.   The study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is an essential element in shaping health professionals.  This will enable them to deliver the best professional and culturally sensitive care and to make, the most appropriate and mature social contributions towards Indigenous culture.   

 

NSP301 Clinical Practicum 5

Pre-requisites: All second year units & NS301, NB300

This unit will give students an overview of the clinical learning expectations to be achieved whilst on practicum. The unit will also explore strategies for the students to utilise that will enhance communication within the multidisciplinary team. There will also be a focus on building reflective practice skills that will enable the students to maximise opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge that underpin quality practice. The aim is to prepare students to appreciate the clinical environment and the learning experience that is provides.

The unit will also offer an opportunity for students to consolidate the skills competencies practiced in the laboratory, translating them to real work experiences.

 

NSP302 Clinical Practicum 6

Pre-requisites: NS303

This unit will give students an overview of the clinical learning expectations to be achieved whilst on practicum. The unit will also explore strategies for the students to utilise that will enhance communication within the multidisciplinary team. There will also be a focus on building reflective practice skills that will enable the students to maximise opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge that underpin quality practice. The aim is to prepare students to appreciate the clinical environment and the learning experience that is provides.

The unit will also offer an opportunity for students to consolidate the skills competencies practiced in the laboratory, translating them to real work experiences.