Units: Nursing
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NMH401 Contemporary Mental Health Practice
The unit will:
• Examine current contemporary trends and practice in delivering psychiatric care with emphasis on acute crisis and psychiatric emergencies.
• Address treatment/care options within community settings and the integration and partnership with Non Government Organisations, General Practitioners, Police and other emergency services.
• Enable the ethical decisions determining hospital and community based treatment options.
• Reference the National Mental Health Standards and current West Australian Mental Health Division strategies and objectives.
NMH402 Interpersonal Communication
This unit will:
• Examine the interpersonal communication with the emotionally disturbed or psychiatrically unwell person.
• Enable the practitioner to identify and use both non verbal and verbal communication and communication with culturally and linguistically diverse people.
• Enhance communication with indigenous clients.
• Introduce interactive dialogue techniques and dialogue analysis and a broad understanding of communication and negotiation strategies in high risk scenarios.
• Explore communication techniques to enhance telephone triage, assessment and telephone interventions.
• Promote self-awareness and self care.
NMH403 Managing the Mental Health Area
This unit will:
• Introduce students to key clinical leadership strategies in management of the acute mentally ill patient within a multidisciplinary team.
• Examine the ongoing trends on managing the acute psychiatric patient within a community setting within the objects of the WA Mental Health Act 1996 using the least restrictive option of care and community treatment.
• Explore and enhance the developing role and importance of the Psychiatric Liaison Services within Emergency Departments.
• Describe and promote the developing specialisation clinical role of practitioners within mental health in areas and include suicide intervention, dual diagnosis, multi systemic therapy.
NMH404 Role of the Mental Health Practitioner in Acute Psychiatry
This unit will develop the skills and knowledge of the mental health practitioner in acute psychiatry through use of evidenced based practice, enabling them to practice at an advanced level and provide clinical intervention in areas such as suicide risk assessment, disaster response, emergency department psychiatry and advice in high risk scenarios. The unit will enable the mental health practitioner to meet the criteria as an Authorised Mental Health Practitioner under the West Australian Mental Health Act 2006
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.
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.
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.
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.
NPD304 Leadership and Management in the Nursing Profession
|Pre-requisites: All second year units
This unit will develop the students understanding of management in healthcare and the role of the nurse as a manager. 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. This understanding will develop through exposure to key speakers and experts, analysis of information provided to and sought by the student and questioning and debate regarding the information presented.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NSEN100 Diseases Disorders and Nursing Interventions
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
It is the responsibility of the nurse to identify and understand various disorders, diseases and the disease process. Nurses also need to understand the various interventions in promoting and providing quality and safe nursing care. This Unit provides essential knowledge and skills for the nurse’s role in assessment of the patient in the implementation and delivery of safe quality nursing care.
NSEN101 Nursing Skills
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
It is the responsibility of the nurse to understand the various interventions in promoting and providing quality and safe nursing care. This Unit provides essential knowledge and skills for the nurse’s role in decision-making in the implementation and delivery of safe quality nursing care.
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.
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.
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.
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 in health care environments.
NUR402 Clinical Practice 1 (Oncology)
This unit focuses on the application of evidenced based and best practice core principles. The current milieu of oncology nursing and spirituality in oncology care will be examined. The measurement of clinical outcomes will be explored.
NUR403 Clinical Practice 2 (Oncology)
This unit focuses on critical thinking in an oncology nursing context. Clinical care delivery analysis, audit trails and innovation in clinical application are examined in an oncology nursing context. Frameworks for clinical policy formulation are explored and the relevance for practices discussed.
NUR405 Tools for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
This unit will examine methods and instruments that form the foundation for monitoring the quality of care delivery that ensures optimal patient / client outcomes. These tools include benchmarking and performance indicators, health information technology, error reporting systems, safety management systems and teamwork & communication.
NUR406 Leadership Development Strategies
This unit introduces students to key leadership strategies. Topics such as development of leadership capability, leadership development techniques and coaching are included in this unit. The relevant application of leadership theories in this context will also be examined.
NUR407 Applied Management Strategies
The management of human, material and clinical resources is integral to the delivery of safe and effective patient care. This unit includes knowledge and skills that will enhance performance in this area. Topics include human and material resource management, fiscal planning, and strategic thinking and planning.
NUR408 Organisational Culture and Change Management
This unit introduces students to how organisational structure and culture facilitates or impedes communication, flexibility and the ability of the individuals within an organisation to meet individual, unit and organisational goals. The impact of the inclusion of clinicians within a shared governance model will be examined. The role of the clinicians as a change agent within an organisation and strategies which can be utilised to support positive change for improved patient outcomes will also be discussed.
NUR409 Advanced Health Assessment
This unit introduces the student to a variety of clinical assessment tools and techniques. The foci of this unit are the comprehensive health assessment and the use and interpretation of assessment findings including diagnostic results. Evaluation of health assessment tools and implementation of clinical interventions based on health assessment findings are also examined.
NUR410 Nursing Practicum 1
This unit, through a variety of clinically based and student-driven activities, will enable students to: Integrate knowledge of their nursing practice with concepts of advanced medical nursing assessment, intervention and evaluation; Solve complex client problems; Provide client education and health promotion; Develop knowledge and skills fundamental to nursing case management; Demonstrate a collaborative relationship with other health care providers and consumers in planning and delivering comprehensive health care from pre-admission to post-discharge; Demonstrate leadership by functioning as a clinical resource in the management of client care; Identify opportunities for nursing role extension and expansion within a climate of health care delivery change.
NUR411 Nursing Practicum 2
This unit, through a variety of clinically based and student-driven activities, will enable students to: Integrate knowledge of their nursing practice with concepts of advanced nursing assessment, intervention and evaluation of patients undergoing surgery; Solve complex nursing problems; Provide client education and health promotion; Develop knowledge and skills fundamental to nursing case management; Demonstrate a collaborative relationship with other health care providers and consumers in planning and delivering comprehensive health care from pre-admission to post-discharge; Demonstrate clinical leadership by functioning as a clinical resource in the management of client care; Identify opportunities for nursing role extension and expansion within a climate of health care delivery change.
NUR413 Nursing Governance
This unit will include: The concepts of the Nursing governance framework as a method of ensuring that patients receive the highest quality nursing care possible; The four pillars of Clinical Governance: Clinical Performance and Evaluation: clinical standards and clinical indicators; Professional Development and Management: competency standards and continuing professional development; Clinical Risk: the monitoring and management of incident and adverse events, and risk profile analysis; Consumer Value: consumer liaison and participation.
NUR515 Reflective Practice (Perioperative)
The aim of this unit is to enhance participant's knowledge and skill in reflection; to equip them with the mechanisms to explore actions and to derive meaning from the experience. It encourages participants to develop thinking, consider alternative approaches and explore strategies for future application. Furthermore, participants will be encouraged to examine strategies to address personal or professional issues and to strive to achieve positive outcomes.
NUR521 Clinical Practice
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
This unit allows the participant the opportunity to relate theoretical knowledge with practice. It aims to guide the participant to develop essential theoretical knowledge and skills. All participants will be guided through all clinical specialties at the participating hospitals, each focusing on relating theory of a body system to practice. Assessment will be made by completing assignments relating to clinical placement and by completion of specialist clinical competencies. Participants will receive ongoing support and education when in the clinical environment from the designated teacher practitioners, clinical preceptors, Staff Development Nurses, Staff Development Educators and Clinical Nurse Managers.
NUR522 Professional Development in Clinical Practice
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
The aim of this unit is to examine sources of nursing knowledge and how they influence nursing practice. By facilitating the development of critical thinking, this unit examines ethical principles and how they impact nursing action as well as how contemporary issues influence clinical practice. Furthermore, it enhances professional development by developing strategies for critiquing research and educational practices.
NUR523 Reflective Practice
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
The aim of this unit is to enhance participant’s knowledge and skill in reflection; to equip them with the mechanisms to explore actions and to derive meaning from the experience. It encourages students to develop thinking, consider alternative approaches and explore strategies for future application. Furthermore, students will be encouraged to examine strategies to address personal or professional issues and to strive to achieve positive outcomes.
NUR524 Management
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
This unit introduces the students to key management strategies including management skills, conflict resolution, change management and team building. Topics such as development of leadership capability, leadership development techniques and coaching are included in this unit. The relevant application of leadership theories in this context will also be examined.
NUR525 Pathophysiology & Disease Process
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
This unit aims to equip the student with the knowledge of the biological principles of disease states within different body systems. This knowledge will allow the student to utilise critical evaluation of specific patient diagnoses to integrate and plan appropriate nursing care, and to mentor and support other nursing staff in their roles providing nusing care to patients. As well, the knowledge gained in this unit will support the students in their roles as integral members of the interdisciplinary team in planning and coordinating care for patients.
NUR526 Pharmacology
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
This unit aims to equip the student with the knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of health care disorders. This will provide the student with essential knowledge to support their nursing role in medication management and to apply the advanced pharmacological principles to plan and coordinate patient care
NUR527 Wound & Ostomy Care
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
This unit aims to equip the student with the skills and knowledge to provide advanced assessment, management and evaluation of care requirements for either surgical or medical patients with simple and complex wounds and stomas. This advanced knowledge will enable students to also provide leadership and mentorship to the care team in the planning of nursing interventions and patient care.
NUR528 Comprehensive Health Assessment
Pre-requisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil
This unit aims to equip the student with the skills and knowledge to provide advanced health assessment, management and evaluation of nursing care requirements for patients. This advanced knowledge will enable students to also provide leadership and mentorship to the care team in the planning of patient care.
