Contemporary Nursing A

This unit explores person-centred care of patients bridging the lifespan from infant to the older adult. The unit will examine acute and chronic disorders integrating the pathophysiological processes, progression and complications to enhance understanding of the associated nursing care. Students will be introduced to treatment options inclusive of pharmacotherapeutics and quality use of medicines management, highlighting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of relevant medications utilised for acute exacerbations and chronic management, alongside relevant nursing care practices specific to medication interventions. Students will enhance their understanding of cultural competence when nursing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, other cultures and people of diversity, across health contexts. Through the use of clinical nursing laboratories and simulations, students will be guided through contemporary nursing practices, including: bridging the theory–practice gap through the use of teamwork; patient scenarios; digital health with emphasis on critical thinking; and, clinical reasoning. This approach will assist the student in understanding appropriate nursing care and management, the importance of collaborative and patient centred communication, ethical and legal implications and the evidence underpinning best practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Articulate and apply critical thinking and clinical reasoning related to evidence-based nursing practice in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions from the infant to the older adult;
2. Critically reflect on the nursing standards, nursing code of conduct, code of ethics and legal considerations with the inclusion of digital health encompassing the care of the patient with acute and chronic conditions.
3. Evaluate the pathophysiological concepts, processes, progression and complications associated with acute and chronic conditions of the cardiac, respiratory, endocrine and renal systems, linking pharmacological treatment options to inform person-centred care;
4. Advocate the importance of cultural awareness within nursing practice, the engagement of the patient in decision making and the role of the interprofessional healthcare team;
5. Exhibit competency in drug calculation and principles of safe medication administration within scope of practice;
6. Exemplify professionalism through team collaboration, documentation, clinical handover and therapeutic communication in the safe delivery of person-centred care within their current scope of practice; and
7. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.