The unit explores contemporary nursing care of patients with acute and chronic disorders across the lifespan using a person-centred approach. The unit will examine the related underlying pathophysiological concepts, processes, progression and complications to enhance understanding of acute exacerbation, chronic management and the associated nursing care of selected conditions. Students will investigate pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics for the pharmacotherapeutics and quality use of medicines in the selected disorders.
Students will further develop nursing skills linked to care of patients with selected disorders and consolidate contemporary practice by applying therapeutic and team communication using case-based scenarios in nursing simulation. Students will utilise critical thinking and clinical reasoning, including legal and ethical considerations to understand and exhibit appropriate nursing care interventions using evidence underpinning best practice. Through a cultural competency framework students will critically reflect on their nursing practice when caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, other cultures and people of diversity whilst conceptualising health context impacts.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
The Medsafe drug calculation assessment is a hurdle and will be used to assist students in gaining proficiency in drug calculations in preparation for requisite medication knowledge in clinical practice. In the written assessment, students will formulate a plan of care attributed to an interpretation of a patient scenario. They will critically apply the clinical reasoning cycle and advocate for cultural awareness using an inter-professional framework. The OSCA assessment allows students to role-play in pairs and clearly authenticates appropriate communication skills (intraprofessional and patient), psychomotor skills and reflective practice related to safe patient care. Reflection-in-action provides the opportunity for students to actively evaluate their actions and practices during their OSCA. In the final case study assessment, students will identify practice related issues and critically apply evidenced based literature highlighting where standards of care require improvement.
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):