This unit builds on previous foundational units of study undertaken in the first year of the course including the unit Pathophysiology and Quality use of Medicines 1. In particular, this unit works to further develop student's knowledge and skills in the provision of person-centered nursing care and interprofessional evidence-based management of individuals across the life-span experiencing acute and chronic illnesses. Content for this unit is largely framed around the national health priorities of respiratory, renal, neurological and cardiovascular disorders and their related co-morbidities and includes the safe administration and management of medications related to management and treatment of these disorders.

Unit details

Location:
St Albans
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
HNB2104

Prerequisites

HNB1204 - Foundations of Nursing and Midwifery 2

HNB1205 - Foundations in Nursing 2

HNB1206 - Professional Practice 1

RBM2101 - Pathophysiology & Quality Use of Medicines 1

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Describe holistic assessment of individuals across the lifespan experiencing acute and prolonged illness;  
  2. Utilise evidence-based practice to explain the inter-professional management of individuals experiencing acute and prolonged illness such as respiratory, renal, neurological and cardiovascular conditions including the pre and post-operative patient;  
  3. Apply knowledge and skills to nursing assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of patients with acute and prolonged illness;  
  4. Articulate knowledge and demonstrate clinical skills (e.g., performing an ECG, insertion of urinary indwelling catheter and care of the pre and post-operative patient);  
  5. Utilize reflective practice skills in technical skill acquisition and clinical simulation;  
  6. Practise skills in the administration and management of medications in the clinical laboratory;  
  7. Demonstrate numeracy skills required for the safe practice of medication administration;  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Assignment Participation in on-line activities (1000 words) 15%
Other OSCA (objective, subjective, clinical assessment) Skill Task (30 minutes) & Written Skill Task Reflection (800 words) 15%
Other Medication Calculation Assessment (30 minutes) (Hurdle) 0%
Examination Written assessment (2 hours) 70%
To gain an overall pass in this unit, students must attend 85% of all practical and clinical simulation classes which is a requirement of accreditation body (ANMAC). Any absences must be supported with documentation to the unit convenor. Students must achieve 100% in the drug calculation test (hurdle requirement) which is integral to safe nursing practice. Students will be eligible for a maximum of 2 attempts for the medication calculation assessment. A third attempt may be granted at the discretion of the Academic Student Progress Board (ASPB) committee.

Required reading

Smeltzer & Bare's Textbook of medical surgical nursing, 4th ed.
Farrell, M., & Dempsey, J. (2017)
Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Sydney.

Clinical Psychomotor Skills Assessment Tools For Nurses 7th ed.
Tolleffson, J., & Hillman, J. (2016)
Cengage: Melbourne.

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