Unit rationale, description and aim

Within the discipline of nursing, safe practice is paramount. Through critical reasoning, reflection and life long learning, unit NRSG138 introduces students to transitioning into the nursing discipline.

As the nursing profession is a discrete discipline, graduates entering this profession require a thorough understanding of the activities that they will be required to perform and the scope under which they will practice. The transition into nursing unit is required by students to embed fundamental knowledge around what it is to be a nurse, the professional governance and health care laws under which nurses practice, and the skills a nurse needs to perform their duties with a person-centered focus.

Safe and effective nursing care is based on acquiring sound evidence-based knowledge, and using that knowledge to promote, plan, implement and evaluate care to meet each person’s specific health needs. Fundamental to being a nurse is to care, and this unit explores professional values and what caring means within the context of Catholic Social Teaching. The Model of nursing and the Clinical Reasoning Cycle and the concept of reflective practice will provide platforms to discuss the professional issues presented in the unit.

NRSG138 is a theoretical unit and introduces students to the Australian health care system and working collaboratively inter and intradisciplinary. This is a first year, first semester introductory unit and is linked with the integrated practice unit NRSG139. 

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to contemporary nursing concepts, and to inform your   understanding of the character of nursing within the context of the Australian healthcare system. 

2025 10

Campus offering

Find out more about study modes.

Unit offerings may be subject to minimum enrolment numbers.

Please select your preferred campus.

  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
  • Semester 2Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Describe the historical and contemporary role of n...

Learning Outcome 01

Describe the historical and contemporary role of nursing and how this role is both articulated within the current Australian healthcare system and within the regulatory frameworks which govern health care practice
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC9, GC11

Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the regi...

Learning Outcome 02

Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the registered nurse and other members of the interprofessional health care team to promote practice which is safe and of quality across a range of settings
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC6, GC9, GC11

Demonstrate a beginning understanding of professio...

Learning Outcome 03

Demonstrate a beginning understanding of professional values inherent in the discipline of nursing
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC6, GC9, GC11, GC12

Explain the contribution of competent, holistic ev...

Learning Outcome 04

Explain the contribution of competent, holistic evidence-based health care to clinical reasoning and decision-making in nursing practice across the lifespan
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC9, GC11

Apply the models of nursing in planning care for d...

Learning Outcome 05

Apply the models of nursing in planning care for diverse populations across a range of settings
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC6, GC7, GC9, GC11

Apply the models of nursing to identify health car...

Learning Outcome 06

Apply the models of nursing to identify health care priorities, and initiation of health management and person-centred nursing care
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC7, GC9, GC11

Content

Topics will include:

  • History of nursing
  • The Australian health system
  • Structure of health care system and health care settings
  • Public and private provision of health care in Australia
  • Nursing and interprofessional teams
  • Case management, models and continuum of care
  • National health priorities
  • National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards
  • Managing risks and promoting safety
  • Professional governance and health care law
  • Ahpra
  • NMBA Professional Standards, Guidelines and Frameworks
  • The Australian legal system
  • Regulating authorities and the courts
  • Ethical practices of beneficence and non-maleficence
  • Duty of care and negligence
  • Contemporary nursing
  • Unique role and function of nurses and nursing
  • Introduction to the concept of caring
  • Person centered care
  • Concepts of caring
  • Introduction to models of nursing
  • Person-centredness
  • Professional and therapeutic communication
  • Introduction to health promotion & education
  • Lifelong learning and continuing professional development

Assessment strategy and rationale

A range of assessment items consistent with University assessment requirements and policy will be used to ensure students achieve the unit learning outcomes and attain the graduate attributes.

The online quiz is required to provide early formative feedback for the student as they are commencing their university studies around the role and responsibilities of the nurse. The written essay is designed to encourage the development of academic research and writing skills. Engagement with ACU study supports are built into the design of the assessment to promote student success. Using the feedback from this second assessment, students have the opportunity to further develop writing skills in assessment three. The third assessment enables students to demonstrate their understanding of key theories and concepts of nursing practice and develop academic research and writing skills. The scaffolding of the three assessment tasks is designed to promote acquisition of professional written communication skills which is a necessary skill for registered nurses

These assessments are required to build student knowledge and skills which, by the conclusion of this programme, will enable the student to graduate as a safe and effective nurse. 

Overview of assessments

Online Quiz Enables students to demonstrate know...

Online Quiz

Enables students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role and responsibilities of the nurse. 

Weighting

20%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2

Written Essay Enables students to develop writte...

Written Essay

Enables students to develop written communication skills required for all nursing interactions and demonstrate a developing understanding of the role and responsibilities of the nurse within the Australian Health Care Context.  

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3

Case Study Enables students to apply unit concep...

Case Study

Enables students to apply unit concepts to a case study.

Weighting

50%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

Modes of delivery in this unit include lectures, tutorials, online activities and self-directed study. Consistent with adult learning principles, the teaching and learning strategies used within these modes of delivery will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills relevant to professional nursing practice. In addition, this unit fosters student-centred active learning and accommodates diverse student needs. It includes a combination of self-paced, online learning and real-time classes. Early and additional feedback on learning, and tailored support, are provided to facilitate students’ transition to university. These strategies will also support students in meeting the aim, learning outcomes and graduate attributes of the unit and the broader course learning outcomes. Learning and teaching strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively with peers.  

                                                                                             

Students entering university need significant support to transition into a learning and teaching environment where they are required to drive their own learning. To guide students in their learning, feedback is required to identify what is being done well, what requires additional work and to identify progress toward required learning outcomes. Located in the first year of the program, this theory unit includes opportunities to assist students to link nursing theory with practice. Online lectures are utilised to convey content and its central principles while tutorials provide an opportunity to consolidate students’ understanding of content through collaboration and discussion. Tutorials deliver interactive learning sessions which include formative feedback to build foundational tertiary study skills while also providing an opportunity to establish group-work and community learning skills. Online materials are introduced to provide students with a foundation for ongoing, self-directed, self-motivated, off-campus study.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for Practice

In connection to the learning outcomes, these are the national Registered nurse standards for practice for all RNs. Together with NMBA standards, codes and guidelines, these Registered nurse standards for practice should be evident in current practice, and inform the development of the scopes of practice and aspirations of RNs.

  • Relating toThinks critically and analyses nursing practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toAccesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toDevelops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toRespects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toComplies with legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toUses ethical frameworks when making decisions

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toEngages in therapeutic and professional relationships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toEstablishes, sustains and concludes relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toCommunicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toRecognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toAdvocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toActively fosters a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person-centred care

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toMaintains the capability for practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toProvides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toUses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toIdentifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toComprehensively conducts assessments

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toConducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toUses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toWorks in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and wellbeing of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/ or for referral, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toDevelops a plan for nursing practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toUses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toCollaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toDocuments, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toPlans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toEvaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toEvaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5, LO6

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Daly, J., Speedy, S. & Jackson, D. (2017). Contexts of Nursing (5th ed.). Elsevier

Fedoruk, M., & Hofmeyer, A. (2014). Becoming a nurse: Making the transition to practice (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Forbes, H., & Watt, E. (2020). Jarvis’s physical examination and health assessment (3rd ed.). Elsevier

Holland, K., Jenkins, J., Solomon, J., & Whittam, S. (2019). Applying the Roper-Logan-Tierney Model in practice-E-Book. Elsevier. 

Levett-Jones, T. (2017). Clinical Reasoning: Learning to think like a nurse. Pearson.

O’Toole, G. (2020). Communication: Core Interpersonal Skills for Health Professionals (4th ed.). Elsevier

Willis, E., Reynolds, L., & Rudge, T. (Eds). (2019). Understanding the Australian health care system (4th ed.). Elsevier.

Locations
Credit points
Year

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs