Unit rationale, description and aim
The registered nurse plays a central role in the provision of health care for people who experience health alterations. Health alterations occur across a range of settings and it is a requirement that the nurse is able to provide effective and holistic care for people experiencing these alterations. This unit is required by students to assist their ongoing development of theoretical knowledge, specifically in relation to nursing practice in the surgical environment. As part of an integrated curriculum this unit builds on previously acquired knowledge. In later units you will develop stronger clinical reasoning skills and a comprehension of nursing management of the complex surgical patient.
The principles of surgical nursing that underpin best practice will be demonstrated by the use of evidence-based case studies. Students will explore the roles of the surgical nurse across a variety of health settings, and within the context of the patient journey and the delivery of interprofessional health care. The content contained within this unit will inform nursing students’ future clinical practice across a variety of settings.
This aim of NRSG258 Principles of Nursing: Surgical is to support students in development of knowledge and skills for person-centred, evidence-based nursing care of individuals experiencing episodic health alterations or illnesses that require surgery.
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.
Outline the biopsychosocial, spiritual and cultura...
Learning Outcome 01
Describe knowledge of pathophysiology to manage co...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply the models of nursing across the lifespan, t...
Learning Outcome 03
Implement critical thinking and clinical reasoning...
Learning Outcome 04
Analyse quality use of medicines, non-pharmacologi...
Learning Outcome 05
Appraise legal and ethical principles related to t...
Learning Outcome 06
Content
Topics will include:
Surgical nursing care
- Principles
- Alterations to health resulting in surgery (e.g. acute neurological problems)
- Risk factors and comorbidities – impact on surgical experience
- Biopsychosocial, spiritual and cultural considerations
- Promoting independence and working collaboratively
- Safety and risk assessments
- Assessing for and managing deterioration
- Patient education
- Quality use of medicines
- Anaesthetic agents
- Intravenous fluids
- Antiemetics
- Analgesia
- Antipyretics
- Antibiotics
- Anticoagulation and thrombolytic
- Blood transfusions
- Continuity of care
- Discharge planning
- Tools for planning care (e.g. care pathways)
- Legal and ethical issues
- Preoperative
- Types of surgery and settings
- Pathways for surgical admission
- Role of the nurse and the interprofessional team
- Admission and preparation for surgery
- Intraoperative
- Role of the nurse and the interprofessional team
- Postoperative
- Role of the nurse and the interprofessional team
- Identifying and managing post-operative complications
- Atelectasis
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE)
- Hemorrhage
- Urinary –Catheter care, fluid balance, urinary retention
- Acute pain management
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. To pass this unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and achieve a cumulative grade of 50% or greater in the unit.
A summative online quiz will provide students with a low stakes assessment for this unit. The written assignment will allow students to prepare their submission progressively while also providing an opportunity for early feedback. The written assessment will use a case study to engage students with the application of theory into practice. The examination is a focussed assessment requiring steady, progressive learning over the course of the semester. The examination requires a sound knowledge base to answer content questions and an understanding of this content to address the process related questions.
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
Assessment Task 1 - Online Quiz
Assessment Task 1 - Online Quiz
10%
Assessment Task 2 - Written Assignment (1,50...
Assessment Task 2 - Written Assignment (1,500 words)
Enables students to articulate their knowledge and understanding specifically in relation to nursing practice in the surgical environment.
40%
Assessment Task 3 - Examination Enables students...
Assessment Task 3 - Examination
Enables students to demonstrate a sound knowledge base in addressing content and process questions related to unit content.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Learning and teaching methods in this unit include lectures, tutorials, online activities and self-directed study. Consistent with adult learning principles, the teaching and learning methods used within these modes of delivery will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills relevant to professional nursing practice. These approaches 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 methods 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 second year of the program, this theory unit includes opportunities to assist students to link nursing theory with practice.
Online lectures are utilised to convey core content and its central principles, lectures provide opportunities for student to begin the exploration of content and scaffold their learning in follow up tutorials. Consolidation of content in tutorials is promoted through collaboration and discussion with student peers. In addition, 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.
NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s Registered Nurse Standards for Practice developed in this unit are: