Unit rationale, description and aim
NRSG139 is a pre-requisite unit for NRSG140. The aim of NRSG140 is to enhance skills and knowledge that students were introduced to in NRSG139, and to develop these further to strengthen foundational learning of critical thinking, reflection and safe practice within the integrated practice units.
NRSG140 is the second integrated practice unit within the BN program and associated degrees.
In the nursing profession, it is a requirement that the nurse is able to link theory with practice and provide evidence-based clinical care that is underpinned by a robust theoretical understanding. To perform these skills well, the nurse must be able to reflect critically on their practice and appraise their performance to identify safe and best practice.
In NRSG140 Integrating Practice 2 students will be provided with foundational knowledge to assist them to use theory to drive their clinical practice and to understand how practice is guided by a continual process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation – skills critical for the nurse to deliver best practice.
This unit enables students to draw on their learning in previous subjects to extend and integrate theoretical and practical knowledge gained in the course to date. NRSG140 Integrating Practice 2 uses scenario based teaching and simulation learning activities in practical classes so that students integrate foundational nursing practice skills with theoretical knowledge. Students will consolidate their theoretical knowledge through clinical experience comprising 80 hours. Professional Experience Placement (PEP) is required to enable students to apply theoretical knowledge and demonstrate comprehensive and thorough safe practice.
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.
Identify principles of quality and safety, quality...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical reasoni...
Learning Outcome 02
Describe the principles of teamwork, self-manageme...
Learning Outcome 03
Demonstrate effective oral and written communicati...
Learning Outcome 04
Practice ethical, legal, cultural and professional...
Learning Outcome 05
Reflect on their learning to identify effective le...
Learning Outcome 06
Content
Topics will include:
- Person-centred practice
- Application of person-centred practice in the provision of care:
- Reducing anxiety & distress related to assessment and investigations
- Recognising anxiety for all individuals in all illness contexts.
- Professional & therapeutic communication
- The assessment Interview
- Documentation: principles of documentation clinical files/ electronic records/statutory requirements
- Charting: FBC, vital signs, blood glucose monitoring (BGL)
- Writing nursing notes
- Clinical handover (ISBAR): demonstration of a clinical handover process using the ISBAR framework - identification, situation, background, assessment & recommendation
- Nursing assessment
- Applying the principles of a nursing assessment
- Introduction to conducting a focused assessment
- Investigations and diagnostics (e.g. urinalysis & specimens)
- Demonstrating psychological vital signs
- Risk assessments: falls, pressure injury, nutrition
- Provision, coordination & evaluation of care
- Introduction to the nursing management of deterioration of individuals
- MET call, escalation processes
- Introduction to person-centred care of the dying
- Activities of living (provision and coordination of care – application of models of nursing and recording and documentation)
- Basic oxygen delivery
- Hygiene
- Elimination
- Infection control
- Hand hygiene
- Asepsis (inc. ANTT simple wound dressing)
- Standard and Transmission-based precautions
- Introduction to wound management (simple wounds)
- Manual handling & assisting with mobility
- Pressure intervention (including patient positioning)
- Venous thromboembolism (movement and prevention of in ADL)
- Subcutaneous injections of low molecular weight heparin
- Quality use of medicines
- Drug scheduling & storage
- Drug administration (10 rights and 3 Checks)
- National prescribing chart
- Over the counter medications
- Introduction to drug calculations (oral tablets and syrups) – formative
- Managing medications (oral/ophthalmic/topical/sub cut insulin/low molecular weight heparin)
- Focus on ophthalmic & oral analgesics
- Health promotion & education
- Identifying opportunities for education, health promotion and behaviour change
- Diversity and cultural culture in healthcare
- Applying cultural competence and safety in practice
- Professional capabilities
- Receiving and providing feedback
- Self care & resilience
- Health care law: privacy and confidentiality
- Clinical leadership
- Introduction to management and leadership
- Clinical reasoning
- Applying critical thinking in practice
- Applying clinical reasoning
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessments in NRSG140 are constructively aligned to support students meeting the learning outcomes of the unit.
In clinical practice, registered nurses must have the ability to complete error-free medication calculations. The Drug Calculation Examination is an “Ungraded Hurdle” (PASS/FAIL) with multiple attempts allowed prior to the due date published in the learning management system (LMS).
The Clinical Portfolio supports consolidation of the theory and simulation components of the unit, and is an “Ungraded Hurdle” (PASS/FAIL) with multiple attempts permitted prior to the due date published in the learning management system (LMS). All components of the Clinical Portfolio must be completed to be eligible to attend professional experience placement (PEP).
Competence whilst on clinical placement will be assessed with the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool (ANSAT). The ANSAT is an “Ungraded Hurdle” (PASS/FAIL) assessment with one attempt only.
NRSG140 has 80 hours of Professional Experience Placement (PEP). Completing 100% of PEP hours is an “Ungraded Hurdle” (PASS/FAIL) required to pass this unit.
Attendance at laboratory simulation classes in IP units
“Only students who have demonstrated the requisite knowledge and skills required for safe practice are eligible for PEP ” (Standard 1.7 The Registered Nurse Accreditation Standards, ANMAC, 2019). All students are expected to attend and participate in 100% of laboratory classes. You are required to attend a minimum of 80% (8 of 10) laboratory simulation classes in NRSG140 to meet the pre-placement requirements. If a student does not meet the minimum attendance requirement the student will be ineligible to undertake the pre-placement assessment and will therefore be unable to attend PEP.
Pre-placement Requirements
NRSG140 students must fulfill all standard pre-placement requirements as set out by the Faculty of Health Sciences in the ACU Work Integrated Learning site by the specified due date, to be eligible to go on PEP. Failure to do so means you are ineligible for professional experience placement allocation and will receive an NU (Fail) grade for NRSG140.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 - Drug Calculations Examination...
Assessment Task 1 - Drug Calculations Examination
Enables students to demonstrate capability in drug calculations and skills for safe practice. Multiple attempts are permitted prior to the published due date, when students must submit a certificate of 100% achievement in order to receive a pass.
Ungraded Hurdle
Assessment Task 2 - Clinical Portfolio Enables ...
Assessment Task 2 - Clinical Portfolio
Enables students to provide evidence of their achievements of learning related to this unit. Multiple attempts are permitted prior to the published due date, when students must pass all components of the Clinical Portfolio to be eligible to attend professional experience placement.
Ungraded Hurdle
Assessment Task 3 - Australian Nursing Standards ...
Assessment Task 3 - Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool (ANSAT)
Enables students to demonstrate competency in professional behaviour, communication skills and safe and effective implementation of nursing skills and knowledge. Only one attempt is permitted given students are not able to be granted multiple clinical placements.
Ungraded Hurdle
Assessment Task 4 - 100% attendance at profession...
Assessment Task 4 - 100% attendance at professional experience placement hours
Completion of professional experience placement hours are an important step towards completion of the minimum amount of 800 hours of professional experience placement that is required within your degree. Make-up can be granted if a medical certificate(s) or Statutory Declaration (maximum of one day absence) is submitted and approved for any professional experience placement hours missed. The requirements and procedures for applying for make-up are available in the Student Placement Experience Manual. Strict timelines and procedures apply.
Ungraded Hurdle
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Modes of delivery in this unit include online lectures, laboratory simulation, practical class, online activities, professional practice and self-directed study. 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. 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.
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. In this unit feedback is provided to aid students to identify what is being done well, what requires additional work, and to identify progress toward required learning outcomes. The professional practice experience will assist students to link theory with practice in the clinical environment. Located in the first year of the programme, NRSG140 includes significant face-to-face teaching hours to assist students in linking theory with practice. Lectures are utilised to convey content and central principles while laboratories and simulations deliver interactive learning sessions which assist students to apply theory to clinical practice while also providing an opportunity to establish community learning skills. The supervised professional placement provides a safe environment where students can provide assisted person-centred care, which is essential for successful graduate practice.
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, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toAccesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toDevelops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, 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, LO3, 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, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toUses ethical frameworks when making decisions
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toMaintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision-making, actions and evaluations, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toContributes to quality improvement and relevant research.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toEngages in therapeutic and professional relationships
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating toEstablishes, sustains and concludes relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating toCommunicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating toRecognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating toProvides support and directs people to resources to optimise health-related decisions
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating toAdvocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating toUses delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
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 OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating toParticipates in and/or leads collaborative practice, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating toReports notifiable conduct of health professionals, health workers and others.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating toMaintains the capability for practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating toConsiders and responds in a timely manner to the health and wellbeing of self and others in relation to the capability for practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating toProvides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating toUses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating toAccepts accountability for decisions, actions, behaviours and responsibilities inherent in their role, and for the actions of others to whom they have delegated responsibilities
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating toSeeks and responds to practice review and feedback
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating toActively engages with the profession, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, 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 OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating toComprehensively conducts assessments
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Relating toConducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Relating toUses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
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 OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Relating toAssesses the resources available to inform planning.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Relating toDevelops a plan for nursing practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Relating toUses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Relating toCollaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Relating toDocuments, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Relating toProvides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toProvides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toPractises within their scope of practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toPractises in accordance with relevant policies, guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toUses the appropriate processes to identify and report potential and actual risk related system issues and where practice may be below the expected standards.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toEvaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toEvaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toRevises the plan based on the evaluation, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6
Relating toDetermines, documents and communicates further priorities, goals and outcomes with the relevant persons.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO5, LO6