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.

2025 10

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Prerequisites

NRSG140 Integrating Practice 2

For Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurses) students: 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.

Outline the biopsychosocial, spiritual and cultura...

Learning Outcome 01

Outline the biopsychosocial, spiritual and cultural factors that impact on the person’s surgical experience
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Describe knowledge of pathophysiology to manage co...

Learning Outcome 02

Describe knowledge of pathophysiology to manage common issues in surgical nursing
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC7, GC11

Apply the models of nursing across the lifespan, t...

Learning Outcome 03

Apply the models of nursing across the lifespan, to the principles of surgical nursing across the care continuum
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC4, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Implement critical thinking and clinical reasoning...

Learning Outcome 04

Implement critical thinking and clinical reasoning across a range of settings, to plan safe, evidence-based, culturally sensitive, person-centred nursing care for common health alterations in surgical nursing
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Analyse quality use of medicines, non-pharmacologi...

Learning Outcome 05

Analyse quality use of medicines, non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions and complementary therapies in the surgical context
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Appraise legal and ethical principles related to t...

Learning Outcome 06

Appraise legal and ethical principles related to the surgical experience
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC7, GC9, GC11

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

Weighting

10%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO6

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.  

Weighting

40%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

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.

Weighting

50%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6

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.

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, LO3, LO4, LO5

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • 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, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • 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, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating toUses ethical frameworks when making decisions

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating toMaintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision-making, actions and evaluations, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating toContributes to quality improvement and relevant research.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating toEngages in therapeutic and professional relationships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO6

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO6

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO6

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO6

  • Relating toProvides support and directs people to resources to optimise health-related decisions

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO6

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO6

  • Relating toUses delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, 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, LO4, LO6

  • Relating toParticipates in and/or leads collaborative practice, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO6

  • 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 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 OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, 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 OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toAssesses the resources available to inform planning.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toDevelops a plan for nursing practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating toProvides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, 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, LO4, LO5, LO6

  • Relating toEvaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating toRevises the plan based on the evaluation, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Brown, D., Buckley, S., Aitken, R. &, Edwards, H. (2023). Lewis’s medical-surgical nursing. Assessment and management of clinical problems (6th. Ed). Elsevier.

Bullock, S. & Hales, M. (2019). Principles of pathophysiology (2nd ed.). Pearson.

Bullock, S., & Manias, E. (2022). Fundamentals of pharmacology. (9th ed.). Pearson. 

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. (Ed.).(2022). Clinical Reasoning: Learning to think like a nurse (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Tiziani, A. P.(2021).Havard’s nursing guide to drugs. (11th ed). Elsevier.

Tortora, G.T., Derrickson, B.H., Burkett, B., Peoples, G., Dye, D., Cooke, J., Diversi, T., McKean, M., Summers, S.,Di Pietro, F., Engel, A., Macartney, M. & Green, H. (2024). Principles of anatomy and physiology (3rd Asia-Pacific ed.) John Wiley & Sons.

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