Outline

Overview

This unit of study explores nursing from historical, theoretical, professional, ethical and legal perspectives. It aims to develop knowledge and mindful action in nursing practice by introducing students to the Framework for Practice Thinking, the Fundamentals of Care framework and the concept of partnering with patients in their own care. An understanding of the role of the nurse in the provision of comprehensive care across different contexts, the importance of interprofessional collaboration and the principles underpinning the safe practice of nursing, including evidence-based practice and infection control will be introduced. The unit will also address the role of digital health technology in the provision of safe, quality healthcare. Furthermore, students will be prepared with the communication skills required to enable effective partnerships with patients across the lifespan and in the context of cultural and social diversity.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	NURS1004
Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	NURS1002. Students unable to take NURS1002 and NURS1004 concurrently are advised to attempt NURS1004 before undertaking NURS1002
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Taneal Wiseman, taneal.wiseman@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Taneal Wiseman, taneal.wiseman@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Su Aung, su.aung@sydney.edu.au
	Kylie Lovato, kylie.lovato@sydney.edu.au
	Rhea Soria, rhea.soria@sydney.edu.au
	Cheryl Hyde, cheryl.hyde@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Assessment 4: Final exam Short answer questions	35%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Assessment 1: Online quiz Online quiz. Open for 24 hour duration. #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 07 Mar 2024 at 23:59	10 questions (12 minutes duration).
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Assessment 5: Introductory professional workshop 2 hour workshop attend IPL Hand Hygiene Certificate Evaluation Survey	0%	Week 03 Due date: 06 Mar 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Mar 2024	1 x 2 hour workshop
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 2: Written essay Written Essay	30%	Week 06 Due date: 27 Mar 2024 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 3: Video and Written Critique Team of 3-4 to create 1 clinical skills video followed by a team critique	30%	Week 09 Due date: 24 Apr 2024 at 23:59	clinical skills video maximum 5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: (Online Quiz) You will undertake a 12-minute quiz (comprising of 10 questions).

The online quiz will assess student’s knowledge of content covered in this unit of study up to (but not including) week 3 content. The online quiz contains 10 questions (either multiple choice, or true or false questions). This quiz will include material covered in lectures, tutorials and clinical laboratories to date. The online quiz is available on the NURS1004 canvas site for 24 hours only commencing Wednesday 6th March at 2359 hours until Thursday 7th March at 2359 hours. You can choose the time within this 24 hour timeframe that you wish to complete the quiz however, the quiz will NOT be accessible outside these times. Once you log into the quiz, you have 12 minutes to complete all 10 questions. You are only permitted ONE attempt at this quiz so it is important that you are ready to spend the needed amount of time to complete it.

Assessment 2: (Written essay) 1000 word essay on the following topic:

'In 2019, the Nursing and Midwifery Board Australia update guidelines on the use of social media for registered health practitioners, including registered nurses. This update was in response to a growth in social media use and the expanding number of social media platforms. As future nurses, it is important to understand the responsibilities of registered nurses in this aspect. Given the growing campaign to improve the status and profile of nursing as a profession globally, please discuss the impacts of social media on the legal and ethical aspects of the registered nurses role.'

This essay is intended to support the development of students writing skills. A portion of week 2 tutorial will be dedicated to familiarising student with the library resources including database searching and referencing.

In this essay students must base their discussion on reputable sources, peer-reviewed journals and other relevant literature and you must provide all sources and databases used for searching of evidence. Your marker should be able to duplicate your search strategy based on this and achieve an identical reference list.

The essay should demonstrate students understanding of the topic as well as their ability to synthesis pertinent information on the topic.

This essay is due in Week 6 on Wednesday 27th March @2359hours.

Assessment 3: (Video and Critique).

Group Video and written critique on a practical scenario students have learnt in their simulation lab classes to date. Students must incorporate the following basic skills such as communication and teamwork, hand hygiene, and use of PPE into a more complex skill such as repositioning a patient and/ or providing pressure area care. For example, the patient needs to be assisted/instructed how to safely get out of bed and then assisted to mobilise and sit safely in a chair- the group may choose to use a walking aid for the patient as well.

This assessment is based on the need for continuous practice development and improvement towards increased effectiveness in patient-centred care (Garbett & McCormack (2004). To commence your journey in the development of critical thinking and excellence in nursing practice you are required to work in a team of 3-4 to create one (1) clinical skills video followed by a critique of your teams practice. The video will be produced in your independent practice sessions (see below for topics). Each video should be no more than 10 minutes in duration and must be uploaded into turnitin. Please note that this video does not have to be perfect. Following the completion of each video as a team you must complete the following critique of your skill and fundamental aspects incorporated into this skill.

Identify three (3) critical elements of this procedure that were performed well according to best practice recommendations.
Identify three (3) critical elements of this procedure where your team can improve in future practice
Discuss each of the identified critical elements using evidence base to demonstrate why it was done well or required improvement. For each of the elemnts identified, students must refer back to the video and clearly articulate where in the procedure the elements occurred (for example, refer back to the video at 1min and 45seconds to highlight the occurrence of a particular critical element.
You should use peer-reviewed journal articles and/or textbooks. Citations and references should be in accordance with the APA 7th Edition Guidelines. This assessment is due in week 9 on Wednesday 24th April @2359hours

Assessment 4: (Final exam) - This exam will be held during exam week and will be a 1 hour exam. Content will be taken from the lectures, tutorials, essential readings and clinical simulation laboratories in this subject throughout the entire teaching period. The examination content will relate to learning outcomes 1-9.
Assessment 5: Introductory Interprofessional workshop: - In March 2024, a large number of health professional students will work in inter-professional teams to foster effective collaboration for the future improvement of health outcomes. This workshop will provide an opportunity to build and develop students' understanding of role identification, effective communication and teamwork. Students will be required to participate in teams to complete activities that have been developed to promote collaborative practice. Following the activities there will be a debriefing session where students can reflect on their team performance and relate this to health care.

Participation in all aspects of this workshop is a requirement for successful completion of this unit of study.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items in order to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

*Where an assignment is submitted late without an approved extension, a late penalty will apply. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero marks will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction to the unit of study; 2. What is nursing? Historical and contemporary perspectives	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Infection control Hand Hygiene 4 point PPE Sharps Management Waste Disposal	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Nursing Theories and models of care 2. Introduction to person-centered care	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Historical & Contemporary Perspective of Nursing 2. Lib2Go modules; Academic writing, database searching/ referencing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Infection control; 2. Work, Health and Safety (WHS)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Manual handling, patient transfer in bed and bed to trolley. Patient positioning and using mechanical lifters.	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 04	Image of nursing (during the pandemic)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Quiz 1- Historical & Contemporary Perspective of Nursing Preparation for learning in the hospital environment	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Bed making, occupied, unoccupied & post operative beds. Disposing of linen - infection control review PPE	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Digital health Technologies 2. Framewrork for practice thinking	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	eMR – Electronic Medical Record	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Preparation for learning in the hospital environment Modules 2-4. Communication exercises Law and ethics cases	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	1.Communication strategies. 2. Pressure injuries.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Manual Handling: Assessing Patient mobility: transfer bed to chair, mobility aids	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 08	Care of the dying - (End of life / palliative care)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	1. documentation / handover 2. Falls cases 3. Medical terminology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	NSQHS Standards - Patient safety and clinical reasoning; thinking like a nurse	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Attending to hygiene, bed bath, mouth, eye care and feeding. Urinary and faecal elimination care	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 10	Introduction to the professional and legal practice of registered nurses in Australia	Lecture (2 hr)
	1. Developing nursing care plans 2. Giving and receiving handover 3. Summary of UoS	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Clinical simulation exercise	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 12	Review of UoS	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney Nursing School Resolutions specifically outline attendance requirements. Resolution 7.2 states that if students are absent without leave for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, the Dean may call upon them to show cause why they should not be deemed to have failed that unit of study. Students undertaking this unit of study are required to attend at least 90% of on-campus activities which are supplemented with online and group activities.
Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2019 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. introduce and discuss the history of nursing and influences that have shaped contemporary nursing and professional identity.
LO2. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the Framework for Practice Thinking, the Fundamentals of Care framework and person-centred care.
LO3. demonstrate, at a beginning level, an understanding of evidence-based practice and its role in informing nursing practice.
LO4. apply foundational and factual knowledge to demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of work health and safety (WHS) with regards to preventing and controlling health care associated infection and manual handling.
LO5. develop communication and reflective skills, required as a nursing student in both on and off-campus clinical contexts to inform practice at novice level.
LO6. introduce and gain awareness of how digital health technology is used in the provision of contemporary healthcare.
LO7. demonstrate an introductory understanding of clinical governance and the fundamental professional, legal and ethical dimensions of nursing practice.
LO8. demonstrate an understanding of the contribution of effective interdisciplinary teamwork for patient safety.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 3.5. Seeks and responds to practice review and feedback 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 1.3. Respects 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 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 7.1. Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions 6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 3.3. Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 3.6. Actively engages with the profession 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 2.8. Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons

Registered Nurses Standards for Practice -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
1.1		Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
1.2		Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.4		Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
1.5		Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
2		Standard 2: Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships
2.2		Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
2.3		Recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life
2.5		Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity
2.7		Actively fosters a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person- centered care
3		Standard 3: Maintains the capability for practice
3.4		Accepts accountability for decisions, actions, behaviours and responsibilities inherent in their role, and for the actions of others to whom they have delegated responsibilities
3.7		Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
4		Standard 4: Comprehensively conducts assessments
5		Standard 5: Develops a plan for nursing practice
5.1		Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
5.2		Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons
5.3		Documents, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes
5.4		Plans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement
5.5		Coordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions
6		Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice
6.1		Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
6.5		Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
6.6		Uses the appropriate processes to identify and report potential and actual risk related system issues and where practice may be below the expected standards
7		Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
7.2		Revises the plan based on the evaluation
7.3		Determines, documents and communicates further priorities, goals and outcomes with the relevant persons

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to the assessment items have been undertaken and updating of subject content completed.

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, of people’s experiences of health and illness and/or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning in this unit of study and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice. You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

NURS1004: Nursing Knowledge, Practice and Policy

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect