Outline

Overview

In this unit of study, students will examine nursing from historical, theoretical, professional, ethical and legal perspectives. An understanding of the role of the nurse in the provision of comprehensive person-centred care across different contexts, the importance of interprofessional collaboration and the principles underpinning the safe nursing practice 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 strategies required to enable effective partnerships with people across the lifespan and in the context of cultural and social diversity.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	NURS1002 or NURS1009. Students unable to take NURS1002 or NURS1009 and NURS1004 concurrently are advised to attempt NURS1004 before undertaking NURS1002 or NURS1009
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kylie Lovato, kylie.lovato@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Assessment 5: Final Exam Short Answer Questions	35%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assessment 2: Interprofessional Learning workshop Part A - Completion of hand hygiene certificate Part B - Attendance and participation in one (1) 2hr workshop Part C - Completion of team peer evaluation	0%	Week 03 Due date: 10 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Mar 2026	2-hour workshop	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Assessment 1: Online quiz Online quiz. Open for 24 hour duration.	5%	Week 03 Due date: 11 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 Mar 2026	10 questions (12 minutes duration).	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 3: Compare Nursing Theories Compare and contrast all three nursing theories (McCormack, Leninger and Ramsden) and application of cultural safety and person-centered care in nursing practice.	30%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Apr 2026	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 4: Video and Written Critique work in teams of 3-4 approx to create a clinical skills video. Critique your video in 1000 words using supporting evidence.	30%	Week 09 Due date: 29 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Apr 2026	Skills video max 5 minutes. 1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

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 2: Introductory Interprofessional workshop:

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.

Submission of all items and a satisfactory participation mark is a requirement for successful completion of this unit of study.

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

The online quiz is intended to meet early feedback assessment task requirements and 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 11th March at 2359 hours until Thursday 12th March at 2359 hours. You may choose the anytime within this 24 hour timeframe 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.

Please note - 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 3: Written essay, 1000 word essay on the following topic:

Compare three nursing theories (McCormack, B, Leninger, M and Ramsden, I) in terms of cultural safety and person-centred care.

This assessment requires you to write a 1000-word essay comparing three nursing theories - McCormack’s 'Person-Centred Practice Framework', Leininger’s 'Transcultural Nursing Theory', and Ramsden’s 'Cultural Safety framework', in relation to cultural safety and person-centred care. You will briefly outline the key concepts of each theory, then discuss how they guide nurses to deliver respectful, individualised and culturally responsive care. Your discussion should identify similarities and differences in how each framework understands culture, power, relationships and patient partnership, and how these ideas influence nursing practice.

You are required to support your discussion with academic literature.

This task aims to develop your critical thinking, academic writing and understanding of how nursing theory underpins safe, ethical and person-centred professional practice.

This assessment is due in Week 6 on Wednesday 1st April 2026 @23:59hours

Assessment 4: Group Video and Written Critique

Group video and written critique on your chosen practical scenario which students have learnt in their simulation lab classes to date.

A group of students must perform and video of a manual handling or patient care task (skills listed on canvas). Demonstrating sound knowledge of the skill, good communication and teamwork, hand hygiene, and use of PPE. For example, the patient (student volunteer), needs to be assisted/instructed how to safely get out of bed and then assisted to mobilise and sit safely in a chair.

Video

You are required to work in a team of 3-4 students to create one (1) clinical skills video followed by one (1) submission of written group critique of your video. You will need to record your group video in the independant practice lab (booking required). Each video should be no more than 5 minutes in duration and must be uploaded into Turnitin.

Written Critique

Following completion of the video as a team, as a group, you are required to write a 1000 word critique identifying the following;

1) Identify successes: Choose three key aspects of this procedure that went well, either by an individual or as a team, and explain how these actions align with best practice guidelines.

2) Identify opportunities for improvement: Choose three aspects that could be improved, and describe how adjustments could enhance future practice according to best practice.

3) Support with evidence: For each point above, provide evidence to explain why it was effective or why improvement is needed.

For each of the elements identified, students must refer back to the video and clearly articulate where in the procedure the elements occurred. For example, ...'handwashing occured at (00:20) prior to touching the patient'...

- You are required to use peer-reviewed journal articles and/or textbooks to support your work. Citations and references should be in accordance with the APA 7th Edition Guidelines.

- This assessment is due in week 9 on Wednesday 29th April @23:59hours

Why a Group Assessment? - This group assessment promotes collaborative teamwork and effective communication, reflecting the importance of ongoing practice development and continuous improvement to enhance the delivery of person-centred safe care (McCormack & McCance, 2006). Essential for being a Registered Nurse.

Assessment 5: Final exam

This exam will be held during exam week and will be a one (1) hour exam. Content will be taken from the lectures, tutorials, and clinical simulation laboratories in this subject throughout the entire teaching period.

The examination content will relate to learning outcomes 1-6.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 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. 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	Introduction to the Unit & Integrated Indigenous Person-Centered Framework	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Infection Prevention, Hand Hygiene, PPE & Waste Management.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Historical and Contemporary aspects of Nursing & Nursing Theories	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Nursing Practice then and now	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Infection prevention & Work, Health and Safety (WHS)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Manual Handling, Patient Positioning & Pressure Injury	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Identity, Culture & Representation in Nursing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Digital Professionalism in Nursing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Keeping Patients Safe - the NSQHS Framework	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Patient Mobility, use of Mobility Aids, and Safe Patient Movement	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Thinking Like a Nurse - Clinical Reasoning Cycle, & Framework for Practice Thinking	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Falls Prevention, Patient's with Confusion, and Health Communication	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Digital Health and AI - Transforming Contemporary Healthcare	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Mouth & Eye Care, Bedmaking, Shaving & Toileting	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Law and Ethics in Nursing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Safe, Legal and Ethical Nursing Practice	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Pressure Injury Assessment & Prevention	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Personal Hygiene, Bed bathing & Pressure Injury Assessment.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	End of Life Care	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Developing Nursing Care Plans. Receiving Clinical Handover & Preparation for Final Exam	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance and participation are monitored. Students are expected to attend, engage and participate in scheduled classes and required learning activities. Students must notify the school if they are, or will be, unable to attend a required learning activity; and apply for special consideration or special arrangements; or have an academic plan with relevant adjustments, where appropriate.

(a) Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.

(b) Students must attend/participate in minimum 90% of all tutorial classes scheduled per unit of study.

(c) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from tutorials due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two tutorial absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

(ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded

(d) Students must attend/participate in all practical classes (simulation labs and/or workshops) scheduled per unit of study.

(e) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from practical classes due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two practical class absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

(ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded.

(f) Students must attend/participate in any live/synchronous lectures, and view any recorded lectures, specified as compulsory per unit of study.

Note: Students must apply for Special Consideration for absence from any scheduled required learning activity which includes an assessment.

Referencing: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 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 Reading List 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. Discuss the history of nursing and influences that have shaped contemporary nursing identity and knowledge as a profession
LO2. Access, examine and apply nursing knowledge and evidence to inform holistic person centered and culturally safe nursing practice.
LO3. Reflect on and demonstrate awareness of own culture and worldviews for authentic culturally safe communication and person-centered nursing practice.
LO4. Discuss the varied use of digital health technologies in the provision of safe health care and their relevance to nursing practice.
LO5. Understand and articulate the importance of clinical governance, professional, legal and ethical frameworks to inform safe nursing practice.
LO6. Articulate the importance of effective communication and interprofessional collaboration and teamwork for patient safety and the provision of quality health care.

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 -

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
1.5		Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
2.2		Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
2.5		Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity
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
7		Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
7.1		Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes
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.

We appreciate the feedback provided by students. Based on last year's comments, changes to the assessment items have been made to better support your learning and tutorial structure and learning activities incorporate more learner engagement.

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time in this unit of study. This may include reference to for example, 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 you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them.

Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

Work, health and safety

To support your safety and learning, please arrive at simulation labs prepared as you would for a clinical environment. This includes:

Wearing appropriate clothing that allows you to move comfortably and safely
Ensuring long hair is tied back
Wearing closed, comfortable footwear suitable for standing and moving around

Simulation labs are treated as real ward environments. You will be required to move around the space, stand for extended periods, and safely use clinical equipment. Dressing appropriately helps ensure a safe, respectful, and realistic learning experience for everyone.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS1004: Nursing Knowledge, Practice and Policy

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links