Outline

Overview

In this unit of study, students will be introduced to the theoretical and practical aspects of holistic health assessment. Inclusive assessment knowledge and practices are the foundation of accurate nursing judgement and characterise a process that occurs with each nurse-patient encounter. Theoretical and practical aspects of holistic nursing are the first two steps in the nursing assessment process of the Clinical Reasoning Cycle. Diversity and inclusivity, and non-discriminatory and unbiased ways of engaging, will be discussed as fundamental aspects of equitable, comprehensive healthcare assessment. Students will be introduced to person-centred processes of being authentically engaged and sympathetically present in their interactions with people, considering the Indigenous historical, social, and political contexts that influence lived experience, and the ways nurses can provide a healing physical environment that enhances culturally safe assessment practices.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	NURS1004
Prohibitions ?	NURS1002
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Felicity Essey, felicity.elias@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 Written examination	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Assessment 6: Clinical Placement Professional experience placement (Off campus)	0%	Multiple weeks	120hrs	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Assessment 1A: Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) Mandatory to access canvas, Academic records. Pre-requisite for assessment 1B	0%	Week 02 Due date: 08 Mar 2026 at 23:00	20-30 Minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Performance	Assessment 1B: Chatbot communication assessment Conduct an adult admission using a chatbot and submit a screen recording	5%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:00	5 minute presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Assessment 2: Blood pressure module and quizzes Pre-requisite for assessment 4: CPA	0%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:00	3 modules and quizzes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1C: Chatbot communication reflection. Written reflection on the communication techniques used during the admission process	10%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Apr 2026 at 23:00	800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 3: Case study report Written report based on case study	40%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:00	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Assessment 4:Clinical performance appraisal (CPA) Clinical Performance Appraisal (on Campus)	0%	Week 11	25 minutes + 10 minutes reading time.	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = 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 1A: Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)

Completion of the mandatory Academic Honesty Education Module if you are a new student commencing study in a new course.
AHEM must be completed by 8 March 2026.
Students who do not complete this by the deadline will have restrictions to access Canvas and their academic record will be suppressed. Assessment 1B will also be impacted and not marked.
If students have any problems accessing or completing the module, they should contact the Office of Educational Integrity at educational.integrity@sydney.edu.au.

Assessment 2: Blood Pressure Modules & Quizzes

Complete the compulsory module "Skills for accurate blood pressure measurement" on Canvas and three (3) quizzes on the topics of methods and devices, clinical scenarios, and BP measurement.
Please note students cannot progress to Assessment 4 - Clinical Performance Appraisal (CPA) until this module has been completed.
Must be completed by 29/03/2026

Assessment 1B: Early Feedback Task - Chatbot Nursing Admission

You are required to talk to the chatbot and complete an admission form based on your conversation with the chatbot. This needs to be a screen recording and submitted.
Duration: 5 minutes (Length of screen recording)
Format: Individual submission online

Assessment 1C: Reflection

Using a reflective cycle analyse the communication techniqes used during your admission with the chatbot
800 words
Format: Individual, written report

Assessment 3: Case Study

A 2000-word written report on a case study, as well as a 250-word reflection on their understanding of the University's policy on Academic Honesty.
Format: Individual, written report. Use template (as needed)

Assessment 4: Clinical Performance Appraisal (CPA)

A simulated clinical exam to evaluate student competence in performing core clinical skills.
Duration: 25 minutes + 10 minutes reading time
Format: Individual, Skills-based evaluation (ON-Campus)

Assessment 5: Final Exam

A written exam with associated short/long answer questions. Content is taken from lectures, tutorials, clinical simulation laboratories, and pre-work.
Duration: 2 hours + 10 minutes reading time
Format: Individual, closed-book, paper-based exam.

Assessment 6: Clinical Placement

Completion of an 80-hour clinical placement in a facility off-campus. Students must submit and meet verification requirements and complete a clinical eLogbook documenting the satisfactory performance of nursing skills
Format: Individual, skills-based assessment (OFF-Campus)

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 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.

Grade	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard
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 of UOS and staff Ice breakers with Batyr	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 01	CSL orientation, admission and discharge planning, introduction to ISBAR	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Consent, culturally safe care and introduction A to G assessment	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to TPR and O2 sats, SAGO documentation and ISBAR	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Clinical communication- ISBAR, DETECT/BTF pain assessment and A and B assessment principles.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	IPPA techniques, Respiratory assessment and PEAK flow	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Cardiac assessment	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to BP and documentation	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Cardiac assessment continues, Introduction of case study focus on health history and background	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Neuromuscular assessment, peripheral vascular assessment, ISBAR and documenting progress notes	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Neurological assessment, ACVPU, GCS and pain assessment	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Assessing GCS, pupil size and reaction, Pain assessment	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Assessment of exposure, fluids and abdominal assessment	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Urine analysis, Fluid balance documentation, abdominal assessment	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Endocrine system, BGL	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	BGL, end of life care.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	BLS	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	BLS practical	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Exam revision	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	HIFI sim	Practical (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.

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

Refer to required weekly readings and Pre-work and the reading list.

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. Understand and demonstrate at a beginning level holistic nursing assessment and documentation skills for the care of individuals across the lifespan
LO2. Discuss at a beginning level the purpose of a range of assessment data and data collection processes that inform nursing practice.
LO3. Articulate and demonstrate awareness of own culture/values and anti-discriminatory and ant-racist beliefs and values that foster culturally safe nursing assessment practices.
LO4. Describe and demonstrate person-centred communication strategies that enable shared decision making for health assessment when caring for individuals across the lifespan.
LO5. Access, appraise and apply information from a range of knowledges and sources to inform safe nursing practice in relation to health assessment.

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
	National Practice Standards for Nurses in General Practice - 1.5. Standard 5: Demonstrates nursing leadership. 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 1.3. 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 1.4. 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 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations 4.1. Conducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate 4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan 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 2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights 2.6. Uses delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes 3.1. Considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and well being of self and others in relation to the capability for practice 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health 3.3. Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others 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 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
	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 1.3. 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 1.4. 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 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations 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 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 2.1. Establishes, sustains and concludes relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal 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 4.1. Conducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate 4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice 4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral 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
	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 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations 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 4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice 4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral 4.4. Assesses the resources available to inform planning. 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation

Registered Nurses Standards for Practice -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
2		Standard 2: Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships
3		Standard 3: Maintains the capability for practice
4		Standard 4: Comprehensively conducts assessments
5		Standard 5: Develops a plan for nursing practice
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
7		Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice

Responding to student feedback

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

This is a newly developed unit of study and is in its first year of implementation. This unit and content has been integrated with NURS 1001.

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 references 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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS1009: Foundational Nursing Practice

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links