Outline

Overview

This final semester unit of study prepares students for the realities of nursing work, focusing on best nursing practice and the decision-making skills required to care for multiple patients with complex care needs. Students will build on and consolidate theoretical and practical knowledge gained from other units in the degree program and will have the opportunity to think critically about the clinical, social and organisational complexities they will face as registered nurses. A critical enquiry approach will be used to identify contextual factors that influence decision making in the context of contemporary practice and health service delivery. Students will explore critical issues and challenges affecting nursing practice and healthcare. These include the rate, pace and scope of change in contemporary health care settings, most common 'ways of working' in nursing today, the challenge of integrating high levels of automation with person centred care, the impact of the digital revolution and emerging artificial intelligence, the complexities of interdisciplinary teamwork in highly charged work environments, the increasing emphasis on patient self-management and associated role of family carers and supporters, and the importance of discharge planning, prioritisation and patient advocacy. Underpinning the unit is a framework that places the patient and their family front and centre whatever the setting, recognising them as partners in care and incorporating appropriate communication, time management and critical reflection strategies.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	48 credit points of 1000 level units and 36 credit points of 2000 level units including NURS2011 and NURS3008
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	NURS3011
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jillian Davey, jillian.davey@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Assessment 3: Transition of Care Discharge Plan Discharge Plan	35%	Formal exam period Due date: 26 Nov 2025 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1: Report Short report based on a case study	40%	Week 04 Due date: 27 Aug 2025 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 2A: Group Oral Presentation - Complex Patient Education Package Oral Presentation	20%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2025 at 23:59	10 mins/ 1000 words in Facilitator Notes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 2B: Individual Reflection of Group Work Written Reflection	5%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Sep 2025 at 23:59	300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 - Report: Students are required to submit an individual written report evaluating the impacts on service delivery and patient experience in relation to a person living with disability. Due in Week 4 26/08/2026 23:59.

Assessment 2A - Group Oral Presentation: Students are required to work in groups to develop and present an education package on a topic focusing on a patient in the Week 3 Hi-Fi Simulation presented in their tutorial in Week 7 16/09/2026.

Assessment 2B - Reflection: Students are required to submit an individual reflection on their experience in relation to their group work for Assessment 3A. Due in Week 8 23/09/2026 23:59.

Assessment 3 - Report : Students are required to submit an individual written report in relation to an Indigenous Australian diagnosed with a stroke focusing on discharge planning. Due in Week 16 23/11/2026 23:59.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items, and each submission needs to be of an assessable standard, in order to be eligible 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 do not 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.

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 Unit; Patient Transfer	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Patient Transfer	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Rural and Remote Nursing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	AM Shift - Patient transfers	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Organisational Complexity; Ways of Working; Non-Technical Skills	Lecture (2 hr)
	Non-Technical Skills; Time Management	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Hi-Fi Sim: Complex Patient	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Complex Care; Social Worker/Case Management; Referrals	Lecture (2 hr)
	Planning care for patients	Tutorial (2 hr)
	PM Shift - Patients requiring complex care	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Complex Wounds; Intravenous Heparin	Lecture (1 hr)
	Complex Wounds; Intravenous Heparin	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Night Shift - Patients requiring complex care	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Technology in Nursing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digital Health Capability Framework	Tutorial (2 hr)
	AM Shift - New admission diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Polypharmacy; Nutrition; Transition of Care (Discharge)	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assessment 2A: Group Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	PM Shift - Delirium Transition of Care	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Ways of Working; Climate Change	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance BN [AS]

Students are expected to attend, engage and participate in all 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. Students must apply for Special Consideration for absence from any scheduled required learning activity which includes an assessment. For additional information, please review the policy here

Attendance and participation are monitored.

Students should attend and participate in all required learning activities in person, except for (a) pre-recorded lectures, which students may view in their own time; and (b) other sessions as specified by the unit coordinator. Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.
Students must attend/participate in any live/synchronous lectures, and view any recorded lectures, specified as compulsory per unit of study.
Any anticipated absences or late arrivals should be clearly communicated to your unit of study coordinator as soon as possible. Your email should clearly state your name and the day and time you will be absent and should be emailed via your university email address; your unit of study coordinator will advise you accordingly.

Students must attend/participate in minimum 90% of all tutorial classes scheduled per unit of study. 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. Any unexplained absences are a breach of professionalism, and a potential risk of not passing the unit of study. Not meeting attendance requirements could lead to an Absent Fail grade and referral to the School’s Student Professionalism Committee.

(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.

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

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 and supplementary resources for this unit can be accessed via 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. Apply previously learned knowledge and skills to the management and coordination of care for patients who have complex health care needs.
LO2. Recognise the importance of patients as partners in planning, design, delivery, measurement and evaluation of systems and services.
LO3. Demonstrate an understanding of eHealth for efficient, timely, patient-centred healthcare.
LO4. Consider the services and support available to the elderly in rural and remote areas of Australia.
LO5. Demonstrate an awareness of the potential health impacts related to climate change.
LO6. Demonstrate an awareness of professional, legal and ethical challenges that influence practice and service delivery for patients who have complex health care needs.

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 - 1.1. 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 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations 1.7. Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research 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 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 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 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 2.4. Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions 2.5. Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity 2.6. Uses delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes 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 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health 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 4.3. 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 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons 6.2. Practises within their scope of practice 7.3. Determines, documents and communicates further priorities, goals and outcomes 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 1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions 2.8. Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health
	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 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 2.4. Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions 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 4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform 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 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 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 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health 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 - 1.4. 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 2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation

Responding to student feedback

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

No major changes have been made to the Unit of Study NURS3019.

Additional information

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University’s Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University’s Privacy Statement.

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, discrimination, assault, suicide, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning 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.

Work, health and safety

Please adhere to the clinical laboratory guidelines and make sure you have completed the orientation quiz.

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

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

NURS3019: Complexities of Care

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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