Outline

Overview

This unit of study focuses on the ways in which individuals subjectively experience illness and care. The unit also introduces students to the qualitative research methodologies used to explore illness experience; a range of illness experiences are then examined. Attention is drawn to such factors as illness and the body, emotions arising in illness, issues of self-identity and social attitudes to illness and disability. With this knowledge about illness experience in mind, the nurse-patient relationship underpinned by the concept of patients as partners is then critically examined. Within a communication-based framework, students focus on ideas about therapeutic listening and use of self, as well as the concept of knowledge transfer as it is relevant to nurse-patient interactions. Students also engage with contemporary debates about the nature of nurse-patient interactions and relationships and explore the way these might vary in different health care settings, and with people from different social and cultural backgrounds, including indigenous people. These new skills are then applied during a professional experience placement with an emphasis on therapeutic and interprofessional communication.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	NURS5081
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Louise Sheehy, louise.sheehy@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
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Assessment 5: Off-campus clinical placement Clinical placement	0%	Multiple weeks	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assessment 1A Visualising Lived Experience of Illness Group creative task using qualitative literature to map the lived experience of illness and present a brief visual interpretation for discussion	10%	Week 05 Due date: 04 Sep 2026 at 23:59	In-class group task	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 2 Critical Appraisal of Qualitative Studies Individual pre‑recorded video analysing qualitative research for practice	35%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 23:59	10-12 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assessment 1B: Visualising Lived Experience of Illness Group creative task using qualitative literature to map the lived experience of illness and present a brief visual interpretation for discussion	10%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2026 at 23:59	In-class group task	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 4 Critical Essay person‑centered, culturally safe care Individual 2,000-word essay on person-centred and culturally safe care	45%	Week 09 Due date: 05 Oct 2026 at 23:59	2,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Assessment 3A: Pre-ICE workshop quiz Interprofessional Communication Education (ICE) pre-workshop quiz	0%	Week 09	90 mins	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Assessment 3B:Interprofessional Communication Education (ICE) workshops Mandatory completion of ICE pre-work and interprofessional workshop	0%	Week 09	Workshop attendance & groupwork	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1A and 1B: Creative Lived Experience Map and Image (2 × 10%)

In small groups during two tutorials, students create a visual map or PowerPoint image that explore the lived experience of an assigned illness through a qualitative theme, drawing on set qualitative articles. Groups give a brief in‑class explanation and upload a photo of their map and their one‑slide PowerPoint file.

Assessment 2: Qualitative Evidence Video Presentation (35%)

Students record an individual 10–12 minute video presentation in which they select one case scenario, search for and select three primary qualitative studies, critically appraise them using an appraisal tool, and explain how the findings illuminate the person’s lived experience and inform practical nursing actions. A submission template and full instructions are provided.

Assessment 3A: ICE Interprofessional Communication Education Workshops- Pre-Quiz (0%, hurdle)
Students must complete online pre‑work (podcasts, quiz and transition‑of‑care preparation)

Assessment 3B: ICE Interprofessional Communication Education Workshops (0%, hurdle)
Students must attend an interprofessional workshop organised at faculty level. Completion is a mandatory hurdle requirement: students must meet the required standard in this assessment in order to pass the unit. Detailed information for this requirement is available on Canvas and on the ICE Canvas site.

Assessment 4: Critical Essay/ Screen Text Analysis – Person‑Centred and Culturally Safe Care (45%)
Students write a 2,000 word critical essay analysing a prescribed documentary or TV episode that portrays illness or healthcare. They examine how the text represents the lived experience of illness and care, and critically apply person‑centred care and cultural safety frameworks, supported by relevant qualitative literature.

Asssessment 5: Off-campus clinical assessment (Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory)

Duration 80 hours

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
Multiple weeks	Clinical placement	Placement (80 hr)
Week -01	1. Introduction and unit overview; 2. Information on clinical placements	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	1. Bodies and boundaries; 2. Illness and the body	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Health, illness and surveillance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Researching illness experiences: qualitative methodologies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Guest speakers: personal illness stories	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Guest speaker: illness story	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Person-centred care	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	1. Emotional labour; 2. Therapeutic communications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	The nurse-patient/family relationship with older persons in acute hospital settings	Lecture (2 hr)
	Hospitalisation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Interdisciplinary communication skills (interprofessional activity)	Practical (1 hr)
	Communication micro skills	Practical (1 hr)
Week 08	1. Nurse-patient communication on sensitive and difficult topics; 2. Managing stress and distress in nursing practice	Lecture (2 hr)
	Communication microskills with actor	Practical (1 hr)
	Interdisciplinary communication skills (interprofessional activity)	Practical (1 hr)
Week 10	1. The nurse-patient relationship in adolescent nursing; 2. Revision and discussion about Assessment 4	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Tutorial 3	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: It is expected that all students participate and fully engage with this unit of study by attending all teaching-related activity (e.g. lectures, tutorials, laboratories, workshops), being prepared for tutorials and laboratories or workshops, contributing to discussions in class and online, and providing and receiving feedback in a respectful and professional manner.

In line with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) approved curriculum, students are required to attend a minimum of 90% of all tutorials and 100% of any clinical simulation laboratories or workshops, and should engage with lecture content synchronously or asynchronously, in line with delivery mode and timetable. Students who are absent for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, without permission or approval from the Unit of Study Coordinator, are likely to be deemed to have failed that unit of study.

Please note: Clinical placement is required to be completed within 8 months of the theoretical component or you will receive an absent fail for the Unit of Study, see:

Clinical Placement Provisions

10(7) Students who do not satisfactorily complete a unit specific clinical placement within eight months of completion of the theoretical component of the associated unit of study will receive an absent fail grade for the unit of study.

This means your non-attendance for this allocated placement will result in an Absent Fail grade for the unit. The rules relating to your degree are externally accredited by ANMAC so there is little flexibility, and these are designed to support application of theory to practice and ultimately patient safety.

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.

Assignment formatting guidelines: Unless the unit coordinator has indicated otherwise, please make sure your submitted assessments are formatted as follows:

font: use Calibri or Times New Roman in 11 - 12 point
double line spacing
margins: 2.5cm each side
use page numbers
refer to assessment instructions for use of title and headings

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

Please refer to NURS5204/ NURS5006 Canvas site

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. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the nature of human experience, reality construction, subjectivity and meaning making, particularly in relation to experiences of illness
LO2. explore and articulate a coherent understanding of the range of human emotions and behaviours that can occur in response to illness across a range of contexts and diverse cultural groups
LO3. develop and demonstrate in clinical practice, the ability to communicate within interpersonal relationships in health care and to think critically about how these relationships might impact upon on patient comfort, health outcomes and family experience
LO4. develop and demonstrate in clinical practice, beginning skills in therapeutic listening to foster engagement, promote empathy and to respond appropriately to the communication needs of specific patient groups
LO5. identify and critically analyse published qualitative research articles demonstrating a variety of methodological approaches

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. 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 1.3. 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
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 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 1.3. 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 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations 2.1. Establishes, sustains and concludes relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships 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 2.8. Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health 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 5. Standard 5: Develops a plan for nursing 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 - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing 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 2.2. 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 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 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 2.3. Recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life

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
1.3		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		Standard 2: Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships
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
2.5		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
2.8		Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
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
3.5		Seeks and responds to practice review and feedback
4		Standard 4: Comprehensively conducts assessments
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		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
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
6.2		Practises within their scope of practice
6.5		Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
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.

The unit has been slightly modified based on last year's USS.

Additional information

Off-campus clinical experience: For this unit, students are required to undertake 80 hours of clinical experience in a primary health care setting. This clinical placement will take place in general practice or primary health care facility and depending on the facility, will allow you to explore communications and patient assessment skills, observing human growth and development, observing pre and post hospital presentations, and the presentation and treatment of chronic diseases.

More information can be found on Canvas.

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.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Handbook

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5006: Illness Experience and Nursing 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links