Outline

Overview

The unit will address characteristics of the registered nurse role and how specialty-focused nursing practice impacts on patient care. Students will undertake an exploration of the accuracy of data and information used to formulate evidence-based practice. In particular, students will explore the research evidence that supports contemporary clinical nursing practice and examine how this evidence can be used to deliver clinical nursing practice to different patient groups. To investigate the evidence base for nursing practice, students will examine in detail an area of current relevant practice. This topic will be related to their own contemporary practices and students will investigate the evidence base and how this supports or changes current practice.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Taneal Wiseman, taneal.wiseman@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Assessment 1A: Nursing practice outline Written work	5%	Week 03 Due date: 20 Aug 2025 at 23:59	250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1B: Nursing practice critique Assessment 1B: Nursing practice critique based on assessment 1A	45%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 2A: Abstract for clinical case study Written abstract to outline case study for presenting in assessment 2B	15%	Week 09 Due date: 08 Oct 2025 at 23:59	Maximum 500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 2B: Video case study presentation Video presentation	35%	Week 12 Due date: 29 Oct 2025 at 23:59	Maximum 15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

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 1 A -Nursing practice proposal due 20th August. Students will select an area of nursing practice relevant to their workplace and conduct a search of current and relevant literature to explore this area in detail. Your outline should include the area in which you work and the area of practice specific to you, and a 250 word summary of the evidence you found related to this area of clinical practice.

Assessment 1B- Critique of nursing practice essay due 17th September.

Students must select an area of nursing practice relevant to their workplace and conduct a search of current and relevant literature to critique this area. (The critique is more about evidence than the area of nursing practice). Following their database search the students must select four (4) research articles directly related to the chosen area. These can be qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods or literature reviews. Students must use these four articles to critique their chosen area of practice. Within this critique students must discuss the quality of the research articles they have chosen, and include a search strategy (e.g. databases searched, keywords used and how they narrowed down their search to 4 articles). The discussion on the quality of the research articles should include the objectives of the study, the setting and sample, method, results and discussion.

Assessment 2A: Abstract for a case report due 8th October.

Students need to submit a 500 word abstract outlining a case study based on a patient they have cared for in their area of clinical practice. Your case report should be arranged into three subsections; Introduction (this should include any definitions and why the case is important plus anything that is already known about the case), Case presentation (This should clearly detail the patient’s condition and other relevant information such as past medical history, current presentation and known or suspected diagnosis), conclusion (summary of the importance of your chosen case). Please include a reference list.

Assessment 2B: Case study video presentation Due 29th October.

Students are required to present their case study. This presentation will be delivered via a video and should include some slides to accompany the presentation. Your presentation should be based on the abstract submitted for 3A and include; Introduction of the patient, the patient’s condition, management and diagnosis and a summary of the presentation. Your presentation should discuss how the evidence links to the case study. Please be creative with your video presentation to make it engaging and understandable. It should be no longer than 15 minutes in length.

Assessment criteria

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

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

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

For more information see 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	Learning outcomes
Week 05	On-campus study day	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
Week 05	On-campus study day	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance Requirements:

It is expected that all students participate and fully engage with this unit of study by attending all teaching-related activity (e.g. study days, 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. Students are required to attend a minimum all Study Days and related in-person or online teaching activity. Students who are absent from study days in a particular unit of study without approval, in any one semester, are at risk of being deemed to have failed that unit of study.

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.

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. critique primary research and compilations of this research by examining the plausibility of the information
LO2. undertake an in-depth exploration of the evidence-base related to an area of contemporary clinical nursing practice, and identify the limitations of the research
LO3. investigate the impact of contemporary clinical nursing practice on the provision of patient care in clinical settings
LO4. synthesise different forms of evidence related to nursing practice, and critically analyse the credibility of the practice in relation to the evidence.

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 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 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 4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons 5.4. Plans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan

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
1.7		Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research
2.4		Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions
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
3.3		Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others
3.5		Seeks and responds to practice review and feedback
4.4		Assesses the resources available to inform planning.
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
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
7.2		Revises the plan based on the evaluation
7.3		Determines, documents and communicates further priorities, goals and outcomes with the relevant persons

Responding to student feedback

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

Minor edits to structure and content have been made since the unit was last offered in 2024.

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, 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.

Disclaimer

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

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

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

NURS5044: Exploring Nursing Practice

Semester 2, 2025 [Block mode] - 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

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