Outline

Overview

Critical illness is associated with rapidly changing clinical presentations consequently nurses providing care for the critically ill must integrate complex physiological knowledge with advanced assessment skills in order to make sound clinical decisions. In this unit of study students will explore a variety of clinical presentations including those associated with single and multiple organ failure; traumatic injury; and chronic and complex illness. Management of these clinical conditions will be explored, specifically focusing on the evidence-base of interventions and their influence on patient outcome. Critical illness is also associated with short and longer term consequences for psychosocial wellbeing of both the patient and their family. As such, an emphasis will be placed on the experience of critical illness, psychosocial recovery and the influence of critical illness on the family unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	NURS5059
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Agness Tembo, agness.tembo@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 exam ?	Assessment 2: written examination Written examination	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1 (part A): evaluating information for intensive care practice Written assessment	20%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Aug 2025 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1 (part B): evaluating information for intensive care practice Written assessment	30%	Week 11 Due date: 08 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 (part A) - evaluating information for intensive care- research design: Assessment 1a requires you to work through the Information Use and Practice Thinking module available on Canvas for this unit of study. Assessment 1a comprises three activities which are focused on evaluating the design of quantitative and qualitative research.
Assessment 1 (part B) - evaluating information for intensive care- article critique: Assessment 1b requires you to select one paper from the provided list of published research papers relevant to contemporary intensive care nursing practice. You will undertake a review of the selected paper that would be suitable for publication in a journal.
Assessment 2 - written examination: The exam structure will be in the format of case scenarios of common presentations to intensive care units with associated short answer questions. You will be provided with information that is normally available to clinicians including, but not limited to, a clinical history, treatment and physiological parameters. Questions will focus on your ability to critically apply knowledge from lectures and your readings to the case scenarios, and determine, interpret, discuss, or describe clinical decisions and management strategies.

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 don’t 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.

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	Study day 1	Lecture (7 hr)
Week 01	Study day 2	Lecture (7 hr)
Week 08	Study day 3	Lecture (7 hr)
Week 08	Study day 4	Lecture (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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas and on the study day pages.

Aitken, L., Marshall, A., & Buckley, T. (2024). Critical care nursing (5th ed.). Elsevier Australia. (available as an eBook via University Library).

Whitehead, D., Ferguson, C., Faan, G. L., & Faan, J. H. (2020). Nursing and midwifery research: Methods and appraisal for evidence based practice (6th ed.). Elsevier. (available as an eBook via University Library)

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. engage in debate on research examining clinically meaningful outcomes and the impact of this focus on a research-base for intensive care nursing practice
LO2. (critically) analyse the plausibility of original research as a source of information on which to base clinical practice and decisions relevant to intensive care nursing practice
LO3. integrate knowledge of physiological processes, research evidence, and patient assessment data to explain the context, and justify the delivery of interventions in the critical-care setting
LO4. demonstrate theoretical knowledge that facilitates safe and effective nursing practice as a capable member of the multi-disciplinary team caring for physiologically dependent patients.

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
	Practice Standards for Specialist Critical Care Nurses - 1. Standard 1: Functions within professional and legal parameters of critical care nursing practice. 12.1. Element 1: Maintains an informed position in relation to current research studies and incorporates evidence-informed practice into the critical care setting. 12.2. Element 2: Promotes and participates in quality activities to improve critical care patient outcomes.
	Practice Standards for Specialist Critical Care Nurses - 12. Standard 12: Engages in and contributes to evidence-based critical care nursing practice. 12.1. Element 1: Maintains an informed position in relation to current research studies and incorporates evidence-informed practice into the critical care setting. 12.2. Element 2: Promotes and participates in quality activities to improve critical care patient outcomes.
	Practice Standards for Specialist Critical Care Nurses - 12. Standard 12: Engages in and contributes to evidence-based critical care nursing practice. 12.1. Element 1: Maintains an informed position in relation to current research studies and incorporates evidence-informed practice into the critical care setting. 12.2. Element 2: Promotes and participates in quality activities to improve critical care patient outcomes. 13. Standard 13: Collaborates with the critical care team and other health professionals to achieve desired outcomes.
	Practice Standards for Specialist Critical Care Nurses - 1.5. Element 5: Contributes to the formation of policies and protocols to ensure safe patient outcomes. 11.2. Element 2: Analyses alterations in physiological parameters and intervenes appropriately. 11.3. Element 3: Anticipates, evaluates and responds effectively to physiological deterioration and emergency situations. 12. Standard 12: Engages in and contributes to evidence-based critical care nursing practice. 12.1. Element 1: Maintains an informed position in relation to current research studies and incorporates evidence-informed practice into the critical care setting. 12.2. Element 2: Promotes and participates in quality activities to improve critical care patient outcomes. 13. Standard 13: Collaborates with the critical care team and other health professionals to achieve desired outcomes. 13.1. Element 1: Establishes and maintains collaborative and constructive relationships with colleagues in critical care and in the broader health care team.

Practice Standards for Specialist Critical Care Nurses -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.5		Element 5: Contributes to the formation of policies and protocols to ensure safe patient outcomes.
10.1		Element 1: Formulates and implements an integrated plan of care incorporating specialised knowledge to achieve desired patient outcomes.
11.1		Element 1: Initiates pre-emptive interventions in order to avoid complications.
12.1		Element 1: Maintains an informed position in relation to current research studies and incorporates evidence-informed practice into the critical care setting.
12.2		Element 2: Promotes and participates in quality activities to improve critical care patient outcomes.
14.1		Element 1: Assesses own abilities and engages in activities to enhance personal and professional development.
2.1		Element 1: Applies knowledge of, and advocates for, the rights of patients and their families in critical care settings.
4.1		Element 1: Demonstrates an accurate knowledge of contemporary ethical issues underpinning critical care nursing practice, and complies with the profession's code of ethics and code of conduct.
4.2		Element 2: Contributes to multidisciplinary ethical discussion and decision-making processes or frameworks within the critical care setting.
5.2		Element 2: Practices with cultural sensitivity and awareness of social factors to enhance patient and family patient and family wellbeing.
5.4		Element 4: Meets the comfort needs of patients and their families.
8.1		Element 1: Acts on assessment findings to appropriately initiate, monitor and manage therapeutic interventions.

Responding to student feedback

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

There are no changes made to this unit. 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. Updated assessment submission information: Unit Outline: 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.

Additional information

More information can be accessed 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.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

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

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5055: Intensive Care 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

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links