Outline

Overview

Patients who experience severe traumatic injury or episodes of critical illness require advanced assessment and management in the pre-hospital phase, during transport to and stabilisation in the emergency department, and ongoing care in the intensive care unit. The critical illness/injury trajectory is complex and interdependent and effective care at each stage requires an appreciation of the care which has been provided as well as an understanding of potential ongoing management of the patient. In this unit of study we will examine the critical illness/injury trajectory from physiological and psychosocial perspectives. An evidence-based approach to patient management will focus on collaborative decision-making and the ways in which synthesised evidence informs patient care. This unit of study allows students to consolidate theoretical underpinnings of their practice and demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills and attributes required to care for critically ill or injured patients through the completion of clinical assessments.

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	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 work	Assessment 1a - focussed clinical question Mini-poster topic approval	5%	Week 01 Due date: 08 Aug 2025 at 23:59	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1b - 1 x A4 paper (Mini-poster) + 1 A4 paper refs+PRISMA diagram Poster, search strategy + annotations	40%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1 page - Mini-poster 1 page - PRISMA +	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Assessment 1c - peer review of mini-poster Peer review	10%	Week 08 Due date: 19 Sep 2025 at 23:59	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Assessment 2 - clinical assessment tasks (CATS) Skills based assessment	0%	Week 11 Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:59	4 CATS	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Assessment 3 - professional portfolio Portfolio	45%	Week 12 Due date: 24 Oct 2025 at 23:59	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1a - focussed clinical question: You will need to submit, via canvas, a focussed clinical question for the topic you wish to explore in your mini-poster. You will then receive feedback on the suitability of this topic.
Assessment 1b - mini-poster: Following approval of your focussed clinical question you will need to explore the relevant literature available in this area, you will then prepare and submit a mini-poster 1 x A4 paper (Mini-poster) +
Contents of the Poster must be on ONE page (first page - 1 x A4 paper Mini-poster)
You must include a major heading and subheadings
Second page must contain the following:
- References (minimum 10 references)
- Search strategy
- Key words
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Assessment 1c - peer review of mini-poster: As part of collaborative practice and sharing of information, mini-posters submitted electronically will be posted on the eLearning site for this unit of study so they can be viewed and accessed by your colleagues. Following submission you will be required to select one mini-poster to review. For your chosen mini-poster, post considered comments about the historical, technological, political and/or socio-cultural factors that could either challenge or support the implementation of recommendations made by the author of the mini-poster in your workplace.
Assessment 2 - clinical assessment tasks (CATS): As part of this Unit of Study you are required to successfully complete four clinical assessments.
Assessment 3 - professional portfolio: The portfolio explores the relationship between the regulatory requirements of self-declaration and ability to achieve and maintain competency standards, while providing an avenue of reflection that is crucial to professional growth. Students will develop a clinical portfolio that will be modelled on an integration of two types of approach; a standards-based approach and a process-orientated approach.

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 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:

5% per day up to 10 days

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 and tutorial (8 hr)
Week 01	Study day 2	Lecture and tutorial (8 hr)
Week 08	Study day 3	Lecture and tutorial (8 hr)
Week 08	Study day 4	Lecture and tutorial (8 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

Additional readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas. Study Day Readings are now on each Study Day platform as readings.

Aitken, L., Marshall, A., & Chaboyer, W. (Eds.) (2019). ACCCN’s Critical Care Nursing. (4th Edn) Sydney, Australia: Elsevier. Available as eBook via Library OR Curtis, K., Ramsden, C., Considine, J., Fry, M. & Shaban, R. Z. (Eds.) (2019), Emergency and Trauma Care for Nurses and Paramedics, (3rd Edn). Australia and New Zealand Edition, Sydney, Australia: Elsevier. Available as eBook via Library.
Hoffman, T. Bennett, S. & Del Mar, C. (2017) Evidence-based practice across the health professions, (3rd edn). Chatswood: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. (if you already own a similar text on evidence-based practice, it is not necessary to purchase this specific publication) Available as eBook via Library OR Whitehead, D., Ferguson, C., LoBiondo-Wood, G. ;Haber, J. (2020) Nursing & Midwifery Research: Methods and appraisal for evidence-based practice. (6th Edn) Sydney, Australia: Mosby-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. Demonstrate the use of independent corroboration of information to guide patient assessment and inform clinical decisions, including consideration of technological, political, and socio-cultural factors.
LO2. Demonstrate an ability to articulate your own practice in relation to critical care practice standards.
LO3. Demonstrate knowledge and mastery of key clinical nursing skills.
LO4. Critically analyse the importance of the patient and their family as informants to critical illness assessment and care, and physical and psychological recovery.

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. 1.1. Element 1: Applies a knowledge of relevant legislation, professional standards, policies and procedures to critical care nursing practice. 10.1. Element 1: Formulates and implements an integrated plan of care incorporating specialised knowledge to achieve desired patient outcomes. 7.2. Element 2: Negotiates and delegates care to optimise matching between nurses' scope of practice and the complexity of individual patients' care needs. Practice Standards for the Emergency Nursing Specialist - 9.1. Performance Standard: Demonstrates support for quality improvement within the emergency care environment. 9.2. Performance Standard: Utilises and supports the development of research within the emergency care environment. Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 3.3. Statement 3.3: Practices in accordance with federal, state and territorial legislation and professional regulation governing nurse practitioner practice
	Practice Standards for Specialist Critical Care Nurses - 1. Standard 1: Functions within professional and legal parameters of critical care nursing practice. 1.1. Element 1: Applies a knowledge of relevant legislation, professional standards, policies and procedures to critical care nursing practice. 11.3. Element 3: Anticipates, evaluates and responds effectively to physiological deterioration and emergency situations. 12.2. Element 2: Promotes and participates in quality activities to improve critical care patient outcomes. 13.1. Element 1: Establishes and maintains collaborative and constructive relationships with colleagues in critical care and in the broader health care team. 14.3. Element 3: Actively participates in promoting the profession of critical care. 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. 8.2. Element 2: Applies specialised knowledge in the use of critical care technologies. Practice Standards for the Emergency Nursing Specialist - 5.3. Performance Standard: Promotes the specialty of emergency nursing. 6.2. Performance Standard: Advocates for and provides consultancy in emergency nursing.
	Practice Standards for Specialist Critical Care Nurses - 1.1. Element 1: Applies a knowledge of relevant legislation, professional standards, policies and procedures to critical care nursing practice. 1.2. Element 2: Remains observant of the legal implications of actions taken within the critical care team and fulfils the duty of care in clinical practice. 1.4. Element 4: Applies the required legal and ethical framework for recording information in the critical care setting. 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. Standard 5: Provides patient and family-centred critical care 8.2. Element 2: Applies specialised knowledge in the use of critical care technologies. Practice Standards for the Emergency Nursing Specialist - 5.3. Performance Standard: Promotes the specialty of emergency nursing. 6.2. Performance Standard: Advocates for and provides consultancy in emergency nursing.
	Practice Standards for Specialist Critical Care Nurses - 1.1. Element 1: Applies a knowledge of relevant legislation, professional standards, policies and procedures to critical care nursing practice. 1.2. Element 2: Remains observant of the legal implications of actions taken within the critical care team and fulfils the duty of care in clinical practice. 1.4. Element 4: Applies the required legal and ethical framework for recording information in 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. 5. Standard 5: Provides patient and family-centred critical care Practice Standards for the Emergency Nursing Specialist - 5.3. Performance Standard: Promotes the specialty of emergency nursing. 6.2. Performance Standard: Advocates for and provides consultancy in emergency nursing.

Practice Standards for Specialist Critical Care Nurses -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		Element 1: Applies a knowledge of relevant legislation, professional standards, policies and procedures to critical care nursing practice.
1.3		Element 3: Recognises and responds to unsafe or unprofessional practices by reporting appropriately.
1.4		Element 4: Applies the required legal and ethical framework for recording information in the critical care setting.
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.
10.2		Element 2: Assesses effectiveness of nursing care to achieve desired outcomes and reviews plan accordingly.
10.3		Element 3: Enables continuity of care in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
11.1		Element 1: Initiates pre-emptive interventions in order to avoid complications.
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.
12.1		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.
3.1		Element 1: Accepts responsibility for own actions.
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.
5.1		Element 1: Involves the patient and family as active participants in the process of care.
5.2		Element 2: Practices with cultural sensitivity and awareness of social factors to enhance patient and family patient and family wellbeing.
5.3		Element 3: Personalises the patient care environment.
5.4		Element 4: Meets the comfort needs of patients and their families.
5.5		Element 5: Establishes, maintains and concludes therapeutic interpersonal relationships with patients and their families.
6.1		Element 1: Ensures a safe environment for patients, families and staff by identifying, minimising or eliminating risks.
7.3		Element 3: Optimises delivery of care through the effective use of human and physical resource management.
8.1		Element 1: Acts on assessment findings to appropriately initiate, monitor and manage therapeutic interventions.
8.2		Element 2: Applies specialised knowledge in the use of critical care technologies.
9.1		Element 1: Gathers, analyses and integrates data from a variety of sources, and acts on the significance of findings to formulate an individualised plan of care.

Practice Standards for the Emergency Nursing Specialist -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		Performance Standard: Provides a concise and timely assessment of the undiagnosed patient.
1.3		Performance Standard: Evaluates patient progress against predicted outcomes.
1.5		Performance Standard: Demonstrates the ability to provide patient and family-centred care.
2.2		Performance Standard: Communicates effectively with patient, family and support people.
4.1		Performance Standard: Practices to promote and maintain patient and staff safety.
4.3		Performance Standard: Utilises and manages material resources effectively and responsibly to promote optimal patient care
5.1		Performance Standard: Maintains own professional development.
7.1		Performance Standard: Complies with prevailing legislation and standards of best practice.
8.1		Performance Standard: Functions within an ethical framework.
9.1		Performance Standard: Demonstrates support for quality improvement within the emergency care environment.
9.2		Performance Standard: Utilises and supports the development of research within the emergency care environment.

Responding to student feedback

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

No changes

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.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5060: Complexity of Critical Illness and Injury

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links