Outline

Overview

This unit of study explores ways of expanding nursing practice. Nurses practising at an advanced practice level incorporate professional leadership, education, research and support of systems into their practice. Their practice includes relevant expertise, critical thinking, complex decision?making, autonomous practice and is effective and safe. They work within a generalist or specialist context and they are responsible and accountable in managing people who have complex healthcare requirements. The characteristics for expanded nursing practice are shaped by the contexts in which nurses practice including organisational needs. Nursing practice is informed by theory, evidence, experiential learning, legislation and by relevant nursing professional bodies and associations. In order to expand practice, nurses need to have comprehensive knowledge, skills and clinical competence relevant to the context of their practice, with the primary motivation to meet the healthcare needs of people. Therefore, this unit will assist students to envisage possibilities for expanding nursing practice within existing professional, organisational and legislative frameworks. As part of expanding the individual nurse’s repertoire, students will have the opportunity to further develop specialist knowledge and practice related to a specific practice topic.

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	Donna Waters, donna.waters@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 1: Project proposal Written assessment - satisfactory/unsatisfactory	0%	Week 03 Due date: 20 Aug 2025 at 23:59	Maximum 2 x A4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	ASSESSMENT 2: Evidence for expanding practice Narrated video presentation - no more than six (6) PowerPoint slides.	35%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Sep 2025 at 23:59	10 minute video pitch	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	ASSESSMENT 3A: Project Progress Report Written assessment - Brief Report	5%	Week 10 Due date: 15 Oct 2025 at 23:59	Maximum 2 x A4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	ASSESSMENT 3B: Project Report Written assessment - Major Report	60%	Week 13 Due date: 12 Nov 2025 at 23:59	As required (+ appendices if required)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

ASSESSMENT 1: Project Proposal: You will choose an area of nursing practice where you would like to expand your current capabilities. This change (expansion) in practice needs to be achievable within your current employment situation and have a realistic time frame so that it can be achieved (or nearly achieved) by the end of semester. You will nominate one of the following domains which relates to your selected area of practice: direct clinical care, education or support of service. The proposal will address:
1) How this area of nursing practice is expanded from your current practice.
2) The evidence you will provide to support learning and actual expanded nursing practice.
3) Justification for selecting the area of expanded practice.
ASSESSMENT 2: Evidence for Expanding Pactice: You will access and appraise research evidence to support the elements of your approved project (Assessment 1). This evidence will be used to 'pitch' an argument for expanding your chosen area of practice. A review of literature and video presentation will support your 10 minute pitch, relating evidence to the expansion of your scope of practice and planned career trajectory.
ASSESSMENT 3A: Project Progress Report
You will develop a brief report that: outlines what you have accomplished in relation to your project by week 9, identifies what you still need to do, and highlights any challenges encountered. This written report will also form the basis of grpup discussion sessions during Study Day 4.
ASSESSMENT 3B: Project Report: You will prepare a comprehensive report, which incorporates a compilation of information and evidence that demonstrates your learning and achievement in relation to expanding your nursing practice capabilities.

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	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
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	Learning outcomes
Week 02	Study Days 1-2. Advanced practice nursing: This teaching block will include: - Exploration of definitions and literature related to advanced nursing practice and the advanced practice nurse - Ethical and legal considerations for advanced and extended clinical nursing practice - Clinical examples of expanded nursing practice - Educational theory and the relationship to health professional learning - Educational needs of the clinical workforce	Block teaching (15 hr)
Week 11	Study Days 3-4. Nursing Management and Leadership: This teaching block will explore: - Change management - Leading practice change - Leading Innovation - Resilient leadership and practice	Block teaching (15 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. 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

Relevant readings will be made available on Canvas throughout the semester. Students are expected to explore relevant literature as part of this unit of study.

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. identify, investigate and critique the influence of expanded and advanced nursing practice roles
LO2. appraise and critique different models of care and the complex issues that impact on nursing practice and service
LO3. demonstrate comprehensive knowledge, skill and judgement to articulate an evidence-informed argument for expanded nursing practice in the domain of comprehensive care, education, and/or support of systems

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Amendments have been made to assessments in this unit based on feedback from students during 2023. These assessment adjustments incorporate re-allocation of weighting and adjustment to word counts.

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive or potentially distressing or disturbing content might be discussed from time to time during Study Days. This may include reference to for example, discrimination, assault, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics, if raised, are addressed in the context of your learning and your knowledge and skill development for expanded nursing practice.

As these topics may organically arise during the course of discussions on Study Days, it is not possible to advise students before the information/ topic is presented. If the nature of any 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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5061: Expanding 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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links