Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of professional nursing; 'what it is and what it is not' (Nightingale, 1859) and to observe and explore the roles and relationships among nurses, patients and other health professionals within the health care setting. This unit will introduce students to the fundamentals of nursing care that include the physical, psychosocial and relational aspects of care across the lifespan and within diverse socio-cultural groups. To assist the student to develop an understanding of nursing practice they will be introduced to critical thinking and a clinical reasoning model focusing on assessment, planning, the implementation of comprehensive care interventions and how to evaluate person-centred care with patients as partners. In addition, students will develop a beginning level of competence and understanding of the essentials of communication, interprofessional education and digital health technologies.

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	Astrid Frotjold, astrid.frotjold@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Assessment 5: Final exam Exam with short-medium length answers.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Assessment 6: Off campus clinical assessment Clinical placement	0%	Multiple weeks	80 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assessment 1: Interprofessional (IPL) Introductory Workshop Participation and peer review submission	0%	Multiple weeks	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Assessment 2: Practice development ePortfolio: Video 2a & 2b Development of two (2) clinical skills videos with reflection and critique.	20%	Multiple weeks Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Apr 2026	Maximum 10 minutes each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assessment 3: Skills for accurate blood pressure measurement module Online module	0%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Jun 2025	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 4: Concept Map and critical analysis essay Concept Map and Essay	40%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Jun 2026	1800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 Introductory Interprofessional workshop: Students will work in interprofessional teams to foster effective collaboration for the future improvement of health outcomes. This workshop will provide an opportunity to build and develop students' understanding of role identification, effective communication and teamwork. Students will be required to participate in teams to complete activities that have been developed to promote collaborative practice. Following the activities there will be a debriefing session where students can reflect on their team performance and relate this to health care. Obtaining a satisfactory grade in this activity is a requirement for successful completion of this unit of study.
Assessment 2 Practice Development ePortfolio: Students are required to work in a team of 3-4 to create two (2) clinical skills videos followed by a critique and relection on your practice. Each video should be no more than 12 minutes in duration. Please note that this is a video of your practice session and does not have to be perfect. Following the completion of each video as a team you must complete a critique of your work.
Assessment 3 Skills for accurate blood pressure measurement module: Students are required to complete the blood pressure module and achieve 70% or above in the three quizzes: Methods and Devices quiz, Clinical Scenario quiz and BP measurement practice located on the NURS 5081 Canvas site.
Assessment 4 Concept Map and Critical Analysis

Drawing on the case of Mrs Aroha Patel, critically evaluate how the integration of the Fundamentals of Care framework, Person-centred Practice framework, and Cultural Safety principles can support the delivery of holistic nursing care. This assessment has 2 parts:

PART A: CONCEPT MAP (10 marks)

Create a comprehensive concept map that visually represents how the Fundamentals of Care framework, the Person-centred Practice framework, and cultural safety principles can be integrated to provide holistic nursing care for Mrs Aroha Patel.
Content Requirements:

Place Mrs Aroha Patel as the central concept

Include all three frameworks/principles as major branches:

Fundamentals of Care framework
Person centred care approach
Cultural safety principles

Show specific elements/components of each framework

Demonstrate connections and relationships between the frameworks (integration)

PART B: CRITICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY (30 marks)

Drawing on the case of Mrs Aroha Patel, critically evaluate how the integration of the Fundamentals of Care framework, Person-centred Practice framework, and cultural safety principles can support the delivery of holistic nursing care.

5. Assessment 5 Final Exam: A 2 hour short-medium answer exam will be held in exam week. The exam will cover content from lectures, tutorials and simulation studio sessions.

6. Assessment 6 Off campus clinical assessment: Performance during clinical experience weeks. For this unit, the clinical component will attract a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade. Obtaining a satisfactory grade in clinical performance is a requirement for successful completion of this unit of study.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items in order 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 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 placements	Fieldwork (40 hr)
Multiple weeks	Clinical placements	Fieldwork (40 hr)
Week 01	1. Introduction to unit of study; 2.Introduction to the Integrated Indigenous Person-Centred Framework	Lecture (2 hr)
	Introductionto the unit/Icebreaker/ IIPCF/Infection control	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Infection control/hand hygiene, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Vital signs; 2. Infection Prevention and Control	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Temperature, Pulse, Respirations and Pulse Oximetry	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Health Assessment 2. Paediatric health Assessment	Lecture (2 hr)
	Health assessment and physical examination/clinical communication	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Blood Pressure management	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Work, Health and Safety; 2. Keeping older people safe	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Manual handling, patient transfer in bed and bed to trolley and patient positioning.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Fundamentals of Care Framework 2. Clinical Reasoning Cycle.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Communication/Medical Terminology	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Patient mobility: transfer bed to chair, mobilty aids	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Person-centred Framework/ 2. Cultural Safety	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	1.Pressure Injury management 2.Oral Health	Lecture (2 hr)
	Clinical reasoning model, Fundamentals of care	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Bedmaking and Patient Positioning	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	No Lecture this week	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Personal Hygiene	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Clinical communication and documentation 2. Digital Health	Lecture (2 hr)
	Nursing Standards, Professional conduct, code of ethics/Digital Health	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Patient admission, BGL, urinalysis	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	No Lecture this week	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Basic Life Support	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Drop in revision session	Lecture (2 hr)
	Clinical communication/Assertive communication and Revision	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Clinical simulation exercise	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance and participation are monitored. Students are expected to attend, engage and participate in scheduled classes and required learning activities. Students must notify the school if they are, or will be, unable to attend a required learning activity; and apply for special consideration or special arrangements; or have an academic plan with relevant adjustments, where appropriate.

(a) Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.

(b) Students must attend/participate in minimum 90% of all tutorial classes scheduled per unit of study.

(c) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from tutorials due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two tutorial absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

(ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded

(d) Students must attend/participate in all practical classes (simulation labs and/or workshops) scheduled per unit of study.

(e) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from practical classes due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two practical class absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

(ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded.

(f) Students must attend/participate in any live/synchronous lectures, and view any recorded lectures, specified as compulsory per unit of study.

Note: Students must apply for Special Consideration for absence from any scheduled required learning activity which includes an assessment.

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

Crisp, J., Douglas, C., Rebeiro, G., & Waters, D. (Eds.). (2026). Potter & Perry's fundamentals of nursing (7th ed.). Chatswood, N.S.W.: Elsevier Australia.

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 an understanding of Sydney Nursing School’s conceptual framework including the interactions between nursing, the person and their family, educational philosophy and contexts of care.
LO2. Articulate the role of the nurse in an interdisciplinary health care team.
LO3. Develop clinical reasoning skills to understand the thinking behind the provision of quality person centred care, recognising that patients are partners in their own care.
LO4. Perform, at a beginning level, a range of health assessment skills, fundamentals of comprehensive care skills, communication and documentation skills for individuals across the lifespan.
LO5. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of evidence-based practice and how it informs clinical knowledge in practice.
LO6. Articulate and apply foundational knowledge relating to Work Health and Safety issues in health care with a focus on preventing and controlling healthcare associated infection control practices and manual handling.
LO7. Develop an understanding of the role of digital health technologies in the health care setting.
LO8. Demonstrate satisfactory achievement in a professional experience placement as outlined in the NURS 5081 Clinical Record Logbook.

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 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 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
	Registered Nurses Standards for 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 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
	Registered Nurses Standards for 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 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations 2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
	Registered Nurses Standards for 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 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 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
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health 3.3. Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 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 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 6.6. Uses the appropriate processes to identify and report potential and actual risk related system issues and where practice may be below the expected standards
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality 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 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations
	Registered Nurses Standards for 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 2.1. 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 3.1. Considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and well being of self and others in relation to the capability for practice 3.3. Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others 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 4.1. 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 5.1. 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 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

Responding to student feedback

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

Some changes have been made to the sequencing and assessment of this unit in accordance with student feedback.

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, of peopples experiences of health and illness and/or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning in this unit of study 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

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

NURS5081: Introduction to Nursing Practice

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Westmead, 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