Outline

Overview

This unit of study builds on NURS5202 Foundations of Nursing Practice by developing students’ understanding and application of clinical judgement in practice and the role of nurses in providing comprehensive care. Students undertaking this unit of study will further develop skills in physical assessment, person-centred communication, nursing interventions and documentation. Students will begin to develop an understanding of how to assess for signs of deterioration and the appropriate nursing interventions for this. The unit also builds on students’ understanding of infection prevention and control in healthcare. Students will learn safe medication administration and quality use of medications informed by the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (ACSQHC, 2017). All learning experiences focus on providing effective, holistic, and safe care to people from diverse cultural and social groups.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	NURS5202
Corequisites ?	NURS5085
Prohibitions ?	NURS5082
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kylie Lovato, kylie.lovato@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Assessment 6: Final Exam Final Exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment:1 Medication Calculation Test Medication Calculation Test	0%	Week 05 Due date: 31 Aug 2026 at 12:00 Closing date: 03 Sep 2026	45 Minutes, 20 Question Test	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Performance	Assessment 2: Group Video and Critique Video of clinical skill & critique of the video performance	20%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 23:59	500 words approx, 20 Min video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 3: Written Report & Patient Education Video Written Report and Presentation of Patient Education	40%	Week 10 Due date: 14 Oct 2026 at 23:59	1000 words & 7 min video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical test	Assessment 4: Clinical Perfromance Appraisal Assessment of clinical skills.	0%	Week 11 Due date: 19 Oct 2026 at 09:00 Closing date: 23 Oct 2026	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Assessment 5: Clinical Placement Clinical Placement	0%	Week 12 Due date: 26 Oct 2026 at 08:00	120 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Medication Calculation Test

The Medication Calculation Test assesses your ability to accurately perform the mathematical calculations required for safe medication administration. The test consists of 20 questions to be completed in 45 minutes and covers fundamental calculations, including tablets, liquid medications, injections, and weight-based dosing.

To successfully complete this assessment, you must achieve a 100% pass mark, reflecting the importance of accuracy in medication safety. You will have three attempts to achieve the required standard. A calculator is permitted; however, mobile phones and smart watches cannot be used during the test. This assessment is designed to ensure you have the essential numeracy skills required for safe nursing practice.

- This assessment is due in week 5 on Monday 31st August in your allocated tutorial for that week.

Assesment 2: Group Video and Written Critique (20%)

In this group assessment, you will work collaboratively to produce a video demonstrating the safe and effective performance of an Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) clinical skill. Your group will apply the principles of asepsis, infection prevention and control, person-centred communication, and teamwork while performing the selected procedure.

Following the video, each group will submit one written critique that reflects on your performance, identifies strengths and areas for improvement, and evaluates your application of ANTT principles using current evidence and relevant clinical guidelines. This assessment is designed to develop your practical skills, teamwork, critical reflection, and ability to apply evidence-based practice to safe patient care.

- This assessment is due in week 7 on Wednesday 16th September @23:59hours

Assessment 3: Written essay, 1000 word report and patient education video (40%):

This assessment provides you with the opportunity to apply your clinical knowledge to support a patient's safe transition from hospital to home following surgery.

Using your allocated patient case study and Transfer of Care Plan, you will prepare a 1,000-word written report that identifies and justifies priority discharge needs. Your report should explain why these priorities are important, identify any potential barriers to successful discharge, and describe evidence-based nursing strategies to promote a safe recovery. Your discussion should be supported by current literature and referenced using APA 7th edition.

You will also create a 7-minute max patient education video that explains priority discharge needs in language that is clear, accurate, and appropriate for your patient. The video should demonstrate effective therapeutic communication and provide practical advice to help the patient manage their care at home, recognise signs of complications, and know when to seek medical assistance.

This assessment is designed to develop your clinical reasoning, patient education, communication, and discharge planning skills, preparing you to support safe, person-centred transitions of care in clinical practice.

- This assessment is due in week 10 on Wednesday 14th October @23:59hours

Assessment 4: Clinical Performance Appraisal

The Clinical Performance Appraisal is an individual practical assessment designed to evaluate your ability to safely and competently perform two allocated clinical skills in a simulated clinical environment. During the 35-minute assessment, you will demonstrate clinical reasoning, effective communication, person-centred care, infection prevention and control practices, and the safe application of nursing knowledge and skills.

You will be assessed on your preparation, technical performance, patient interaction, clinical decision-making, and professional conduct. This assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate your readiness to deliver safe, evidence-based nursing care while meeting the expected standards of first-year nursing practice.

- This assessment is due in week 11, you will be required to book your own time slot.

Assessment 5: Clinical Placement.

The 120-hour Acute Care Nursing Placement provides you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the unit in a real clinical environment. Working under the supervision of registered nurses, you will provide safe, person-centred care to patients in an acute care setting while developing your clinical reasoning, communication, and professional practice.

During your placement, you will practise fundamental nursing skills, participate in the planning and delivery of patient care, collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, and demonstrate professionalism in accordance with the NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice. This experience is designed to build your confidence and prepare you for future clinical placements and professional nursing practice.

Assessment 6: Final exam (40%)

This exam will be held during exam week and will be a two (2) hour exam. Content will be taken from the lectures, tutorials, and clinical simulation laboratories in this subject throughout the entire teaching period.

The examination content will relate to learning outcomes 1-5.

Assessment criteria

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 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
Week 01	Welcome and Unit Overview & Oral Medication Administration	Lecture (2 hr)
	Introduction to Medication Administration and Calculations & Patient Centered Communication	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Oral Medication Administration and Medication via other routes (eye, ear, sublingual, buccal etc). Surgical Gloving	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	A-G Assessment and Recognition of the Unwell Patient & Scheduled Medications (S4D/S8)	Lecture (2 hr)
	Medication Administration for Nursing Practice & Communication	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Administration of Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Injections & Sharp Safety	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Preventing Infection: Applying Aseptic Technique in Nursing Practice & Principals of Wound Assessment.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Medication Calculation Test (Hurdle Task) & Developing Clinical Documentation Skills	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Aseptic Wound Dressing & Sterile Gloving & IV Fluid Preparation	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Airway and Breathing Assessment in Nursing Practice & Common Presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Simple Airway Management, Focused Breathing Assessment & Application of Oxygen	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Assessment of Circulation and Developing Circulation Assessment Skills	Lecture (2 hr)
	Circulation Assessment and Recognising and Responding to Circulatory Deterioration	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Circulatory Assessment including Demonstration of an Electrocardiogram (ECG) & Administration of IV Fluid therapy.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Disability: Neurological Assessment in Nursing Practice & Pain Management.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assessment of Neurological Function including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Pupillary Response & Introduction to the Post-operative Patient.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Hi-FI Simulation Workshop: Patient Assessment, Prioritisation & Escalation of care	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Exposure: Assessment of Temperature & Skin and Managing Care Transition.	Lecture (2 hr)
	The Surgical Patient: Intra-operative Nursing and Post-operative Care and Complications	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Developing Neurological Assessment Skills & Pain Assessment & Analgesia administration via Oral/Subcutaneous/Intramuscular route.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Fluids, Electrolytes and Acute Renal Failure	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Post-operative Considerations: Fluid Balance Assessment, IV Fluid Therapy, & Neurovascular Observations.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	CPA - Revision Lab. Consolidation of Clinical Skills.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Gastrointestinal Assessment & Nursing Considerations & Exam Preparation	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney Nursing School Attendance and Participation Provisions (2026) provide the framework for attendance and participation requirements across all coursework programs. Students are expected to familiarise themselves with these provisions, which outline their responsibilities for attending and participating in required learning activities, as well as the processes to follow if they are unable to attend.

View the SNS Attendance and Participation Provisions (2026):
Faculty of Medicine and Health – Sydney Nursing School – Attendance and Participation Provisions 2026

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 where appropriate, apply for Special Consideration, Special Arrangements, or have an approved Academic Plan with relevant adjustments.

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

(b) Students must attend and participate in a minimum of 90% of all tutorial classes scheduled for the unit of study.

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

(i) A maximum of two tutorial absences per unit of study may be approved where an alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.
(ii) Where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, their attendance will be recorded accordingly.

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

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

(i) A maximum of two practical class absences per unit of study may be approved where an alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.
(ii) Where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, their attendance will be recorded accordingly.

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

Note: Students must apply for Special Consideration if they are absent from any scheduled required learning activity that 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

Readings are listed on the Reading List in Canvas, available to all enrolled students.

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. Describe and apply the underlying principles of comprehensive holistic assessment and culturally safe care for people in an acute care context.
LO2. Apply evidence-informed practice to the care of people across the lifespan, experiencing acute disruptions and deterioration in health.
LO3. Demonstrate clinical reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving in the care of people in an acute care context.
LO4. Demonstrate understanding and application of legislation and policy relevant to quality use of medicines, confidentiality, consent, and documentation for nursing practice in healthcare contexts.
LO5. Refine and apply communication strategies to build respectful interpersonal relationships with health professionals and people receiving care.

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.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Due to the nature of the content of this unit, some topics that will be covered may make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy (e.g., discrimination, domestic violence, discussions of illnesses, death and dying). If you feel uncomfortable, it is important that you contact the unit of study coordinator or another member of the academic team as soon as possible to discuss this with them. You are not required to share confidential information with us if you do not wish. If you attend the class and at any point feel uncomfortable or distressed, you are free to leave upon informing the class tutor of your intention.

Work, health and safety

To support your safety and learning, please arrive at simulation labs prepared as you would for a clinical environment. This includes:

Wearing appropriate clothing that allows you to move comfortably and safely
Ensuring long hair is tied back
Wearing closed, comfortable footwear suitable for standing and moving around

Simulation labs are treated as real ward environments. You will be required to move around the space, stand for extended periods, and safely use clinical equipment. Dressing appropriately helps ensure a safe, respectful, and realistic learning experience for everyone

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5206: Development of Nursing Practice

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - 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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links