Outline

Overview

This unit of study addresses nursing practices designed to meet the needs of individuals and families who are either living with a chronic condition or caring for a person with a chronic condition. Chronic conditions may impact diverse aspects of a person’s physical, psychological, emotional, social, economic and spiritual health. The complexities of chronic health will be investigated using examples of common chronic health conditions that people experience across the lifespan. An emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to nursing care, irrespective of the health setting. Continuity of care provision between hospital and community is emphasised. Non modifiable and modifiable risk factors that contribute to the development of chronic conditions are identified. Social determinant factors and how these facilitate and inhibit a person from self-managing their chronic condition are explored. The dynamics of self-management and how nurses collaborate with persons, as partners in care to encourage autonomous decisions, is investigated. The importance of community engagement in addressing issues associated with chronic conditions as well as persons who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander will be studied. Nursing skills and knowledge relevant to palliative care will be addressed, including symptom management and psychosocial care required to facilitate a peaceful and dignified death.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	NURS6018
Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	NURS5084 and NURS5085 and NURS5043
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tamara Power, tamara.power@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Final exam MCQ+text based response	30%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Skill Assessment In class group skill assessment	0%	Week 05	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Clinical Placement Clinical Placement	0%	Week 06	80 hours + 20 hours self-directed
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Written Report + Field Note Written report on observation of a person living with a chronic condition	45%	Week 10 Due date: 16 May 2021 at 23:59	2000 word report + 500 word field note
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Multiple Choice Quiz MCQ to pre-reading week 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5	25%	Weekly	15 min weekly quiz
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Weekly MCQ individual score to pre-reading: Each week in the tutorials (weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5) students will be assessed individually on the pre-readings.
Observation Report: During the self-directed 20 hours of clinical placement, after obtaining written informed consent, students will observe a person living with a chronic condition(s). During their observation they will record field notes. After this 20 hours they will write a 2000 word report that presents an overview of the chronic condition, including a brief discussion of pathophysiology, the person’s individual risk factors, the impact on their activities of daily living and the social and cultural determinants of health that facilitate or impede their self-management of their condition. This report will contain recommendations appropriate to the individual, based on peer reviewed literature and evidence based professional guidelines and policies. Students will also upload one of their field notes (500 words) from one interaction as an appendix to the report. A detailed marking rubric will be provided. The report will not be marked if the consent form or field note have not been submitted.
20 hours clinical practicum self-directed: Students are required to spend twenty hours with a person who has a chronic condition. You are an observer. You are not part of the person’s health care team. As such, you are NOT to provide the person you are observing with any strategies on disease management.
Final exam: This exam will have MCQs and short answer questions based on case studies of a range of people who are living with chronic conditions. During the semester students will have had the opportunity to apply knowledge from lectures, on-campus clinical simulation laboratories, and tutorials. Case study learning will be a central focus of the unit’s teaching on care strategies and self management of chronic conditions.
Skills simulation stations: This assessment will be a consolidation of the skills undertaken during the semester and have as the focus the assessment and management of the deteriorating patient.
Off campus clinial assessment: Assessment of clinical knowledge and skills will incorporate a range of assessment tools. Students must receive a satisfactory result for their 80 hour clinical placement.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	1. Outline unit and assessments; 2. Frameworks for care of persons with conditions	Lecture (2 hr)
	Cardiac focus	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Cardiac focus	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 01	Youth/Child & adolescent	Lecture (2 hr)
	Diabetes focus	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Diabetes focus	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 02	Self management & social determinants	Lecture (2 hr)
	Respiratory focus	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Respiratory focus	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 03	End of life care & Palliative care	Lecture (2 hr)
	End of life care & Palliative care	Tutorial (2 hr)
	End of life care & Palliative care	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Rehabilitation 2. Sexuality	Lecture (2 hr)
	Mental health focus	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Mental health focus	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 05	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Chronic Conditions and the Cultural Determinants of Health	Lecture (2 hr)
	HIV/Hep C focus	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Consolidation	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)
Week 06	Clinical placement	Field trip (40 hr)
Week 08	Clinical placement	Field trip (40 hr)
Week 09	Clinical Practice - Self-directed observation of a person with a chronic condition	Field trip (20 hr)
Week 11	Summary	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Assessment (Group) skill	Simulation laboratory (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Referencing guide: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 6th Edition, 2010 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.
Attendance: Students undertaking this unit of study are required to attend a minimum of 90% of all lectures & tutorials on-campus, ALL on-campus clinical simulation laboratories, and complete their off- campus clinical experience, which are supplemented with online, individual and group learning activities. The work in this unit of study reflects approximately 120 hours of student learning. It is expected that the student will actively engage with the unit of study materials, which directly relate to the learning outcomes and are designed to assist with successful completion of assignments.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

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. Integrate and critically apply knowledge of common chronic conditions across the lifespan including risk factors, nursing management and self-management.
LO2. Apply and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles of health promotion and tertiary prevention to encourage independence and quality of life for persons living with a chronic condition through to management and care of the person at end of life.
LO3. Critically evaluate how social determinant of health factors impact on the individual to manage the chronic condition and the potential for healthy ageing.
LO4. Collaborate with persons from diverse social and cultural groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to identify goals and plan strategies to assist individual’s living with chronic conditions after consideration of the person’s health beliefs, values, and evaluate interventions once implemented to appraise outcomes.
LO5. Communicate effectively with patients, families, colleagues, and other health-care professionals within an interdisciplinary team.
LO6. Search, locate and critically analyse research-based evidence supporting the processes of nursing care of chronic conditions and end of life care.
LO7. Critically examine assessment of individuals experiencing exacerbations of chronic conditions, identifying problems, prioritising needs, and evaluating interventions.

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 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 3.3. Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
	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 1.6. 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 2.3. Recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life 2.5. Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity 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 4.1. Conducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons 5.3. Documents, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes 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
	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 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 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
	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 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 2.3. Recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life 2.5. Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health 4.1. Conducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan 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 7.1. Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes 7.2. Revises the plan based on the evaluation 7.3. Determines, documents and communicates further priorities, goals and outcomes with the relevant persons
	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 2.1. 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 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health 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 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 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 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 1.2. 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 2.3. Recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life 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 4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral 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 5.3. Documents, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes 5.4. Plans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement 6.2. Practises within their scope of practice 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 7.2. Revises the plan based on the evaluation

Responding to student feedback

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

The coordinator welcomes feedback on the timing and content of assessments in this subject.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

NURS6018 is comprised of 100 hrs of clinical. This is made up of two weeks (80 hrs) allocated clinical placement and one week (20 hrs) self directed placement. These placements have been timetabled between UACV week and week 9.

Work, health and safety

All students must abide by WHS policy/guidelines/legislation

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

NURS6018: Care and Chronic Conditions

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect