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Postgraduate Courses

Postgraduate Courses
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice
Commencement:

February/March intake: One year full-time. Students wishing to study the course part-
time over 2 years may apply to do so.

July/August: Mid-year intake - usually 18 months part-time.

Course Objective:

Overall the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice aims to provide the opportunity for
nurses to extend their nursing knowledge into an area of specialty nursing to develop a
level of clinical competence considered to be consistent with proficient specialty practice.
Upon completion of the course it is therefore expected that students will have the
attributes described for the Postgraduate Certificate and in acknowledgment of the greater
depth and complexity of knowledge incorporated in the Postgraduate Diploma achieve
the following additional objectives:

 the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to understand the practice of providing


holistic nursing care to individuals experiencing a complex range of disturbances
to health and well-being that require complex specialty nursing interventions;
 an understanding of the professional issues impacting upon specialty nursing and
the wider nursing profession;
 a beginning understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the
specialty area;
 a capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society that
impact on and are impacted by specialty nursing practice;
 an appreciation of the ways in which evidence based practice guides specialty
practice and how specialty knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the
specialty area;
 an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of research as it relates to the
development of evidence based practice;
 a critical reader of nursing literature and a capacity to articulate knowledge and
understanding of specialty practice in oral and written presentations;
 a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project
work.
 demonstrated clinical competencies in a workplace environment assessed by
clinical experts to be at a proficient level as benchmarked against Australian
specialty practice competencies.
Course Structure:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice is a 100 point 4th year coursework
program offered with clinical field practice competency requirements. Workplace
accredited clinical competency achievement in the context of full unrestricted registration
with the Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV) and employment is mandated for the
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice.
Depending on subject selection the award is available as a generic qualification or with
bracketed specialization to acknowledge the nursing specialty that is the focus of the
student’s studies.

The course may be taken full time over 2 semesters or part time over 3 - 4 semesters.

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice without specialization

Mandated Points Elective Points Total Points


62.5 credit points 37.5 credit points 100 credit
points
50 credit points 'foundation Chosen from any 4th
subjects' year 12.5 point subjects Full time - 50
offered within the credit points
AND School of Nursing: each semester.

514831 Evidence for Practice; OR


OR an approved alternative 4th
year research familiarization up to 25 points approved
subject 4th year subjects
external to the School.

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice with specialization

Total
Elective
Po
Mandated Points Poin
in
ts
ts
Specialization streams: 87.5 credit points 12.5 credit 100 credit
poin po
 Acute & Critical 75 credit points ts in
Care mandated specialty ts
(anaesthetics, subjects including 50 Chosen from
critical care, credit points of any 4th year Full time -
emergency,
paediatric critical 'foundation' subjects; subjects 50 credit
care, offered points each
perioperative, AND 12.5 credit within or semester.
rural critical care) points comprising external to
 Cancer and EITHER 514831 the School of
Palliative Care Evidence for Practice; Nursing.
 Mental Health OR an approved
alternative 4th year
 Paediatrics research
familiarization subject

Cognate Areas:

o Acute and Critical Care


 Anaesthetics
 Critical Care
 Emergency
 Paediatric Critical Care
 Perioperative
 Rural Critical Care

o Cancer and Palliative Care


o Mental Health

o Paediatrics

Course Articulation:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice articulates with the Master of Advanced
Nursing Practice and comprises 50% of that course.

Useful Resources as listed:

 Course Stream Ojectives


 Entry Requirements
 Recognition of Prior Learning
 Fees
 Payment Options
 Employment Status
 Computer Requirements

Application Pack includes:

 Application Form (pdf)


 Information for Applicants booklet (pdf)
 Getting Credit for completed studies (guidelines)
 Credit Application form

Cognate Areas -
 Acute and Critical Care Cognate Area:

Streams:

o Anaesthetics
o Critical Care
o Emergency
o Paediatric Critical Care (Postgraduate Certificate not available)
o Perioperative
o Rural Critical Care

Prescribed Subject Schedules:

Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Practice

o Streams: Anaesthetics, Critical Care, Emergency,


Perioperative & Rural Critical Care

o No Postgraduate Certificate available for Paediatric


Critical Care Stream
Semester
Subject Subject Name Points
available
Code
Foundations in Acute & Critical
514807 25 1
Care 1
Foundations in Acute & Critical
514809 25 2
Care 2

50

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice


o Streams: Anaesthetics, Critical Care, Emergency,
Perioperative & Rural Critical Care
Semester
Subject Subject Name Points
available
Code
514831 Evidence for Practice 12.5 1 or 2
Foundations in Acute & Critical Care
514807 12.5 1
1
Applied Concepts in Acute &
514811 12.5 1
Critical Care
Foundations in Acute & Critical Care
514809 25 2
2
514812 Complexity in Acute & Critical Care 12.5 2
Generic or Specialty Elective 12.5 1 or 2

100
* or another approved research familiarization subject chosen from the list
provided.

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice

o Stream: Paediatric Critical Care


Semester
Subject Subject Name Points
available
Code
514831 Evidence for Practice 12.5 1 or 2
514807 Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 1 25 1
514869 Applied Concepts in Paediatrics 12.5 1
514809 Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 2 25 2
514812 Complexity in Acute & Critical Care 12.5 2
Generic or Specialty Elective 12.5 1 or 2

100

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing

o Streams: Anaesthetics, Critical Care, Emergency,


Perioperative & Rural Critical Care
Semester
Subject Subject Name Points
available
Code
514831 Evidence for Practice 12.5 1 or 2
514808 Acute & Critical care Theory 1 12.5 1
Applied Concepts in Acute &
514811 12.5 1
Critical. Care
514810 Acute & Critical Care 2 Theory 2 12.5 2
514812 Complexity in Acute & Critical Care 12.5 2
Generic or Specialty Elective 37.5 1 or 2

100
* or another approved research familiarization subject chosen from the list
provided.

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing

o Stream: Paediatric Critical Care


Semester
Subject Subject Name Points
available
Code
514831 Evidence for Practice 12.5 1 or 2
514808 Acute & Critical Care Theory 1 12.5 1
514869 Applied Concepts in Paediatrics 12.5 1
514810 Acute & Critical Care Theory 2 25 2
514812 Complexity in Acute & Critical Care 12.5 2
Generic or Specialty Elective 37.5 1 or 2

100
* or another approved research familiarization subject chosen from the list
provided.
Subject Name Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 1
Subject Code 514-807
Year 2007

Subject This subject is designed to promote the integration of theoretical and


Description practical aspects of specialty nursing to support safe practice in caring
for patients across the lifespan who are acutely or critically ill.

Students will become familiar with the unique environments of


individual critical care practice settings and learn essential knowledge
and skills to prepare, manage and ‘trouble-shoot’ equipment and
technology required for patient care. They will learn the scientific
principles and research evidence underpinning practice as well as the
technical skills necessary to complete an admission assessment,
understand admission findings, and identify patients at risk of life
threatening complications. In the context of their practice as beginning
level specialty nurses students will become familiar with immediate
interventions required to establish and maintain patient stability,
including, but not limited to life support techniques. The underpinning
biological basis and evidence based principles behind treatment and
symptom management (including pharmacology) of diseases/illnesses
commonly treated in each critical care practice setting will be described.

Students engage in field practice in specific critical care environments to


address learning objectives focussing on the application of theoretical
knowledge to skill development and the practice of caring for patients
who are acutely and/or critically ill.
Generic Skills Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their beginning
Gained / specialty nursing practice through:
Objectives  integration of the theoretical content covered within the subject
to develop new knowledge that supports safe practice as a
beginning specialty nurse in the acute and critical care practice
setting;
 the ability to integrate knowledge and skills learnt in the subject
to recognise and plan a response to patients experiencing
alterations to health and wellness that occur in the specific
context of acute and critical care environments;
 the ability to understand and evaluate specialised interventions
as described in the subject content to provide a foundation for
participating in the delivery of care at the beginning level of
acute and critical care nursing practice;
 the capacity to use skills in problem-solving, critical thinking,
rational inquiry and self-directed learning to apply knowledge
learnt in the theoretical component of the subject to beginning
level acute and critical care nursing clinical practice;
 an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the
specialist area;

 the ability to apply scientific knowledge to understand skills and


techniques applicable to the specialist area.
Credit points 25.0
Semester Semester 1
Offered Dates &
Locality
Mode of Delivery On-campus and Field Practice
Contact Hours 54 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials. Field practice component of
a minimum of 300 hours
Assessment Theoretical Component 60%

1. Written assignment of 2000 words due week 5 (25%)

2. Closed book, 3 hour written examination at the end of semester


(35%)

Clinical Component 40%

3. A professional practice portfolio which must include evidence of


clinical competency achievement and is equivalent to 3,000 words due
by the end of semester (40%)

Students must achieve a pass in both the theoretical and clinical


component in order to pass the subject.
Recommended A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in
Reading the subject.
Materials
Timetabling (view timetable)
Special Notes Level: 4th Year
Contact Ms Patricia Nicholson and Ms Janine Evans
Information
Web http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Name Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 2


Subject Code 514-809
Year 2007

Subject This subject is designed to consolidate and extend the integration of


Description theoretical and practical aspects of specialty nursing for the beginning
acute and critical care nurse. It builds on the knowledge and skills learnt
in Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 1 and expands the student’s
knowledge with regard to the range of patients, the complexity of
disease processes, treatments (including pharmacology), symptom
management, and subsequent nursing assessments, interventions and
supporting technical skills relevant to individual critical care practice
settings.

There is a continued emphasis on scientific principles and research


evidence underpinning specialty nursing practice and further developing
beginning skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, rational inquiry and
self-directed learning to solve patient management problems
encountered in specific critical care environments.

Students engage in field practice in specific critical care environments to


address learning objectives that focus on relating assessment data to the
underlying physiological and pathophysiological processes; differentiating
the intended and unintended outcomes of therapeutic interventions;
applying theoretical knowledge to technical skill development and
evaluating the practice of caring for patients across the lifespan who are
acutely and/or critically ill.
Generic Skills Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their beginning
Gained / specialty nursing practice through:
Objectives  integration of the theoretical content covered within the subject
to develop new knowledge that supports safe practice as a
beginning specialty nurse in acute and critical care;
 the ability to integrate knowledge and skills learnt in the subject
to recognise and plan a response to patients experiencing
alterations to health and wellness that occur in the specific
context of acute and critical care;
 the ability to understand and evaluate specialised interventions
as described in the subject content to provide a foundation for
participating in the delivery of care at the beginning level of
acute and critical care nursing practice;
 the capacity to use skills in problem-solving, critical thinking,
rational inquiry and self-directed learning to apply knowledge
learnt in the theoretical component of the subject to beginning
level acute and critical care nursing practice.;
 an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the
specialist area;
 the ability to apply scientific knowledge to understand skills and
techniques applicable to the specialist area.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the


following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate
coursework student:

 a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral


and written modes of communication;

 a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including


self-directed project work.
Credit points 25
Semester Semester 2
Mode of On-campus and Field Practice
Delivery
Pre-requisites Pass in 514 807 Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 1 prior to
enrolment.

NBV Registration (Unrestricted)

Students must be employed at an affiliated clinical agency and provide


documentation of clinical support arrangements necessary to undertake
the professional practice portfolio prior to enrolment.
Contact Hours 54 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials. Field practice component of a
minimum of 300 hours (Students are expected to devote approximately
6-10 hours per week his subject)
Teaching Parkville
Location
Assessment Theoretical Component 60%

1. Written assignment of 2000 words due week 6 (25%)

2. Closed book, 3 hour written examination at the end of semester


(35%)

Clinical Component 40%

3. A professional practice portfolio which must include evidence of clinical


competency achievement and is equivalent to 3,000 words due by the
end of semester (40%)

Students must achieve a pass in both the theoretical and clinical


component in order to pass the subject.
Recommended A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in
Reading the subject.
Materials
Timetabling (view timetable)
Special Notes This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the
University’s on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must
have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.

The minimum computer hardware and software specifications for the


subject are consistent with the University’s guidelines on the expected
standard of computer equipment
(http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/CompStd.htm):

No special computer skills are required. Students are required to have


skills consistent with the University’s Statement of “Basic Expectations of
Student Computer Skills” :
http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/stuskills.html which includes basic
knowledge of computer operating systems, word-processing skills, email
use, and the internet. Specifically students need to be able to write, edit
and save an essay on the computer and be competent in the use of
standard WWW browsers and should be able to use information
searching techniques.
Contact Ms Monika Taylor and Ms Di McKinley
Information
Web http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Name Evidence for Practice


Subject Code 514-831
Year 2007

Subject This subject focuses on the appraisal and use of research in clinical
Description practice. Its purpose is to develop practitioners' confidence and skills in
critical consumption of research and evaluation for use in the workplace.
Topics covered include: overview of common research and evaluation
methods and issues; Internet and library search skills to assist in
preparing a literature review; the process of change and strategies for
implementing change in a clinical environment. Students will examine
research and evaluate findings on an issue identified from their own
practice. They will conduct a comprehensive literature review on a clinical
intervention in their own practice, evaluate the evidence on which the
clinical intervention was based and then apply the findings to their own
practice setting.
Generic Skills Students will be expected to be able to:
Gained /  identify common research and evaluation methods and practices;
Objectives  develop literature search skills;
 critically review research reports;
 appraise research in relation to its value to clinical practice;
 apply research findings to clinical practice;
 develop research and evaluation skills;
 an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the
specialist area;

On completion of the subject students should have developed the


following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate
coursework student:

 an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original


research
 a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in
written modes of communication;
 a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including
self-directed project work;

 a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the
ethics of scholarship.
Credit points 12.5
Semester Semester 1, Semester 2
Mode of On campus or online
Delivery
Pre-requisites Nil
Contact Hours 36 hours of lectures and tutorials (on campus) or the equivalent on-line.
Students are expected to devote approximately 6-10 hours per week to
this subject.
Teaching Parkville (on campus)
Location
Assessment 1. Hurdle requirements (pass/fail):

On-campus students: regular attendance and participation in at least 9


tutorials (75% of 12 weeks);

Online students: online participation in at least 75% of discussions.

2. Written assignment of 1500 words due mid semester (30%)

3. Written assignment of 2500 words due end of semester (70%).

Students must achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% and a pass in


the hurdle requirement in order to pass the subject.
Recommended A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in
Reading the subject.
Materials
Timetabling (view timetable)
Special Notes Level: 4th Year

This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the


University’s on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must
have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.

The minimum computer hardware and software specifications for the


subject are consistent with the University’s guidelines on the expected
standard of computer equipment
(http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/CompStd.htm):

No special computer skills are required. Students are required to have


skills consistent with the University’s Statement of “Basic Expectations of
Student Computer Skills” :
http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/stuskills.html which includes basic
knowledge of computer operating systems, word-processing skills, email
use, and the internet. Specifically students need to be able to write, edit
and save an essay on the computer and be competent in the use of
standard WWW browsers and should be able to use information
searching techniques.
Contact Dr Denise Harrison
Information
Web http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Name Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 1


Subject Code 514-807
Year 2007

Subject This subject is designed to promote the integration of theoretical and


Description practical aspects of specialty nursing to support safe practice in caring
for patients across the lifespan who are acutely or critically ill.

Students will become familiar with the unique environments of


individual critical care practice settings and learn essential knowledge
and skills to prepare, manage and ‘trouble-shoot’ equipment and
technology required for patient care. They will learn the scientific
principles and research evidence underpinning practice as well as the
technical skills necessary to complete an admission assessment,
understand admission findings, and identify patients at risk of life
threatening complications. In the context of their practice as beginning
level specialty nurses students will become familiar with immediate
interventions required to establish and maintain patient stability,
including, but not limited to life support techniques. The underpinning
biological basis and evidence based principles behind treatment and
symptom management (including pharmacology) of diseases/illnesses
commonly treated in each critical care practice setting will be described.

Students engage in field practice in specific critical care environments to


address learning objectives focussing on the application of theoretical
knowledge to skill development and the practice of caring for patients
who are acutely and/or critically ill.
Generic Skills Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their beginning
Gained / specialty nursing practice through:
Objectives  integration of the theoretical content covered within the subject
to develop new knowledge that supports safe practice as a
beginning specialty nurse in the acute and critical care practice
setting;
 the ability to integrate knowledge and skills learnt in the subject
to recognise and plan a response to patients experiencing
alterations to health and wellness that occur in the specific
context of acute and critical care environments;
 the ability to understand and evaluate specialised interventions
as described in the subject content to provide a foundation for
participating in the delivery of care at the beginning level of
acute and critical care nursing practice;
 the capacity to use skills in problem-solving, critical thinking,
rational inquiry and self-directed learning to apply knowledge
learnt in the theoretical component of the subject to beginning
level acute and critical care nursing clinical practice;
 an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the
specialist area;

 the ability to apply scientific knowledge to understand skills and


techniques applicable to the specialist area.
Credit points 25.0
Semester Semester 1
Offered Dates &
Locality
Mode of Delivery On-campus and Field Practice
Contact Hours 54 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials. Field practice component of
a minimum of 300 hours
Assessment Theoretical Component 60%

1. Written assignment of 2000 words due week 5 (25%)

2. Closed book, 3 hour written examination at the end of semester


(35%)

Clinical Component 40%


3. A professional practice portfolio which must include evidence of
clinical competency achievement and is equivalent to 3,000 words due
by the end of semester (40%)

Students must achieve a pass in both the theoretical and clinical


component in order to pass the subject.
Recommended A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in
Reading the subject.
Materials
Timetabling (view timetable)
Special Notes Level: 4th Year
Contact Ms Patricia Nicholson and Ms Janine Evans
Information
Web http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Name Applied concepts in Acute&Critical Care


Subject Code 514-811
Year 2007

Subject This subject extends nursing knowledge to develop skills beyond those
Description necessary for functioning as a beginning level practitioner in Acute and
Critical Care specialty practice settings. Foundational concepts are
applied to generate understanding of the pathophysiological,
epidemiological, and psycho-social nature of illnesses encountered in
specific Critical Care practice settings. A wide range of abnormalities and
manifestations associated with disease processes are explored. Learners
are encouraged to apply this knowledge to understand medical and
nursing interventions and technologies encountered in Acute and Critical
Care so that they can implement nursing care in specific practice settings
as a proficient level specialty practitioner.
Generic Skills Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their proficiency in
Gained / specialty nursing practice through:
Objectives  an understanding of contemporary trends in medical and nursing
interventions and technologies encountered in Acute and Critical
Care;
 the ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and
professional literature to engage in specialty nursing practice that
is based on evidence rather than ritual and tradition;
 specialty skills and knowledge required to implement nursing
care proficiently for patients experiencing a wide range of
abnormalities and manifestations associated with disease
processes commonly treated in specific critical care settings;
 well-developed problem-solving skills that are demonstrated by
the ability to apply foundational concepts and research based
evidence to identify and act upon assessment data that is
complex in nature and from which a number of differential
diagnosis can be derived;
 the capacity to articulate knowledge in a way that demonstrates
integration of theoretical knowledge and practical experiences
and complies with academic standards and conventions for
written work.
 an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the
specialist area;
 skills and techniques applicable to the discipline;
 well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area,
characterised by flexibility of approach;
 competencies in areas of professional expertise and/or
scholarship;

On completion of the subject students should have developed the


following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate
coursework student:

 a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in


written presentations;
 working skills in the application of computer systems and
software and a receptiveness to the opportunities offered by new
technologies;

 enhanced professional knowledge and skills.


Credit points 12.5
Semester Semester 1
Mode of On-Campus
Delivery
Contact Hours 36 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials (Students are expected to
devote approximately 6-10 hours per week to this subject)
Teaching Not Applicable
Location
Assessment 1. On-line assessment consisting of 5 x 10 minute LMS quizzes
equivalent to, 1000 words cumulative semester grading (20%)

2. Written assignment of 1500 words due week 8 (35%)


3. Written assignment of 2000 words due end of semester (45%)
Recommended A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in
Reading the subject.
Materials
Timetabling (view timetable)
Special Notes Level: 4th year

This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the


University’s on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must
have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.

The minimum computer hardware and software specifications for the


subject are consistent with the University’s guidelines on the expected
standard of computer equipment
(http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/CompStd.htm):

No special computer skills are required. Students are required to have


skills consistent with the University’s Statement of “Basic Expectations of
Student Computer Skills” :
http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/stuskills.html which includes basic
knowledge of computer operating systems, word-processing skills, email
use, and the internet. Specifically students need to be able to write, edit
and save an essay on the computer and be competent in the use of
standard WWW browsers and should be able to use information
searching techniques.
Contact Ms Pat Nicholson
Information
Web http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Name Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 2


Subject Code 514-809
Year 2007

Subject This subject is designed to consolidate and extend the integration of


Description theoretical and practical aspects of specialty nursing for the beginning
acute and critical care nurse. It builds on the knowledge and skills learnt
in Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 1 and expands the student’s
knowledge with regard to the range of patients, the complexity of
disease processes, treatments (including pharmacology), symptom
management, and subsequent nursing assessments, interventions and
supporting technical skills relevant to individual critical care practice
settings.

There is a continued emphasis on scientific principles and research


evidence underpinning specialty nursing practice and further developing
beginning skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, rational inquiry and
self-directed learning to solve patient management problems
encountered in specific critical care environments.

Students engage in field practice in specific critical care environments to


address learning objectives that focus on relating assessment data to the
underlying physiological and pathophysiological processes; differentiating
the intended and unintended outcomes of therapeutic interventions;
applying theoretical knowledge to technical skill development and
evaluating the practice of caring for patients across the lifespan who are
acutely and/or critically ill.
Generic Skills Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their beginning
Gained / specialty nursing practice through:
Objectives  integration of the theoretical content covered within the subject
to develop new knowledge that supports safe practice as a
beginning specialty nurse in acute and critical care;
 the ability to integrate knowledge and skills learnt in the subject
to recognise and plan a response to patients experiencing
alterations to health and wellness that occur in the specific
context of acute and critical care;
 the ability to understand and evaluate specialised interventions
as described in the subject content to provide a foundation for
participating in the delivery of care at the beginning level of
acute and critical care nursing practice;
 the capacity to use skills in problem-solving, critical thinking,
rational inquiry and self-directed learning to apply knowledge
learnt in the theoretical component of the subject to beginning
level acute and critical care nursing practice.;
 an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the
specialist area;
 the ability to apply scientific knowledge to understand skills and
techniques applicable to the specialist area.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the


following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate
coursework student:

 a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral


and written modes of communication;

 a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including


self-directed project work.
Credit points 25
Semester Semester 2
Mode of On-campus and Field Practice
Delivery
Pre-requisites Pass in 514 807 Foundations in Acute & Critical Care 1 prior to
enrolment.

NBV Registration (Unrestricted)

Students must be employed at an affiliated clinical agency and provide


documentation of clinical support arrangements necessary to undertake
the professional practice portfolio prior to enrolment.
Contact Hours 54 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials. Field practice component of a
minimum of 300 hours (Students are expected to devote approximately
6-10 hours per week his subject)
Teaching Parkville
Location
Assessment Theoretical Component 60%

1. Written assignment of 2000 words due week 6 (25%)

2. Closed book, 3 hour written examination at the end of semester


(35%)

Clinical Component 40%

3. A professional practice portfolio which must include evidence of clinical


competency achievement and is equivalent to 3,000 words due by the
end of semester (40%)

Students must achieve a pass in both the theoretical and clinical


component in order to pass the subject.
Recommended A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in
Reading the subject.
Materials
Timetabling (view timetable)
Special Notes This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the
University’s on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must
have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.

The minimum computer hardware and software specifications for the


subject are consistent with the University’s guidelines on the expected
standard of computer equipment
(http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/CompStd.htm):

No special computer skills are required. Students are required to have


skills consistent with the University’s Statement of “Basic Expectations of
Student Computer Skills” :
http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/stuskills.html which includes basic
knowledge of computer operating systems, word-processing skills, email
use, and the internet. Specifically students need to be able to write, edit
and save an essay on the computer and be competent in the use of
standard WWW browsers and should be able to use information
searching techniques.
Contact Ms Monika Taylor and Ms Di McKinley
Information
Web http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Name Complexity in Acute & Critical Care
Subject Code 514-812
Year 2007

Subject This subject focuses on the assessment, planning, implementation and


Description evaluation of care for patients experiencing complex and/or multiple
alterations to normal function. A case study approach is taken to
facilitate exploration of diverse aspects of specialty practice across the
lifespan and across specializations within Acute and Critical Care.
Essential concepts relating to topics such as trauma, transplantation,
burns, death and organ donation, pain management, multi-organ system
failure, cerebral insult, acute respiratory distress syndrome, rare cardiac
and respiratory disorders and toxicology are considered. Students then
engage in problem solving activities to apply these concepts to specialty
specific assessment and management to inform their practice as
proficient level specialty practitioners. Students are also challenged to
think beyond the physical aspects of medical interventions to consider
the psychosocial, ethical and legal implications of nursing practice in
Acute and Critical Care settings.
Generic Skills Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their proficiency in
Gained / specialty nursing practice through:
Objectives  an understanding of the assessment, planning and management
of patients with complex disorders requiring multi-system and
multi-disciplinary interventions;
 an ability to resource professional literature and apply research
at the ‘cutting edge’ of knowledge about patient management
and specialty nursing practice;
 completing a group exercise that demonstrates individual ability
to apply theoretical knowledge to the practical implementation of
care for a specific patient experiencing complex disorders
requiring multi-system and multi-disciplinary interventions and
the capacity to enhance and value the knowledge of others;
 a capacity to articulate the outcome of the group exercise in both
written form that demonstrates understanding of the scientific
knowledge and research evidence underpinning practice and an
appreciation of the contribution of the knowledge of peers;
 an understanding of the impact of critical illness, medical
interventions and technology upon the psychosocial and moral
well-being of patients and their families;
 an appreciation of the ethical and legal implications of acute and
critical care nursing practice for the nurse: as an individual; as a
member of a disciplinary and multi-disciplinary team; as an
employee of the healthcare institution and as a care provider for
the critically ill patient and his/her family.
 an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in
the specialist area; an ability to evaluate and synthesise the
research and professional literature in the discipline;
 advanced skills and techniques applicable to the discipline; well-
developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area,
characterised by flexibility of approach;
 advanced competencies in areas of professional expertise and/or
scholarship.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the


following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate
coursework student:

 a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in


written presentations;
 the capacity to value and participate in projects which require
team-work;

 an understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge


to the wider community (including business and industry).
Credit points 12.5
Semester Semester 2
Mode of On campus
Delivery
Pre-requisites Nil
Contact Hours 36 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials (Students are expected to
devote approximately 6-10 hours per week to this subject).
Teaching Seminars are conducted at Parkville
Location
Assessment 1. Written assignment of 1500 words due week 10 (35%)

2. Closed book, 3 hour written examination at the end of semester


(65%)
Recommended A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in the
Reading subject.
Materials
Timetabling (view timetable)
Special Notes Level: 4th year

This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the


University’s on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must
have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.

The minimum computer hardware and software specifications for the


subject are consistent with the University’s guidelines on the expected
standard of computer equipment
(http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/CompStd.htm):

No special computer skills are required. Students are required to have


skills consistent with the University’s Statement of “Basic Expectations of
Student Computer Skills” :
http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/stuskills.html which includes basic
knowledge of computer operating systems, word-processing skills, email
use, and the internet. Specifically students need to be able to write, edit
and save an essay on the computer and be competent in the use of
standard WWW browsers and should be able to use information
searching techniques.

Contact Ms Monika Taylor


Information
Web http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Name Applied Concepts in Paediatrics
Subject Code 514-869
Year 2007

Subject This subject extends knowledge to develop skills beyond those necessary
Description for functioning as a beginning level practitioner in a range of paediatric
care settings. Foundational scientific concepts will be applied to support
nursing interventions at a proficient level of specialty practice specifically
in the areas of neonatal care, paediatric fluid and electrolyte balance,
paediatric respiratory function, paediatric nutrition and illnesses arising
from congenital abnormalities. The experiences of paediatric patients and
their families will be explored with a focus on understanding the impact
of hospitalisation on the family unit. A problem-based learning approach
will be utilized in order to link understanding of the pathophysiological
and psychosocial nature of paediatric illness to clinical nursing practice in
specific paediatric practice settings. For example, problem solving
exercises relating to paediatric respiratory function and support will
specifically prepare nurses working in paediatric critical care for
assessing and managing acutely ill paediatric patients admitted during
the winter months.
Generic Skills Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their proficiency in
Gained / specialty nursing practice through:
Objectives  integration of the theoretical content covered within the subject
to develop new knowledge that supports safe and proficient
practice as a specialty nurse in paediatrics;
 the ability to integrate knowledge and skills learnt in the subject
to recognise and plan a response to patients experiencing
alterations to health and wellness that occur in a variety of
paediatric care contexts;
 the ability to understand and evaluate specialised interventions
as described in the subject content to provide a foundation for
participating in the delivery of care at the proficient level of
paediatric nursing practice;
 the capacity to use skills in problem-solving, critical thinking,
rational inquiry and self-directed learning to apply knowledge
learnt in the theoretical component of the subject to functioning
within the clinical context as a proficient level paediatric specialty
nurse;
 an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in
the specialist area;
 an ability to evaluate and synthesize the research and
professional literature in the discipline;
 well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area
 an appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips
the student to offer leadership in the specialist area.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the


following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate
coursework student:

 a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral


and written presentations;
 an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original
research;
 a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including
self-directed project work;
 an appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips
the student to offer leadership in the specialist area;

 the capacity to value and participate in projects which require


team-work.
Credit points 12.5
Semester Semester 1
Mode of On-campus
Delivery
Pre-requisites Nil
Contact Hours 36 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials. Students are expected to
devote approximately 6-10 hours per week to this subject.
Teaching Parkville
Location
Assessment 1. Written assignment of 2000 words due week 8 (45%)

2 Written assignment of 1500 words due end of semester (35%)

3. 10 minute individual presentation due end of semester (20%)


Recommended A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in
Reading the subject.
Materials
Timetabling (view timetable)
Special Notes Level: 4th Year
This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the
University’s on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must
have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.

The minimum computer hardware and software specifications for the


subject are consistent with the University’s guidelines on the expected
standard of computer equipment
(http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/CompStd.htm):

No special computer skills are required. Students are required to have


skills consistent with the University’s Statement of “Basic Expectations of
Student Computer Skills” :
http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/stuskills.html which includes basic
knowledge of computer operating systems, word-processing skills, email
use, and the internet. Specifically students need to be able to write, edit
and save an essay on the computer and be competent in the use of
standard WWW browsers and should be able to use information
searching techniques.
Contact Ms Marijke Mitchell
Information
Web http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Name Acute & Critical Care Theory 1


Subject Code 514-808
Year 2007

Subject This subject provides the opportunity for students to enhance their
Description specialty practice by gaining beginning theoretical knowledge relating to
caring for patients across the lifespan who are acutely or critically ill.

Students will learn about scientific principles and research evidence


relating to conducting an admission assessment, understanding
admission findings, and identifying patients at risk of life threatening
complications. Students will become familiar with immediate
interventions required to establish and maintain patient stability,
including, but not limited to life support techniques. The underpinning
biological basis and evidence based principles behind treatment and
symptom management (including pharmacology) of diseases/illnesses
commonly treated in each critical care practice setting will be described.

Generic Skills Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their beginning


Gained / specialty nursing practice through:
Objectives  the ability to understand, apply and evaluate assessment data to
identify patients at risk of life threatening complications;
 the ability to understand and evaluate specialised interventions
as described in the subject content to provide a foundation for
understanding the delivery of care at the beginning level;
 the capacity to use skills in problem-solving, critical thinking,
rational inquiry and self-directed learning to apply theoretical
knowledge to beginning level practice.
 an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the
specialist area;
 the ability to apply scientific knowledge to understand skills and
techniques applicable to the specialist area.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the


following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate
coursework student:

 a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in


written modes of communication;

 a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including


self-directed project work.
Credit points 12.5
Semester Semester 1
Mode of On Campus
Delivery
Contact Hours 42 hours on-campus lectures and tutorials (Students are expected to
devote approximately 6-10 hours per week his subject)
Teaching On campus
Location
Assessment 1. Written assignment of 2000 words due week 5 (40%)

2. Closed book 3 hour written examination at the end of semester


(60%)
Recommended A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in
Reading the subject.
Materials
Timetabling (view timetable)
Special Notes Level: 4th Year

This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the


University’s on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must
have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.

The minimum computer hardware and software specifications for the


subject are consistent with the University’s guidelines on the expected
standard of computer equipment
(http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/CompStd.htm):
Contact Ms Patricia Nicholson & Ms Janine Evans
Information
Web http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

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