Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

This course seeks to upgrade the qualifications of registered nurses to meet the needs of working in contemporary health care settings. It assists students to develop the skills necessary to understand and evaluate new information and concepts. It emphasises both theoretical principles of nursing and nursing care as well as clinical.

On completion of this course, the graduate will be expected to be able to:

• practice safely and according to the ANMC National Competency Standards for Registered Nurses
• deliver holistic, culturally responsive nursing care in a variety of health care settings
• demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills
• maintain legal and ethical standards in professional nursing practice
• prioritise health care needs, referring to other health professionals as needed
• plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based nursing care
• promote individuals and groups to achieve independence or self help in achieving and maintaining optimal levels of health
• demonstrate knowledge of the Australian health care system
• work effectively within the multidisciplinary health care team
• promote ongoing education of self and peers.

Students must be Registered Nurses in their country of origin to enrol in this course.

Police checks and Working with Children checks

Organisations that host clinical and community placements require students to have current Police and Working with Children checks regarding their suitability to undertake such placements. All enrolled and prospective students are advised that they will be required to obtain Police and Working with Children checks prior to undertaking their course. Working with Children checks are valid for five years and are available free. Police checks must be applied and paid for annually. However, in some community partnered programs, there may be a requirement to have a police check renewed every six months.

Drug Administration Policy

Students should be aware of their legal responsibilities regarding the administration and storage of drugs. In addition, it is the policy of the School of Nursing and Midwifery that where drugs are required to be checked by two people prior to administration; the student and supervisor (clinical teacher or registered nurse) are considered as one person. Students should be aware of the drug administration policy relevant to the particular year of study. For more information please visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/nursing/current.html and refer to the section entitled 'Clinical Guidelines'.

Vaccination Policy

It is required that students obtain relevant vaccinations prior to clinical placements for presentation to the course coordinator on request.

Fieldwork will be undertaken in a range of hospitals and health care agencies.

Students must achieve a satisfactory clinical assessment to successfully complete the course.

Clinical practice units

This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit.

Where a student's skill or knowledge is found to be inadequate, access to the clinical component of the unit will be denied. A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school.

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses during clinical placement. Uniforms and accessories are required for clinical placements and students will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

Students seeking registration on completion of the course must seek approval from the Nurses Board of Victoria prior to undertaking the course.

On completion of the course, graduates may be eligible to register in Division One with the Nurses Board of Victoria.

The course comprise eight units taught over two semesters. Students complete a research unit and seven additional units and undertake six weeks of supervised clinical practice.

First semester

• NUR2001 Evidence-based health care
• NUR2201 Therapeutics and medication
• NUR2447 Clinical concepts
• NUR3003 Education for clinical practice

Second semester

• NUR1202 Legal issues and concepts
• NUR2104 Mental health nursing 1
• NUR2445 Clinical assessment in nursing
• NUR4501 Acute care clinical

Bachelor of Nursing Studies