Course descriptions

Nursing courses

  • Level 1 courses: NURS Nursing (1000 level)

    NURS1037 Foundations of Nursing
    This course introduces students to the role and responsibilities of the registered nurse, professionalisation, the regulation of nursing, and contemporary frameworks for nursing practice. Students will also be introduced to the nursing code of ethics and cultural safety, and examine how these support holistic nursing care. This course will develop students’ academic literacy skills, and address the importance of effective oral and written communication skills for academic and clinical nursing practice. Students will also develop awareness of the positive impact of evidence-based nursing practice in providing safe and sustainable nursing care.

    NURS1038 Human Body 1
    This course introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It provides the foundation knowledge a registered nurse requires to make informed decisions regarding health assessment and client/patient care. The course addresses medical terminology and basic scientific concepts. Homeostasis is explored to demonstrate the dynamic nature of the human body and how it is maintained through a complex interplay between the cells, tissues and different organs. The organ systems covered are respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, integumentary, skeletal and digestive. Basic concepts in nutrition are also included and linked to the structure and functioning of the cells and significance to health. This course is based on the scientific method of enquiry and aims to nurture a critical way of thinking that is the basis of evidence-based practice.

    NURS1039 Health and Wellness
    This course introduces students to the concepts of health and wellbeing within a framework of primary health care. Students will identify the broad socio-cultural factors that influence the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities, and populations. Emphasis will be placed on Australia’s National Health Priority Areas and vulnerable populations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Using a lifespan approach, students will examine the concept of health promotion, and its applicability at individual, community and population levels. A lifespan approach is used and it is underpinned by the philosophy of person-centred care.

    NURS1040 Professional Practice 1 (Nursing Practice 1)
    The skills component (Nursing Practice) of this course introduces the student to fundamental nursing care activities that form the foundation for person-centred nursing practice across the lifespan. Students are introduced to essential work health and safety practices for both the protection of the individual and staff. Students will learn how to assist people manage their activities of daily living whilst maintaining their human dignity. The Clinical Reasoning Cycle is used as the underpinning framework on which the student begins to build their problem identification and problem-solving abilities. The role of the nurse in gathering and documenting health status data, including health history and measurement of vital signs is also introduced. Students explore professional communication and documentation.
    The professional practice placement component is the first workplace experience that introduces the student to the professional health care environment and immerses the student in the practice of nursing. Students have the opportunity to contextualise theoretical and simulated learning to an authentic workplace experience and begin their journey to become a registered nurse. Students will develop their competence in nursing activities and develop an understanding of how registered nurses work collaboratively with clients/patients, families and the multidisciplinary team. Students will need to complete the nursing practice skills component of this course successfully to qualify for placement, which will occur consecutively at the end of the semester.

    NURS1041 Human Body 2
    Pre-requisite: NURS1038 Human Body 1
    This course builds on Human Body 1 by extending the foundation of knowledge required to understand the disease processes and clinical decisions that are associated with client/patient care. The course introduces complex concepts such as fluid and acid-base balance, metabolism, cellular reproduction and cellular communication. Homeostasis is revisited and expands on how the functioning of one organ system can affect the workings of another. This facilitates a better understanding of the nursing practices that assist client/patient health and nurtures a level of critical thinking that is the basis of evidence-based practice. The organ systems covered in this course are muscular, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, microbial, immune and reproduction. Genetics and the contribution of the microbiome to health are included.

    NURS1042 Research for Practice
    Pre-requisite: NURS1037 Foundations of Nursing
    This course introduces students to research and evidence-based nursing practice. Students will develop their capability for being a research consumer by means of locating, appraising, critiquing and selectively using research findings safely to inform everyday clinical practice. The course introduces the student to research concepts and processes, as well as a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

    NURS1043 Professional Practice 2 (Nursing Practice 2)
    Pre-requisite: NURS1040 Professional Practice 1 (Nursing Practice 1)
    This is the second nursing practice course. The students will use the Clinical Reasoning Cycle, and further develop their problem identification and management skills to provide safe, competent, and responsible nursing care for clients/patients at various stages of development and life phases. Students explore the principles and practices of aseptic technique and application to wound dressings and the administration of medications. Students will explore factors affecting wound healing and develop their ability to assess and make decisions about wound management. Medication management will be developed further with an emphasis on the quality use of medicines and the nurse’s legal responsibilities when administering medications. This course will also examine complications associated with immobility and preventative measures.
    Professional Practice 2 expands on the knowledge and skills covered in Nursing Practice 2 and other courses studied during the previous semester. It provides the student nurse with the opportunity to relate to the Clinical Reasoning Cycle and develop their critical thinking ability within a supported professional workplace environment. Students will practice medication administration, aseptic techniques, and wound management. Engaging in the professional practice area also enables the student to experience the multidisciplinary team and practice interdisciplinary communication. Students must complete the nursing practice component successfully to qualify for placement, which will occur consecutively at the end of the semester.

  • Level 2 courses: NURS Nursing (2000 level)

    NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2
    In this course students examine pharmacological and medical treatments underlying physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, reproductive and neurological conditions. Students learn to plan holistic care for patients with acute and chronic pathology by considering the effect on patient presentation, treatment, and recovery. Individualised care is contextualised to the socio-cultural factors that impact on the development and management of selected disorders.

    NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing
    This course applies principles of health assessment and the nursing process to plan nursing care. Evidence-based nursing practice related to the health assessment of a patient is delivered via a theoretical and problem-solving approach.

    NURS2011 Mental Health 1
    Pre-requisite: NURS2011 Mental Health 1, NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3
    This course will equip the student with knowledge, understanding, and skills required to care for and support patients and their families in hospital and community mental health settings.
    This course examines the concepts of mental health, engagement, and therapeutic and behavioural frameworks of the assessment process pertinent to those experiencing mental health issues. The course also examines the relevant health policy and law.

    NURS2012 Paediatric and Adolescent Health
    This course provides students with foundational knowledge in Paediatric and Adolescent Health. Students are equipped with knowledge and skills to provide holistic care with an appreciation of the impact of the environment on paediatric and adolescent health, as well as the promotion of paediatric and adolescent health, wellness, and injury prevention.

    NURS2013 Professional Practice 3
    The course consolidates and build on skills, knowledge and clinical competencies achieved in first year Professional Practice courses. The focuses on nursing care in the acute medical environment and the implementation of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice. Students apply theory to practice by performing complex nursing actions, physical assessment skills and administration, and management of medications and intravenous therapy. The course emphasises active learning to encourage students to identify learning needs, set objectives and utilise reflection, clinical reasoning and feedback to assist in continual self-improvement. Students are guided by workplace mentors and a university clinical facilitator.

    NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2
    Pre-requisites: NURS1017 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 AND NURS1021 Professional Practice 2
    This course aims to add to the knowledge gained in Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 1 & 2 with additional discussion of other common diseases and their pharmacological management. The course will examine the interrelated organ systems and the underlying pathophysiology of specific disease processes including musculoskeletal, endocrine, haematological and gastrointestinal conditions. Nursing management of the acutely ill patient will be discussed and analysed along with discussion of the patient’s longer term nursing needs. The key concepts of clinical pharmacology will be applied to enable the student to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed medications and ensure safe medication management.

    NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative)
    Pre-requisite: NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3
    This course provides students with fundamental knowledge and understanding of a patient before, during and after an operative procedure. Infection control principles will be reinforced and students will be specifically taught preparation and management of the operating theatre environment. Previous anatomy and physiology knowledge will be applied in teaching students to assist in the perioperative care of the patient, transferring and positioning the patient for surgery, recognising and responding to changes in the patient’s clinical condition, and in caring for the patient during the emergence and recovery from anaesthesia. Students will also learn to monitor and manage the potential hazards that exist within the complex technological environment of the operating suite.

    NURS2017 Mental Health 2
    Pre-requisites: NURS2013 - Clinical Practicum 3 AND NURS2011 - Mental Health 1
    This course examines varying types, subtypes and presentations of mental illness. This course in particular explores high and low prevalence disorders that effect communities and impact the family and the individual, inclusive of the comorbid disorders of substance misuse. This course further encompasses and focusses on the presentation and impact of mental illness across the lifespan and cultural groups within the community. This course emphasises contemporary assessment treatment and options for those affected by mental illness in a variety of settings

    NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4
    Pre-requisites: NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3 NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative) NURS2017 Mental Health 2
    This course will give students an overview of the clinical learning expectations to be achieved whilst on clinical practicum. The course will explore strategies for the students to utilise that will enhance communication within the multidisciplinary team. There will also be a focus on building reflective practice skills that will enable the students to maximise opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge that underpin quality practice. The aim is to prepare students to appreciate the clinical environment and the learning experience that this provides. Students are guided in their learning by work place mentors/clinical supervisors and a university clinical facilitator. Student assessment for this course is through the completion of the Nursing Clinical Assessment Schedule (NCAS+).

    The course will also offer an opportunity for students to consolidate the skills, knowledge and clinical competencies learnt in previous nursing skills courses. The focus this semester is acute nursing care in the specialty settings of perioperative nursing and mental health nursing. Students will be required to implement the semester’s theoretical knowledge into the clinical practice setting. All students must have pre practicum documentation updated to the clinical office by week 5 before a placement will be offered.

    NURS2034 Clinical Therapeutics 1
    Pre-requisites: NURS1038 Human Body 1, NURS1041 Human Body 2
    This course develops the students’ knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics. A body systems approach is used and diseases and/or dysfunction of the respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, neurological, gastrointestinal, integumentary and endocrine systems are explored. Alterations in homeostasis will be examined and its relationship to health and disease. Students will apply and integrate their understanding of pathophysiology to the person’s clinical presentation, and associated interventions and medications used to prevent and treat the disorder. This knowledge informs clinical reasoning and decision making that is essential to nursing care.

    NURS2035 Laws and Ethics
    Pre-requisite: NURS1037 Foundations of Nursing
    This course extends the student’s knowledge of law and ethics and emphasises the importance of applying legal and ethical principles to inform nursing practice that is: safe; therapeutic; effective; and promotes public goodwill in the title registered nurse. Legal and ethical principles are explained and their relationship to nursing practice is examined. Law, legislation, and ethical theories relevant to nursing are identified, and the responsibility of the nurse to be compliant is explored. Students will also discuss the values held by the nursing profession, as the concepts of rights and responsibilities increasingly impact on professional nursing practice. Health regulation, nurse self-regulation and nurse decision making models are explored. Furthermore, students learn to identify nursing situations where moral obligation, moral anguish, ethical dilemmas, and conscientious doubt are likely to arise. This dissonance will be explored through the Giving Voice to Values framework.

    NURS2036 Professional Practice 3 (Nursing Practice 3)
    Pre-requisite: NURS1043 Professional Practice 2 (Nursing Practice 2)
    This course further develops the students’ capability to assess people across the lifespan and use clinical reasoning to plan care. Students will examine functional health assessment and focused clinical assessment and learn to synthesise this information to plan care for people with acute disruption to health. The Clinical Reasoning Cycle will be used as a framework to assist the students to make sound clinical decisions and to aid the student to transfer this knowledge and skills to other clinical contexts. Central to making sound clinical decisions is the use of current evidence and students are expected to use evidence and research in care planning. Students will also extend their knowledge and skill in the quality use of medicines and aseptic technique.
    The professional workplace experience provides students with the opportunity to build on and contextualise knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics. Students will engage in legal and ethical nursing practice and further develop their skill in focused assessment, intravenous therapy and intravenous medication administration. Students will apply the Clinical Reasoning Cycle framework to person-centred care and reflect on their clinical experiences.

    NURS2039 Mental Health and Wellbeing
    Pre-requisite: NURS1039 Health and Wellness
    This course is based on the principle that mental health knowledge and skills are essential for all nurses in all healthcare settings. The foundations of therapeutic communication, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills and self-care will be examined to facilitate the development of the skills and strategies required to respond to people with mental health issues. Consumer and carer perspectives will inform students’ understandings of mental health issues as experienced across the lifespan. These issues are explored in view of the latest research-based evidence. Students will develop and consolidate key mental health assessment skills with particular emphasis on the most prevalent mental health issues.

    NURS2040 Professional Practice 4 (Nursing Practice 4)
    Pre-requisite: NURS2036 Professional Practice 3 (Nursing Practice 3)
    This course in the skills area builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Nursing Practice 3. The clinical context of the course is caring for people across the lifespan experiencing complex health problems in both medical and surgical environments. The course will also examine issues affecting an individual’s rehabilitation, education, and discharge planning. Students will relate to the Clinical Reasoning Cycle to guide their critical thinking, assessment, and care planning. Students will also further develop their competence in medication and complex wound management.
    The professional practice experience in this course builds on theoretical knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics and nursing skills developed during Nursing Practice 3. Students further develop critical thinking skills and apply the Clinical Reasoning Cycle framework to the assessment and management of people undergoing surgery and those with complex health problems. This course will also engage students in the role of the nurse in patient education and discharge planning.

    NURS2041 Clinical Therapeutics 2
    Pre-requisite: NURS2034 Clinical Therapeutics 1
    This course develops students’ knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics further. The pathophysiology of a range of disease processes across the lifespan will be explored including diseases and/or dysfunction of the neurological, immunological, haematological and reproductive systems. Cancer, adiposity, infection, sepsis and shock states, pain and anaesthesia and genetic disorders are also examined. Students will apply and integrate their understanding of pathophysiology to the person’s clinical presentation and associated interventions and medications used to prevent and treat the disorder. This knowledge is pivotal to clinical reasoning and decision making in nursing care. Students will examine the pharmacological and medical management of a range of disorders.

    NURS2042 Illness Prevention and Management
    Pre-requisite: NURS1039 Health and Wellness
    This second primary health care course builds on the knowledge developed in Health and Wellness. Students examine primary health care nursing within different contexts and specialities across the human lifespan. The course examines the role of a primary health care nurse to prevent and manage chronic illnesses. Core concepts studied include complex health management, provision of primary health care services, and health literacy and provider self-management support. The role of the nurse working in partnership with individuals and families will also be explored.

  • Level 3 courses: NURS Nursing (3000 level)

    NURS3014 Clinical Reasoning, Judgement and Management of Care
    Pre-requisite: NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1, NURS2029 Advanced Nursing Care (Medical) NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing NURS2011 Mental Health 1 NURS2012 Paediatric and Adolescent Health NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3 NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2 NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative) NURS2016 Chronic Care NURS2017 Mental Health 2 NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4
    The course aims to examine and apply clinical reasoning and judgment in the coordination and management of nursing care. The course will consolidate the nursing student’s pre-existing knowledge and skills related to the management of patient care and focus on problems solving and decision making to enhance the provision of care to patients or clients. To support this, the concepts of prioritisation and delegation will be explored along with clinical governance, inter-professional working, collaboration and quality assurance.

    NURS3015 Professional Practice and Leadership 1
    Pre-requisites: NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1, NURS2029 Advanced Nursing Care (Medical), NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing, NURS2011 Mental Health 1, NURS2012 Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3, NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2, NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative), NURS2016 Chronic Care, NURS2017 Mental Health 2 AND
    NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4
    Planned specific skills for transition into the work force will be delivered in the course. Generic skills and preparation for functioning as a Professional Nurse will be taught. Expert practitioners will address the students’ questions in relation to transitional issues. Students will be taught self-care, work force issues and skills needed to be truly reflective practitioners.

    NURS3016 Complex Nursing Care (Critical Care)
    Pre-requisite: NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 NURS2029 Advanced Nursing Care (Medical) NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing NURS2011 Mental Health 1 NURS2012 Paediatric and Adolescent Health NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3 NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2 NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative) NURS2016 Chronic Care NURS2017 Mental Health 2 NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4
    The course is designed to give the student nurse an introduction to the complexities of critical care nursing. The course will look at nursing attitudes, knowledge and skills required in the overall recognition and management of the acutely unwell and critically ill patient. It will discuss the nurse’s role in relation to meeting the physiological, psychological and social needs of patients and families within the realm of critical illness.

    NURS3017 Indigenous Health
    Pre-requisite: NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 NURS2029 Advanced Nursing Care (Medical) NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing NURS2011 Mental Health 1 NURS2012 Paediatric and Adolescent Health NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3 NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2 NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative) NURS2016 Chronic Care NURS2017 Mental Health 2 NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4
    It is well known that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are one of the most disadvantaged groups within Australia. Statistically, they are the most socially and economically disadvantaged group of people within Australian society, as well as the sickest, when compared to the rest of the Australian population. The reason for this contemporary state of health is multi-causal. The study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is an essential element in shaping the knowledge of health professionals. This course will assist health professionals to deliver care using best practice principles in a culturally sensitive manner, thus enabling the health professional to make a positive contribution towards Indigenous health.

    NURS3019 Rural Health
    Pre-requisites: NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 NURS2029 Advanced Nursing Care (Medical) NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing NURS2011 Mental Health 1 NURS2012 Paediatric and Adolescent Health NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3 NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2 NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative) NURS2016 Chronic Care NURS2017 Mental Health 2 NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4 NURS3017 Indigenous Health
    The role of the nurse in rural, remote and regional areas requires the nurse to be a skilled practitioner who is able to deliver healthcare across diverse cultural and social groups. This course aims to introduce the student nurse to the discipline of rural, remote and regional nursing. The student will develop an understanding of the environment of rural, remote and regional nursing, and the impact on rural healthcare delivery. This could be related to geographic location and accessibility, community stratification, socio-economic and resource access, culture, lifestyle preferences and health, safety and risk factors.

    NURS3020 Research Methods and Health Informatics
    Pre-requisites: NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 NURS2029 Advanced Nursing Care (Medical) NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing NURS2011 Mental Health 1 NURS2012 Paediatric and Adolescent Health NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3 NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2 NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative) NURS2016 Chronic Care NURS2017 Mental Health 2 NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4 NURS2018 Clinical Practicum
    This course provides students with opportunities to understand broad aspects of nursing research. The research opportunities range from accessing and using quality research materials including application of research in clinical settings. The course also examines the influences of virtual and information technology in the health field, and focuses on the ways in which health informatics is used by both the health professional/and the lay person.

    NURS3021 Professional Practice and Leadership in Nursing 2
    Pre-requisites courses: NURS3015 Professional Practice and Leadership 1
    This course will develop the students understanding of management in healthcare and the role of the nurse as a manager. It will provide an introduction to contemporary theories and perspectives on leadership and management in nursing by addressing issues such as vision, motivation, authority, ethical conduct, culture, commitment and the implementation of change based on reliable evidence. This understanding will develop through exposure to key speakers and experts, analysis of information provided to and sought by the student and questioning and debate regarding the information presented.

    NURS3022 Clinical Practicum 6
    Pre-requisites: NURS1037 Foundations of Nursing, NURS1039 Health and Wellness
    This course develops students' understanding of the healthcare needs and healthcare status of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Traditional and contemporary world views, values, and life chances of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be explored, along with the historical and social determinants of health. Students will also explore their own cultural backgrounds and how this affects their nursing care of others. Students will explore different models of care and cultural protocols that inform culturally safe, competent, and sensitive care, and learn about the correct and appropriate uses of language and terminology. Healthcare practices and protocols will be reviewed and key contacts and support structures within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services will be identified.
    This course is developed and implemented in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators, researchers, health workers and health professionals. The central organisations of the Nulungu Research Institute (UNDA), CATSINaM, LINMAN, LIME and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) provide guidance and knowledge regarding the course learning outcomes, content and assessment.

    NURS3023 Maternal Care
    Pre-requisites: NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 NURS2029 Advanced Nursing Care (Medical) NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing NURS2011 Mental Health 1 NURS2012 Paediatrics and Adolescent Health NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3 NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2 NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative) NURS2016 Chronic Care NURS2017 Mental Health 2 NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4
    This course introduces the student to the role of the Registered Midwife in caring for women, their babies and families during and after pregnancy.  The student will be taught the physiological and psychological aspects of pregnancy, labour and birth, and postpartum care of the mother and child. The course will introduce the student to holistic woman centred care whilst emphasising the role of family members as co-participants in care during pregnancy and childbirth.

    NURS3024 Advanced Wound Care
    Pre-requisite: All 2nd year Nursing courses
    This course builds upon skills gained in the first year and second year of the Bachelor of Nursing degree. Students will be introduced to more complex nursing procedures necessary for implementing planned nursing care for patients in medical and surgical areas. These skills will include conservative sharp wound debridement, assessment of arterial and venous ulcers, compression bandaging, and pre/ post-operative management of a person with urinary and faecal surgical diversions at an advanced level.

    NURS3025 Global Health
    Pre-requisites: NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 NURS2029 Advanced Nursing Care (Medical) NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing NURS2011 Mental Health 1 NURS2012 Paediatrics and Adolescent Health NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3 NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2 NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative) NURS2016 Chronic Care NURS2017 Mental Health 2 NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4
    Health inequalities occur not only within countries, but also between them. Developing countries experience high levels of illness, disability, premature death and reduced life expectancy. In many situations, these adverse conditions are direct and indirect results of unequal distribution of power, income, goods and services, globally and nationally. This course will introduce the student to the patterning of health and illness at a global level. Content covered will include: international health organisations and agreements, and the health effects of people trafficking, global health resources, international travel, environmental conditions, and political conflict.

    NURS3026 Advanced Mental Health
    Pre-requisites: NURS2009 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 NURS2029 Advanced Nursing Care (Medical) NURS2010 Health Assessment in Nursing NURS2011 Mental Health 1 NURS2012 Paediatrics and Adolescent Health NURS2013 Clinical Practicum 3 NURS2014 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2 NURS2015 Advanced Nursing Care (Perioperative) NURS2016 Chronic Care NURS2017 Mental Health 2 NURS2018 Clinical Practicum 4
    In this course, students will examine contemporary trends and practice in delivering mental health care. Treatment/care options within community settings and the collaboration between all sectors of the community will be explored. External influences on mental health facilities will also be considered.

    NURS3049 Clinical Practicum 6
    Pre-requisite: NURS3018 Clinical Practicum 5
    This course will give students an overview of the clinical learning expectations to be achieved whilst on clinical practicum. The course will explore strategies for the students to utilise that will enhance communication within the multidisciplinary team. There will also be a focus on building reflective practice skills that will enable the students to maximise opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge that underpin quality practice. The aim is to prepare students to appreciate the clinical environment and the learning experience that this provides. Student assessment for this course is through the completion of the Nursing Competency Assessment Schedule Plus (NCAS+). A total of 160 clinical hours is required. The course will also offer an opportunity for students to consolidate the skills, knowledge and clinical competencies learnt in previous nursing skills courses. The focus this semester is acute nursing care in either medical or surgical nursing or implementation of the semester’s theoretical knowledge into the clinical practice setting. All students must have pre practicum documentation updated to the clinical office by week 5 before a placement will be offered.

    NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Acute Care)
    Pre-requisites: NURS2040 Professional Practice 4 (Nursing Practice 4), NURS3068 Mental Health Nursing and Professional Practice
    Co-requisite: NURS3068 Mental Health Nursing and Professional Practice
    “Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration” is designed to develop a student’s ability to assess and manage patients and their families across the lifespan with complex disruptions to health and who are at risk of acute deterioration. Students advance their ability to make sound clinical decisions that are based on both physiological and pathophysiological processes as well as current evidence and research. There will be an emphasis on the application of theory to practice using case-based scenarios in both tutorial and simulation tutorial sessions. From a theoretical perspective student will examine clinical decision-making and the early detection of deterioration. From a practical perspective, students hone skills in clinical assessment to assess patients astutely and skillfully with complex disruptions to health.
    The placement provides the student with 2 contexts of professional workplace experience; mental health nursing, and caring for people with complex health needs. Students undertake 3-weeks experience in mental health nursing, either in an in-patient hospital or community-based mental health facility. Students work with members of a multidisciplinary mental health team to provide support for people with acute and long-term mental health conditions. During the other 3-weeks of professional workplace experience, students refine their clinical reasoning and communication skills to care for people experiencing clinical deterioration or to care for those with a life-limiting illness.

    NURS3056 Leadership and Governance
    Pre-requisites: NURS1037 Foundations of Nursing, NURS2035 Law and Ethics, NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Recognising and Responding to the Deteriorating Patient)
    Co-requisite: NURS3057 Transition to Practice
    This course focuses on leadership and governance and the pivotal role of the registered nurse working within a complex healthcare system. The challenges of clinical governance, including healthcare reform and contemporary issues affecting professional nursing practice are debated. Strategies for improving recruitment and retention of nurses will be used as a framework for learning. The role of leadership in the provision of quality care and facilitating positive change will be analysed. Students examine the attributes of effective clinical leaders and reflect on the barriers to effective leadership.

    NURS3057 Transition to Practice
    Pre-requisite: NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Recognising and Responding to the Deteriorating Patient)
    Co-requisite: NURS3056 Leadership and Governance
    This capstone course provides students with an opportunity to evaluate critically their preparedness for registered nurse practice. Central to this preparedness is the student’s assessment of their own capability to be a registered nurse. Students will reflect on their own journey to Registered Nurse practice and self-assess knowledge, skills and behaviours against the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) codes and standards. Other key areas that will be addressed include communicating in complex situations, delegation and supervision, nurse as educator, and applying ethical frameworks in the workplace.

    NURS3058 Public and Global Health
    Co-requisite: NURS3059 Professional Practice 6
    Nurses make up the largest professional group within the Australian multidisciplinary public health workforce. This course introduces students to the discipline of public health and the role nurses play at a community and population level. Students will explore the core principles of public health focusing on environmental, social and behavioural determinants of health and disease in the developing and developed world. Students are introduced to the origins of public health, health care models and systems, epidemiology and its application, public health interventions for communicable and non-communicable diseases, public health workforce, policy and planning, advocacy, ethics and the role of research. Students will gain an insight into major public health challenges and the role of humanitarian agencies and the not-for-profit sector in improving the health of vulnerable populations.

    NURS3059 Professional Practice 6
    Pre-requisites: NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Acute Care)
    Co-requisite: Elective (1) as stated in Program Requirements
    Professional practice 6 is the final professional workplace experience course. This course assists students to transition to the role of the registered nurse. The course builds on and consolidates learning from all courses of study throughout the degree program. Students are required to apply and integrate theoretical learning to practice and perform comprehensive person-centred assessments to plan and implement evidence-based nursing interventions. Students are expected to demonstrate competence across all elements of the Registered nurse standards for practice.

    NURS3060 Advanced Mental Health Nursing
    Pre-requisites: NURS3054 Mental Health Nursing and Professional Practice and NURS3068 Professional Practice 5 (Recognising and Responding to the Deteriorating Patient)
    This course ensures all students completing are competent to practice as beginning practitioners within mental health services. Completion of this course provides students with advanced understanding of therapeutic relationships, contemporary therapeutic modalities, complementary and alternative interventions, and clinical skills needed to work in an empathic and effective way with individuals and families experiencing mental health problems.

    NURS3061 Critical Care Nursing
    Pre-requisite: NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration)
    This course introduces students to the complexities of critical care nursing across various clinical environments. It explores common causes of critical illness and the systems used for organ support, aiding patient management and recovery throughout the lifespan. Emphasizing the application of theory to practice, the course utilizes case-based scenarios. Students will examine the nursing management of critically ill patients and their families, further honing their clinical assessment and critical thinking skills. Additionally, students will begin to develop knowledge of a range of therapies used in critical care.

    NURS3062 Maternal Care
    Pre-requisite: NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration)
    This course introduces the student to the role of the Registered Midwife in caring for women, their babies and families during and after pregnancy.  The student will be taught the physiological and psychological aspects of pregnancy, labour and birth, and postpartum care of the mother and child. The unit will introduce the student to holistic woman centred care whilst emphasising the role of family members as co-participants in care during pregnancy and childbirth.

    NURS3063 Paediatric Nursing
    Pre-requisite: NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration)
    This course examines the care of infants and children and young people. Paediatric healthcare is situated within a model of family centred care therefore the role of parents and carers will be examined. The course addresses contemporary issues having an impact on the health of infants, children, young people and their families, and examines interventions and strategies aimed at improving health outcomes. A range of common paediatric conditions will be explored along with their associated assessment and management.

    NURS3064 Palliative Care Nursing
    Pre-requisite: NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration)
    This course focuses on the care of individuals and their families needing palliative care in both the hospital and community, including residential aged care. It focuses on addressing the complex physical, psychosocial cultural and spiritual needs that individuals experience as they progress along the illness trajectory and at end of life. Death and dying is explored along with the complex decisions that individuals and families may be required to consider. The intersection of the interdisciplinary team and services available to support individuals and families is explored.

    NURS3065 Perioperative Nursing
    Pre-requisite: NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration)
    This course introduces students to the specialty of perioperative nursing. Perioperative nursing requires specialist knowledge and skills for patient care before, during, and after an operative procedure. This course addresses patient care aspects from preadmission and the immediate preoperative phase, the intraoperative environment including anaesthetics, instrument and circulating nursing, through to the immediate postoperative and post-anaesthesia recovery nursing. Principles of healthcare ethics in the perioperative environment are also explored.

    NURS3066 Rural and Remote Nursing
    Pre-requisites: NURS2042 Illness Prevention and Management, NURS3022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Health, NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration)
    This course introduces students to rural and remote nursing. Students will examine the complexities of working in rural and remote Australia and explore factors that influence the health and well-being of people in these communities. The diverse role of the nurse will be examined along with the emerging technologies used to support healthcare delivery. First-line emergency care and the importance of the multidisciplinary team are addressed in managing emergencies in rural and remote locations. A range of health care strategies used to improve the health and well-being of individuals, communities and populations will be examined.

    NURS3067 Complex Care and Palliation
    Pre-requisites: NURS2042 Illness Prevention and Management, NURS2040 Professional Practice 4 (Nursing Practice 4)
    This course prepares students to practise in partnership with individuals, families and communities to meet the health care needs of those living with multi-morbidities or life-limiting illnesses. To prepare for this responsibility, the course promotes holistic nursing care across the human life-span, including the special needs of older people. It will also familiarise students with the personal and professional challenges associated with caring for people who are dying.

    NURS3068 Mental Health Nursing and Professional Practice
    Pre-requisites: NURS2039 Mental Health and Wellbeing, NURS2040 Professional Practice 4 (Nursing Practice 4)
    Co-requisite: NURS3055 Professional Practice 5 (Nursing Practice 5)
    Pre-clinical pre-requisite note: Students must pass the hurdle assessment, recovery oriented comprehensive mental health assessment and formulation of care plan, to be eligible to attend the professional practice placement. Students must enrol in NURS3055 and NURS3068 in the same semester.
    This course builds on NURS2007, developing students’ capability to assess people who experience mental ill-health and develop recovery-oriented interventions within general and mental healthcare settings. Students further develop their clinical judgement and perform risk and mental health assessments to inform evidenced-based care. Students extend their understanding of therapeutic relationships with mental health consumers and their carers. The Australian ethico-legal context of nursing as it related to safe, competent, and responsive mental healthcare is examined.

  • Level 4 courses: NURS Nursing (4000 level)

    NURS4016 Advanced Health Assessment
    This course introduces the student to a variety of clinical assessment procedures, tools and techniques. The focus of this course relates to comprehensive health assessment and the use and interpretation of assessment findings, including diagnostic results. Evaluation of health assessment tools and implementation of clinical interventions based on health assessment findings are also examined.

    NURS4017 Nursing Governance
    This course will include:

    • The concepts of the nursing governance framework as a method of ensuring that patients receive the highest quality nursing care possible
    • The four pillars of Clinical Governance:
      • Clinical Performance and Evaluation: clinical standards and clinical indicators
      • Professional development and management: competency standards and continuing professional development
      • Clinical Risk: the monitoring and management of incident and adverse events, and risk profile analysis
      • Consumer Value: consumer liaison and participation

    NURS4018 Evidence Based Nursing
    This course has been structured to assist participants to further develop their understanding about the potential of research and how this can influence professional practice within their own sphere of nursing. Evidence based practice is an established concept that has now gained widespread recognition within the profession as a means of informing, authenticating and improving the work of nurses. However, the utilisation of research outcomes still has some way to go to reach its full potential. In view of this, the course will encourage participants to consider the applicability of evidence based findings within the scope of professional nursing practice. Course content will also increase the capacity of individuals to use research method and process to engage with systematic scholarly enquiry.

    NURS4019 Nursing Practice 1
    This course will include:

    • The concepts of the nursing governance framework as a method of ensuring that patients receive the highest quality nursing care possible
    • The four pillars of Clinical Governance:
      • Clinical Performance and Evaluation: clinical standards and clinical indicators
      • Professional development and management: competency standards and continuing professional development
      • Clinical Risk: the monitoring and management of incident and adverse events, and risk profile analysis
      • Consumer Value: consumer liaison and participation

    NURS4020 Leadership Development Strategies in Health
    This course consolidates students’ previous experience and knowledge of key leadership strategies including leadership skills/attributes of a good leader, performance development and team building. Students will be able to apply leadership development strategies such as leadership styles within their work environment.

    NURS4021 Applied Nursing Management Strategies
    This course enhances students’ understanding of key management concepts including management of human, material and clinical resources and its integral relationship to the delivery of safe, effective and relevant patient care. Topics such as human and material resource management, models of care and other management strategies such as developing a business plan are included in this course.

    NURS4022 Organisational Culture and Change Management in Nursing
    Pre-requisites: NURS4020 Leadership Development Strategies in Health and NURS4021 Applied Nursing Management Strategies
    This course enables students to evaluate organisational structure and assess how organisational structure and culture can enhance or impede communication, flexibility and service delivery at an individual, unit or hospital level. The role of the nursing/midwifery frontline leader’s role and its impact as a change agent and on achieving safe, effective and relevant patient care are addressed. Topics such as reporting mechanisms, monitoring of adverse events and quality management will be important components of this course.

    NURS4023 Patient Care, Quality & Best Practice
    Pre-requisites: NURS4020 Leadership Development Strategies in Health and NURS4021 Applied Nursing Management Strategies
    This course will enable students to consolidate their knowledge and apply current contemporary quality concepts including the quality cycle, LEAN, clinical audit, risk management & mitigation and best practice for safe, efficient and relevant patient care.

    NURS4025 Interpersonal Communication
    This course allows health professionals to examine and develop their interpersonal communication skills with people who may be experiencing difficult situations and mental and physical health challenges. The health professional will be able to identify and use both non-verbal and verbal communication skills to engage in discussions with people, patients, their families and friends, in an appropriate way for culturally and linguistically diverse and Indigenous peoples. The introduction of interactive dialogue techniques will provide a broad understanding of communication and negotiation strategies in challenging and high risk scenarios. Communication techniques will also be explored in relation to different modes such as face to face, online, electronic, virtual and telephone. The building of effective communication skills will promote self-awareness, resilience and self-care of the health professional.

    NURS4026 Nursing Practice 2
    This course, through a variety of clinically based and student-driven activities, will enable students to:

    • Integrate knowledge of their nursing practice with concepts of advanced nursing assessment, intervention and evaluation of patients undergoing surgery;
    • Solve complex client problems;
    • Provide client education and health promotion;
    • Develop knowledge and skills fundamental to nursing care management;
    • Demonstrate a collaborative relationship with other health care providers and consumers in planning and delivering comprehensive health care from pre-admission to post-discharge;
    • Demonstrate clinical leadership by functioning as a clinical resource in the management of client care;
    • Identify opportunities for nursing role extension and expansion within a climate of health care delivery change.

    NURS4027 Role of the Mental Health Practitioner in an Acute Setting
    The course will examine current trends and practice in delivering mental health care to people with a lived experience of mental illness. Emphasis on treatment and collaborative care options within tertiary, secondary and community settings will highlight ways in which healthcare agencies partner with other organisations and services such as General Practitioners and Police. Students will debate and reflect ethical considerations inherent in determining treatment settings. This course is informed by current legislation.

    NURS4028 Contemporary Palliative Care Nursing Practice 1
    This course on contemporary palliative care nursing practice provides a comprehensive exploration of palliative care, clearly distinguishing it from end-of-life care and emphasizing its vital role within the healthcare system. The course is structured into four key modules: foundational knowledge of palliative care, its proactive integration into patient management early in the disease trajectory, the ethical and legal frameworks that guide palliative care, and approaches to advanced care planning, including terminologies, legal and ethical considerations, and strategies for implementation. Through these modules, the course aims to equip nurses with the essential skills and knowledge needed to incorporate palliative care effectively in various healthcare settings.

    NURS4037 Clinical Governance
    This course of study will enable the student to consolidate understanding and application of the methods and instruments that form the foundation for monitoring quality and safety of healthcare delivery ensuring optimal outcomes. Students will analyse the leadership and organisational factors integral to the development of a strong clinical governance framework. Deep exploration of clinical governance undertaken in this course will empower students to ensure that quality healthcare standards are maintained and to become agents of change for the benefit of patients, colleagues and healthcare systems.

  • Level 5 courses: NURS Nursing (5000 level)

    NURS5000 Deteriorating Patient
    Building on existing knowledge of the Registered Nurse, this course advances the student’s knowledge and capability in performing comprehensive, relevant, person-centred clinical assessments appropriate to the patient’s condition. Clinical reasoning and judgement are predicated on accurate assessment skills and the ability to analyse findings, enabling the student to recognise and respond to the acutely deteriorating patient in the clinical setting. Students will apply evidence-based principles of care for critically ill patients with diverse needs. Identifying pathophysiological changes resulting in acute illness across a broad spectrum of body systems, students will justify strategies to evaluate and manage care for the patient and their family.

    NURS5001 Pathophysiological processes related to therapeutic action (Perioperative)
    This course focuses on advanced anatomy and physiology, pathophysiological processes and the relationship to therapeutic action for a broad range of health problems for adult and paediatric patients. The significance of this course is that it encourages the participant to develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to facilitate appropriate patient management and to address and manage complex clinical situations.

    NURS5003 Evidence Based Practice
    Pre-requisite: NURS4025 Interpersonal Communication, NURS4027 Role of the Mental Health Practitioner in Acute Psychiatry, NURS5006 Professional Role Development
    This course develops students' understanding on how an evidence-based framework and their contextualised application of research findings is integral to the practice of nursing. The course explores concepts associated with the process of inquiry (ask, acquire, appraise and apply) and the quality and appropriateness of research findings for translation into nursing knowledge and practice. The course introduces foundational research and evidenced-based practice methods including developing a clinical question, literature searching identifying study designs, critical appraisal of the evidence and the identification and application of frameworks that aim to support the translation of evidence into nursing knowledge and practice. Students will gain an appreciation for the application of research evidence in the context of patient and family values and the organisational, ethical and policy environments.

    NURS5006 Professional Role Development
    This course facilitates the synthesis of previous knowledge into a framework for advanced practice in a nursing specialty. Theories of role socialisation and development, as they apply to advanced nursing within the context of the participant’s own sphere of practice are explored. Major perspectives relating to role definition, performance parameters and outcome measures are integrated into advanced practice through an individualised education plan. The learning plan, therefore, enables participants to examine and evaluate the scope of practice so that they engage in learning that is directly pertinent to their own professional growth and ongoing development.

    NURS5010 Reflective Practice (Perioperative)
    The aim of this course is to enhance participant’s knowledge and skills in reflection; to equip them with the mechanisms to explore actions and to derive meaning from the experience. It encourages participants to develop thinking, consider alternative approaches and explore strategies for future application. Furthermore, participants will be encouraged to examine strategies to address personal or professional issues and strive to achieve positive outcomes.

    NURS5011 Clinical Practice (Perioperative Nursing)
    The aim of this course is to integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical skills and therapeutic action. This course comprises clinical rotations that focus on relating theory to practice in different specialties. Each participant will complete allocated rotations. Importantly, each rotation will expose the participants to a variety of competencies, allowing them to further relate theoretical knowledge with perioperative principles and practices.

    NURS5012 Professional Development (Perioperative)
    The aim of this course is to examine sources of nursing knowledge and how they influence nursing practice. By facilitating the development of critical thinking, this course examines ethical principles and how they impact nursing action as well as how contemporary issues influence specialist practice. Furthermore, it enhances professional development by developing strategies for critiquing research and educational practices.

    NURS5013 Management (Perioperative)
    The aim of this course is to introduce participants to the principles of management. The course focuses on building an awareness of operational factors that enhance or impede workplace practices and coordination.

    NURS5015 Mental Health 1
    This course will provide students with a focus on mental health as a dynamic area of professional practice, governed by legislation, standards and impacted by cultural, political and social aspects of care. This course is designed for health care professionals who practise or want to upskill in the care of the patient with mental illness in the acute care or community setting. It will examine contemporary mental health practice and provide students with a foundation of psychiatric knowledge on a variety of conditions and management strategies with a strong emphasis on interpersonal communication and assessment skills. An emphasis is on the family and carer as a central focus of recovery-orientated, interprofessional care. The course is designed to be interactive, comprising both face-to-face and online self-directed learning with an emphasis on practical application.

    NURS5017 Emotional Intelligence
    Learning from clinical experiences, rather than from formal teaching, is possibly the most important source of personal development and improvement for health professionals. Students in this course will develop skills in critical reflection and reflexivity as it encourages them to consider alternative approaches to their practice. Students will be encouraged to examine strategies underpinned by theory to address personal or professional matters and to strive to achieve positive outcomes for both themselves and quality patient care.

    NURS5021 Management
    The aim of this course is to introduce participants to the principles of management. The course focuses on building an awareness of operational factors that enhance or impede workplace practices and coordination. This course introduces the students to key management strategies including management skills, conflict resolution, change management and team building. Topics such as the development of leadership capability, leadership development techniques and coaching are included in this course.

    NURS5025 Person Centred Approach in Palliative Care Nursing
    Co-requisite: NURS4028 Contemporary Palliative Care Nursing Practice 1
    This course aims to enhance the practical skills necessary for providing high-quality, compassionate palliative care. It focuses on the essential elements of effective communication, the principles and practices of person-centred care, and the cultural, spiritual, psychosocial, and other considerations critical to palliative care. Additionally, it addresses the importance of self-care for health professionals to manage burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral distress. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, this course equips students with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to optimise person-centred care in diverse palliative care settings.

    NURS5026 Clinical Management in Palliative Care Nursing
    Pre-requisite: NURS4028 Contemporary Palliative Care Nursing Practice 1
    This course provides an in-depth exploration of symptom management, focusing on comprehensive patient assessment and the holistic approach to care. Students will learn to utilise various assessment tools, understand the management of pain and respiratory symptoms, and address gastrointestinal and other common symptoms encountered in palliative care. The course integrates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, to equip students with the knowledge and skills to manage complex symptoms effectively and improve the quality of life for palliative care patients.

    NURS5162 Transition to Clinical Practice 1
    This co-designed and co-delivered course comprises part 1 of a year-long program of consolidated theory and clinical skills practice for graduates employed by co-operating partner healthcare providers. The course covers health assessment, procedural skills, clinical governance, evaluation and implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing aimed to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The course follows the requirements of the graduate clinical requirements of the provider, supported by robust theoretical and research knowledge and skills provided by academic experts from Notre Dame.

    NURS5163 Transition to Clinical Practice 2
    This co-designed and co-delivered course comprises part 2 of a year-long program of consolidated theory and clinical skills practice for graduates employed by co-operating partner healthcare providers. The course further advances and consolidates aspects introduced in NURS4016 including health assessment, procedural skills, clinical governance, evaluation, and implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing aimed to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The course follows the requirements of the graduate clinical requirements of the provider, supported by robust theoretical and research knowledge and skills provided by academic experts from Notre Dame. The aim of this course is to supplement clinical experience of nurse graduates with specific academic knowledge and skills to prepare them for ongoing employment as RNs.

  • Level 6 courses: NURS Nursing (6000 level)

    NURS6000/6001/6002/6003 Supervised Dissertation Nursing
    This course exposes students to the principal forms of research used in nursing and related health contexts. As such, it provides a foundation in research design, methods, data collection and data analysis. Students design, analyse and implement their research, and are allocated a supervisor to assist them through these research stages. Students submit a major scholarly written document in the form of an article that meets the submission requirements of a nominated peer-reviewed journal.

    NURS6007 Introduction to Perinatal and Infant Mental Health
    This course provides an introduction to the field of study, integrating information about maternal and infant mental health. Dominant theoretical approaches are presented and considered together with information about infant development and pregnancy. Risk factors for mental health problems are presented for discussion and reflection, and information is provided about common disorders and treatment approaches. In addition, basic skills relating to building and presenting an argument, accessing and using professional literature, making an observational record, creating documents to professional standards, and managing one’s self under pressure will be covered.

    NURS6015 Project Proposal Development
    This course is the first part of the master’s Research Project and will explore the theory and practice of qualitative and quantitative research processes, to provide students with the essential knowledge integral to undertaking research projects. Through workshops and supervision, the student will develop a detailed project-based proposal which will include a literature review, aim and objectives and or hypotheses, detailed methodology, data collection and data analysis, research ethics, timeline, and budget.

Midwifery courses

  • Level 5 courses: MIDW Midwifery (5000 level)

    MIDW5021 Midwifery Foundations
    This course introduces students to the midwifery profession, its governing principles, regulation, philosophy and processes, and the theoretical foundations of midwifery practice. Students explore midwifery as a distinct discipline with an underpinning philosophy of relationship, woman-centredness and continuity of care. Students adopt an Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) approach to explore and analyse evidence and to demonstrate understanding of the concepts that underpin midwifery practice. The impact of Australian history on culturally and linguistically diverse populations and the challenges these groups continue to face in pregnancy and childbirth, toward culturally safe and holistic care of all women, is explored. Through critical inquiry the historical, social and political, organisational and contemporary, systems that influence midwifery practice, and models of care, are explored. Through reflection and evidence-based practice, a framework for midwifery practice is developed that supports women’s self-determination.

    MIDW5022 Beginning Midwifery Practice
    This course focuses on the foundational theoretical knowledge and skills required to provide safe woman-centered care for women and babies during the perinatal period.  The primary focus is the development of foundational midwifery knowledge, skills, and attitudes, required for beginning midwifery practice. The anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labour and birth, the puerperium and the newborn, including the initiation, establishment and continuation of breastfeeding are explored, within a context of holistic wellbeing. Students will learn about the role of midwife in providing midwifery care which enhances and promotes the physiological processes, working in partnership with women and their families in order to assess physiological, psychological and social adaptation from early pregnancy until the first six weeks postpartum. Students will develop beginning clinical decision-making skills necessary for the provision of quality and safe care and includes essential concepts for midwifery practice such as communication and professional issues. Students are also introduced to pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics for healthy women and babies within the maternity care setting. In this course midwifery students will apply theory to practice and will demonstrate achievement of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Midwifery Standards for Practice (2018) through professional practice placements and participation in continuity of care experiences which are a compulsory requirement.

    MIDW5023 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders: Women & Communities
    This course is designed to progress students through a journey of understanding and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ culture, health, and wellbeing towards culturally safe midwifery practice. Students examine the ways that colonialism has impacted, and continues to impact, the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through cultural, political, and socioeconomic circumstances. Content includes a focus on primary health care initiatives and the development of community programs to address the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and babies in Australia. Students are given the opportunity, using a critical consciousness stance, to examine their own personal and professional beliefs, bias, and attitudes in relation to working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, babies, their families, and communities. The content is guided by CATSINaM and the Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander health curriculum framework that advocate for a strengths-based approach to the curriculum.

    MIDW5024 Midwifery Partnerships
    In this course students explore the scope of practice of the midwife, including the provision of evidence-based, safe, quality midwifery care, with the principles of primary health care and cultural safety as foundations. Midwifery public health strategies to improve the health of women and families such as screening, information provision and mental health support are explored. Students analyse global health contexts and examine responses to racism personally and professionally. National and international policies, codes, and legislation for addressing health care contexts and inequities are critiqued.
    The course explores the importance of midwifery partnerships with women but also partnerships within a team and maternity systems. Midwives providing holistic care, through relationship development and considering the woman’s socioemotional, spiritual, cultural and mental health, will be examined. Students contribute to teamwork in understanding professional partnerships, including collaboration, and partnering with women to exercise choice, ensuring safe practice.

    MIDW5025 Complex Midwifery Practice
    Pre-requisite: MIDW5022 Beginning Midwifery Practice
    This course builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills gained within the Women & Babies: Beginning Midwifery Practice course. A complex challenge is an issue that may impact on the woman, fetus or neonate across the childbirth continuum. The focus is upon developing the knowledge and skills required to manage midwifery complications and complex challenges to maternal, fetal and newborn wellbeing inclusive of urgent or emergency situations that require immediate stabilising care. Within this course the physiology and pathophysiology of complications occurring during pregnancy, labour and birth and the puerperium are explored. Students will learn about how the role of the midwife is significant in situations where the woman's pregnancy, labour and postpartum period are complex. Students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving and proficiency in the management of complications. Advanced communication skills including timely intervention, consultation and referral will enable the student to provide safe woman-centred care. Students continue to develop their knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, applied to women and babies experiencing complexionsMidwifery students will apply the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Midwifery Standards for Practice (2018) through participation in professional practice placements and continuity of care experiences which are a compulsory requirement.

    MIDW5026 Midwifery Clinical Reasoning
    This course has been structured to assist students to develop their critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. The course explores relationships between midwifery philosophy, ethics, law, research and clinical reasoning in the coordination and management of safe midwifery care to women and babies. This course provides students with the opportunity to critique local and international health systems, politics and policies, and the impacts of these on human rights, women’s rights and midwifery practice. The relevance of evidence-based practice, as a means of informing, authenticating and improving the work of midwives will be demonstrated through building upon students’ understanding of the research process. A focus on woman-centred care will help students develop the skills needed to be able to discuss research findings with women in practice. The course will encourage students to evaluate the applicability of evidence-based findings within the scope of their own midwifery practice, and contribute to the development of midwifery knowledge and the profession.

    MIDW5027 Advancing Midwifery Practice
    Pre-requisite: MIDW5025 Complex Midwifery Practice
    This course is focused upon the integration, consolidation and further development of midwifery knowledge and skills from previous courses as you prepare to transition to the role of a registered midwife. Within this course you will have the opportunity to learn extended midwifery practice skills, utilise effective communication, and be supported to make the informed independent judgements required for professional practice as a midwife. Students will learn about midwifery therapeutic practices; pharmacological principles introduced in the previous courses will be extended and applied to drugs commonly used in the perinatal period. Students will also develop their knowledge on non-pharmacological therapies; complementary and psychological therapies used in midwifery practice and also consider the impact of smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use on the woman, fetus and neonate during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Midwifery students will apply the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Midwifery Standards for Practice (2018) through participation in professional practice placements and continuity of care experiences which are a compulsory requirement.