Overview
This unit provides you with advanced knowledge of the possible metabolic, biophysical and cognitive effects of ageing on the efficiency of the body systems of older people and the consequential impact of these decreased efficiencies on the older person's health. You will explore the phenomena that commonly impact the health integrity of older people – polypharmacy, infections and falls. You will apply the Registered nurse standards of practice to the person centred nursing care of the older person at risk of these phenomena.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CL22 Master of Clinical Nursing to undertake this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from This unit was taught by another unit coordinator. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain SUTE data. This unit is no longer offered.
This unit was taught by another unit coordinator. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain SUTE data. This unit is no longer offered.
This unit was taught by another unit coordinator. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain SUTE data. This unit is no longer offered.
- Analyse the metabolic, biophysical, pathophysiological, and cognitive changes in the older adult that are associated with alterations in health in your healthcare setting.
- Critically examine contemporary phenomena that impact the health integrity of older adults.
- Apply the Registered nurse standards of practice to the person-centred nursing care of the older adult to minimise health risks and optimise safe, high-quality healthcare care outcomes in your context of specialty practice.
- Critically review the nursing care and develop recommendations to minimise common health risks in the older person.
There are no learning outcomes linked to external accreditation for this unit.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 60% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Access to MIMS through the university library
- CQ U library search engines for research articles
- CQUniversity library literature search tools
- Microsoft Word
- Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint software
- Zoom account (Free)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references.
- Online access Australian Standards (through CQU Library)
- CQUniversity Library Nursing Resources
- CQUniveristy Library Resources
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.j.hall@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Advanced Nursing Practice Across Healthcare Settings.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Review assessment one task information.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Welcome and unit introduction. Located in the 'Introduction Tile'.
Activity – Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your:
- Name
- Where you work
- Why you are studying MCN.
Assessments 1 and 2 - Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program - complete your annual program.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Interprofessional Communication.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Begin planning and researching assessment one task.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Advanced Nursing Practice across Health Care Settings. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Advanced Clinical Reasoning.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A. Zoom link located in Module. Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Census Date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
Module/Topic
Communicating For Patient Safety.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Continue working on assessment one.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Advanced Clinical Reasoning. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
Module/Topic
Advancing Practice.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Polypharmacy.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Written Assessment Due: Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Vacation week.
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities.
Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Module/Topic
Current Perspectives and Future Recommendations for Polypharmacy.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Review assessment 2 task information.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Current Perspectives and Future Recommendations for Polypharmacy. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Nutrition and Hydration.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Begin planning and researching for assessment one task.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Infection and Wound Care.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Infection & Wound Care. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Sepsis and Septic Shock.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Continue working on assessment 2 task.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Shock.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Module/Topic
Acute Pain in the Older Adult.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Bringing it all together. Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please complete the unit evaluation survey.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Written Assessment Due: Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Nil.
Chapter
Nil.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Nil.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered online (or face-to-face or hybrid or blended [HLTH28001]), students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Written Assessment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to critically analyse the effect of a chronic or complex health condition and its management, and advocate for improved healthcare outcomes for an older adult with a chronic health condition.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
b. Checking spelling and grammar.
c. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions
Available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted
in this unit.
Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only. Late penalties of 5% per day of the available mark may be applied as per the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework). Contact TASAC if you experience technical issues submitting your assessment: • Phone toll-free 1300 666 620 • Email tasac@cqu.edu.au
Week 8 Wednesday (6 May 2026)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, the 'Return to Students Information' is an approximate date.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse the metabolic, biophysical, pathophysiological, and cognitive changes in the older adult that are associated with alterations in health in your healthcare setting.
- Critically examine contemporary phenomena that impact the health integrity of older adults.
- Apply the Registered nurse standards of practice to the person-centred nursing care of the older adult to minimise health risks and optimise safe, high-quality healthcare care outcomes in your context of specialty practice.
- Critically review the nursing care and develop recommendations to minimise common health risks in the older person.
2 Written Assessment
Aim
This assessment aims to analyse the role of the advanced practice registered nurse in leading and advocating for evidence-based, best-practice initiatives in the provision of person-centred care for older adults experiencing polypharmacy, and to critically reflect on advanced nursing practice to evaluate strategies that promote safe, high-quality, and optimal health outcomes for older adults.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
b. Checking spelling and grammar.
c. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions
Available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted
in this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment in Microsoft Word format only.
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (17 June 2026)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, the 'Return to Students Information' is an approximate date.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse the metabolic, biophysical, pathophysiological, and cognitive changes in the older adult that are associated with alterations in health in your healthcare setting.
- Critically examine contemporary phenomena that impact the health integrity of older adults.
- Apply the Registered nurse standards of practice to the person-centred nursing care of the older adult to minimise health risks and optimise safe, high-quality healthcare care outcomes in your context of specialty practice.
- Critically review the nursing care and develop recommendations to minimise common health risks in the older person.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
