Overview
In this unit, you will have the opportunity to practice fundamental nursing care, including the care of the older adult. You will apply the relevant Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Professional Standards and the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) in your practice as a nursing student. You will learn to identify risk and recognise and respond appropriately to the needs of the patient in the simulated and clinical environments. You will review the concept of scope of practice using the Decision-Making Framework (DMF) (NMBA, 2020). You are required to participate in a compulsory three (3) day, 24-hour residential school or equivalent prior to attending professional experience placement for this unit. This unit includes a 120 hour block professional experience placement in a clinical care environment. You must meet specific mandatory health, safety and security requirements to be eligible to attend each professional experience placement. Professional experience placements may be limited in your community, and you may be placed in other locations. Please be prepared financially and personally to cover the costs of relocating for placements. Due to the limited availability of placements, some block placements have start and/or end dates that fall outside standard term dates.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre requisites: NURS11164 NURS11166 NURS11165 OR NURS11172 Co-requisites: BMSC11010 NURS11169 OR NURS11173
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 2 - 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 Undergraduate 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 pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.
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 Student evaluation
My clinical placement was an incredible experience, providing me with invaluable hands-on learning and support from a fantastic team. It helped build my confidence and deepen my understanding of patient care in a real-world setting.
Continue to ensure students' readiness for clinical placement experience by providing rigorous residential school curricula.
Feedback from Student evaluation
Some of the questions on the maths quiz during res school weren't good. I also felt like a lot of them were guesses because we weren't prepared well enough for it.
To review and refine questions in the medication and maths quiz. Ensure students are adequately informed and prepared for the quiz before undertaking the task.
- Demonstrate evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and decision-making to provide culturally safe, quality, person-centred care consistent with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Professional Standards and the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) at a first-year student nurse level of practice in simulated and clinical environments.
- Safely and accurately perform medication calculations and demonstrate safe administration of medicines in both the simulated environment and the clinical practice setting.
- Apply theoretical knowledge and demonstrate provision of safe, appropriate, and responsive quality nursing care for consumers, families, and the broader community.
Content in this unit incorporates a number of professional nursing requirements
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Decision-Making Framework (DMF) - Nursing
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for Practice
Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships
Maintains the capability for practice
Comprehensively conducts assessments
Develops a plan for nursing practice
Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice
Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Nursing Code of Conduct
Legal compliance
Person-centred practice
Cultural practice and respectful relationships
Professional behaviour
Research in health
Health and wellbeing
International Council of Nursing Code of Ethics for Nursing
Nurses and People
Nurses and Practice
Nurses and the Profession
Nurses and co-workers
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards
Clinical governance
Partnering with consumers
Preventing and Controlling healthcare-associated infection
Medication safety
Comprehensive care
Communicating for safety
Recognising and responding to acute deterioration
Patient Safety Competency Framework
Person-centred care
Therapeutic communication
Cultural competence
Teamwork and collaborative practice
Clinical reasoning
Evidence-based practice
Preventing, minimising and responding to adverse events
Infection prevention and control
Medication safety
Aged Care Quality Standards
Consumer dignity and choice
Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers
Personal care and clinical care
Services and supports for daily living
Organisation’s service environment
Feedback and complaints
Human resources
Organisation governance
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 0% | |||
| 2 - Professional Practice Placement - 0% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
Skills in Clinical Nursing
- Edition: Second (2021)
- Authors: Berman, Synder, Levett-Jones, Burton & Harvey
- Pearson Australia
- Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
- ISBN: 9781488620690
Additional Textbook Information
Please note that the textbook is available online from the CQUniversity Library for loan, however, you will need to have the textbook with you in residential school and during your clinical placement.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- 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
- CQUniversity Library Resources
- Laptop/Computer
- Sonia Online
- CQUniversity Library Nursing/Midwifery/Social Work Resources
- Australian Standards (through CQU library)
- Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references
- Zoom ( both microphone and webcam capability)
- CQU Library search engines for research articles
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.
d.p.richards@cqu.edu.au
n.branch@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to the unit.
Preparation for on-campus learning and Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site:
1. Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
2. Preparation for on-campus learning/residential School.
3. Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentations: Welcome and unit introduction
Activity: Check the Sonia platform for the dates and venues of on-campus learning and professional nursing practice placement.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Preparation for on-campus learning and Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site:
1. Preparation for on-campus learning/residential School.
2. Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Activity: Attend scheduled on-campus learning sessions and professional nursing practice placement.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Preparation for on-campus learning and Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site:
1. Preparation for on-campus learning/residential School.
2. Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Census date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your unit coordinator for help.
Activity: Attend scheduled on-campus learning sessions and professional nursing practice placement.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Preparation for on-campus learning and Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site:
1. Preparation for on-campus learning/residential School.
2. Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Census Date - Tuesday Week 4
Activity: Attend scheduled on-campus learning sessions and professional nursing practice placements.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Preparation for on-campus learning and Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site:
1. Preparation for on-campus learning/residential School.
2. Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Activity: Attend scheduled on-campus learning sessions and professional nursing practice placements.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Preparation for on-campus learning and Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site:
1. Preparation for on-campus learning/residential School.
2. Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Activity: Attend scheduled on-campus learning sessions and professional nursing practice placements.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Vacation Week
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an
opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy
your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Preparation for on-campus learning and Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site:
1. Preparation for on-campus learning/residential School.
2. Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Activity: Attend scheduled on-campus learning sessions and professional nursing practice placements.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Preparation for on-campus learning and Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site:
1. Preparation for on-campus learning/residential School.
2. Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Activity: Attend scheduled on-campus learning sessions and professional nursing practice placements.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
*For this unit, Professional Nursing Practice 1 (PNP1), you will need to complete mandatory checks for enrollment into PNP2 unit for Term 1, 2027.
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Preparation for on-campus learning and Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site:
1. Preparation for on-campus learning/residential School.
2. Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Activity: Attend scheduled on-campus learning sessions and professional nursing practice placements.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
*For this unit, Professional Nursing Practice 1 (PNP1), you will need to complete mandatory checks for enrollment into PNP2 unit for Term 1, 2027.
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site: Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Don’t forget - Check your unit enrolments for next term.
Activity: Attend professional nursing practice placement.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
*For this unit, Professional Nursing Practice 1 (PNP1), you will need to complete mandatory checks for enrollment into PNP2 unit for Term 1, 2027.
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site: Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
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.
Activity: Attend professional nursing practice placement.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Professional Nursing Practice placements.
Chapter
Moodle site: Professional Nursing Practice placement.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please
complete the unit evaluation survey.
Activity: Attend professional nursing practice placement.
Complete pre-placement activities as required by your placement facility.
Assessment: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Nil
Chapter
Nil
Events and Submissions/Topic
Nil
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Nil
Chapter
Nil
Events and Submissions/Topic
Nil
As this unit is offered online, 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 In-class Test(s)
Task Description: You will complete an online (in-class) quiz to demonstrate understanding and application of basic mathematical principles required for safe medication administration. You have a maximum of three attempts to complete the quiz. Each attempt will be held on a different day of residential school. If you require an additional attempt, you must undertake remediation by completing a learning package and practice quiz prior to subsequent attempts. The learning packages are available on the Maths Central platform on Nursing Central. It is your responsibility to complete this between each attempt.
Instructions: Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity: 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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Extensions: Extensions to this assessment are not available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment task.
Minimum Pass Criteria:
- You must achieve 100% to pass this assessment.
- You must pass this assessment to progress to professional nursing practice placement.
- To pass this unit, you are required to achieve a pass grade in both assessments.
- Supplementary assessment is not available as per policy for Work Integrated Learning Units.
Learning Outcomes Assessed: Safely apply mathematical principles in preparation for medication administration.
This assessment will take place on Day One of the residential school.
Students will be notified of their result at the completion of the in-class quiz.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Demonstrate evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and decision-making to provide culturally safe, quality, person-centred care consistent with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Professional Standards and the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) at a first-year student nurse level of practice in simulated and clinical environments.
- Safely and accurately perform medication calculations and demonstrate safe administration of medicines in both the simulated environment and the clinical practice setting.
2 Professional Practice Placement
You will complete a professional nursing practice placement (120 hours) to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of learning to date within the scope of a first-year Bachelor of Nursing student. Your professional nursing experience placement (PNP) is assessed via the Australian Nurse Standards Assessment Tool (ANSAT). The ANSAT provides a platform for you and your assessor to record, reflect on and discuss your clinical learning and your clinical practice in line with the Registered nurse standards for practice. Your assessment is undertaken with a registered nurse from your placement. All documentation is contained within SONIA and there are a number of important steps you need to undertake to ensure your assessment is completed.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed:
Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are not available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a minimum grade of 3 for all ANSAT criteria to pass this assessment.
- Completion of 120 hours of clinical placement documented on both a CQUniversity electronic timesheet within SONIA and CQUniversity paper record of attendance (available in Moodle).
- To pass this unit, you are required to achieve a pass grade in all assessments.
- Supplementary assessment is not available as per policy for Work Integrated Learning Units.
Learning Outcomes Assessed: To assess your ability to successfully embed learning from this unit into Professional Practice Placement and to think and act within the scope of a first-year Bachelor of Nursing student.
To complete an ANSAT assessment with your assessor at both formative and summative stages. Formative assessment is due after 60 hours or midway through your placement. Summative assessment is due on the final day of placement.
ANSAT assessments will be graded when students upload the ANSAT and completed timesheet.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Demonstrate evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and decision-making to provide culturally safe, quality, person-centred care consistent with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Professional Standards and the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) at a first-year student nurse level of practice in simulated and clinical environments.
- Safely and accurately perform medication calculations and demonstrate safe administration of medicines in both the simulated environment and the clinical practice setting.
- Apply theoretical knowledge and demonstrate provision of safe, appropriate, and responsive quality nursing care for consumers, families, and the broader community.
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?
