CQUniversity Unit Profile
NURS13135 The Professional Nurse
The Professional Nurse
All details in this unit profile for NURS13135 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will consolidate knowledge gained throughout the Bachelor of Nursing course and be introduced to concepts aimed at transitioning you to the registered nurse role. You will build on your critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills through the development of professional, legal and ethical knowledge to facilitate safe delivery of nursing care to individuals, families and communities. This unit will provide you with theoretical knowledge that will complement Clinical Nursing Practice 5.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 12
Student Contribution Band: 7
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.25

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites Students must have completed 120 credit points and NURS13133 Clinical Nursing Practice 4 or NURS13126 Critical Care Nursing

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 - 2018

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 12-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 New 3rd year curriculum rolled out 2017

Feedback

This unit is the first time it has been offered.

Recommendation

Use 2017 feedback to enhance unit for 2018.

Feedback from Moodle survey

Feedback

Students were concerned that feedback for assessments were not easily found

Recommendation

Online feedback education given at commencement of term during unit orientation and information session in regards to locating and accessing online mark/result and feedback in GRADEBOOK.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Analyse the professional, legal and ethical governance and their application to the leadership role of the registered nurse.
  2. Critique conflict and change management strategies within organisational cultures and the impact this may have on nursing and members of the multidisciplinary team.
  3. Consider the transitional challenges and coping strategies required by the graduate registered nurse entering the workforce.
  4. Define the scope of practice and the delegation roles of the registered nurse and integrate these into nursing practice.

The learning outcomes are linked to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Standards for registered nurses and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia competencies.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
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 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

Additional Textbook Information

This Unit does not require students to purchase a textbook.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Justine Connor Unit Coordinator
j.connor@cqu.edu.au
Colleen Mcgoldrick Unit Coordinator
c.mcgoldrick@cqu.edu.au
Elspeth Wood Unit Coordinator
e.wood@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

THE PROFESSION OF AUSTRALIAN NURSING

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

TRANSITIONING FROM A STUDENT TO GRADUATE NURSE

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

INTER-PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

COMMUNICATION FOR EFFECTIVE NURSING

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

SAFETY & QUALITY IN NURSING

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quiz - Assessment One Due: Week 5 Friday (10 Aug 2018) 11:59 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Vacation Week

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN NURSING PRACTICE

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE IN HEALTHCARE

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

NURSING LEADERSHIP

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Short Answer Questions - Assessment Two Due: Week 8 Monday (3 Sept 2018) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 10 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

REFLECTIVE PRACTICE

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 17 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Entering the Clinical Setting

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A PROFESSIONAL PROFILE IN NURSING

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

INFORMATION FOR GRADUATES - AHPRA REGISTRATION AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS (AVAILABLE FROM WEEK ONE)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Essay - Assessment Item Three Due: Week 12 Tuesday (2 Oct 2018) 11:59 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

There is no exam for this unit.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quiz - Assessment One

Task Description

Online Quiz - Assessment One (20% weighting)

Please carefully read and answer the following multiple choice questions.

Each question is worth 1 mark and you will have 20 questions in total.

You have 1 attempt only at the quiz.

You have 1 hour to complete the quiz.

The quiz is open for attempt from Monday 6th August 0001hrs until Friday 10th August 2359Hrs.


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (10 Aug 2018) 11:59 pm AEST

The quiz will not be available until Monday, 6 August 2018, 12:01 AM This quiz will close at Friday, 10 August 2018, 11:59 PM


Return Date to Students

Week 5 Friday (10 Aug 2018)

Preview of result will be available on completion.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Each question is worth 1 mark and you will have 20 questions in total.

You have 1 attempt only at the quiz.

You have 1 hour to complete the quiz.

The quiz is open for attempt from Monday 6th August 0001hrs until Friday 10th August 2359Hrs.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online Quiz

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Analyse the professional, legal and ethical governance and their application to the leadership role of the registered nurse.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Short Answer Questions - Assessment Two

Task Description

Scenario
You are a graduate registered nurse and are asked to cover the patient load for Registered Nurse X whilst she is on a meal break. You observe Patient B has intravenous fluids ordered and running at 125mls/hr with Dextrose Saline. You recognise immediately that the intravenous fluid order is for Normal Saline 125ml/hr. You cease the fluids and immediately advise Registered Nurse X what has happed and an incident report is required - but she states ‘that isn’t necessary, the fluid was only running for 10 minutes.’ You believe an incident report should be completed in response to this error but are not confident to escalate the issue to the supervising nurse as you don’t want to cause trouble with the more experienced and senior Registered Nurse X.

Task 1

Explain how Standard 4 Medication Safety applies to this scenario.

Your responses should be based upon quality and safety requirements for Australian health care practice.

Task 2

Discuss organisational culture in a health care organisation and explore factors that would contribute to a positive organisational culture.

Task 3

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) declares ‘all registered health practitioners have a professional and ethical obligation to protect and promote public health and safe healthcare.’ As such, it is the responsibility of practitioners to make notification of any competency concerns. As a graduate registered nurse, your responsibility is to familiarise yourself with mandatory reporting responsibilities.

Should Registered Nurse X need to have a notification made to AHPRA in regards to this incident?

Your response should explore what is meant by mandatory reporting, notifiable conduct and reasonable belief in relation to the registered nurse.

Your responses should be based upon guidelines and legislative requirements as well as current journals for Australian health care practitioners.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (3 Sept 2018) 11:59 pm AEST

Online submission - Monday, 3 September 2018, 11:55 PM through the assessment link within NURS13135 Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (24 Sept 2018)

Feedback will be available in grademark


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

HD 85 – 100% D 75 – 84% C 65 – 74% P 50 - 64% F <50% Marks
Structure (15%)
Clear and succinct introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the direction of the paper.5 Clear and appropriate introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the direction of the paper.4 Appropriate introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the direction of the paper 3.5 Introduction is apparent and the topic is introduced but there is no clear direction to the paper.2.75 No recognisable – introduction of the topic is not apparent and/or there is no direction offered in respect of the paper.<2.5 /5
Clear and succinct conclusion that outlines the main points and brings the argument to a logical close.5 Clear and appropriate conclusion that outlines the main points and brings the argument to a close.4 Conclusion outlines most of the main points and brings some sense of closure.3.5 Conclusion apparent – outlines most of the main points and endeavours to bring the argument to a close –some incongruity.2.75 No recognisable conclusion – little reference to the main points, does not offer a clear conclusion to the paper<2.5 /5
Consistently accurate with spelling, grammar, use of punctuation. Excellent presentation of assignment, double spaced with 12 point Arial font.5 Generally accurate (1-3 inaccuracies) with spelling, grammar, use of punctuation. Well-presented assignment, double spaced with 12 point Arial font.4 Occasional inaccuracies (4-6) with spelling, grammar, use of punctuation. Well-presented assignment, double spaced with 12 point Arial font.3.5 Frequent inaccuracies (6-8) with spelling, grammar, use of punctuation. Well-presented assignment, double spaced with 12 point Arial font.2.75 Many inaccuracies (>8) with spelling, grammar, use of punctuation. Poorly presented assignment, double spacing not used, 12 point Arial font not used<2.5 /5
Approach and Argument (75%)
Comprehensive explanation and analysis of Australian standards in relation to medication safety and quality use of medicines 25 Detailed explanation and analysis of Australian standards in relation to medication safety and quality use of medicines 20 Adequate explanation and discussion of Australian standards in relation to medication safety and quality use of medicines17.5 Basic explanation of Australian standards in relation to medication safety and quality use of medicines 13.75 Minimal explanation of Australian standards of medication safety and quality use of medicines <12.5 /25
Comprehensive explanation and analysis of organisational culture in health care and factors that may contribute to a positive culture25 Detailed explanation and analysis of organisational culture in health care and factors that may contribute to a positive culture20 Adequate explanation and analysis of organisational culture in health care and factors that may contribute to a positive culture17.5 Explanation of organisational culture in health care and factors that may contribute to a positive culture 13.75 Minimal explanation of organisational culture in health care and factors that may contribute to a positive culture <12.5 /25
Comprehensive explanation and analysis of registered nursing guidelines for mandatory notifications including notifiable conduct and reasonable belief. 25 Detailed explanation and analysis of registered nursing guidelines for mandatory notifications including notifiable conduct and reasonable belief20 Adequate explanation and discussion of registered nursing guidelines for mandatory notifications including notifiable conduct and reasonable belief17.5 Basic explanation of registered nursing practice guidelines for mandatory notifications including notifiable conduct and reasonable belief 13.75 Minimal explanation of registered nursing guidelines for mandatory notifications including notifiable conduct and reasonable belief >12.5 /25
Referencing (10%)
Consistently integrates up to date references to support and reflect all ideas, factual information and quotations.5 Generally integrates up to date references to support and reflect ideas, factual information and quotations, with 1 or 2 exceptions.4 Frequently integrates up to date references to support and reflect ideas, factual information and quotations, with 3 to 5 exceptions.3.5 Occasionally integrates up to date references to support and reflect ideas, factual information and quotations with 6-10 exceptions.2.75 Fails to or infrequent attempts to integrate up to date references to support and reflect ideas, factual information and quotations (>10).<2.5 /5
Consistently accurate with referencing. Reference list adheres to APA presentation guidelines. Evidence of reading widely on the topic through an extensive reference list. All of which are used in the body of the text. (>/= 15 relevant sources) 5 Frequently accurate with referencing. Reference list adheres to APA presentation guidelines. Evidence of reading widely on the topic through a ample number of refernences included on the reference list. All of which are used in the body of the text. (>/= 12 relevant sources)4 Mostly accurate with referencing. Reference list adheres to APA presentation guidelines. Evidence of reading widely on the topic through an adequate number of references included on the reference list. All of which are used in the body of the text. (>/= 9 relevant sources)3.5 Occasional inaccuracies with referencing. Reference list adheres to APA presentation guidelines. Evidence of reading widely on the topic through a passable number of references included in the reference list. All of which are used in the body of the text. (>/= 7 relevant sources)2.75 Many inaccuracies with referencing. Reference list does not adhere to APA presentation guidelines. No evidence of reading widely on the topic through a brevity of references on the reference list. Not all of which are used in the body of the text. (< 7 relevant sources) <2.5 /5
Mark/100
Alpha Grade
Marker Name Marker Comments


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online submission - turnitin

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critique conflict and change management strategies within organisational cultures and the impact this may have on nursing and members of the multidisciplinary team.
  • Consider the transitional challenges and coping strategies required by the graduate registered nurse entering the workforce.
  • Define the scope of practice and the delegation roles of the registered nurse and integrate these into nursing practice.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Essay - Assessment Item Three

Task Description

Details

Despite completing their degree (time) and gaining registration, newly graduated registered nurses often describe a feeling of being unprepared for their new profession. This feeling can range from somewhat uncomfortable to highly shocking and it can have a significant impact on staff retention in the workplace. The following case study shows the reaction of one graduate when she begins her new job in a busy medical ward.

Journal Entry 8th May 2018: I don't understand what is happening. I was so happy when I started work in Medical One in February. There was so much to learn and coming to work was fun - even on night duty. Now I feel like I don't even know what I need to know to get through the shift and I'm not sure my preceptor knows half the time. Sometimes she is so rude to me and doesn't tell me what she wants and then I get in trouble for not doing it. I'm not a mind-reader. I notice that broken equipment is not attended to and other staff only follow the policies they agree with. This isn't how nursing is supposed to be. I'm not sure I even want to be a nurse anymore.

Task

Examine the transitional challenges that Jane is experiencing on entering the workforce and using current literature explore the concept of reality shock. Identify positive coping strategies that Jane could use to address the issues she is experiencing. Consider resilience and resiliency development strategies in the workplace in your response.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Tuesday (2 Oct 2018) 11:59 pm AEST

Online submission - Thursday 27th September 2018, 11:59 PM through the assessment link within NURS13135 Moodle


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (19 Oct 2018)

Feedback will be available in grademark


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

HD 85-100% D 75-84% C 65-74% P 50-64% F <50% Marks
Structure -15%
Excellent presentation of assignment with inclusion of all correct components, double line spaced, 12 point font, page numbers. Consistently accurate with spelling, grammar and paragraph structure. 5 Well-presented assignment, double line spaced, 12 point font, page numbers, 1 or 2 errors in spelling, grammar or paragraph structure. 4 Well-presented assignment, double line spaced, 12 point font, page numbers, 3 or 4 consistent errors with spelling, grammar or paragraph structure. 3.5 Adequate assignment presentation, double line spaced with 12 point font. No page numbers, 4 to 7 consistent errors with spelling, grammar or paragraph structure. 2.75 Poorly presented assignment. Double spacing not used, 12 point font not used. No page numbers included. Many inaccuracies in spelling, grammar or paragraph structure. <2.5 /5
Clear and succinct introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the direction of the paper. Clear and succinct conclusion that outlines the major elements identified to bring the paper to a close. 5 Clear and appropriate introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the direction of the paper. Appropriate conclusion that outlines the major elements identified to bring the paper to a close. 4 Appropriate introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the direction of the paper. The conclusion provides some outlines of the major elements identified and brings some sense of closure to the paper. 3.5 Introduction is apparent although consists only of a list of the contents of the paper. Topic not clearly introduced. Conclusion provides cursory outline of the major elements identified and endeavours to bring the paper to a close – there may be some incongruity. 2.75 No recognisable introduction— the topic is not introduced and/or there is no direction offered in respect of the paper. No recognisable conclusion or summary – little reference to the main elements identified and does not offer a clear sense of closure to the paper. <2.5 /5
Organisation and structure is clear and easy to follow. Content is clearly relevant to the topic, the approach clearly and comprehensively addresses the topic and the argument proceeds logically. Well linked to supporting literature. 5 Organisation and structure is clear. Content is relevant to the topic, the approach clearly addresses the topic and the argument proceeds logically. Supporting literature is used appropriately. 4 Organisation and structure is appropriate. Content is appropriate and addresses the topic and the argument for the most part proceeds logically. Minimal omissions in links to supporting literature. 3.5 Organisation and structure allows misinterpretation of the meaning of the content. Content addresses the topic the argument is at times repetitive or lacks cohesion. Frequent omissions in links to supporting literature. 2.75 Organisation and structure detract from the meaning of the content. Content is irrelevant and or does not address the topic. There is a lack of cohesion. Little to no links to supporting literature. <2.5 /5
Approach and Argument (75%)
Content is clearly relevant to the topic. The approach comprehensively answers the question and the argument proceeds logically. Content provides comprehensive and clear definition and discussion of reality shock, including exploration of its impact in response to entering the workforce. 35 Content is relevant to the topic, the approach clearly answers the question and the argument proceeds logically. Content provides strong definition and discussion of reality shock including exploration of its impact in response to entering the workforce. 28 Content is appropriate and answers the question and the argument for the most part proceeds logically. Content provides adequate definition and discussion of reality shock including exploration of its impact in response to entering the workforce. 24.5 Content answers the question although the argument is at times repetitive or lacks cohesion. Content provides some definition and discussion of reality shock including exploration of its impact in response to entering the workforce. 19.25 Content does not address all aspects of the assessment task. Inadequate description of required content. Little or no discernible critical thought. No or minimal definition and discussion of reality shock including exploration of its impact in response to entering the workforce. <17.5 /35


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online submission - turnitin

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critique conflict and change management strategies within organisational cultures and the impact this may have on nursing and members of the multidisciplinary team.
  • Consider the transitional challenges and coping strategies required by the graduate registered nurse entering the workforce.
  • Define the scope of practice and the delegation roles of the registered nurse and integrate these into nursing practice.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

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?