Overview
As a student and registered nurse, you will be confronted by legally complex and ethically challenging situations. This unit will help you practice nursing that adheres to legislation and professional standards. In this unit you will analyse legislation, organisational requirements that govern nursing practice and apply ethical principles in your decision making.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: BIOH12012 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2 or BIOH12008 Human Pathophysiology or NURS12158 Clinical Nursing Practice 3 Co-requisites: NURS12162 Mental Health Nursing with Professional Experience Placement OR NURS12157 Lifespan Approach to Health and Wellness for 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 1 - 2022
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 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 Have your say survey Student emails Direct communication
Workbook: Positive student feedback was received in relation to the module by module format.
Workbook to be used alternatively as an assessment tool.
Feedback from Have your say survey Student emails Feedback during online sessions
Online sessions: The availability of coordinators was frequently identified by students as beneficial. Contact outside of the standard forums was seen as a positive aspect for quickly responding to questions and providing a space to discuss and seek further clarification. Students indicated the reassessment guidance in the online sessions as directly contributing to their confidence in developing their assessment submissions.
Online sessions to continue to enhance interaction and consolidation of content. Given this is a 3rd year unit, adult learning practices do not require the volume of workshops. Coordinator online sessions where students have the opportunity to attend drop-in sessions and ask questions relating to content were also well received.
Feedback from Have your say survey Student emails Direct communication
Stimulus questions: Students stated that the questions were beneficial to the application of the essential information provided in each module.
Stimulus questions to be used as an alternative assessment tool to the workbook.
Feedback from Have your say survey Student emails Direct communication
Forums: The quick turnaround time for responses was viewed positively by students. Providing specific forums to direct questions to or comment on the module content enabled timely feedback.
Maintain to allow students to collectively provide ideas and feedback.
- Analyse legal and ethical issues relevant to contemporary nursing practice
- Apply the principles of bioethics and the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights to nursing practice and decision making
- Apply appropriate legislation, policies, frameworks, codes and guidelines to nursing practice
- Analyse decision-making associated with challenges in establishing reasonable belief, identifying notifiable conduct and mandatory reporting.
Content in this unit incorporates a number of professional nursing requirements
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
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
Teaching, supervising and assessing
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
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
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 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Case Study - 60% | ||||
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 | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
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.
k.lane-krebs@cqu.edu.au
c.j.morris@cqu.edu.au
a.adeleye@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics
· Introduction to the Legal System
· Common Law and Parliamentary Law
· Criminal and Civil Law (examples of how each relates to Nursing)
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics
· Difference between legislation, guidelines, policy and frameworks
· The “rules” for Nurses
o Code of Conduct
o Health Practitioner Regulation National Law
o Registered Nurse Standards for Practice
o Scope of Practice
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics
· What are Ethics? Understanding the Right, the Wrong and the Grey areas
· Ethics as an Accompaniment to Law
· Main Ethical Concepts:
o Beneficence
o Non-maleficence
o Justice
o Autonomy
· Code of ethics vs. code of conduct & guiding practices
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics
· To whom we Owe a Duty
· What is a Duty?
· Who is a Client?
· Element Damage
· Element Proximity
· Element Foreseeability
· Situations Nurses and Duty of Care vs. Personal Care Workers and Obligations
· Negligence in the Big Picture - Donoghue and Stevenson
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics
· Informed Consent
· Who can give Consent
· Withholding Treatment
· Right to Choose and Refuse Treatment
· Gillick Competency
· Office of the Adult Guardian
· Medication Administration Challenges
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
RELAX
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics
· Workplace Health and Safety
· Public Indemnity
· Good Samaritan Act
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics
· Supervision Overt and Covert
· Seeking Supervision and Professional Development
· Staffing Ratios
· Scope of Practice vs. Personal Competency
· Unexpected Situations/unfamiliar Environments
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics
· Documentation
· Delegation
· Accountability
· Mandatory Reporting, Notifiable Conduct, Elder Abuse and Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics
· Coroner's Office, Cases and Processes
· Reportable Deaths
· Inquest
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
ASSESSMENT 1: Compendium DUE: Week 9 (9/5/2021 at 11.30 PM)AEST
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics:
· Tissue and Organ Donation and Transplant
· Blood Products
· Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
· Abortion
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics:
· Voluntary and Involuntary Admission
· Classified and Forensic Clients
· Mental Health Tribunal
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Overview of Key topics:
· Social Media
· Interactions with Colleagues
· Interactions with Clients
· Maintaining Professional Boundaries as a Registered Nurse
· Social Media Audit and Review: What does my social media say about me?
Chapter
(see eReading Lists)
Events and Submissions/Topic
ASSESSMENT: ESSAY Due week 12 ( 3/6/2022 February 2022 at 11.30 PM AEST
Essay 2000 words Due: Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022) 11:30 pm AEST
Module/Topic
There are no tasks for this week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
NO EXAM is scheduled for this unit
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please complete the HAVE YOUR SAY survey
1 Online Quiz(zes)
TASK DESCRIPTION
Aim: This assessment is related to the legal, ethical, and other governance structures that inform your practice as a registered nurse.
Task: This assessment consists of FOUR parts. Students will need to select any four stimulus questions from weeks one to 8 inclusive. You will need to create an original response of approximately 200 words for each of your selected stimulus questions. The post must contain a quote or paraphrased information from the identified journal or source linked to the question, plus one additional reference to support your discussion (i.e., two references). Sources must be referenced according to APA formatting. You will place your post in the discussion forum AND copy your post into a word document and submit this via the assessment submission on Moodle. The first two posts are due by Monday week 5. Students MUST submit each task individually and may complete the assessment progressively with the remaining two posts due by Monday week 9.
Learning Outcomes Assessed: LO1 to LO 4 inclusive
4
Other
The first TWO posts are due by Monday week 5 at 11.30pm AEST. the final TWO posts are due Monday week 9 at 11.30pm AEST.
Target return date is 2 to 3 weeks following submission due date.
This assessment item is weighted at 40% (i.e., each post is worth 10%)
| HD | D | C | P | F | Mark |
| Identification of key concept | |||||
| Clear and succinct identification and definition of a key concept from the corresponding module content. | Clear and appropriate identification and definition of a key concept from the corresponding module content. | Appropriate identification and definition of a key point contained in the module content. | A suggestion of a concept or definition that is linked to module content | No or inappropriate identification or definition of any concept. | /10 |
| Approach and discussion | |||||
| Discussion is clear, logical, and exceptionally well linked to the Stimulus question and e-reading item. | Discussion is clear, logical, and well linked to the stimulus question and e-reading item. | Discussion is satisfactory and links to the stimulus question and e-reading item. | Discussion occurs at a basic level and links to the stimulus question and e-reading item. | Inadequate discussion that has little or no link to the stimulus question and/or e-reading item. | /10 |
| A high level of critical thought is presented. | Well-developed critical thought is evident. | Emerging critical thought is presented. | Some perceptible critical thought is evident. | Limited/ no critical thought is evident. | /10 |
| Research and Referencing - | |||||
| References fully adhere to APA guidelines. A minimum of 2 references used. References are within the last five years. | References consistently adhere to reference list presentation guidelines of APA style. A minimum of 2 references used. References are within the last five years. | References frequently adhere to reference list presentation guidelines of APA style. A minimum of 2 references used. References are within the last five years. | References occasionally adhere to presentation guidelines of APA style. A minimum of 2 references used. References are within the last five years. | References do not adhere to presentation guidelines of APA style. A minimum of 2 references not provided. References are not contemporary. | /10 |
- Apply the principles of bioethics as well as the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights to nursing practice
- Apply appropriate law, policies, frameworks, codes and guidelines to nursing practice
- Discuss how legal and ethical practice relates to student nurses, in the professional experience placement environment, the classroom and the community.
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
2 Case Study
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Instructions
Please see the Unit Moodle site for the detailed scenario information available on the Moodle site.
Using your knowledge of material encountered throughout NURS13140, address the legal, ethical and risk management implications as they relate to the practice of a registered nurse for the scenario provided. A recommendation to improve the quality of care for this organisation is also required.
The case study is divided into four discussion areas, and you are encouraged to use headings throughout the paper to provide structure. Discussion sections should be used as a heading.
| Discussion Sections | Scope of discussion: |
| Legal implications | Consider the concept of Duty of Care and Negligence and explore the implications for the care provided by the RNs |
| Ethical implications | Identify ONE ethical concept and relate these to the events that occurred in the case study. |
| Standards and codes | Identify ONE code or standard of practice that has not been adhered to and explain why you make this determination. |
| Recommendation | Based on your previous discussion, provide ONE recommendation to improve the quality of care provided by this organisation. |
Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022) 11:30 pm AEST
A word document file is required to be uploaded via Moodle.
Target return date is 2 to 3 weeks following submission due date
| HD | D | C | P | F | Mark |
| Structure & Organisation -5% | |||||
| Excellent presentation of assignment with inclusion of all correct components, double line spaced, 12-point font, page numbers and title page. Consistently accurate with spelling, grammar, and paragraph structure. | Well-presented assignment, double line spaced, 12-point font, page numbers, title page, 1 or 2 errors in spelling, grammar, or paragraph structure. | Well-presented assignment, double line spaced, 12-point font, page numbers, title page and 3 or 4 consistent errors with spelling, grammar, or paragraph structure. | Adequate assignment presentation, double line spaced with 12-point font. No page numbers, title page, 5 to 7 consistent errors with spelling, grammar, or paragraph structure. | Poorly presented assignment. Double line spacing, page numbers or 12-point font, or other components not used. Frequent inaccuracies in spelling, grammar, or paragraph structure. Numbered sections or report style. | /5 |
| Introduction and conclusion (5%) | |||||
| Clear and succinct introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the direction of the paper. A clear and succinct conclusion that provides closure to the topic and outlines the final direction of the paper. | Clear and appropriate introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the direction of the paper. Clear and appropriate closure to the topic and outlines the final direction of the paper. | Appropriate introduction that introduces the topic and outlines the direction of the paper. Appropriate conclusion to the topic and somewhat outlines the final direction of the paper. | Introduction is apparent although consists only of a list of the contents of the paper. Topic not clearly introduced. Conclusion is apparent although consists of only a brief closure of the topic. Topic not clearly concluded. | No recognisable introduction— the topic is not introduced and/or there is no direction offered in respect to the paper. No recognisable conclusion or it does not reflect the discussion. | /5 |
| Approach and Argument (80%) | |||||
| Legal: TWO legal concepts and all associated elements are identified. Discussion is clear, logical and exceptionally well linked to the scenario information. Convincing critical thought displayed. | Legal: TWO legal concepts and some elements are identified. Discussion is clear, logical, and well linked to the scenario information. Well-developed critical thought is evident. | Legal: TWO legal concepts are identified, and some elements are suggested. Discussion is satisfactory and links to the scenario information are apparent. Emerging critical thought is presented. | Legal: ONE legal concept is identified. Some elements are suggested. Discussion of the concept /elements occurs at a basic level. Links to the scenario information are evident. Some perceptible critical thought is evident. | Legal: A legal concept is not correctly identified, and /or inadequately discussed. Attempts to identify elements is superficial. Little or no links to the scenario information are provided. Limited/ no critical thought is evident. | /20 |
| Ethical: Appropriate selection of ONE ethical concept. Discussion is clear, logical, and exceptionally well linked to the scenario information. Convincing critical thought displayed. | Ethical: Appropriate selection of ONE ethical concept. Discussion is clear, logical, and well linked to the scenario information. Well-developed critical thought is evident. | Ethical: Appropriate selection of ONE ethical concept. Discussion is satisfactory and links to the scenario information. Emerging critical thought is presented. | Ethical: ONE ethical concept is identified. Discussion of the concept occurs at a basic level. Links to the scenario information are evident. Some perceptible critical thought is evident. | Ethical: Not able to provide an adequate discussion of an ethical concept. No application to the scenario information. Limited/ no critical thought is evident. | /20 |
| Standards & Codes: Correctly links ONE standard/ code. Discussion is clear, logical, and exceptionally well linked to the scenario information. Convincing critical thought displayed. | Standards & Codes: Correctly links ONE standard/ code. Discussion is clear, logical, and well linked to the scenario information. Well-developed critical thought is evident. | Standards & Codes: Correctly links ONE standard/ code. Discussion is satisfactory and links to the scenario information. Emerging critical thought is presented. | Standards & Codes: Suggests ONE standard/ code. Discussion occurs at a basic level and links to the scenario information. Some perceptible critical thought is evident. | Standards & Codes: Unable to link any standard /code. No links to the scenario information. Limited/ no critical thought is evident. | /20 |
| Recommendation: A suitable recommendation is provided with convincing critical thought displayed. | Recommendation: A suitable recommendation is provided with well-developed critical thought is evident. | Recommendation: A suitable recommendation is provided with emerging critical thought is presented. | Recommendation: A suitable recommendation is provided with some perceptible critical thought is evident. | Recommendation: An unsuitable / no recommendation is provided. Limited / no critical thought is evident. | /20 |
| Referencing - 10% | |||||
| Consistently accurate with in-text referencing to support all information. | Referencing supports all information1 or 2 consistent in-text referencing errors were identified. | 3 or 4 consistent in-text referencing errors were identified to support some information. | 3 or 4 inconsistent in-text referencing errors were identified to support some information. | Referencing is not consistent with APA style. Many inaccuracies with in-text referencing to support information, and quotations. | /5 |
| The reference list Fully adheres to APA guidelines. A minimum of 10 references were used. | The reference list appears in alphabetical order and consistently adheres to reference list presentation guidelines of APA style. A minimum of 9 references were used. | The reference list appears in alphabetical order and frequently adheres to reference list presentation guidelines of APA style. A minimum of 8 references were used. | The reference list appears in alphabetical order and occasionally adheres to reference list presentation guidelines of APA style. A minimum of 7 references were used. | The reference list appears in no alphabetical order and does not adhere to reference list presentation guidelines of APA style. A minimum of 7 references were not provided. | |
| Total Marks | /100 |
Marker:
- Analyse common and emergent legal and ethical issues relevant to nursing practice
- Apply appropriate law, policies, frameworks, codes and guidelines to nursing practice
- Discuss challenges associated with reasonable belief, notifiable conduct and mandatory reporting
- Discuss how legal and ethical practice relates to student nurses, in the professional experience placement environment, the classroom and the community.
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
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?
