Overview
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Registered Nurse Standards for Practice (2016) expect that a registered nurse is able to think critically and analyse nursing practice. This is achieved by accessing, analysing, and using the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice. In this unit, you will be introduced to an evidence-based approach to clinical inquiry and decision making that underpins nursing practice. You will develop skills in locating evidence, evaluating and applying research findings to inform best practice.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite: Must be enrolled in the Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry).
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 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.
- Adapt a systematic approach to evidence identification and selection to address a specific clinical topic.
- Appraise evidence and use critical thinking skills when applying evidence in clinical contexts.
- Advocate for the purpose of evidence in nursing practice and persuade why clinical decision making should be based on the best available evidence.
Content in this unit incorporates a number of professional nursing requirements
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) 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 (NMBA) Code of Conduct
Legal compliance
Person-centred practice
Cultural practice and respectful relationships
Professional behaviour
Research in health
Health and wellbeing
International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics for Nurses
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
Communicating for safety
Patient Safety Competency Framework
Person-centred care
Therapeutic communication
Cultural competence
Teamwork and collaborative practice
Evidence-based practice
Preventing, minimising and responding to adverse events
Aged Care Quality Standards
Consumer dignity and choice
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Annotated bibliography - 40% | |||
| 2 - Case Study - 60% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||
| 2 - Communication | |||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||
| 4 - Research | |||
| 5 - Self-management | |||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||
| 7 - Leadership | |||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
A Guide to Performing Systematic Reviews of Health and Disease
- (2025)
- Authors: Kurinchi Gurusamy
- UCL Press
- London London , United Kingdom
- ISBN: 978-1-80008-660-9 (epub)
This is available online through the Library
This is available online through the Library
Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Practice
- (2023)
- Authors: Jos Dobber, José Harmsen, Margriet van Iersel
- Springer Cham
- Switzerland
- ISBN: 978-3-031-27069-7 (eBook)
Available through the Library
Available through the Library
Evidence-Based Approaches to Integrated Care
- (2025)
- Authors: David Robert Matscheck, Elisabeta Shehu Kafia, Mukadder Mollaoğlu, Ingrid Flores, Irma Tchokhonelidze, Katarina Piuva, Matthew Cini, Patricia Vella Bonanno, Songül Mollaoğlu
- Intechopen Ltd
- London London , United Kingdom
- ISBN: 978978-1-83634-853-5 (online)
This is available online through the Library
This is available online through the Library
Additional Textbook Information
Gurusamy’s guide to performing a systematic review
In NURS28006, this text will help you understand how evidence is identified, assessed and used in practice. Gurusamy’s book takes you through the systematic review process, from developing a focused question to selecting studies, analysing findings and reporting conclusions. This is directly relevant to the unit and should help you take a more systematic and critical approach to reading, appraising and using research in your assessment work.
Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Practice
This text is a useful resource because it explains clinical reasoning as a structured process for making nursing decisions. It works through the questions nurses need to ask about what is happening, why it may be happening, what needs attention and what should be done next. It also shows how evidence-based practice supports sound clinical judgement. This will help you think more carefully and systematically about decision-making in practice.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Integrated Care
This book is a useful resource because it links evidence-based practice with integrated care across real healthcare settings. It shows how coordination, collaboration, technology, chronic disease management and care for older people can be strengthened through the careful use of evidence. The examples from different countries encourages you to consider how integrated care can be applied across different health systems.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom access
- CQU Library Resources
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.blanchard@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to evidence-informed nursing practice
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 1: Introduction to evidence-informed nursing practice. This chapter introduces what evidence-informed practice is and why it matters in nursing.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentations:
Welcome and Unit Introduction.
Weekly lecture/tutorial.
Activity: Access the General
Discussion page and introduce
yourself to your colleagues by
providing your name and maybe
why you are studying this unit and
course.
Assessments: 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.
Drop-in session. Please access the Zoom link through the unit Moodle site.
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Asking focused clinical and research questions
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 2: Asking focused clinical and research questions. This chapter supports you to move from a broad topic to a clear and answerable question using frameworks such as PICO, PICo, PICOS, or SPIDER.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 – Start your
literature searching and preparing
assessment.
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates.
Student email – Check your
student email at least twice per
week for important
communications.
Tutorial. Please complete the weekly Moodle Book chapter and activities before attending. Zoom link available on Moodle.
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Developing a structured search strategy
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 3: Developing a structured search strategy. This chapter focuses on turning a question into key concepts, keywords, synonyms, and Boolean search strings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Drop-in session. Please access the Zoom link through the unit Moodle site.
Census Date is next week. If you
are struggling, please contact your
Unit Coordinator for help.
Assessment 1 – Read the literature
to identify the credibility of the
evidence and continue preparing
your assessment.
Announcement 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
Selecting evidence and beginning annotations
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 4: Selecting evidence and beginning annotations. This chapter focuses on applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, screening sources, identifying the level of evidence, and beginning annotation notes.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial. Focus may include preparation for Assessment 1. Zoom link available on Moodle.
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
Assessment 1 – Read the literature
to identify the credibility of the
evidence and continue preparing
your assessment. You might wish
to seek assessment preparation
help from the Academic Learning
Centre and/or Studiosity.
Announcement 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
Writing critical annotations and synthesis
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 5: Writing critical annotations and synthesis. This chapter focuses on writing the six annotations and beginning the discussion and synthesis section for Assessment 1.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Drop-in session. Please access the link through the Moodle site.
Assessment 1 – Check the
originality of your assessment
through Turnitin and make
relevant changes to your
assessment after reviewing your
originality report.
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates.
Student email – Check your
student email at least twice per
week for important
communications.
Assessment 1: Annotated Bibliography is due Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 4 pm AEST.
Annotated Bibliography Due: Week 5 Wednesday (12 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Study designs and the Pyramid of Evidence
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 6: Study designs and the Pyramid of Evidence. This chapter focuses on recognising primary studies, higher-level evidence, and where different sources sit in the evidence hierarchy.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial. Please access the link through the Moodle site.
Assessment 2 – Start your
literature searching and preparing
assessment.
Announcement 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
No scheduled teaching week
Chapter
No new Moodle Book chapter is scheduled for this week. Students are encouraged to consolidate their learning and begin preparation for Assessment 2.
Events and Submissions/Topic
No scheduled drop-in session or tutorial.
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Critical appraisal of evidence
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 7: Critical appraisal of evidence. This chapter focuses on judging the trustworthiness, strengths, limitations, relevance, and applicability of research.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Drop-in session. Please access the link through the Moodle site.
Assessment 2 – Read the literature
to identify the credibility of the
evidence and continue preparing
your assessment.
Announcement 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
Clinical practice guidelines and NSQHS Standards
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 8: Clinical practice guidelines and NSQHS Standards. This chapter focuses on how evidence is translated into guidelines and how standards shape safe care.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial. Please access the link through the Moodle site.
Assessment 2 – Read the literature
to identify the credibility of the
evidence and continue preparing
your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates.
Student email – Check your
student email at least twice per
week for important
communications.
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Technology, AI, and evidence-informed healthcare
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 9: Technology, AI, and evidence-informed healthcare. This chapter focuses on AI, digital tools, benefits, risks, and responsible use in evidence-informed healthcare.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Drop-in session. Please access the link through the Moodle site.
Assessment 1 – Read the literature
to identify the credibility of the
evidence and continue preparing
your assessment. You might wish
to seek assessment preparation
help from the Academic Learning
Centre and/or Studiosity.
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates.
Student email – Check your
student email at least twice per
week for important
communications.
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Applying evidence to a patient case
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 10: Applying evidence to a patient case. This chapter focuses on identifying the main issue in a case, developing a focused question, and choosing relevant evidence.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial. Please access the link through the Moodle site.
Assessment 2 – Check the
originality of your assessment
through Turnitin and make
relevant changes to your
assessment after reviewing your
originality report.
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates.
Student email – Check your
student email at least twice per
week for important
communications.
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Strengthening critical synthesis and recommendations
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 11: Strengthening critical synthesis and recommendations. This chapter focuses on refining synthesis, applying evidence to the case, and developing justified nursing recommendations.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Drop-in session. Please access the link through the Moodle site. Assessment 2: Case Study is due Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 4
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
Case study Due: Week 11 Wednesday (30 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Consolidation and looking forward
Chapter
Moodle Book Chapter 12: Consolidation and looking forward. This chapter draws together the full evidence-informed practice cycle and supports reflection on future nursing practice.
Events and Submissions/Topic
No scheduled drop-in session or tutorial. Students should complete final review activities and the student survey.
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
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
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 Annotated bibliography
The aim of this assessment is to demonstrate your ability to identify a focused clinical issue relevant to nursing practice, formulate an answerable clinical or research question, search for evidence systematically, critically appraise the literature, and synthesise findings to explain what the best available evidence suggests for nursing care, patient education, or clinical decision making.
Identify one focused clinical issue relevant to nursing practice. Using an appropriate framework such as PICO, PICo, PICOS or SPIDER, develop one answerable clinical or research question.
You are then required to:
develop a structured search strategy
search CQU Library databases relevant to nursing and health
apply appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria
select six current, credible, peer-reviewed journal articles
identify the level of evidence for each article using the Pyramid of Evidence
write six annotations, one for each article.
After completing the six annotations, you must write a discussion/synthesis section that:
- synthesises the findings across the six selected articles
- evaluates how well the evidence answers your clinical or research question
- identifies limitations, inconsistencies, or gaps in the evidence
- explains what the best available evidence suggests for the care, education, or support of a patient, person, or population experiencing the issue identified in your question
- makes evidence-informed recommendations for nursing care, patient education, or clinical decision making
You must use the Assessment 1 template provided on Moodle to complete and present this assessment. Your completed assessment must include the required cover page at the front of the template.
Week 5 Wednesday (12 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Online, using the template provided
Week 7 Wednesday (2 Sept 2026)
Online
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Adapt a systematic approach to evidence identification and selection to address a specific clinical topic.
- Appraise evidence and use critical thinking skills when applying evidence in clinical contexts.
- Advocate for the purpose of evidence in nursing practice and persuade why clinical decision making should be based on the best available evidence.
2 Case Study
The aim of this assessment is to demonstrate your ability to identify, appraise, synthesise, and apply contemporary evidence to a clinical nursing issue. Using one of the case scenarios provided (available on Moodle), you will develop a focused clinical question, examine the best available evidence relevant to that question, and apply that evidence to the care of the patient in the scenario. The purpose of the task is not to describe a condition in general terms, but to show how evidence can inform sound clinical reasoning and nursing practice in a specific context.
Please answer the following four questions relating to the case study:
Introduction
Briefly introduce the chosen case scenario, identify the main clinical issue requiring evidence-informed nursing attention, and outline the focus of the paper (approximately 150 words)
1. What is the main clinical issue in this case, and what focused clinical question arises from it? (approximately 250 words)
2. What contemporary evidence is most relevant to this clinical question, and how was it identified and selected? (approximately 250 words)
3. What does the evidence show when it is critically appraised and synthesised? (approximately 600 words)
4. How should this evidence be applied to the case scenario, and what recommendations follow for nursing practice? (approximately 600 words)
Conclusion
Provide a concise conclusion that draws together the central argument of the case study and reinforces the importance of evidence-informed nursing practice in the care of the patient (approximately 150 words)
Week 11 Wednesday (30 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Online
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (21 Oct 2026)
Online
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Adapt a systematic approach to evidence identification and selection to address a specific clinical topic.
- Appraise evidence and use critical thinking skills when applying evidence in clinical contexts.
- Advocate for the purpose of evidence in nursing practice and persuade why clinical decision making should be based on the best available evidence.
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?
