Foundations in Nursing 2

Unit code: HNB1205 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
St Albans
Prerequisites
HNB1102 - Foundations in Nursing 1; and
HBM1202 - Anatomy and Physiology 2
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

In this unit, students will apply person-centred care, therapeutic intraprofessional and interprofessional communication, and safety and quality principles to further develop the knowledge and foundational skills introduced in previous units, supporting individuals across the lifespan, with a particular focus on older adults. Students will draw from knowledge gained in both anatomy and physiology units to undertake comprehensive and systematic health assessments, implement appropriate evidence-based interventions and evaluate outcomes, and document findings using digital health. Students will examine specific physiological, psychological and cultural aspects of an individual’s nursing care with attention to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, other cultures and people of diverse backgrounds. Early detection of deteriorating patient status and basic life support will be covered. The principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics will be introduced as the foundation for pharmacotherapeutics and quality use of medicines.

Please note: Students who have not successfully completed and submitted all mandatory documentation on VU WIL at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the block, will not be able to enrol or remain enrolled in HNB1205.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Apply novice level evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning to focused assessments, associated symptoms and planning of care and evaluation using person-centred principles across the lifespan including people of diversity and different cultures;
  2. Demonstrate primary and secondary assessments used to identify the elements of clinical deterioration and timely reporting using documentation and clinical handover;
  3. Demonstrate accurate calculation of drug doses for safe medication administration;
  4. Identify common groups of medications and their related pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; and
  5. Apply effective therapeutic communication skills with patients, families and intraprofessional and interprofessional healthcare teams to ensure the provision of safe quality care.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

In this unit, students will apply person-centred care, therapeutic intraprofessional and interprofessional communication, and safety and quality principles to further develop the knowledge and foundational skills introduced in previous units, supporting individuals across the lifespan, with a particular focus on older adults. Students will draw from knowledge gained in both anatomy and physiology units to undertake comprehensive and systematic health assessments, implement appropriate evidence-based interventions and evaluate outcomes, and document findings using digital health. Students will examine specific physiological, psychological and cultural aspects of an individual’s nursing care with attention to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, other cultures and people of diverse backgrounds. Early detection of deteriorating patient status and basic life support will be covered. The principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics will be introduced as the foundation for pharmacotherapeutics and quality use of medicines.

Please note: Students who have not successfully completed and submitted all mandatory documentation on VU WIL at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the block, will not be able to enrol or remain enrolled in HNB1205.

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Two (2) individual multiple-choice tests.
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Medication Calculation and Rights Test (hurdle)
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 30%
Case Study (1500 words)
Assessment type: Review
|
Grade: 20%
Self-assessment and reflection on lab work and simulations using the (ANSAT) (500 words)
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 30%
OSCA Patient Physical Assessment in the Labs.

To gain an overall pass in this unit, students must attend 85% of all practical laboratories and clinical simulations for essential skill development as per ANMAC expectations. Any absences must be supported with documentation to the unit convenor.
Medication Calculation Test: Students must achieve a score of 100% to pass this test. A student will be eligible for a maximum of two (2) attempts by Friday week 2 of the block for the medication calculation assessment. A third attempt may be granted with consideration to student progress within the unit and the cumulative mark awarded through assessment submissions. Attendance requirements for nursing labs and simulations and the medication calculation hurdle are integral to safe nursing practice and prepare students for PEP.

Required reading

RECOMMENDED TEXTS: Tollefson, J., & Hillman, E. ( 2025). Clinical psychomotor skills: assessment tools for nurses, (9th ed.) Cengage Learning Australia. Estes, M. E. Z., Calleja, P., Theobald, K., & Harvey, T. ( 2021). Health assessment & physical examination (Australia and New Zealand 3rd ed.). Cengage Learning Australia. McKenna, L., & Mirkov, S. ( 2021). McKenna’s drug handbook for nursing and midwifery: Australia and New Zealand (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. Crisp, J., Douglas, C., Rebeiro, G., & Waters, D. ( 2021). Potter and Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing (Australian and New Zealand 6th ed.). Elsevier

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Nursing
HBNB | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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