This unit explores person-centred care of patients bridging the lifespan from infant to the older adult. The unit will examine acute and chronic disorders integrating the pathophysiological processes, progression and complications to enhance understanding of the associated nursing care. Students will be introduced to treatment options inclusive of pharmacotherapeutics and quality use of medicines management, highlighting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of relevant medications utilised for acute exacerbations and chronic management, alongside relevant nursing care practices specific to medication interventions. Students will enhance their understanding of cultural competence when nursing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, other cultures and people of diversity, across health contexts. Through the use of clinical nursing laboratories and simulations, students will be guided through contemporary nursing practices, including: bridging the theory–practice gap through the use of teamwork; patient scenarios; digital health with emphasis on critical thinking; and, clinical reasoning. This approach will assist the student in understanding appropriate nursing care and management, the importance of collaborative and patient centred communication, ethical and legal implications and the evidence underpinning best practice.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Assessments will be integrated throughout the 4-week block, allowing adequate time for preparation and student feedback. The Medsafe drug calculation assessment is not a hurdle but will be used to assist students in gaining proficiency in drug calculations in preparation for requisite medication knowledge in future units. Group work will be utilised in assessment Part A: Case Study, whereby students will apply clinical reasoning to a patient scenario. This assessment further develops the links between pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, nursing standards and cultural competence. In Part B of the assessment task, students will analyse and reflect on professional practice, integrate previous knowledge and evidence-based care to problem solve and make clinical decisions in a contemporary nursing case study. Students will exhibit and critique their own practice in the OSCA assessment.
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):