Course Outline Report: NUR112

What is this course about?

Description

*Not offered until Trimester 1, 2027*
This course establishes a foundation for nursing practice, integrating core skills with holistic assessment across the lifespan. You will engage with regulatory, ethical, and professional standards while developing communication and clinical abilities. Through practical classes and placements, you will build proficiency in therapeutic relationships, assessment, and essential interventions, aligned with NMBA and national quality and safety standards to ensure safe, person-centred care. 
Only Graduate Entry pathway nursing students should enrol into this course.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity	Hours	Beginning Week	Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online asynchronous learning and teaching materials.	1hr	Week 1	8 times
Laboratory 1 – Simulated Learning Environment (Labs) Weeks 4, 5, 6, 8	5hrs	Week 4	4 times
Laboratory 2 – Simulated Learning Activities	2hrs	Week 1	8 times
Placement – Professional Experience Placement	160hrs	Not applicable	Once Only

Course Topics

Clinical Foundations
Clinical documentation; vital signs; hand hygiene; infection prevention and control principles.
Fundamentals of Patient Care & Safety
Patient-centred activities of daily living; communication for safety, escalation of care, graded assertiveness, and ISBAR handover.
Neurological & Neurovascular Assessment
Neurological physiology, assessment, and observations; neurovascular physiology and assessment.
Cardiovascular Assessment
Cardiovascular physiology and assessment, including introduction to 12-lead electrocardiogram.
Respiratory Assessment
Respiratory physiology and assessment; introduction to simple oxygen delivery devices.
Gastrointestinal & Abdominal Assessment
Gastrointestinal physiology; abdominal physiology and assessment.
Genitourinary Assessment
Genitourinary physiology and assessment.
Integumentary & Musculoskeletal Assessment
Integumentary physiology and assessment; musculoskeletal physiology and assessment.
Pain Assessment
Patient-centred pain assessment and management principles.
Safe Medication Practice
Medication calculations; concepts and principles for safe administration of non-parenteral medication.

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to...		Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...	Professional Standard Mapping * Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
1	Demonstrate introductory nursing skills applied to safe patient care	Knowledgeable	1.3, 1.6, 2.2, 2.3, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 6.1
2	Undertake health assessments and nursing interventions across different life stages, applying knowledge in placement settings	Knowledgeable	1.6, 2.4, 3.2, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1
3	Practice safely within scope of practice.	Knowledgeable	1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 6.2, 6.5, 6.6
4	Integrate Cultural Safety and communication strategies in diverse care contexts	Empowered	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3
5	Reflect on professional growth and development through Professional Experience Placement	Ethical	1.3, 2.2, 3.2
6	Apply foundational academic conventions and basic digital literacy skills to produce structured and ethical scholarly communication, incorporating introductory collaborative approaches where appropriate.	Ethical	1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.2, 2.6, 3.1, 3.3, 7.2, 7.3

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE	COMPETENCY
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
1.1	The RN accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
1.2	The RN develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3	The RN 1.3 respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
1.4	The RN complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
1.5	The RN uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
1.6	The RN maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations
2.2	The RN communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
2.3	The RN recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life
2.4	The RN provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions
2.6	The RN uses delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes
2.8	The RN participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
3.1	The RN considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and well being of self and others in relation to the capability for practice
3.2	The RN provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health
3.3	The RN uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others
3.7	The RN identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
4.1	The RN conducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate
4.2	The RN uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice
4.3	The RN works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral
5.1	The RN uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
5.2	The RN collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons
5.3	The RN documents, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes
5.4	The RN plans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement
6.1	The RN provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
6.2	The RN practises within their scope of practice
6.5	The RN practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
6.6	The RN uses the appropriate processes to identify and report potential and actual risk related system issues and where practice may be below the expected standards
7.1	The RN evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes
7.2	The RN revises the plan based on the evaluation
7.3	The RN determines, documents and communicates further priorities, goals and outcomes with the relevant persons

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in UB013 Graduate Entry pathway

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

Students must successfully complete both the theoretical and PEP components of each professional experience course.  A Fail grade in either component prevents progression to subsequent courses, ensuring safe practice is consistently demonstrated before advancing.

In this Professional Experience course, you will receive ongoing, formative feedback through your active participation in classes and your simulation activities. By engaging fully, you will have frequent opportunities to receive early feedback on your knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours. This feedback helps you monitor your progress, build confidence, and prepare for both assessments and safe, effective clinical practice.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode	Task No.	Assessment Product	Individual or Group	What is the duration / length?	When should I submit?	Where should I submit it?
All	1	Activity Participation	Individual	Throughout the teaching period	Week 10	Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All	2	Quiz/zes	Individual	60 minutes	Week 10	Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All	3	Portfolio	Individual	As determined by your Course Coordinator	Refer to Format	Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All	4	Placement performance	Individual	160 hours	Refer to Format	Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check

All - Assessment Task 1:Scheduled Learning Activities

Goal:

To develop your confidence and support your preparation for your Professional Experience Placement, you will engage in a range of learning activities, including those that take place in the Simulated Learning Environments (SLE). These sessions are designed to give you safe opportunities to practise and apply your skills before working with patients in real settings.

Product:

Activity Participation

Format:

You are expected to attend and fully engage in at least 80% of all scheduled learning activities. Attendance will be recorded by your tutor. At the end of the course, you will need to upload your signed attendance sheet in Canvas as evidence of participation.

Criteria:

No.		Learning Outcome assessed
1	Attends a minimum of 80% of scheduled learning activities, including those in the SLE	1
2	Provides signed evidence of attendance uploaded via Canvas	6

Generic Skills:

Organisation

All - Assessment Task 2:Med+Safe quiz

Goal:

The goal of this task is for you to demonstrate your ability to safely calculate oral medications and understand the Rights associated with safe medication administration.

Product:

Quiz/zes

Format:

You will complete a Med+Safe online quiz, which focuses on the Rights of safe medication administration and the calculations needed for the administration of oral medications. To pass, you must achieve 100% accuracy.

Criteria:

No.		Learning Outcome assessed
1	Demonstrates proficiency in safe calculation of oral medications	1

Generic Skills:

Problem solving, Organisation

All - Assessment Task 3:Professional Portfolio

Goal:

The goal of the professional portfolio is for you to collect and showcase evidence of your developing nursing knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours across the program. This portfolio provides a structured way to reflect on your growth and progress. It demonstrates your progressive achievement of the NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice and it supports your readiness for safe practice.

Product:

Portfolio

Format:

Across the teaching period, you will contribute to your portfolio that includes evidence of your learning and development as directed by your Course Coordinator. Your portfolio should demonstrate how you are building your professional capabilities, reflecting on your practice, and aligning with professional and ethical standards. This portfolio will also contribute to your ongoing preparation for clinical practice and future employment.

Criteria:

No.		Learning Outcome assessed
1	Submission of a portfolio that includes the required evidence	6
2	Portfolio shows evidence of reflective practice, with thoughtful insights into personal and professional growth	6
3	Portfolio presented in a clear and organised format, applying academic conventions and integrity in communication	6

Generic Skills:

Communication, Organisation

All - Assessment Task 4:Professional Experience Placement

Goal:

The goal of this assessment is for you to demonstrate satisfactory performance based on the NMBA Registered nurse standards for practice at an introductory student level as measured using the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool (ANSAT) and completion of your allocated placement hours for this course.

Product:

Placement performance

Format:

1. Completion of required hours: You must complete the allocated placement hours for your course. Evidence of attendance and completion will be recorded in Sonia and must be submitted to finalise your placement. 2. Progressive assessment: During your placement, you will engage in regular feedback and reflection with your facilitator. This process helps you review your practice, track your progress against the ANSAT criteria, and identify strategies to support your success. 3. Final assessment: At the end of placement, your clinical facilitator/preceptor will complete the summative ANSAT based on your overall performance. The ANSAT is then submitted to the course coordinator for review and final approval of results in line with UniSC assessment policies. 4. Ongoing feedback and support: You will receive formative feedback throughout your placement as part of your professional development. If any areas of concern arise, a learning plan will be developed in partnership with you to guide improvement and ensure you have every opportunity to meet the required standards. 5. Professional expectations: You are expected to maintain safe practice at all times in line with the NMBA Code of Conduct for Nurses and the ICN Code of Ethics. Unsafe practice, breaches of professional standards, or behaviours that place patients at risk may result in removal from placement and failure of the course. 6. Supportive pathways to success: If a learning plan is required, you will be supported to meet all requirements before the final assessment. Successful completion of your Professional Experience Placement requires both full attendance of allocated hours and achievement of the required ANSAT at the introductory level.

Criteria:


Completes the required 160 hours of placement with satisfactory attendance and participation
Demonstrates foundational nursing skills applied safely in supervised patient care
Undertakes health assessments and interventions across different life stages under supervision
Applies person-centred care approaches in placement settings, guided by knowledge and supervision
Integrates Cultural Safety and effective communication strategies appropriate for diverse care contexts
Reflects on professional growth and learning, identifying strengths and areas for development

Generic Skills:

Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation

Assessment to competency mapping

Programme Delivery Mode	Assessment Type	Title	Competency	Teaching Methods
Registered nurse standards for practice - 1 June 2016
All delivery modes	Activity Participation	Scheduled Learning Activities	1.3	Assessed
			1.5	Assessed
			1.6	Assessed
			2.2	Assessed
			2.3	Assessed
			2.7	Assessed
			2.8	Assessed
			3.2	Assessed
			3.3	Assessed
			3.7	Assessed
			4.1	Assessed
			4.2	Assessed
			4.3	Assessed
			5.1	Assessed
			6.1	Assessed
			6.5	Assessed
	Placement performance	Professional Experience Placement	1.1	Assessed
			1.2	Assessed
			1.3	Assessed
			1.4	Assessed
			1.5	Assessed
			1.6	Assessed
			2.2	Assessed
			2.3	Assessed
			2.4	Assessed
			2.5	Assessed
			2.6	Assessed
			2.7	Assessed
			2.8	Assessed
			3.1	Assessed
			3.2	Assessed
			3.3	Assessed
			3.4	Assessed
			3.5	Assessed
			3.7	Assessed
			4.1	Assessed
			4.2	Assessed
			4.3	Assessed
			5.1	Assessed
			5.2	Assessed
			5.3	Assessed
			5.4	Assessed
			5.5	Assessed
			6.1	Assessed
			6.2	Assessed
			6.5	Assessed
			6.6	Assessed
			7.1	Assessed
			7.2	Assessed
			7.3	Assessed
	Portfolio	Professional Portfolio	1.5	Assessed
			2.2	Assessed
			2.7	Assessed
			2.8	Assessed
			3.2	Assessed
			3.3	Assessed
			6.5	Assessed
	Quiz/zes	Med+Safe quiz	1.3	Assessed
			1.6	Assessed
			2.2	Assessed
			2.3	Assessed
			3.7	Assessed
			4.1	Assessed
			4.2	Assessed
4.3			Assessed
5.1			Assessed
6.1			Assessed

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required?	Author	Year	Title	Edition	Publisher
Required	Joanne Tollefson,Elspeth Hillman	2024	Clinical Psychomotor Skills 9e	n/a	Cengage AU
Required	Julie Martyn,Mathew Carey,John D. Gatford,Nicole Phillips	2022	Gatford and Phillips' Drug Calculations	n/a	Elsevier

Specific requirements

To support your success on placement, please read the Student Handbook (available via Sonia). This handbook provides important information, expectations, and procedures that guide your work integrated learning experience.

Your Summative ANSAT assessment will only be finalised once you have completed the allocated placement hours for this course. If you miss any scheduled hours, you will be required to make these up. Your final course grade cannot be released until all placement requirements are satisfactorily completed.

While on placement, you are required to wear the official UniSC nursing student uniform. Please also be aware that some placements may require travel, and associated costs are your responsibility.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all field activities and low to moderate levels of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks may include working in an Australian bush setting, working with people, working outside normal office hours for example. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 5.1.1.3 and 5.1.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Academic Policy.

In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct.

Assessment: Submission penalties

You must contact your Course Coordinator and provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternate assessment.

Refer to the Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs – Procedures.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
Review of Assessment and Final Grades
Supplementary Assessment
Central Examinations
Deferred Examinations
Student Conduct
Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

In person:
- UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
- UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
- UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
- UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
- UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
- UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au