Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
Clinical Practice 3 within the Bachelor of Nursing (BN) requires student to complete 160 hours, of supervised clinical experience. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, students will engage with increasingly complex professional practice concepts within various clinical practice settings.
The educational focus for Semester 1, Year 2 is on advancing theoretical and clinical knowledge and skills necessary for providing safe, person-centred care across diverse acute and non-acute environments. These environments include inpatient settings, community healthcare, and residential aged care facilities.
The primary aim of this course is to advance your foundational nursing knowledge and skills, equipping you to deliver comprehensive nursing care across diverse acute and sub-acute environments. By engaging in both inpatient and community practice settings, you will deepen your understanding of nursing care delivery and further develop your clinical reasoning abilities. The course emphasises expanding your scope of practice through mandatory Clinical-Based Learning (CBL) sessions, which integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.
As the third of eight clinical practice courses in the Bachelor of Nursing program, NURS2203 continues to prepare you for the dynamic and complex demands of professional nursing practice, ensuring you are capable of meeting the needs of patients in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are required to have successfully completed the first year of UQ's Bachelor of Nursing, or the Bachelors of Nursing / Midwifery dual degree program (or have been granted equivalent credit).
Mandatory preparation
The student is responsible for fulfilling the preclinical placement requirements within the designated deadline or anniversary renewal date provided before starting the clinical placement. If any mandatory documents are not up to date, students will not be assigned or permitted to participate in the clinical placement, and they will receive a failing grade. Please see the Policies and guidelines section at the end of this profile and the Placement Ready website for information
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
NURS1105 or NURS1205
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
NURS2103
Restrictions
BN/BMID (Bachelors of Nursing / Midwifery dual degree)
Course contact
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students are strongly advised to either attend the online zoom orientation lecture or review the recording that will be posted into Blackboard, as it will provide important information to understand theﾠrequirements, expectations and assessments for this course.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop theoretical and clinical knowledge and skills for delivering care in a variety of acute and non-acute environments, including inpatient, community, mental health and residential aged care settings.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate attributes of the registered nurse to deliver person centred care, which includes professional knowledge and skills and self-awareness and values and attitudes incorporating ethical and legal frameworks.
LO2.
Undertake assessment of the individual experiencing an acute event using accurate data collection and interpretation, documentation of findings and appropriate problem solving and interventions.
LO3.
Demonstrate effective application of the clinical reasoning process to achieve safe and comprehensive care of the individual.
LO4.
Apply knowledge of safe administration of medications and pharmacotherapeutics to inform individual centred care including intravenous fluid and drug management, diabetes management and medication provision.
LO5.
Utilise effective and culturally respectful communication, with individuals, families and the interprofessional team, to ensure optimum health outcomes for the individual.
LO6.
Demonstrate how the principles of safe person centred care are applied in an acute care simulated learning environment and in a clinical practice environment.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
Medication Calculation Exam
|
Pass/Fail |
24/02/2025 12:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Hand Hygiene Certificate
|
Pass/Fail |
3/03/2025 1:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation |
Clinical skills evaluation
|
Pass/Fail |
13/03/2025 - 14/03/2025 |
| Performance, Placement |
Clinical Placement Completion
|
Pass/Fail |
Students are to submit their signed Formative ANSAT, Summative ANSAT and timesheet via ePad. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Medication Calculation Exam
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
24/02/2025 12:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
This assessment consists of an online medication calculation exam conducted through the Med+Safe eLearning program under invigilated exam conditions on campus. The exam will assess your ability to safely and accurately perform medication calculations to support the safe administration of medications in clinical settings.
Students are required to bring their own laptop or electronic device with Med+safe eLearning program access to complete the online exam.
Students are expected to undertake preparatory practice of the Med+Safe assessment prior to the exam. Each assessment draws on a large pool of questions. Each time you attempt the assessment you will receive different questions of a similar style and content.
Students are required to achieve 100% accuracy with unlimited attempts within the exam timeframe. The Med+Safe completion certificate must be witnessed by invigilators during the exam timeframe and submitted to blackboard within 24 hours of the examination.
Students are to refer to the course Blackboard site Assessment tab for additional details.
Students unable to achieve the Med+Safe completion certificate within the exam timeframe are not permitted to proceed to clinical placement and will be unsuccessful in the course.
Medication administration on clinical placement must occur under direct Registered Nurse supervision. This is an expected scope of practice for all undergraduate students.
Hurdle requirements
Successful completion of this assessment is required in order to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | · Laptop/electronic device connected to UQ internet · One (1) A4 sheet of blank paper · Pencil/pen · Eraser · Student ID/Drivers license |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Students are allocated a 90-minutes timeframe to allow for multiple attempts of the assessment if required. Once students have successfully complete the assessment, they are required to download the Med+Safe completion certificate. Student's are required to present their student ID/Drivers license with the Med+Safe completion certificate to the allocated invigilator for verification. Students are required to submit the verified Med+Safe completion certificate to blackboard within 24 hours post the examination.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Failure to complete or attend the assessment and submit the Med+Safe completion certificate within 24 hours post examination will result in an unsuccessful grade in the course.
Hand Hygiene Certificate
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
3/03/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
Hand hygiene is a fundamental nursing skill and is essential to ensuring safe patient care. This assessment item requires students to complete the Hand Hygiene for Clinical Healthcare Workers online module. Students have unlimited attempts to achieve a pass grade prior to the submission due date. Details related to this assessment and accessing the online learning module is outlined in the assessment task sheet located on the course Blackboard site.
Students unable to achieve the Hand Hygiene certificate by the due date are not permitted to proceed/continue with clinical placement and will be unsuccessful in the course.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be passed (100%) to be eligible to pass NURS2203. Failure to complete the assessment will result in clinical placement being cancelled/ceased.Submission guidelines
Certificate of completion dated between 1/1/25 to 3/3/25 1pm to be uploaded to the NURS2203 Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Failure to complete the assessment and submit the Hand Hygiene completion certificate by the due date will result in an unsuccessful grade in the course.
Clinical skills evaluation
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
13/03/2025 - 14/03/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L06
Task description
This assessment is designed to allow students to participate in a clinical learning activity to demonstrate theoretical and clinical knowledge and skills in a safe simulated environment.
Students will complete the clinical skills evaluation during the week 3 Clinical Based Learning (CBL) session.
The student will be required to demonstrate theoretical and clinical knowledge on the below clinical skills during the OSCA:
- Hand hygiene
- Management of intravenous lines and fluid administration
- Documentation
Students are to refer to the course Blackboard site Assessment tab for additional details.
Students who do not attempt the assessment by the due date are not permitted to proceed/continue with clinical placement and will be unsuccessful in the course.
Hurdle requirements
Students must successfully complete the assessment to be eligible to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Assessment to be completed in the allocated week 3 Clinical Based Learning session.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Clinical Placement Completion
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance, Placement
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
Students are to submit their signed Formative ANSAT, Summative ANSAT and timesheet via ePad.
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
An expectation of this course is satisfactorily meeting the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Registered Nurse Standards for Practice while practicing under the scope of second year, first semester Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery student. All students are required to successfully compete 160 hours of clinical placement.
The aim of this assessment is to leverage the clinical placement experience as a platform for integrating theoretical knowledge into practical applications. Students will be tasked with demonstrating the progression of their clinical knowledge, skills, and proficiency in alignment with their current year of study. Throughout the clinical placement, the emphasis will be on students demonstrating adherence to professional standards and conduct expected of a registered nurse, while staying within the confines of their specified scope of practice.
There are three (3) parts to this assessment:
Part 1 - Formative ANSAT
Must be completed and submitted via ePAD mid placement after approx 80 hours of placement.
- Must be signed by Buddy RN/Preceptor or PPE/Clinical Supervisor.
- All sections must be completed (scores and comments).
- Students must receive a score of 3 or above on every criteria to pass.
Please note: Submitting the formative ANSAT mid placement will ensure students who have not met the passing requirements of a score of 3 and above, can be supported with a Practice Learning Plan through to the end of placement.
Part 2 - Summative ANSAT
At the conclusion of clinical placement, students are to engage in a formal feedback process to evaluate overall performance in the assigned clinical placement and to identify areas for future development.
- Must be completed on the final rostered shift and submitted via ePAD by the end of placement.
- Must be signed by Buddy RN/Preceptor or PPE/Clinical Supervisor.
- All sections must be completed (scores and comments).
Students must receive a score of 3 or above on every criteria to pass. (Any scores of 2 and below at this final assessment means that a student has not achieved passing requirements for this course. This will result in an unsuccessful grade in this course).
Part 3 - Timesheet
The completed timesheet must demonstrate all required hours of clinical placement (e.g. 20 x 8 hours shifts =160 hours), undertaken within the rostered timeframe.
- The Clinical Practicum Timesheet must be signed off by the student's Registered Nurse Preceptor / UQ Practice Educator, at the completion of every shift via a declaration in MyProgress ePAD.
- Students are required to adhere to the Attendance and Absences policy and procedures in the event that they are absent from clinical placement.
Hurdle requirements
Students must complete their allocated clinical placement hours and pass this assessment in order to be eligible to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Students are to submit clinical hours, formative and summative ANSATs via ePAD.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| P |
Course grade description: Students must complete, submit and pass each item of assessment in order to successfully complete the course Students must achieve a minimum score of 3 in every assessment criteria in the Summative ANSAT to successfully complete the course All assessment items in this course are NGP (non graded pass) 160 hours of clinical placement must be attended within the rostered placement period allocated and the student must demonstrate competence in applying knowledge in nursing practice. |
| F |
Course grade description: Unable to demonstrate competence in applying knowledge in nursing practice at the expected level Does not adhere to expected scope of practice Does not complete the clinical hours required in this course within the designated, rostered period Failure to comply with the NMSW social media policy Does not complete, submit and pass all items of assessment in this course. |
Additional course grading information
To pass this subject student must meet the attendance requirements, submit all pieces of work by the assigned due dates, and achieve a pass grade on all assessments (inclusive of a satisfactory grade for clinical placement). Failure to meet this requirement can result in the student not being assigned a clinical placement and therefore not being eligible to pass the subject.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for this course.
Supplementary assessments are not provided in this course.
Additional assessment information
Completion of Assessments: To pass this subject student must meet the attendance requirements, submit all pieces of work by the assigned due dates, and achieve a pass grade on all assessments (inclusive of a satisfactory grade for clinical placement).
Consequences: Failure to meet this requirement can result in the student not being assigned a clinical placement and therefore not being eligible to pass the subject
Academic Integrity and Generative AI
Submitting work that has previously been assessed, either partially or in its entirety, by a student for another course is a violation of Academic Integrity Standardsﾠ
The use of AI sources for any assessment item in this course is strictly prohibited. If AI is found to have been utilised in an assessment item for this course, it will be reported to the Academic Integrity committee for further investigation.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students will be provided with access to an online platform to practice and develop safety in medication administration. This will be accessed through Blackboard.
Students are provided with a UQ email account and must monitor the account regularly (daily) whilst enrolled at UQ. Please see Policy 6.20.04 and in particular section 3.2 Student and Alumni Email for information regarding the appropriate use of email.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
O-week (17 Feb - 23 Feb) |
Lecture |
Lecture Students are encouraged to attend the O week lecture to understand the expectations and requirements linked to the successful completion of the course. Lectures within this course are recorded for students who are not able to attend in real time. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Not Timetabled |
Online learning modules Online learning modules provide students with important information regarding clinical practice and processes linked to the undertaking of this course. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Practical |
Clinical Based Learning (CBL) sessions Clinical based learning (CBL) are conducted throughout the semester to develop students clinical skills and application of theoretical knowledge. Attendance to CBLs are a mandatory component to this course and 100% attendance is required. Students are permitted to miss 20% of CBLs, however all missed CBLs must be made up at a time determined by the course convenor. Student are required to adhere to UQ NMSW nursing uniform requirement when attending CBLs. Students do not meet the uniform policy requirements will not be permitted to attend a class and will marked as absent. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Exam week 2 |
Practical |
Clinical placement Students will be allocated to a clinical placement site to undertake the assigned clinical hours required in the course. The clinical hours are the minimum hours to attendance required for students to demonstrate the skill, knowledge and attributes linked to the course learning outcomes. Students are required to meet the clinical preparation requirements to attend placement and adhere to the NMSW policies and guidelines in relation to their participation and conduct during clinical placement. Note clinical placements may be schedules outside of the semester dates. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Practical |
Medication exam Medication safety is paramount to safe clinical practice. In this schedule activity (refer to the course timetable) students will complete the mandatory medication calculation examination. Please refer to the course assessment details in relation to the requirements for this activity. Students are required to bring with them their driver license, smart device or laptop to undertake the assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Additional learning activity information
Clinical Placement
Students are expected to complete 100% of their allocated placement hours to meet the course learning outcomes and be eligible for a pass.
Clinical placements must complete within the rostered timeframe advised by the Practice Education Team. Clinical placements may occur during public holidays as well as during the Mid-Semester Break (please refer to your allocated roster from the Practice Education Team).
Students will be required to participate in hospital/corporate mandatory credentialling and other relevant learning opportunities including online modules. Some clinical placement sites will also require student attendance at orientation sessions. Please refer to the Nursing & Midwifery Practice Education (Clinical Placements) Blackboard site.
It is an inherent requirement of the Bachelor of Nursing degree to complete supernumerary professional placements in a range of clinical areas over the duration of the degree. Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes. The Inherent Requirements Student Placement Declaration form must be completed on enrolment to the course when preferencing or completing attendance placement documentation in Inplace. Should a student’s circumstances change throughout the course of the semester please contact the course convenor to discuss the implications of these changes for your clinical placement.
Compliance Statement
It is expected that students have successfully completed all requirements for NURS2203 in Semester 1. Students are responsible for meeting all pre-placement mandatory requirements before the start of Semester 1 (21/2/2025). Failure to comply with these requirements will result in no clinical placement allocation. Students who receive written notification of failure to comply with pre-placement and mandatory requirements will be required to address these by the end of week 3 of semester 1. If students do not meet the final compliance deadlines by the end of week 3, they will no longer be eligible to undertaken clinical placement and no further clinical placement allocation will occur. In these instances students are advised to withdraw from the course before the census date.
Absenteeism from Clinical Placement
Clinical placement shifts are compulsory components of the Bachelor of Nursing program. On the occasion that you are unable to attend clinical placements due to exceptional circumstances, you must follow the instructions outlined in the Attendance and absence procedure and InPlace guide - please see the document in Nursing & Midwifery Practice Education (Clinical Placements) Blackboard site. You must also ensure you notify your ward, Practice Educator and Clinical Course Coordinator of your absence.
Please note:
- Students are not authorised to arrange their own shifts
- Deferred clinical placements may be scheduled out of semester. A deferred clinical placement, like a deferred examination, is the final offering for student to completed clinical placement requirements to meet the course outcomes and be eligible to pass.
- Students are not able to defer, a deferred placement offering.
- If there is a clash with a scheduled clinical placement shift and an exam, students are to contact the Practice Education Team and the relevant subject coordinator immediately to discuss arrangements.
Unsafe practice during clinical placement:
A decision of unsafe clinical performance is made when a student's performance places a patient/client, a patient’s/client's family, staff members, themselves, or fellow students at risk. If students practice in a way that is deemed unsafe or breaches the relevant scope of practice during their clinical placement they will be asked to leave the placement and a fail grade will be awarded for the course.
Professional manner during professional placement:
Students must always conduct themselves professionally during professional placement. Unprofessional behaviour may lead to a learning support plan, immediate removal from the clinical placement, or termination of the placement. This could result in non-academic misconduct and a failing grade in the associated subject.
Scope of Practice
Students must adhere to the NURS2103 Scope of Practice at all times while on clinical placement. This requirement addresses patient safety and students will be removed from placement or risk failing the course if working outside their scope. Please refer to the guidelines in the Nursing & Midwifery Practice Education (Clinical Placements) Blackboard site.
Clinical Based Learning (CBL) Participation
CBL (Case-Based Learning) allows for the development of clinical skills and evidence-based practice.
- Preparation for each session is required so students understand the clinical theory and principles that support the practical components of clinical practice. Prior to attending CBL, students should complete the assigned readings, engage in course learning activities, including self-directed modules, and reflect on clinical practice.
- Each session is structured to support student learning and master of clinical skills required to provide care in the clinical settings. Students must actively participate in skills practice, discussions, and identification of learning needs, while receiving feedback from CBL Lecturers and peers.
- Attendance is mandatory for all CBL sessions.
Absenteeism from CBL
Students who miss CBL sessions due to exceptional circumstances, such as illness, injury, or participation in elite athlete programs, will be unable to achieve the required scope of practice and may fail the course. Please refer to my.UQ for a list of the acceptable reasons for absence from class. Students who miss a CBL session must notify the Course Coordinator as soon as possible. Students must follow-up by emailing a completed Absenteeism Form (available on NURS2203 Blackboard site) and supporting evidence, i.e. medical certificate / statutory declaration, within 48 hours of the missed CBL class. If the absence is approved you will be notified by the Course Coordinator of a time and location for your make-up CBL.
In the event of multiple absences from CBL classes, missing 20% or more of CBL sessions (2 or more CBLs) will result in an inability to meet the course objectives and the safe scope of practice required for clinical placement. Such students will receive a failing grade for the course. We strongly encourage students enrolling in this course to consider their ability to meet the requirements. If unable to do so, it is advisable to seek academic advice and consider withdrawing from the course before the census date.
Makeup for absence from CBL
Absence from a CBL session will require the student to attend a makeup CBL session. Upon receipt of the appropriate documentation you will be notified by the CBL Co-ordinator of a time and location for your make-up CBL.
Face to Face Lecture series
It is an expectation of the course that students will attempt to attend all lecture sessions. However, when students are unable to attend lectures, they are recorded for student reference. Lecture sessions provide the opportunity for students to engage with fellow students and engage in the lecture series.
Social Media
Students are prohibited from posting any images of patients, clinical venues, or clinical documentation on social media. Students should also refrain from making comments related to clinical placement, UQ, or clinical venues that may violate University or institutional policies or guidelines or bring UQ into disrepute. Failure to comply with this policy will result in removal of the student(s) from placement, and a failing grade for this course.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Working with Children Policy
- Occupational Health and Safety in the Laboratory Guideline
- Fitness to Practise Policy
- Work Integrated Learning and Work Experience Policy
Course guidelines
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work Assessment Guidelines
Please visit the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work website for information about assessment.
my.UQ, Examinations and Assessment: https://my.uq.edu.au/services/exams-and-assessment .
It is essential that students complete pre-placement Mandatory Requirements as outlined on the following web page: https://habs.uq.edu.au/prepare-your-nursing-and-midwifery-placement
Students must complete these in order to be eligible to attend placement.
Students must also comply with the 2025 Clinical Placement Guidelines and Inplace guide, mandatory preparation requirements and Scope of Practice Documents. Refer to the Nursing Practice Education (Clinical Placements) Blackboard site for details.
Attendance at all rostered clinical placement shifts is compulsory. If you are unable to attend, it is the student's responsibility to inform the Practice Educator / Clinical Facilitator and staff at the clinical placement site as soon as possible. Refer to the 2025 Clinical Placement Guidelines and Attendance and Absence Procedure for instructions if you are unable to attend placement.