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Course profile

Clinical Nursing Practice 6 (NURS3204)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 16/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
4
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk

The focus of final year is to develop advanced clinical skills including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care. Students will also develop evidence based practice skills and beginning leadership skills. The final placement will provide an opportunity for students to continue to consolidate nursing theory and integrate with clinical skills in preparation for graduate practice. Additionally, students will begin to engage in leadership activities including delegation and mentoring of less experienced students. Students will be able to apply these skills to demonstrate how they meet the standards explicit and implicit to the role of the registered nurse. Students undertake 240 hours of clinical placement in order to meet the practice requirements to register as a nurse.

In this course you will complete immersive practice blocks which provide you with an opportunity to consolidate your nursing knowledge, skills and attributes gained from all previous courses in preparation for graduate practice. You will then apply your knowledge skills and attributes to demonstrate how you have met the NMBA registered nurse standards for practice. You will also extend your evidence based practice skills and continue to develop advanced clinical skills including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care. Throughout the semester, you are required to submit evidence of your progress during your placement, as specified in the assessment section. If additional evidence of progress is needed, you will receive appropriate guidance. If, at any point during the semester, your performance does not meet the expected level of experience, you will be notified, and a formal learning plan will be developed by the Clinical Supervisor in consultation with the Course Coordinator. In cases where concerns about your fitness to practice arise, the Program Lead, in consultation with the Head of School, may choose to withdraw you from the placement.

It is assumed that students taking this course have successfully completed all pre-requisite courses in Years 1 and 2 or have been granted credit for these courses. Students will be required to be competent in the skills learned in prerequisite courses in order to advance their practice.ᅠ

Course requirements

Assumed background

It is expected that students enrolled in this course have successfully completed all prerequisite courses in their first and second years or have been granted credit for them. In order to progress in their practice, students must demonstrate competence in the skills acquired in these prerequisite courses.

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.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

NURS3202

Restrictions

BN

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

It is highly recommended that students attend the introductory lecture on Week 1 as it will provide valuable opportunity to discuss the course requirements and assessment items as well as the development of effective team work.

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide an opportunity for you to continue to consolidate nursing theory and integrate this with clinical skills in order to demonstrate how you have meet the registered nurse standards for practice, your program objectives and the graduate attributes of a University of Queensland graduate.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Capably enact at the level of a graduate registered nurse the key requirements for professional nursing practice defined by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australias Professional Standards

LO2.

Effectively plan, implement and evaluate nursing care for a full caseload that respects and acknowledges the values of individuals and their family while maintaining the principles of confidentiality and applies an evidence-based practice framework

LO3.

Demonstrate effective time management, clinical reasoning and professional judgement to deliver person centred nursing care

LO4.

Utilise effective communication and beginning leadership skills to inform, educate and empower individuals, their family and colleagues towards safe and expected healthcare outcomes for the individual

LO5.

Apply knowledge of pharmacological principles including safe use of medicines, and monitoring of response under the direct supervision of the registered nurse

LO6.

Apply reflective practice to identify goals and self-evaluate progress in ongoing professional development, appropriately selecting and utilising healthcare evidence and feedback to ensure capability for practice

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Medication Calculation Assessment
  • Hurdle
  • Online
Pass/ Fail

23/07/2024 1:00 pm

Placement Clinical Placement Completion
  • Hurdle
Pass/fail

Students are to submit their signed Formative ANSAT, Summative ANSAT and timesheet via ePad.

Due dates are dependent on the allocated placement.

Examination Exam
  • Hurdle
  • Online
Non-graded pass/fail

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Exam is a multiple choice exam on Inspera

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 Assessment

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
Pass/ Fail
Due date

23/07/2024 1:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L05, L06

Task description

This assessment consists of one online medication quiz which will examine and extend your preparedness for clinical placement.

Medication Safety exam - This part will examine your knowledge regarding medication safety which includes medication calculations and the “rights” of medication administration. The link to the medication safety exams will be available in the companion course site:

  • Medication Calculations: Customised assessment #6
  • Download the certificate at the end of the quiz and upload certificate via assessment link in Blackboard

Students are required to achieve 100% accuracy for the nominated medication safety exam. While there is the opportunity for ongoing repeat attempts at the exams, 100% accuracy must be achieved.

Any students unable to achieve 100% accuracy by the due date will not proceed to clinical placement. Students unsuccessful in the assessment attempt will be informed via their UQ email of the requirements and due date of the second attempt. Students are to refer to the course Blackboard site Assessment tab for additional details. 

Students must undertake and be successful in their medication safety exam. This must be completed prior to undertaking medication administration.

Medication administration under direct RN supervision is an expected scope of practice for all undergraduate students.

Hurdle requirements

Students must achieve 100% to successfully pass the assessment item. Students unable to achieve a successful result on the assessment will receive a fail grade for the course.

Submission guidelines

Students to upload the completed Medication safety certificate via the Blackboard assessment link. 

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.

Please note for pass/fail assessment there is no daily loss of marks. Assessment that is submitted late is given zero marks. 

Clinical Placement Completion

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Placement
Weight
Pass/fail
Due date

Students are to submit their signed Formative ANSAT, Summative ANSAT and timesheet via ePad.

Due dates are dependent on the allocated placement.

Other conditions
Work integrated learning.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

This final assessment requires students to demonstrate successful completion of clinical placement and attainment of Scope of Practice for NURS3204.

Demonstrated capability in clinical practice commensurate with the NURS3204 Course Learning Objectives evidenced by successful completion and submission of the Formative and Summative Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool (ANSAT). 


There are three (3) parts to this assessment:


 Part 1 - Formative ANSAT

  •  Must be completed and submitted via ePAD mid-placement, after approximately 120 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 - score of 3 and above, can be supported with a Practice Learning Plan through to the end of placement. 

 

Part 2 - Summative ANSAT

  • Must be completed one your last or second-to-last 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).

 

PART 3 - Timesheet

Successful completion of 240 hours of clinical placement within the rostered timeframe advised by the Clinical Placements Unit.  

The completed timesheet must demonstrate all required hours of clinical placement (240 hours), undertaken within the rostered timeframe as advised by the Clinical Placement Unit.

The Clinical Practicum Timesheet must be signed off by the student's Registered Nurse Preceptor / UQ Practice Educator, every shift via a declaration in MyProgress ePAD. 

Additional information

  • All attendances and absences to be recorded within ePAD
  • All ANSAT documents to be officially completed within ePAD for submission.
  • Falsification of documentation (e.g. ePAD, medical records) will be deemed a serious breach of scope of practice and codes of conduct resulting in immediate withdrawal from placement and a fail grade awarded.


Hurdle requirements

Students must pass this assessment in order to complete 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.

Exam

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
Non-graded pass/fail
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Exam is a multiple choice exam on Inspera

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

The aim of this assessment is to assess student ability to prioritise clinical care and articulate an understanding of pathophysiological responses, accurately assess and implement evidence-based interventions in the context of clinical deterioration.

Hurdle requirements

This assessment must be passed to be eligible to pass the course.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 60 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Materials

You will need a laptop that meets the device requirements for the Inspera exam. It is important to check that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform and the Inspera Exam Portal (IEP). You must prepare your laptop to install IEP. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. For the latest information on using Inspera Assessment please go to Get familiar with Inspera on the Library website.latest information on using Inspera Assessment please go to Get familiar with Inspera on the Library website.

Exam platform Inspera
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

As per UQ deferral procedures.

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 on the Summative ANSAT in order to successfully complete the course. All assessment items in this course are pass or fail. 240 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. Does not adhere to expected scope of practice. Undertakes medication preparation, dispensing or administration without direct supervision by a Registered Nurse. Does not complete the clinical hours required in this course within the designated, rostered period. Does not complete, submit and pass all items of assessment in this course.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is not available for this course.

If a student receives a fail grade for the end of semester exam and this is the only assessment that they have failed in the course, the student will be eligible to apply for a supplementary assessment, which will be in the form of an exam. Students must attempt and submit all assessment items within this course. 


Additional assessment information

Applying for an extension

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.

Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ.

Extension guidelines

  • Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
  • Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
  • Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request. 
  • The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than 2 weeks in duration.
  • Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted for applications on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).

Outcome of application

  • Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ.
  • Appeals against a refusal of an extension should be lodged through the Student Grievance Resolution process outlined on my.UQ.

Penalties for late submission

  • Please note for pass/fail assessment there is no daily loss of marks. Assessment that is submitted late is given zero marks.

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

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Blackboard site

Students should refer to the learning modules on Blackboard and complete these according to the recommended schedule (this can be found in teaching and learning activities).

Student Email 

Students are provided with a UQ email account and must monitor the account whilst enrolled at UQ.  Please see the Information Communication Technology Policy and the Personal use of UQ email section in the Acceptable use of ICT Resources guideline for for information regarding the appropriate use of email.  

Students must use their UQ email account for all correspondence with academic staff. 

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 13

Placement

Clinical Placement

Students undertaking NURS3204 are required to complete 240 hours of clinical placement. Clinical placement allocations are accessible via Inplace.

The primary objective of the clinical placement is to provide students with hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting. This experience allows students to apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained on campus to practical situations, develop clinical skills, and gain insights into the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities.

Students can complete their clinical placements in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centres.

During the clinical practice phase, students engage in supervised practice, working under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals. They participate in patient care activities such as taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, administering medications, and assisting with procedures. Students also join patient rounds, team meetings, and case discussions. This phase focuses on skill development, allowing students to practice clinical skills, including injections, wound care, catheter insertion, and other procedures relevant to their field. Students also develop their communication skills through patient interactions, team collaboration, and documentation. Reflective practice is an integral part of this phase, with students maintaining a reflective journal to document their daily experiences, challenges, and learning outcomes. Regular feedback sessions with supervisors help discuss progress and areas for improvement.

The evaluation and feedback phase includes performance assessment based on clinical competencies, professional behaviour, and adherence to ethical standards. Assessment tools such as clinical evaluation forms, direct observation, and patient feedback are used.

Upon completion of the clinical placement, students are expected to achieve several learning outcomes. They will integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical practice and understand the healthcare environment and the roles of various healthcare professionals. Students will demonstrate proficiency in clinical skills specific to their field and enhance their communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, they will exhibit professionalism and ethical behaviour in clinical practice, adopt an empathy and patient-centred care approach, and gain confidence in their clinical abilities and decision-making.

Note: placement may be scheduled outside of the semester.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Online Module Series of 4

The primary objective the online modules is to supplement and enhance students' understanding of clinical concepts and practices. These modules offer flexible and accessible learning resources that reinforce classroom teaching and clinical experiences, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. The online modules provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This is particularly beneficial for students with varied commitments, allowing them to balance their studies with clinical placements, part-time work, and personal responsibilities. The online modules include interactive elements such as quizzes, videos, and case studies. These features engage students actively in their learning process, helping to reinforce knowledge and improve retention.

Learning outcomes: L01, L06

Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Lecture

Orientation and Clinical Lecture

Orientation to the course inclusive of assessment and expectations. Student are advised to review the orientation lecture, this session will provide you valuable information to understand your course requirements and commitments.

The lecture is designed to provide students with all relevant information about the course.

During the orientation lecture, several important topics will be covered, including:

- An introduction to the course objectives and structure.

- An overview of the key topics.

- An explanation of assessments and grading criteria.

- A discussion on course policies and expectations.

Learning outcomes: L01, L06

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Lecture

Clinical Lecture

The primary objective of the clinical lecture is to enhance students' understanding of specific nursing topics through detailed presentations and discussions. This learning activity aims to deepen theoretical knowledge, clarify complex concepts, and relate them to practical clinical scenarios.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Workshop

Transition to Graduate Nursing Practice Workshop

This workshop will help you develop knowledge and skills to support self-care, and personal and professional wellbeing during the transition to graduate nursing practice.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

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 NURS3102 in Semester 1. Students are responsible fo rmeeting all pre-placement mandatory requirements before the start of Semester 2 (July 19th, 2024). 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 4 of semester 2. If students do not meet the final compliance deadlines by the end of week 4, 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/clients’ 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 NURS3204 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.


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:

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:

  • Placement
  • Working with Children
  • Fitness to Practise
  • Immunisation
  • Work Integrated Learning and Work Experience

Course guidelines

School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work Assessment Guidelines

Assessment and Assignment Writing Guide

Please visit the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work website for information about assessment.

Link to 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 2024 Clinical Placement Guidelines and Inplace guide, mandatory preparation requirements and Scope of Practice Documents. Refer to the Nursing & Midwifery 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 2024 Clinical Placement Guidelines and Attendance and Absence Procedure for instructions if you are unable to attend placement.