Course coordinator
Mrs Kelly McCarthy
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
This foundation course provides students the opportunity to explore the role of the Nurse Practitioner from inception to contemporary practice within an international perspective. Developing an understanding of the key legislative, governance and operational structures to practice, students work to develop a concept of innovative opportunity for Nurse Practitioner implementation within healthcare. This course further builds competence through incorporating the ‘National safety and quality health service standards’ and ‘Nurse Practitioner standards for practice’, enabling the critical review and evaluation of literature surrounding the role of the NP.
This is a foundation course within the MNP program. Students will develop an appreciation of the history and evolution of the Nurse Practitioner role developing a foundation for future professional practice development. Their preparedness and capability to identify clinical practice concerns, and to use an academic approach to produce solutions in their specialty clinical field grounded within nursing practice will be enhanced by this course. Students will identify, critically evaluate and reflect on, and finally propose solutions for practice concerns or gaps in the accessibility, quality or safety of the care provided within their specialities.
Students will spend 12 hours in their clinical setting, under the supervision and mentorship of experienced health professions, to observe and develop the advanced practice skills of the nurse practitioner. They will gain a high level of knowledge, and increased confidence and competence, in the area of their clinical speciality. During the course students will additionally study the history of the Nurse Practitioner profession and legislation, governance and professional attributes specific to the role.
It is essential that the student can provide evidence of support from their employer, that their organisation will provide placement for integrated professional practice, a clinical support team (CST) and a clinical mentor to facilitate the practical part of the course. The clinical mentor is either a nurse practitioner, with at least one-year full-time experience as a nurse practitioner, or a medical practitioner with a specialisation in a relevant clinical area i.e. cardiologist or GP. The CST should at a minimum cover nursing, medicine and pharmacology. Suitable members of the CST are nurse practitioner, medical practitioner, and pharmacist.ﾠ
Course requirements
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
PHRM7001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
NURS7007
Restrictions
MNP students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Mrs Kelly McCarthy
Mr Aaron Grogan
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Residential School
A 3-day residential school will be conducted for NURS7241 during Semester 1 Orientation week on campus at St Lucia UQ 17-19 February, 2025. It isﾠstrongly recommendedﾠthat students attend this residential session to develop further understanding on the requirements and expectation of the course.
Please consult the Public Timetable or your own Timetable on my.UQ for details.
Aims and outcomes
This foundation course provides students the opportunity to explore the role of the Nurse Practitioner from inception to contemporary practice within an international perspective. Developing an understanding of the key legislative, governance and operational structures to practice, students work to develop a concept of innovative opportunity for Nurse Practitioner implementation within healthcare. This course further builds competence through incorporating the ‘National safety and quality health service standards’ and ‘Nurse Practitioner standards for practice’, enabling the critical review and evaluation of literature surrounding the role of the NP.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the Nurse Practitioner role and scope of practice with the ability to clearly articulate how legislation, regulations and governance shape advanced practice.
LO2.
Critically discuss how the Nurse Practitioner contributes both autonomously and collaboratively as part of the healthcare workforce to improve consumer access to quality, cost-effective health care.
LO3.
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of nursing theories and how research, education and leadership support the Nurse Practitioner to deliver expert clinical care.
LO4.
Drawing on a complex body of knowledge, use evidence to demonstrate how the Nurse Practitioner uses complex critical thinking to design, implement and evaluate solutions to improve quality clinical outcomes both nationally and internationally.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique |
The history, governance and future of the NP
|
40% |
28/03/2025 1:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Developing a strategy to combat an unmet concern using a NP model of care
|
60% |
16/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Portfolio |
NP ePortfolio
|
Pass / Fail |
9/06/2025 1:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
IPP 12 hours
|
Pass / Fail |
9/06/2025 1:00 pm |
| Placement, Reflection |
Clinical Performance Appraisal (CPA)
|
Complete/Incomplete |
9/06/2025 1:00 pm |
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
The history, governance and future of the NP
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
28/03/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
The aim of this assessment is for students to develop an understanding of the international development of the NP role, and how this role has further developed within the Australian healthcare setting. This will then develop into an understanding around the governance systems pertaining to the role within Australia. Discussion will then expand onto what the future holds for NP’s and how this may evolve.
1 – Provide an overview of the international and more specifically the Australian evolution of the Nurse Practitioner profession including reference to key individuals specific to the history of the role.
2 – Outline and discuss the key legislative and governance processes pertaining to the Nurse Practitioner role within the Australian setting.
3 – With collaborative agreements no longer a requirement for NP practice; critically analyse the impact this has on your NP practice moving forward, and provide insight into establishing safe working relationships as an independent clinician.
Please refer to the below document regarding original collaborative agreements for NP practice, and utilise other contemporary documents for your discussion.
Form: Written assignment
Word limit: 2000 words
Font: Times New Roman 12
Line Spacing: 2.0
Reference system: APA7th
Header: Student ID (eight digits), course code
Footer: Reference system used, total word count, page number
Turnitin: .doc or .docx
Hurdle requirements
All items of assessment must be submitted for student to be eligible to pass the course.Submission guidelines
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.
The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
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 the specified maximum extension length.
- 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 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.
Developing a strategy to combat an unmet concern using a NP model of care
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
16/05/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
This assessment will build on the student’s ability to articulate the role of the Nurse Practitioner within contemporary practice and further demonstrate service improvement value within the role of the Nurse Practitioner. Further this assignment will provide an appreciation of the link between theory and practice, and how the model of care structures service delivery within the context of the Nurse Practitioner.
Question
Within your own clinical area (specialty) and within the context of the Nurse Practitioner role.
1 - Identify an unmet concern. (40%)
2 – With reference to the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) develop a contemporary strategy to address this unmet concern utilising the scope of the Nurse Practitioner. (40%)
3 - Discuss how your planned strategy builds on the themes of an advanced practice model of care within your area of practice, and further links to foundation nursing theory (of your choice). (20%)
Unmet concern – is defined as an area of healthcare practice or service which does not meet the needs of the consumer within your clinical specialty.
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS)
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-04/National-Safety-and-Quality-Health-Service-Standards-second-edition.pdf
Hurdle requirements
All items of assessment must be submitted for student to be eligible to pass the course.Submission guidelines
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.
The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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 the specified maximum extension length.
- 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 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.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
NP ePortfolio
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- Pass / Fail
- Due date
9/06/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
During this course, you are expected to work with Standard 3 and statement 3.3, see below.
Standard 3 Prescribes and Implement therapeutic interventions.
Statement 3.3 Practises in accordance with federal, state and territorial legislation and professional regulation governing nurse practitioner practice.
If you reside or is planning to practice outside Queensland you have to look up the relevant legislation for your state or territory. There are differences, especially the in Drug and Poison regulation between the states and territories, which have an impact on prescribing rights and processes.
Hurdle requirements
All items of assessment must be submitted for student to be eligible to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Please submit via e-Portfolio.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
IPP 12 hours
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass / Fail
- Due date
9/06/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
Completion of 12 hours IPP within the clinical setting throughout the duration of Semester 1 2025.
Hurdle requirements
All items of assessment must be submitted for student to be eligible to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Please submit via e-Portfolio.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Clinical Performance Appraisal (CPA)
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Placement, Reflection
- Weight
- Complete/Incomplete
- Due date
9/06/2025 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
The CPA provides formal feedback on the MNP students clinical performance and application aligned to the NP standards. This appraisal should be completed with members of the CST and based on the clinical activities specific to the student's specialty, providing feedback on areas of potential development moving forward. The MNP student is also required to provide a reflection on the feedback and plan for future development within the MNP program.
In collaboration with your CST please complete the CPA after concluding the allocated IPP hours for the semester, and submit via BlackBoard portal.
Hurdle requirements
All items of assessment must be submitted for student to be eligible to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Blackboard submission link
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.1 - 29.9 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46. |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 64.5 - 74.4 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74.5 - 84.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 84.5 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
All items of assessment must be submitted for student to be eligible to pass the course.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
All times stated in relation to Assessments in the course profile are referring to Brisbane time. Students residing outside the Brisbane time zone haveﾠto carefully consider any time differences to avoid late submissions.
A word count that is within 10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. A word count that is outside these 10% will be penalised through a reduction of 10% of the total mark available for the assessment.
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
With your internet browser open, go to http://www.elearning.uq.edu.au. This will take you to the Blackboard home page where you will be prompted to Login using your student number and password. This will lead you to your Blackboard page where under My Courses you should see courses in which you are enrolled.
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) |
Workshop |
Introduction the MNP Program (Residential School) Residential School will be held 17th-19th February, 2025. A separate schedule will be provided in addition to the Timetable. |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 2 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 1: The Nurse Practitioner Self Directed Learning, study the development of the Nurse Practitioner role in an international and national perspective including past, recent and possible future enhancement. |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 4 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 2: Legislation Self Directed Learning studying recent and relevant legislation that has an impact on the role of the NP, from national, state and regional level. |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 7 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 3: Quality, Safety and Accessibility of Care Self Directed Learning, studying the function of the NP role in a clinical field, that is relevant to own practice. |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 10 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 4: Models of Care and Nursing Theory Self Directed Learning, study models of care and for a chosen model of care identify support in a nursing theory. |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 12 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 5: Culture |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.