NRS160 Contexts of Nursing (8)

This subject introduces students to the profession of nursing and Caring Science theory. Students will consider the diverse nature of the work of the nurse; and explore important issues that have shaped and continue to shape the profession today. Issues such as the history of nursing, the role of professional nursing bodies, nursing ethics, and technology in nursing will be considered. Professional skills such as literacy, numeracy, and the use of evidence-based practice will be introduced.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Albury-Wodonga Campus
Bathurst Campus
Dubbo Campus
Port Macquarie Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online
Bathurst Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: NRS160. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Yes

Bachelor of Nursing

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe factors contributing to the current professional status of nursing;
  • be able to demonstrate the skills required to locate, describe and interpret existing information to support development of disciplinary knowledge at an introductory level;
  • be able to demonstrate literacy skills necessary to understand, interpret, and communicate effectively according to the context at an introductory level;
  • be able to describe and give examples of professional frameworks and standards for practice that underpin the nursing scope of practice.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • MODULE 1: WHAT IS A NURSE?
  • This module introduces students to the following, including: Definition of the 'nurse'; The diverse nature of the work of the nurse; and Settings for nursing practice: Introduction to the Australian healthcare system.
  • MODULE 2: PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
  • Literacy and the use of evidence: This module introduces students to the following, including: Writing for the profession; Numeracy to support professional practice; Accessing the Academic Skills Help Team; Locating, accessing and using evidence in practice.
  • MODULE 3: HISTORY OF NURSING
  • This module introduces students to the following, including: The history of nursing; Historical perceptions of nursing and how this has shaped the profession of nursing today; The impact of war on the development of nursing; The role of media in how nursing is viewed by the general public.
  • MODULE 4: THEORIES OF NURSING
  • This module introduces students to the following, including: Developing a unique body of knowledge; Importance of theories of nursing in practice; Different theories of nursing; The nursing theory of Caring Science.
  • MODULE 5: PROFESSIONAL NURSING
  • This module introduces students to the following, including: Socio-politico-cultural factors that influence the contemporary profession of nursing; Professional nursing bodies including the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the International Council of Nurses and the NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice and Code of Conduct; Nursing as a regulated profession; Difference between the Assistant in Nursing, Enrolled Nurse, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner.
  • MODULE 6: NURSING AND POLITICS
  • This module introduces students to the following, including: Gendered nature of the nurse and perceptions of nursing; The union movement and the nature of nurses and nursing; Inequitable differences in healthcare and the role of nurses in 'closing the gap' for Indigenous Australians.
  • MODULE 7: NURSING AND PROFESSIONALISM
  • This module introduces students to the following, including: Definitions of the term 'professional' and how to develop 'professionalism' and 'professional knowledge'; Difference between a 'profession', 'vocation', 'career' and 'job'; Difference between a professional organisation and an industrial organisation.
  • MODULE 8: NURSING AND ETHICS
  • This module introduces students to the following, including: The ICN Code of Ethics; The need for ethics in nursing; Ethical practice and competent practice; Ethical practice in the digital era (e.g. social media); Ethical practice in a multicultural country (Australia); Ethical practice and the health of Indigenous Australians.
  • MODULE 9: THE NURSING PROFESSION AND TECHNOLOGY
  • This module introduces students to the following, including: The changing face of nursing changing in contemporary society; The role of informatics and big data for nursing and nurses.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of NRS160 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Locating and utilising quality evidence
40
2
Applying the professional codes to practice
60

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: July 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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