NUR 2070 Psychosocial Foundations of Nursing 2

STAFFING:

OTHER-REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

Nurses work with people who are experiencing changes in their lives relating to a potential or actual alteration in health status, or who are experiencing a normal life transition (such as childbirth), as well as with people who wish to maintain their good health. Consequently, students of Nursing need to develop a strong awareness of, respect for, and insight into the psychological, social, spiritual and cultural aspects and needs of people. To do this, nursing students must focus on self-awareness and self-development, to make possible the therapeutic use of 'self' in the nurse-patient relationships. Psychosocial Foundations of Nursing 1 and 2 offer a theoretical basis for the study of self and people across the lifespan as individuals, members of a family, community and society, and consumers of health care.

SYNOPSIS:

Using a situated learning approach, this course uses nursing and sociological theories to explore the psycho-social, spiritual and cultural needs of people requiring nursing care. Students are encouraged to apply theory based on researched evidence to develop a deeper understanding of, and appreciation of, the needs of people from a variety of backgrounds, who need individualised, sensitive nursing care during an episode of vulnerability. This course also explores ways in which nurses can preserve integrity in their patients, through the provision of holistic care.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. apply sociological theory to understand inequality in health and health care, and the health needs of people in disadvantaged groups of society;
2. apply nursing research to develop an appropriate knowledge base of the psycho-social, spiritual and cultural experiences and needs of people experiencing vulnerability because of an acute or chronic illness;
3. develop and document a plan of nursing care designed to preserve integrity by addressing the psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs of individuals experiencing a chronic illness; and
4. demonstrate skills of scholarly inquiry, critical thinking and professional writing.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete an assessment item satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for that item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit the assignment after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must gain at least 50% of the available marks for each of the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   The only materials, other than writing materials, that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are translation dictionaries. Students whose first language is not English, may, with the Examiner's approval, take an appropriate non- electronic translation dictionary into the examination. Candidates who wish to use a translation dictionary MUST request and receive written approval from the Examiner at least one week before the examination date. Translation dictionaries will be subject to perusal and may be removed from the candidate's possession until appropriate disciplinary action is completed if found to contain material that could give the candidate an unfair advantage.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any deferred or supplementary examinations for this course will be held in the third semester exam period 2005.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES