NUR 3230 Trends and Perspectives in Nursing

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

Nurses fulfil their professional role in a health care system which is heavily influenced, by sociological factors. These factors have a direct impact on the way in which Nursing is perceived and utilised within the system, as well as the way in which nurses perceive themselves, and their role. Nurses must identify the forces which historically have shaped the profession of nursing in order to accurately assess and discuss the issues which confront nurses today. These include industrial and professional nursing issues, current paradigms and theories within nursing, images of nursing, ethico-legal issues, gender issues, and socio-political and economic issues.

SYNOPSIS:

This course introduces the student to the position of Nursing in the Health Care System. Perspectives to be explored will include social, political, organisational and legal/ethical factors. Professional issues will be examined and the politics of health will be discussed.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of the course students will be able to:

1. discuss the historical factors which have influenced the evolution of nursing as a profession;
2. identify and debate contemporary issues in nursing;
3. describe the role of Professional and Industrial nursing organisations;
4. discuss the attributes of professional practice as they relate to Nursing and the individual nurse;
5. describe the position of nursing within the health care system;
6. relate relevant legal principles to specific nursing and related health care venues and situations;
7. consider ethical principles which will form the basis for ethical reasoning in nursing practice;
8. identify the basic structure and function of the Australian Health Care System;
9. consider alternative political ideological perspectives on health care delivery.

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:

Web Sites: Royal College of Nursing Australia: http://rcna.org.au Australian Nursing Federation (ANF): http://www.anf.org.au ANCI 1999, ANCI Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia: http://www.anci.org.au/codeofethics.htm ANCI 1999, Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in Australia: http://www.anci.org.au/codeofconduct.htm Australian Legal Information Institute: http://www.austlii.edu.au Legal Eye Newsletter for the Nursing Profession (USQ): http://www.nursinglaw.com/ Drug Errors (USA): http://www.mederrors.com Lippincott Nursing Centre: http://www.nursingcenter.com Ethics: http://www.ualberta.ca/~ethics/bb5-3byr.htm Nursing Review: http://www.nursing.camrev.com.au

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility 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 as assessment item satisfactorily, students must gain at least 50% of the marks available for that assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit the assignment after the due date without prior approval a penalty of 20% of the total marks awarded 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 achieve at least 50% of the available weighted marks for 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:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
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