92009 The Discipline of Nursing

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

This subject introduces students to the Bachelor of Nursing program by providing an overview of each year of the program and by highlighting the integration between subject content and yearly student profiles. As the intention of the Bachelor of Nursing is to prepare students for practice, acticulation of the program defines the discipline of nursing and illustrates present and future nursing roles in society. This subject explores the forces that have shaped, and continue to shape, the practice and image of nursing, and introduces students to the organisation and structure of the Australian health care system and nursing work within this system. Understandings of social equity and health care, and the meaning of health, illness, hospitalisation and/or institutionalisation for the individual in a culturally diverse society are introduced. This subject traces the rich history of nursing to the present day where nurses are now positioned at the forefront of health care delivery. The fundamental literacy and cognitive skills that underpin clinical judgement and professionalism are developed concurrently with other subject content.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. develop an initial understanding of the discipline of nursing and the forces that have shaped contemporary nursing practice (ANMC competencies: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)
2. appreciate the richness and scope of nursing practice and the dynamic nature of nursing role development (ANMC competencies: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4)
3. develop an overview the Bachelor of Nursing program and its purpose in preparing students for contemporary and emergent roles in the Australian health care sector (ANMC competencies: 5.1, 9.1)
4. recognise, explore and develop a basic understanding of the major curriculum themes of the Bachelor of Nursing program with a focus on the law relevant to 'safe practice' (ANMC competencies: 1.1, 2.1, 2.2)
5. develop an overview of the Australian health care system and the multiple contexts in which nursing is practised (ANMC competencies: 2.3, 2.4, 2.7)
6. define health and appreciate the social distribution of health, illness and resources in Australia, New South Wales and most particularly in the health service areas where students undertake clinical practice within this program (ANMC competencies: 1.2, 2.1, 6.1)
7. begin to understand the meaning of illness, hospitalisation and institutionalisation to the individual in a culturally diverse society (ANMC competencies: 9.1, 9.5, 10.1)
8. develop beginning understandings in thinking, reading and writing as a nurse (ANMC competencies: 3.1, 3.2, 5.1).

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject aims to develop students' understanding of what it means to be a registered nurse in the contemporary Australian context. The subject also aims to facilitate students' development of a professional identity and the fundamental literacy and cognitive skills that underpin clinical judgment.

Content

Students are introduced to the historical influences that have shaped nursing and nursing work. The image and role of nursing within contemporary society is explored and the many possibilities for future role enhancement discussed.

Students' understanding of the discipline of nursing and the learning required to become a registered nurse is informed by an overview of the Bachelor of Nursing program and by the presentation of student profiles that indicate expected learning outcomes for each completed year of study. The process is enhanced by an introduction to the curriculum themes that thread throughout the program.

The curriculum themes are: clinical judgment; evidence-based practice; functional health patterns; culture/cultural safety; legal, ethical and resource considerations; transitions through health and illness; sustainability; and the process of becoming a nurse. Clinical judgment is highlighted as it draws together the curriculum themes and illustrates the complexity of nursing decision-making.