Nursing (Diploma of Health Sciences)

Anatomical organisation of the body and the relationships between body systems and cells. Human requirements for metabolism and life. The structure and function of the body. Basic control and interactions of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and excretory systems. Primary defence against microorganisms. Mechanisms for growth, repair and reproduction.

An introduction to sociological and anthropological perspectives on health, illness and disability in society; biomedical and social models of health. Understanding of health and illness for nurses and allied health professionals in social and cultural contexts; traditional healing systems. Marginalised populations: understanding the intersections of cultural heritage, socio-economic status, gender, sexuality, and disability and their impact upon health. Cultural security, safety and competence. Health of migrants, refugees and internally displaced peoples; historical and contemporary context in Australia and globally. Humanitarian health care delivery and disaster relief; human rights, social justice and health; community development in national and international settings.

In this unit students will examine culture and diversity within local, national and global, Indigenous populations; impacts of specific policies and historical events on Indigenous Australians and their effects on health and health care access. Students will analyse health outcomes of Indigenous Australians and explore underlying social determinants, and how health professionals can work collaboratively/in consultation with Indigenous individuals, families, communities and organisations.

An integrated approach to the study of body systems correlating structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems together with their endocrine and neural control. Students will investigate the interaction of these systems in normal body functioning and in selected altered body states.

Students investigate the nurse’s role within the health care team across different levels of care. Students engage in problem solving and clinical decision-making in nursing with reference to the nursing process; assessment; planning; implementation; evaluation; discharge planning and documentation; relevant to scope of practice. This unit covers planning and implementation of best-practice nursing care within clinical contexts. There is a focus on person-centred, integrated health care and self-management including chronic conditions and mental health. Students apply professional standards and behaviours to collaboration within the interprofessional health care team.

Nursing practice development. Nursing history. Reflective practice. Regulatory practice – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, Australian Nurses and Midwifery Accreditation Council and Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Introduction to nursing processes, scope of practice and decision making framework. Introduction to physical and mental health assessment across the lifespan, including consideration of child development and healthy ageing. Apply a functional health approach to subjective data collection and documentation. Development of baseline assessment skills, and introduction to standard precautions, including hand hygiene. Communication theory and application in nursing practice. Development of problem solving; the use of Clinical Practice Assessment Tool. Introduction to medication mathematics. Fundamental/basic nursing care based on current best practice, quality outcomes, patient self care/independence. Manual handling.