Overview
In this unit, you will have the opportunity to explore, evaluate and apply nursing theories and models that are currently used in the care of older people in different care settings – acute, community, and residential aged care. You will investigate societal perceptions of older people, ageing and the impact these perceptions may have on the older person. You will plan changes to enhance the organisational culture of your clinical setting to provide an environment that is conducive to meeting the clinical, social and psychological needs of the older person and their families.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CL22 Master of Clinical Nursing or CL16 Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing to undertake this unit. Pre-requisite: DCHA2003.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE Unit comments report T1, 2024.
For future students, this unit could use a bit of workplace interactions and feedback from work seniors.
Modules of learning will be reviewed to incorporate clinical activities to apply theoretical learning into clinical practice. Students will be encouraged to seek formative feedback from their nurse leaders in their place of employment.
- Evaluate the application of nursing models of care pertinent to the holistic nursing care of the older adult and their families in your healthcare setting.
- Analyse the impact that societal values have on the older adult and their nursing care across diverse care settings.
- Critically discuss evidence-informed clinical, social, and psychosocial care needs of the older adult using contemporary evidence and national standards.
- Construct and justify strategies to enhance a competent, culturally inclusive, person-centred work culture that meets the needs of older adults and their families across diverse care settings.
This unit is not linked to external accreditation.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Case Study - 60% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.j.hall@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Ageing in Society.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Review Assessment One Task Information.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Activity – Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your:
Name
Where you work
Why you are studying MCN.
Assessments 1 and 2 - Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program - complete your annual program.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Cross-Cultural Ageing.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Review and Research information for Assessment One Task.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Ageing and Societal Views & Culture and Ageing. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Theories and Ageing:
Topics include:
Biological & Sociological/Psychosocial.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Being Working on Assessment One Task.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A. Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Theories of Ageing:
Topics include:
Psychological, Cognitive, and Spiritual.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Theories and Ageing. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Models of Care.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Vacation week.
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities.
Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Module/Topic
Contemporary Challenges.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Challenges in Caring for Older People. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Written Assessment Due: Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Culturally Responsive Practice.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Review and Research information for Assessment Two Task.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Health Promotion of Healthy Ageing. Located in week 10's module. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Health Promotion.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Review and Research information for Assessment Two Task.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Health Promotion of Healthy Ageing. Located in week 10's module. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Innovative Approaches to Care.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Begin working on Assessment Two Task.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Building a Culturally Competent Workforce.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Recordings - Located in the Module under Hot Topics.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Hot Topics -
Chemical Restraint
The Nurse's role in influencing what students think and in supporting the future of our profession.
Missed Care in Aged Care
Chapter
Listen to Zoom recordings of Hot Topics
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Recordings - Located in the Module under Hot Topics.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates
Module/Topic
Hot Topics. -
Lost Voices in an Aged Care System Gone Wrong
Lived Experiences of a carer - whose husband had dementia
The Unheard Voices of Registered Nurses Working in Aged Care
Chapter
Listen to Zoom recordings of Hot Topics
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Recordings - Located in the Module under Hot Topics.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates
Case Study Due: Week 12 Wednesday (8 Oct 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Nil
Chapter
Nil
Events and Submissions/Topic
Nil
Module/Topic
Nil
Chapter
Nil
Events and Submissions/Topic
Nil
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic, self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Written Assessment
Type: Written Assessment
Due date: 4 pm (AEST), Wednesday 27th August 2025 (Week 6)
Extensions: Available as per policy
The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment
Return date: 17th September 2025, 4 pm (Week 9)
Weighting: 40%
Length: 2,000 words +/- 10% (excluding reference list)
Unit Coordinator: Dr Ainslie Hall
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to critically analyse the influence of societal values on the care of older adults and evaluate how Registered Nurses can lead culturally inclusive person-centred care across acute, community, and aged care settings.
Instructions
Instructions for this assessment can be accessed on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 9 Wednesday (17 Sept 2025)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, this 'Return to Students Information' is an approximate date.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Evaluate the application of nursing models of care pertinent to the holistic nursing care of the older adult and their families in your healthcare setting.
- Analyse the impact that societal values have on the older adult and their nursing care across diverse care settings.
- Critically discuss evidence-informed clinical, social, and psychosocial care needs of the older adult using contemporary evidence and national standards.
- Construct and justify strategies to enhance a competent, culturally inclusive, person-centred work culture that meets the needs of older adults and their families across diverse care settings.
2 Case Study
Type: Case Study
Due date: 4 pm (AEST), Wednesday 8th October 2025 (Week 12)
Extensions: Available as per policy
The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment
Return date: 29th October 2025, 4 pm
Weighting: 60%
Length: 2,500 words +/- 10% (excluding reference list)
Unit Coordinator: Dr Ainslie Hall
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to critically evaluate how societal perceptions impact nursing care for older adults and to develop strategies to support a culturally inclusive, person-centred work culture in diverse aged care settings. You will also analyse the leadership role of registered nurses in enhancing the quality of care and advancing professional recognition across diverse aged care settings.
Instructions
Instructions for this assessment can be accessed on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (8 Oct 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment in Microsoft Word format only.
Exam Week Wednesday (22 Oct 2025)
Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, the 'Return to Students Information' is an approximate date.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Evaluate the application of nursing models of care pertinent to the holistic nursing care of the older adult and their families in your healthcare setting.
- Analyse the impact that societal values have on the older adult and their nursing care across diverse care settings.
- Critically discuss evidence-informed clinical, social, and psychosocial care needs of the older adult using contemporary evidence and national standards.
- Construct and justify strategies to enhance a competent, culturally inclusive, person-centred work culture that meets the needs of older adults and their families across diverse care settings.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
