Overview
This unit provides you with advanced knowledge of the possible metabolic, biophysical and cognitive effects of ageing on the efficiency of the body systems of older people and the consequential impact of these decreased efficiencies on the older person's health. You will explore the phenomena that commonly impact the health integrity of older people – polypharmacy, infections and falls. You will apply the Registered nurse standards of practice to the person centred nursing care of the older person at risk of these phenomena.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CL22 Master of Clinical Nursing to undertake this unit.
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 1 - 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.
- Analyse the metabolic, biophysical, pathophysiological, and cognitive changes in the older adult that are associated with alterations in health in your healthcare setting.
- Critically examine contemporary phenomena that impact the health integrity of older adults.
- Apply the Registered nurse standards of practice to the person-centred nursing care of the older adult to minimise health risks and optimise safe, high-quality healthcare care outcomes in your context of specialty practice.
- Critically review the nursing care and develop recommendations to minimise common health risks in the older person.
There are no learning outcomes linked to external accreditation for this unit.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 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)
- Access to MIMS through the university library
- CQ U library search engines for research articles
- CQUniversity library literature search tools
- Microsoft Word
- Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint software
- Zoom account (Free)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references.
- Online access Australian Standards (through CQU Library)
- CQUniversity Library Nursing Resources
- CQUniveristy Library Resources
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
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.monson@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Advanced Nursing Practice Across Healthcare Settings.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Review assessment one task information.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Welcome and unit introduction. Located in the 'Introduction Tile'.
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
Interprofessional Communication.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Begin planning and researching assessment one task.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Advanced Nursing Practice across Health Care Settings. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Advanced Clinical Reasoning.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A. Zoom link located in Module. Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Communicating For Patient Safety.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Continue working on assessment one.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Advanced Clinical Reasoning. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Advancing Practice.
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
Polypharmacy.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
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.
Written Assessment Due: Week 6 Wednesday (23 Apr 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Current Perspectives and Future Recommendations for Polypharmacy.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Review assessment 2 task information.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Current Perspectives and Future Recommendations for Polypharmacy. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Nutrition and Hydration.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Begin planning and researching for 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
Infection and Wound Care.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded Zoom - Infection & Wound Care. Located in Module under 'learning material'.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Sepsis and Septic Shock.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module. Continue working on assessment 2 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
Shock.
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
Acute Pain in the Older Adult.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Q & A: Bringing it all together. Please see the module for the link and the date and time.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Written Assessment Due: Week 12 Wednesday (4 June 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.
1 Written Assessment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to critically analyse the effect of a chronic or complex health condition and its management, and advocate for improved healthcare outcomes for an older adult with a chronic health condition.
Instructions
Please follow the steps below to write your academic essay and complete the task:
1. Select a resident or patient you have cared for in your clinical practice who has had an exacerbation of one chronic or complex health condition. Gain their consent to undertake a nursing health assessment. Verbal consent is acceptable.
2. Provide a brief introduction outlining the aim of your assessment (approximately 150 words).
3. Perform a comprehensive nursing health assessment on the resident or patient with exacerbation of one chronic or complex health condition whom you have cared for in your clinical practice.
a. After gaining consent from your resident/patient, provide the person with a de-identified name, and identify their gender, age, and relevant health conditions.
b. Summarise your assessment data that indicates a medical exacerbation of the person’s chronic or complex health condition (approximately 300 words).
4. Critically examine contemporary phenomena that impacts the health integrity of the older adult experiencing the chronic or complex health condition including:
a. The concerns/impact of the effect of the chronic or complex health condition exacerbation on the older adult’s quality of life.
b. Current nursing and medical care and treatment of the chronic or complex health condition exacerbation (approximately 700 words).
5. Discuss person-centred nursing care to support improved healthcare outcomes for the chronic or complex health condition exacerbation for the older person:
a. Identify member/s of the multidisciplinary healthcare team who you are working with to advocate for improved healthcare outcomes.
b. Discuss one principle of the person-centred care approach that you will embed in your daily practice to promote a positive patient experience, for improved health outcomes for the older adult.
c. Justify your chosen person-centred care principle and discuss how this will facilitate improved health care outcomes for the older adult (approximately 700 words).
6. Use current evidence to support all aspects of this assessment task.
7. Use the following headings to structure your written essay:
a. Introduction
b. Comprehensive assessment
c. Effect of chronic health condition
d. Person-centred care approach principle
e. Conclusion.
8. Provide a concise conclusion summarising the main concepts from your assessment (approximately 150 words).
Week 6 Wednesday (23 Apr 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 9 Wednesday (14 May 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.
|
Key Criteria |
High Distinction 84.5–100% |
Distinction 74.50–84.49% |
Credit 64.50–74.49% |
Pass 49.50–64.49% |
Fail <49.5% |
TOTAL |
|
Introduction and conclusion (10%) |
(10–8.5) The essay has a clear and succinct introduction and conclusion. The introduction provides excellent background information and outlines the direction of the essay, and the conclusion succinctly summarises the key points. |
(8.4–7.5) The essay has a clear introduction and conclusion. The introduction provides good background information and outlines the direction of the essay, and the conclusion summarises most key points. |
(7.4–6.5) The essay has an adequate introduction and conclusion. The introduction provides some background information and outlines the direction of the essay, and the conclusion summarises some key points. |
(6.4–5) An essay and conclusion have been attempted. The introduction provides limited background information and an outline of the essay’s direction, and the conclusion has a few key points. |
(4.9–0) The introduction has significant errors and/or omissions of aims and direction of content or the introduction is not provided. The logical direction of the essay is unclear. The conclusion does not summarise the assessment or is omitted. |
|
|
Nursing assessment (20%) |
(20–17) An appropriate chronic or complex health condition was assessed. Concise and comprehensive health assessment data was presented. A comprehensive review of credible literature using relevant, seminal, and/or current evidence was accessed to inform the nursing assessment and impact of the chronic or |
(16.9–15) An appropriate chronic or complex health condition was assessed. Appropriate health assessment data was comprehensively presented. A detailed review of predominantly credible literature using relevant, seminal, and/or current evidence was accessed to inform the |
(14.9–13) An appropriate chronic or complex health condition was assessed. Mostly appropriate health assessment data was presented. A review of the literature using mostly relevant, seminal, and/or current evidence was accessed to inform the nursing assessment demonstrating the impact |
(12.9–10) An appropriate chronic or complex health condition was assessed. Some appropriate health assessment data was presented. Some health assessment data was omitted. An incomplete review of the literature using some relevant and/or current sources of evidence was accessed |
(9.9–0) An inappropriate chronic or complex health condition was assessed. Minimal or no appropriate health assessment data was presented. Significant health relevant health assessment data was omitted. Minimal or no relevant evidence was accessed to inform the |
|
- Analyse the metabolic, biophysical, pathophysiological, and cognitive changes in the older adult that are associated with alterations in health in your healthcare setting.
- Critically examine contemporary phenomena that impact the health integrity of older adults.
- Apply the Registered nurse standards of practice to the person-centred nursing care of the older adult to minimise health risks and optimise safe, high-quality healthcare care outcomes in your context of specialty practice.
- Critically review the nursing care and develop recommendations to minimise common health risks in the older person.
2 Written Assessment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to critically analyse the role of and apply advanced nursing practice using best-practice initiatives, advocacy, person-centred care, and recommendations to improve the healthcare outcomes for an older adult experiencing an exacerbation of a chronic health condition.
Instructions
Please follow the steps below to write your academic essay and complete the task:
1. Select a person you have cared for in the last six months who lives with a chronic health condition. You will use this case study to reflect upon your advanced nursing practice. Ensure that you de-identify the person by using a pseudonym. Please state in your introduction that a pseudonym is used.
2. Provide a brief introduction outlining the aim of your assessment (approximately 200 words).
3. Case study – Provide a succinct overview of the older adult’s chronic health condition you cared for. Your overview should include their demographic information (de-identified), the exacerbation of the health condition, the clinical care setting that the episode of care occurred in, the person’s relevant past medical, surgical, cognitive, and psychosocial history, and how their current chronic health condition impacts on the older adult’s quality of life. Identify the
chronic health condition your case study presented with during this episode of care (approximately 300 words).
4. Provide an overview of the following for your case study’s chronic health condition:
a. Metabolic, biophysical, pathophysiological, and cognitive changes.
b. Risk factors associated with the illness/disease/condition.
c. Signs and symptoms of the illness/disease/condition.
d. Three potential complications associated with the chronic health condition (approximately 600 words).
5. Critically review the nursing care you will provide and develop, discuss, and justify 5 clinical nursing recommendations to minimise the effect of the chronic health condition (approximately 700 words). This care needs to be evidence-based.
6. Link your recommendations to two relevant Registered nurse standards of practice and discuss and justify their use in optimising care that is safe, and high quality (approximately 800 words).
7. Use current evidence to support all aspects of this assessment task.
8. Use the following headings to structure your written essay:
a. Introduction
b. Comprehensive nursing assessment
c. Effect of chronic health condition
d. Recommendations
e. Registered Nurse Standards
f. Conclusion.
9. Provide a concise conclusion summarising the main concepts from your assessment (approximately 200 words).
Week 12 Wednesday (4 June 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment in Microsoft Word format only.
Exam Week Wednesday (18 June 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.
|
Key Criteria |
High Distinction 84.5–100% |
Distinction 74.50–84.49% |
Credit 64.50–74.49% |
Pass 49.50–64.49% |
Fail <49.5% |
TOTAL |
|
Introduction and conclusion (10%) |
(10–8.5) |
(8.4–7.5) |
(7.4–6.5) |
(6.4–5) |
(4.9–0) |
|
|
|
The essay has a clear and succinct introduction and conclusion. The introduction provides excellent background information and outlines the direction of the case study, and the conclusion succinctly summarises the key points. |
The essay has a clear introduction and conclusion. The introduction provides good background information and outlines the direction of the case study, and the conclusion summarises most key points. |
The essay has an adequate introduction and conclusion. The introduction provides some background information and outlines the direction of the case study, and the conclusion summarises some key points. |
An introduction and conclusion have been attempted in the essay. The introduction provides limited background information and an outline of the case study’s direction, and the conclusion has a few key points. |
The introduction has significant errors or omissions of aims and direction of content or the introduction is not provided. The logical direction of the case study is unclear. The conclusion does not summarise the assessment or is omitted. |
|
|
Case study (10%) |
(10–8.5) |
(8.4–7.5) |
(7.4–6.5) |
(6.4–5) |
(4.9–0) |
|
|
|
A clear and detailed overview of the chronic health condition is provided, including the person’s demographics, presenting issue/s, the care setting, and the nurse's role. A clear and detailed summary of the person’s psychosocial information and their quality of life is provided. |
A clear overview of the chronic health condition is provided, including the person’s demographics, presenting issue/s, the care setting, and the nurse's role. A clear summary of the person’s psychosocial information and their quality of life is provided. |
An appropriate overview of the chronic health conditions provided, including the person’s demographics, presenting issue/s, the care setting, and the nurse's role. An appropriate summary of the person’s psychosocial information and their quality of life is Provided. |
An overview of the chronic health condition is provided; however, it is not inclusive of all elements listed in the assessment. A summary of the psychosocial information and their quality of life is apparent, but it is not detailed. |
The chronic health condition is unclear or omitted, or a very limited overview of the person is provided. Psychosocial information and their quality of life is missing or is limited. |
- Analyse the metabolic, biophysical, pathophysiological, and cognitive changes in the older adult that are associated with alterations in health in your healthcare setting.
- Critically examine contemporary phenomena that impact the health integrity of older adults.
- Apply the Registered nurse standards of practice to the person-centred nursing care of the older adult to minimise health risks and optimise safe, high-quality healthcare care outcomes in your context of specialty practice.
- Critically review the nursing care and develop recommendations to minimise common health risks in the older person.
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?
