Overview
This unit will provide advanced knowledge and skills in nursing assessment and care planning. You will learn how to apply a clinical reasoning process and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessment model in order to prioritise and perform holistic nursing care for individuals, families and groups. You will critically examine common risk screening tools and clinical pathways used in practice, to organise and perform safe and effective nursing care. You will evaluate early warning systems and health assessment instruments through evidence-based research and by analysing practice and policy documents. You will consider best practice implications for medication administration, wound care and contemporary nursing psychomotor skills. There are online workshops you will be required to attend. There is a compulsory on campus activity you will have to attend. You will also undertake 160 hours of work-integrated learning which you will undertake after week 12. This will allow you to demonstrate responsible nursing practice under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Co-requisites - NURS20161 and NURS20160 Students must be enrolled in CH79 Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-Entry)
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 - 2026
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 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.
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 Student feedback
Implementation of a countdown timer to advise students of how many minutes remaining the Safety in Practice assessment.
Implement an electronic timer on smart board to assist students with time management in Safety in Practice assessment.
Feedback from Student feedback
I would appreciate a chat group set up for students at the beginning of every term
Explore the implementation of a chat group set up by the Unit Coordinator each term.
Feedback from Student feedback
The feedback I received was honest and timely.
Continue prioritising authentic and timely feedback for students.
- Construct and adapt an evidence-informed and culturally safe nursing care plan based on patient assessment data with consideration of people from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and other culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Communicate with patients, families and healthcare teams, adhering to legal and professional standards
- Evaluate medications used in Australia and their uses in different client groups
- Prioritise and plan the safe administration of medications to a variety of patients
- Apply the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's Registered Nurse Standards for Practice in the safe and effective care of individuals, families and the community whilst in the work-integrated learning context.
The unit learning outcomes are linked to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's "Registered Nurses Standards for Practice".
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 0% | |||||
| 2 - On-campus Activity - 0% | |||||
| 3 - Professional Practice Placement - 0% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Skills in Clinical Nursing
2nd Adaptation Edition (2022)
Authors: Berman, A. S., Snyder, S., Levett-Jones, T., & Burton, T.
Pearson Australia a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd.
Melbourne Melbourne , VIC , Australia
ISBN: 9781488620690
Additional Textbook Information
No
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.
d.lelagadec@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction and Moodle content week 1/2: Introduction, clinical reasoning, primary assessment, EWS.
Chapter
- Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
- Find out what is in Student Support?
- Find out how to find the Library?
- Click on the link and learn what is in the Academic Learning Centre.
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Activity: Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your name and maybe why you are studying this unit and course.
- Attend the weekly online workshop/tutorial.
- Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
- Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program.
- Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Moodle content week 1/2 continued: primary assessment, EWS, manual handling
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
- Maths Central - prepare for Formative Assessment 1.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- ALC will attend this week's online tutorial to support students in preparing for Formative Assessment 1.
- Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Moodle scenario week 3: Infant health, medication management, infection control
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- ALC will attend this week's online tutorial to support students in preparing for Formative Assessment 1.
- Formative Assessment 1 must be completed by Wednesday.
- Census Date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
- Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Moodle scenario week 4/5: Child health, clinical handover, mandatory reporting, Asthma, medication scheduling
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- ALC will attend this week's online tutorial to support students in preparing for Formative Assessment 2.
- Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
- Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Moodle scenario week 4/5: Child health continued
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
- Maths Central - prepare for Formative Assessment 2.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- ALC will attend this week's online tutorial to support students in preparing for Formative Assessment 2.
- Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Moodle scenario week 6/7:Adolescent health/mental health, secondary assessment, documentation
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- Formative Assessment 2 must be completed by Wednesday.
- Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
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 learning.
Module/Topic
Moodle scenario week 6/7:Adolescent health/mental health, secondary assessment, documentation
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Moodle scenario week 8: Pregnancy/ women's health, IV medications, domestic violence
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Moodle scenario week 9: Adult health
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
- Residential school preparation.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Moodle scenario week 10/11: Health and ageing, ageism, ECG, wound care, End-of-life care
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
- Residential school preparation.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- ALC will attend this week's online tutorial to support students in preparing for Assessment 1.
Module/Topic
Moodle scenario week 10/11: Health and ageing, ageism, ECG, wound care, End-of-life care
Chapter
- Readings and activities as outlined in module.
- Residential school preparation.
- Revisit Maths Central in preparation for Assessment 1 (medical calculation quiz).
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Zoom – Workshop/Tutorial and unit content and assessments.
- Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. Survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before the release of grades.
- Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Residential school
Chapter
- Cairns CQUniversity campus.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Attend the residential school in Cairns.
- Assessments 1 and 2 will be undertaken during the residential school.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Invigilated Online Medication Calculation Quiz Due: Week 12 Tuesday (2 June 2026) 11:00 am AEST
On-Campus Activity (residential school) Due: Week 12 Thursday (4 June 2026) 12:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Students who do not have their pre-WIL checks completed by the cut-off date early in the term cannot attend placement.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): After successfully completing Assessment 2 - Residential School and having passed both theory units (NURS20160 and NURS20161), you can commence clinical placement.
Not all placements will commence immediately after the above. Placement dates will be released after the Census date.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Ensure that you adhere to the uniform requirements.
- Ensure that you are wearing your student badge.
- Ensure you carry your pre-WIL checks with you during your clinical placement. These can be requested by the facility.
- Discuss any concerns with the WIL team.
As this unit is offered as a mix-mode unit (online workshops/tutorial and face-to-face residential school), 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 Online Quiz(zes)
The aim of this assessment is to demonstrate your ability to perform basic maths, medication calculations, and your understanding of medication safety.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions 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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted in this assessment.
Extensions
Extensions are not available for the quiz as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve 100% to pass this assessment.
- You must pass this assessment to progress to professional experience placement.
- To pass this unit, you are required to achieve a pass grade in all assessments.
- Supplementary assessment is not available as per policy for Work Integrated Learning Units.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
1
Other
Week 12 Tuesday (2 June 2026) 11:00 am AEST
You will be allowed three (3) attempts on three (3) consecutive days.
Week 12 Tuesday (2 June 2026)
You will receive your grade immediately upon submission of the quiz.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Prioritise and plan the safe administration of medications to a variety of patients
2 On-campus Activity
The aim of this assessment is to demonstrate comprehensive nursing knowledge and clinical competence, ensuring the delivery of safe, evidence-based care.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions 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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted in this assessment.
Extentions
Extensions are not available for residential school assessments as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
This is a pass/fail assessment. To pass, you are required to demonstrate a satisfactory level of competence in all assessment criteria, as per the assessment tool.
Week 12 Thursday (4 June 2026) 12:00 pm AEST
Submit your Assessment Marking Criteria form via Moodle (Assessment 2) within 3 business days after residential school. Failure to submit may result in a Fail grade and clinical placement cancelled.
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (17 June 2026)
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.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Construct and adapt an evidence-informed and culturally safe nursing care plan based on patient assessment data with consideration of people from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and other culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Evaluate medications used in Australia and their uses in different client groups
- Prioritise and plan the safe administration of medications to a variety of patients
3 Professional Practice Placement
The aim of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your ability to successfully embed learning from this unit into Professional Experience Placement as a safe practising registered nurse.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions 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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted in this assessment.
Extentions
Extensions are not available for clinical placements as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
This is a pass/fail assessment. Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
CQUniversity ANSAT completed online via SONIA. Formative ANSAT assessment is due at 80 hours of clinical placement; summative ANSAT assessment, signed letter of introduction and attendance record is due at 160 hours of clinical placement.
Outcome will be available within 10 working days from submission of appropriate documents into SONIA
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Construct and adapt an evidence-informed and culturally safe nursing care plan based on patient assessment data with consideration of people from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and other culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Communicate with patients, families and healthcare teams, adhering to legal and professional standards
- Evaluate medications used in Australia and their uses in different client groups
- Prioritise and plan the safe administration of medications to a variety of patients
- Apply the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's Registered Nurse Standards for Practice in the safe and effective care of individuals, families and the community whilst in the work-integrated learning context.
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?
