CQUniversity Unit Profile
NURS20165 Leadership in Healthcare
Leadership in Healthcare
All details in this unit profile for NURS20165 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit prepares you to undertake a leadership role in healthcare contexts. In this unit, you will have the opportunity to analyse theories and models of leadership and reflect upon your leadership strengths and weaknesses. You will apply leadership theories and your selected leadership model/s to leadership roles in the healthcare setting. This unit enables you to focus on emotional intelligence and critique the concept of relational power to autonomous practice. Through the use of coaching and mentoring strategies learned in this unit, you will develop the capacity to lead, empower and inspire members of the healthcare team.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 7
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in CL22 Master of Clinical Nursing to undertake this unit. Pre-requisite: NURS20166.

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

Online

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 35%
3. Report
Weighting: 40%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 n/a

Feedback

No data available for analysis.

Recommendation

n/a

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Analyse theories and leadership models and apply these in the healthcare setting to provide culturally competent, ethical, equitable and socially informed leadership of healthcare teams.
  2. Reflect on your leadership skills and develop strategies to enhance these skills to effectively lead healthcare teams.
  3. Apply advanced nursing leadership skills and knowledge to effectively lead healthcare teams, make evidence-informed clinical decisions, and facilitate innovative change management in healthcare settings.

N/A.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Written Assessment - 35%
3 - Report - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
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 and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Academic Learning Centre services
  • Access to MIMS through the university library
  • 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)
  • CQUniversity Library search engines for research articles
Referencing Style

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.

Teaching Contacts
Lorraine Thompson Unit Coordinator
l.m.thompson@cqu.edu.au
Ainslie Hall Unit Coordinator
a.j.hall@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 14 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Welcome to the unit.

Module 1: Leadership Models and Theories in Healthcare Settings.

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

Recorded presentations:

  • Welcome and Unit Introduction
  • Assessments 1, 2 and 3.

Activity:  Access the General Discussion Page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your name and maybe why you are studying in this unit and course.

Assessments:  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.

Week 2 Begin Date: 21 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Module 1: Leadership Models and Theories in Healthcare Settings.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom/Teams – Tutorial and unit content and assessments.

Assessment 1 – Start your literature searching and preparing assessment.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.

Week 3 Begin Date: 28 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Module 1: Leadership Models and Theories in Healthcare Settings.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.

Week 4 Begin Date: 04 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Module 2: Self-evaluation and Self-development.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom/Teams – Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).

Assessment 1 – Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your assessment after reviewing your originality report.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.


Written Assessment Due: Week 4 Wednesday (6 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 5 Begin Date: 11 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Module 2: Self-evaluation and Self-development.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 – Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your assessment after reviewing your originality report.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications

Vacation Week Begin Date: 18 Aug 2025

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.

Week 6 Begin Date: 25 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Module 2: Self-evaluation and Self-development.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom/Teams – Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).

Assessment 2 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.

Week 7 Begin Date: 01 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Module 3: Leading and Developing Others.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.

Week 8 Begin Date: 08 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Module 3: Leading and Developing Others.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom/Teams – Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).

Assessment 2 – Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your assessment after reviewing your originality report.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.


Written Assessment Due: Week 8 Wednesday (10 Sept 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 15 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Module 3: Leading and Developing Others.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.

Week 10 Begin Date: 22 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Module 4: Leading Change Management.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom/Teams – Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).

Assessment 3 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.

Week 11 Begin Date: 29 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Module 4: Leading Change Management.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.

Week 12 Begin Date: 06 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Module 4: Leading Change Management.

Chapter

Readings and activities as outlined in module.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom/Teams – Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).

Assessment 3 – Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your assessment after reviewing your originality report.

Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.

Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.


Report Due: Week 12 Wednesday (8 Oct 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Nil.

Chapter

Nil.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Nil.

Exam Week Begin Date: 20 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Nil.

Chapter

Nil.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Nil.

Term Specific Information

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.

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

Type:                                Written Assessment

Due date:                          4pm (AEST)Wednesday 6th August 2025 (Week 4) 

Extensions:                      Available as per policy

                                         The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment

Return date:                     Results for this assessment will be made available on Wednesday, 27th August 2025 (Week 6).

Weighting:                       25%

Length:                            1,500 words +/- 10% (excluding reference list)

Unit Coordinators:           Dr Lorraine Thompson

 

Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to identify and describe your nursing leadership and your nursing leadership aspirations in your clinical practice setting.

 

Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit's 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 order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.

 


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Wednesday (6 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST

Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format.


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025)

Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the announcements board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, the "Return to Students Information" is an approximate date.


Weighting
25%

Assessment Criteria

Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Analyse theories and leadership models and apply these in the healthcare setting to provide culturally competent, ethical, equitable and socially informed leadership of healthcare teams.
  • Reflect on your leadership skills and develop strategies to enhance these skills to effectively lead healthcare teams.

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

Type:                                Written Assessment

Due date:                          4pm (AEST) Wednesday 10th September 2025 (Week 8)

Extensions:                      Available as per policy

                                         The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment

Return date:                     Results for this assessment will be made available on Wednesday 1st October 2025 (Week 11).

Weighting:                       35%

Length:                            2,000 words +/- 10% (excluding reference list)

Unit Coordinators:           Dr Lorraine Thompson

 

Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your nursing leadership through preparing a professional nursing leadership development plan.

Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit's 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 order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
     


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Wednesday (10 Sept 2025) 4:00 pm AEST

Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format.


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Wednesday (1 Oct 2025)

Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the announcements board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, the "Return to Students Information" is an approximate date.


Weighting
35%

Assessment Criteria

Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.

 

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Reflect on your leadership skills and develop strategies to enhance these skills to effectively lead healthcare teams.
  • Apply advanced nursing leadership skills and knowledge to effectively lead healthcare teams, make evidence-informed clinical decisions, and facilitate innovative change management in healthcare settings.

3 Report

Assessment Title
Report

Task Description

Type:                                Report

Due date:                          4pm (AEST) Wednesday 8th October 2025 (Week 12)

Extensions:                      Available as per policy

                                         The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment

Return date:                     Results for this assessment will be made available on Wednesday 29th October 2025

Weighting:                       40%

Length:                            2,500 words +/- 10% (excluding reference list)

Unit Coordinators:           Dr Lorraine Thompson

 

Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to analyse a leadership incident, the leadership approaches utilised, the outcomes demonstrated, and evidence-based (referenced) recommendations.

Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit's 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 order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
     

 

 

 


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Wednesday (8 Oct 2025) 4:00 pm AEST

Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Wednesday (22 Oct 2025)

Students will be advised of release of assessment marking via an announcement posted to the announcements board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, the "Return to Students Information" is an approximate date.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Analyse theories and leadership models and apply these in the healthcare setting to provide culturally competent, ethical, equitable and socially informed leadership of healthcare teams.
  • Apply advanced nursing leadership skills and knowledge to effectively lead healthcare teams, make evidence-informed clinical decisions, and facilitate innovative change management in healthcare settings.

Academic Integrity Statement

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?