CQUniversity Unit Profile
NURS20171 Nursing and Professional Practice 1
Nursing and Professional Practice 1
All details in this unit profile for NURS20171 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 will provide you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your confidence and competence as a registered nurse. In this unit you will critically appraise your clinical environment, nursing decisions and professional practice. You will develop advanced clinical skills including assessment, planning, intervention implementation, and evaluation of nursing actions in the care of people in diverse clinical settings.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
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 or CL16 Graduate Certificate in 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 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. Reflective Practice Assignment
Weighting: 40%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 60%

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 SUTE

Feedback

The learning materials that are uploaded were so interesting and informative. I really enjoyed the podcasts, videos and articles that were shared with us. It gave me access to some really interesting material that I probably would have never come across otherwise.

Recommendation

Continue to provide a range of relevant material.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Marking rubrics - can be confusing with the Assessment task sheet.

Recommendation

The rubric will be amended for consistency and clarity in the future.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

The weekly module setup was concise and not complicated and directed you to the relevant and specific resources to assist further learning.

Recommendation

Promote the Week 1 Zoom session and the Introduction to the Unit tile so that future students can navigate Moodle.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate application of ethical, legal and professional practice concepts to the continued development of your professional identity.
  2. Analyse and apply psychosocial, ethical and legal considerations in clinical decision-making.
  3. Demonstrate advanced clinical skills in the evaluation and implementation of evidence-based nursing interventions in diverse clinical settings.
  4. Critically reflect on the application of your nursing knowledge, and ethical, legal and professional practice and identify strengths and areas for professional development.

Not applicable.

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 4
1 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 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 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
  • Microsoft Word
  • Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint software
  • Online access Australian Standards (through CQU Library)
  • CQUniveristy Library Resources
  • Zoom access: microphone and webcam required
  • Endnote. Optional for formatting references
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
Ainslie Hall Unit Coordinator
a.j.hall@cqu.edu.au
Ann Aitken Unit Coordinator
a.aitken@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1- Ethical, Legal, and Professional Practice  Concepts Begin Date: 14 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Week 1 - Ethical, Legal, and Professional Practice Concepts 

Welcome to the Unit. and self-directed learning

Professional practice concepts

Chapter

Familiarise yourself with Moodle 

Review the online Zoom timetable and make roster requests as necessary.

Click on the link and learn about the Academic Learning Centre

Review the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Activity – Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your name and workplace and some information about yourself.

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.

Set-up your CQU student emails so you receive current, up-to-date information.

Week 2- Psychosocial, Ethical, and Legal Considerations in Nursing Begin Date: 21 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Week 2 - Psychosocial, Ethical, and Legal Considerations in Nursing

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Access the library to prepare for Assessment 1 

Review Moodle and Academic Learning Centre information

Week 3 - Clinical Decisions and Clinical Decision Making Begin Date: 28 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Week 3 - Clinical Decisions and Clinical Decision Making

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Week 4 - Reflective Practice Begin Date: 04 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Week 4 - Reflective Practice

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Week 5 - Professional Development Begin Date: 11 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Week 5 - Professional Development

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Vacation Week Begin Date: 18 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Catch up on assessments and then take a bit of time away from study!

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 - Professional Identity and Career Planning Begin Date: 25 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Week 6 - Professional Identity and Career Planning

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

 

Assessment 1 is due this week.


Reflective Practice Assignment (40%) Due: Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 7 - Evidence - Based Practice Begin Date: 01 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Week 7 - Evidence-Based Practice

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Commence Assessment 2 tasks.

Week 8 - Increasing Skills Begin Date: 08 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Week 8 - Increasing Skills

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Week 9 -Coping with Shift Work Begin Date: 15 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Week 9 - Coping with Shift Work

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Week 10 - Increasing responsibility in the clinical setting Begin Date: 22 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Week 10 - Increasing responsibility in the clinical setting (shift work, how to be a preceptor and/or mentor, becoming a team leader, Level 2 positions and higher)

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Week 11 - Building your CV Begin Date: 29 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Week 11 - Advancing knowledge and skills to improve your CV

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Week 12 - Review week Begin Date: 06 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

This week, we review the Module and the entire Unit

Chapter

Complete the readings and activities as outlined on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.

Assessment 2 is due this week


Written Assessment (60%) Due: Week 12 Wednesday (8 Oct 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 20 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

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 Reflective Practice Assignment

Assessment Title
Reflective Practice Assignment (40%)

Task Description

Type:                         Reflective Practice Assignment

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:             Results for this assessment will be made available on Wednesday 10th September (Week 8)

Weighting:                40%

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

Unit Coordinator:   Dr Ann Aitken

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 order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST

Submit your assessment in Microsoft Word format only.


Return Date to Students

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, 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 only. Late penalties of 5% per day of the available mark may be applied as per the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework). Contact TASAC if you experience technical issues submitting your assessment: • Phone toll-free 1300 666 620 • Email tasac@cqu.edu.au

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate application of ethical, legal and professional practice concepts to the continued development of your professional identity.
  • Analyse and apply psychosocial, ethical and legal considerations in clinical decision-making.
  • Demonstrate advanced clinical skills in the evaluation and implementation of evidence-based nursing interventions in diverse clinical settings.
  • Critically reflect on the application of your nursing knowledge, and ethical, legal and professional practice and identify strengths and areas for professional development.

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment (60%)

Task Description

Type:                      Written Assessment

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:           Results for this assessment will be made available on Wednesday, 29th October  

Weighting:             60%

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

Unit Coordinator:  Dr Ann Aitken

Aim

The aim of this assessment is for you to critically appraise and demonstrate how you are improving your clinical knowledge, decision-making, and professional practice to develop your confidence, competence, and further your career using the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Registered nurse standards for practice (2016).

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.

Instructions

Instructions for this assessment can be accessed on the unit Moodle site.

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 only


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 Announcement's Board on the Unit Moodle site. Please note, the 'Return to Students Information' is an approximate date.


Weighting
60%

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 only. Late penalties of 5% per day of the available mark may be applied as per the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework). Contact TASAC if you experience technical issues submitting your assessment: • Phone toll-free 1300 666 620 • Email tasac@cqu.edu.au

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate application of ethical, legal and professional practice concepts to the continued development of your professional identity.
  • Analyse and apply psychosocial, ethical and legal considerations in clinical decision-making.
  • Demonstrate advanced clinical skills in the evaluation and implementation of evidence-based nursing interventions in diverse clinical settings.
  • Critically reflect on the application of your nursing knowledge, and ethical, legal and professional practice and identify strengths and areas for professional development.

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?