Overview
In this unit you will build on the knowledge from the unit Advanced Practice Medical-Surgical Nursing 1. This unit provides you with the opportunity to develop expertise in the nursing care of people with chronic conditions and complex healthcare needs who experience medical and/or surgical interventions. Complexity of clinical presentations may be enhanced by individual genetic make-up and/or life experiences. The biophysical, pathophysiological, emotional and psychosocial capacities of people with chronic conditions indicate they may become more vulnerable to health and safety concerns and require planned nursing care to address these health complexities. You will plan comprehensive health assessments and nursing care, in partnership with people experiencing medical and/or surgical interventions and their families, to address their complex health needs.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CL22 Master of Clinical Nursing to undertake this unit. Pre-requisite: NURS28004.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE data
One student commented: Connected content to real life scenarios
Continue to incorporate evidence-based practice into nurses' nursing routines, for example; when discussing post-operative pain, connect the content to evidence-based pain protocols for pain management.
- Analyse the impact of chronic health conditions on people experiencing medical or surgical interventions, their well-being, and quality of life.
- Analyse and apply best practice initiatives to the nursing care of the person experiencing medical and/or surgical interventions in different healthcare settings.
- Advocate for the person experiencing medical and/or surgical interventions, in consultation with the person and family or substitute decision-maker to facilitate safe, high-quality healthcare.
- Critically reflect on your professional practice to identify areas to develop your medical and/or surgical practice capabilities.
N/A.
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)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- 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
Medical-Surgical Demographics.
Chapter
Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
Review the recorded lecture and online Zoom tutorial timetable.
Find out what is in Student Support?
How do I find the Library?
Click on the link and learn what is the Academic Learning Centre?
Review the eReadings and activities as outlined in the module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Activity - Access the General Discussion Page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your:
- Name
- Where you work
- Why you are studying the Master of Clinical Nursing.
Assessments - Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program - complete your annual program.
Set-up your CQU student emails so you receive current, up-to-date information.
Module/Topic
Communication and Patient Education.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 1 - Make a plan to research and write your assessment. Start reviewing the CQU library databases for evidence to use to support your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.
Assessment 2 - Consider a relevant case study for this assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Module/Topic
Respiratory assessment and presentations.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 1 - Continue searching the CQU library databases for evidence to support your assessment. Review the credibility of this evidence. Start writing your first draft of your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Module/Topic
Cardiovascular assessment and presentations.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 1 - Continue preparing/writing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates, and check your CQU student emails.
Module/Topic
Metabolic syndrome.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 1 - Start finalising your assessment. Check the originality of your work through Turnitin.
Assessment 2 - Read the task to start making a research and writing plan.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
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
Renal assessment and presentations.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 1 - Check the originality of your work through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Written Assessment Due: Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Neurological assessment and presentations.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 2 - Make a plan to research and write your assessment. Start reviewing the CQU library databases for evidence to use to support your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Module/Topic
Mental health presentations.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 2 - Start writing your assessment draft, explore the CQU library databases for appropriate evidence, start reviewing the evidence.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Module/Topic
Chronic health conditions.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 2 - Write your case study, explore the CQU library databases for appropriate evidence, continue reviewing the evidence, and writing your assessment. Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin; make relevant changes to your assessment in response to your originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Module/Topic
Obesity.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 2 - Continue progressing your written assessment. Check at least one draft for originality through Turnitin.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Module/Topic
Trauma and unexpected trauma presentations.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Listen to the presentation.
Assessment 2 - Continue preparing your assessment. Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin; make relevant changes to your assessment in response to your originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Module/Topic
Wrap Up.
Chapter
Complete the readings and activities as outlined in the Module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Tutorial, unit content and assessment question and answer.
Assessment 2 - Finalise your assessment. Check at least one draft for originality through Turnitin and make relevant changes based on your originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Boards - Check for posts and updates and check your CQU student emails.
Last week of term - Finalise your learning as we approach the end of our term this week.
Written Assessment (Case Study) Due: Week 12 Wednesday (8 Oct 2025) 4:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Nil.
Chapter
Nil.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Nil.
Module/Topic
Nil.
Chapter
Nil.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Nil.
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Written Assessment
Type: Written Assessment
Due date: 4 pm (AEST), Wednesday 27th August 2025 (Week 6)
Extensions: Available as per policy
The 72-hour grace period applies to this extension
Return date: 4 pm (AEST) 17th September 2025 (Week 9)
Weighting: 40%
Length: Length: 2,000 words +/- 10% (excluding reference list)
Unit Coordinator Dr. Ainslie Hall
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to critically analyse the impact of respiratory, cardiovascular, or metabolic health conditions on individuals undergoing medical or surgical interventions, and to demonstrate leadership in advocating for person-centred, high-quality nursing care in different health care settings.
Instructions
Instructions for this assessment can be accessed on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 9 Wednesday (17 Sept 2025)
Students will be notified of assessment 1 results release via an Announcement posted on the Announcement's page on the Unit Moodle site.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Analyse the impact of chronic health conditions on people experiencing medical or surgical interventions, their well-being, and quality of life.
- Analyse and apply best practice initiatives to the nursing care of the person experiencing medical and/or surgical interventions in different healthcare settings.
- Advocate for the person experiencing medical and/or surgical interventions, in consultation with the person and family or substitute decision-maker to facilitate safe, high-quality healthcare.
2 Written Assessment
Type: Written Assessment (Case Study)
Due date: 4 pm (AEST), Wednesday 8th October 2025 (Week 12)
Extensions: Available as per policy
The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment
Return date: 29th October 2025
Weighting: 60%
Length: 3,000 words +/- 10% (excluding reference list)
Unit Coordinator: Dr Ainslie Hall
Aim
The aim of this assessment is to analyse the role of the advanced practice registered nurse in advocating for the application of best-practice initiatives in the provision of person-centred care for a client with a mental health condition, and to critically reflect on your practice in advocating for optimal health outcomes for your patient.
Instructions
Instructions for this assessment can be accessed on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (8 Oct 2025) 4:00 am AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Exam Week Wednesday (22 Oct 2025)
Students will be notified of assessment 2 results release via an Announcement posted on the Announcement's page on the Unit Moodle site.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Analyse the impact of chronic health conditions on people experiencing medical or surgical interventions, their well-being, and quality of life.
- Analyse and apply best practice initiatives to the nursing care of the person experiencing medical and/or surgical interventions in different healthcare settings.
- Advocate for the person experiencing medical and/or surgical interventions, in consultation with the person and family or substitute decision-maker to facilitate safe, high-quality healthcare.
- Critically reflect on your professional practice to identify areas to develop your medical and/or surgical practice capabilities.
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?
