NURS 3001 Being a Professional Nurse (Advanced)

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401027

Coordinator Sue Willis Opens in new window

Description This subject explores the process of transition from student to professional practitioner. Students undertaking the BN Advanced course will gain a critical understanding of the congruence between the provision of health care and professional regulatory frameworks. The role of the graduate nurse will be explored through a detailed examination of case studies that apply relevant nursing theory to professional practice. This subject will build capacity in students to meet their professional responsibilities as new graduate practitioners in nursing. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss career planning and set priorities for ongoing professional development.

School Nursing & Midwifery

Discipline General Nursing

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Co-requisite(s) NURS 3033

Restrictions Students must be enrolled in 4693 Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced).

Assumed Knowledge

Primary health care principles; professional communication; roles and responsibilities of the Registered Nurse; ethical and legal frameworks for practice, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Discuss the theoretical perspectives that inform transition to graduate practice.
  2. Apply the relevant professional regulatory frameworks in relation to competent professional practice.
  3. Apply lifelong learning approaches to continuing professional development.
  4. Synthesise relevant information from diverse sources to maintain evidence of professional currency.
  5. Critically evaluate readiness for practice through self-review, critical self-reflection, group discussion and peer feedback.
  6. Critically evaluate personal goals for career development in the health care system and identify potential professional mentoring opportunities.
  7. Critically reflect within a professional portfolio in relation to regulatory requirements.
  8. Evaluate processes relevant to WH&S issues to provide safe, quality care within the scope of practice.

Subject Content

1. Transition to graduate practice - theoretical perspectives
- Novice to expert
- transition to graduate practice: stages and experiences
- The role of The Nursing profession in influencing better health outcomes for people, and partnering with other health professionals to optimise decision making about care
- participation in collaborative practice and Building professional relationships with health professionals within The scope of practice and personal and professional boundaries
2. Regulatory Frameworks
a. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
b. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
- Standards for practice
- codes of ethics and professional conduct
- Critical thinking and decision making framework
- professional boundaries
- professional practice guidelines
c. Legislation and policy governing professional practice
- Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009
- Health Care Complaints Act 1993
- Clinical Governance and Health Administration Act 1982
3. Professional Development
a. Formal requirements for registration
- Continuing professional development Registration Standard
b. Professional and Industrial bodies
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
- international Council of Nurses
- Australian College of Nursing
- NSW Nurses and Midwives Association
- Numerous Specialty Colleges
4. Maintaining Currency
- Accessing health informatics and health Technology
- Accessing, Analysing and using The best available evidence
- professional portfolios
- self and group reflection, Review and feedback
5. Career Development
- career options
- career planning
- mentoring opportunities
6. Advanced academic and scholarship development

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task Mandatory
Essay 1,000 words 35 N Individual Y
Essay 1,500 words 40 N Individual Y
Portfolio 750 words 25 N Individual Y

Prescribed Texts

  • Chang, E., & Daly, J. (2016). Transitions in nursing: Preparing for professional practice (4th ed.). Chatswood, Australia: Elsevier Australia.

Structures that include subject