Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The growing challenge of providing nursing care for the increasing population of older people is well documented. The unit examines a selection of current and projected factors that impact on providing quality care for the needs of those belonging to the older population group. The unit will assist you to respond to the challenges of caring for older people especially those with dementia, and their families, beginning with the notion of healthy ageing.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to examine specific issues related to promoting optimal health care of the older population.

Objectives

On completion of this unit it is expected that you will be able to:

1. Engage in critical discussion about current issues related to ageing in Australia, including myths and stereotypes of ageing and healthy ageing; relevant demographic data and international trends;



2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of healthy ageing and explore how nurses can encourage this concept;



3. Demonstrate knowledge and application of a range of frameworks and tools/instruments that may be used to assess older clients to inform care;



4. Describe the general health changes related to the normal ageing process and demonstrate understanding of pathophysiology related to selected health conditions that may occur in the older person, including issues such as falls and prevention programs available;



5. Articulate the nurse role in assisting those with dementia; and



6. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating orally with peers about health care issues in the older population.

Content

This unit covers a range of issues that will extend your knowledge and understanding of subject areas related to the older person including those with dementia and its impact on individuals and their families. Topics include the concept of healthy ageing, the nature of ageing, assessment considerations for the older person, common health issues for the older person including falls and delirium and preventative measures for them; strategies for communicating with clients who have dementia; ethical/legal implications in aged care nursing; issues for carers of the older person and transition to residential care.

Key QUT Graduate Capabilities
GC 1 - Knowledge & Skills
GC 2 - Critical & Creative Thinking
GC 3 - Effective Communication
GC 4 - Lifelong Learning
GC 5 - Independence & Collaboration
GC 6 - Social & Ethical Responsibility
GC 7 - Self Reliance & Leadership

ANMC Competency Domains (2005)
Professional Practice
Critical Thinking & Analysis
Provision & Co-ordination of Care
Collaborative & Therapeutic Practice

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The principal teaching-learning format that will be used in this unit involves lectures and workshops examining a wide variety of contemporary concerns and challenges of nursing the older person.

Learning is facilitated through lectures, engagement with selected readings, self directed learning, peer-learning, and electronic discussions.

Assessment

All assessable items must be submitted to pass in this unit.Feedback is provided during workshop discussions/activities and provided through assessments.

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: You will be required to develop an educational resource that examines a selected myth or misconception about ageing and/or the population of people aged over 65 years. The specifc myth you are to examine will be allocated during your first session (or week 1 for external students who will be contacted directly by email).This can be a resource for nursing staff in an acute or aged care facility, or designed to inform nursing students. The resource type is the choice of the student, however, it must also include an accompanying brief powerpoint presentation that will be presented to the rest of your class during week 8.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4 & 6.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: You will be required to write a 2500 word assignment addressing issues related to the care of people with dementia. This assessment will be focused on your choice of a practice issue either in acute care, community or residential aged care setting. In preparing this assignment you will need to think critically and creatively about significant nursing considerations and substantiate your arguments/propositions using a range of relevant and contempory research literature. Alternative topics maybe considered. Your final topic must be finalised with the unit coordinator and approved prior to week 8.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4 & 5.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text for this unit. Useful reference texts will be included in the unit materials on the Blackboard site.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 03-Jan-2013