Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Paediatric assessment skills and knowledge of the way paediatric patients cope with disease or illness are key attributes that can be transferred to a variety of clinical settings. A grasp of the anatomical and physiological basis for signs and symptoms enhances the nurses ability to understand the disease process as well as the child's experience of the disease. Nursing interventions to support function and maintain homoeostasis are based on this knowledge. As all the body systems functions are linked, the importance of evaluating data from a variety of sources and reviewing the complete clinical picture is emphasis.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to enable you to develop paediatric assessment skills and knowledge of paediatric nursing care. This will equip you to plan and implement safe, competent, holistic nursing care for children with health concerns and their families in the varied clinical settings where paediatric patients present.

Objectives

This unit will enable students to:

1. Synthesise objective and subjective data obtained through a complete assessment, and understand the relationship of this data to the altered physiological state present in acute illness;



2. Discuss the impact & physical responses to acute illness, in particular relating to the immature paediatric client;



3. Demonstrate age appropriate communication and interpersonal skills in the paediatric nursing context;



4. Demonstrate nursing interventions/treatments for acute illness responses that support the maintenance & adaptation required for homeostasis;



5. Discuss the impact of hospitalisation & illness on the child and family;



6. Use critical thinking to develop priorities of care that reflect integration of theory and practice; and



7. Apply legal & ethical principles to nursing practice.

Content

The content for this unit is divided in seven modules which address the pathophysiology of specific childhood illnesses and related nursing care.

Module 1 - Respiratory illness & altered oxygen exchange;
Module 2 - Assessment of cardiovascular function;
Module 3 - Renal function, fluids, electrolytes;
Module 4 - Neurological System;
Module 5 - Gastrointestinal function and supportive nutrition strategies;
Module 6 - Proactive pain assessment and management;
Module 7 - The seriously ill child.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Student learning will be supported with a Unit Information, Study Guide and Book of Readings. Online discussion will supplement the written materials. On-campus sessions and teleconferences may be included to support student learning. Students may undertake clinical experience as part of this unit, a total of 6 weeks clinical experience, in suitable work place based or supernumerary placement is required throughout the course.

Assessment

There are two summative assessments in this unit. You will also have the opportunity to receive formative feedback regarding your progress throughout the semester.The unit coordinator is available for consultation throughout the semester by telephone, email and in person. Feedback will be provided as part of seminar discussions throughout the semester. Blackboard will be used to communicate general feedback following the first summative assessment to discuss challenging aspects and provide you with advice on how to improve.

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Structured Case report.
Relates to objectives: TBA
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Clinical Portfolio
Description: Clinical Portfolio.
Relates to objectives: TBA
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

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

Hockenberry, M, Wilson, D. (2007) Winlelstein, M. Kline, N. Wong's nursing care of infants & children (7th ed.). Mosby, Lt Louis.

Risk assessment statement

During clinical placements, students will be exposed to a range of risks and hazards that are normally encountered by nurses practising in hospital and community settings. When undertaking clinical placements students are automatically subject to the Workplace Health and Safety Policies, Procedures and Regulations operating within the health care agency. You are required by law to comply with these policies and procedures at all times.

During clinical placements, students will be exposed to a range of risks and hazards that are normally encountered by nurses practising in hospital and community settings. When undertaking clinical placements students are automatically subject to the Workplace Health and Safety Policies, Procedures and Regulations operating within the health care agency. You are required by law to comply with these policies and procedures at all times.

Measures undertaken to minimise risks encountered during the off-campus clinical experience include:

• Orientation to the health care agency;


• Awareness/familiarisation of specific risks and hazards associated with the particular clinical setting to which the students have been assigned;


• Adequate supervision by a registered nurse at all times;


• Appropriate theoretical and practice skill preparation prior to commencement of the placement; and


• Review of personal health and immunisation status.

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: 06-Jul-2012