Course

Bachelor of Nursing

Approved Abbreviation: BN

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4691.3

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 041099M

Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course was 2019 or later.

Units may be revised or replaced to ensure students are provided with up to date curriculum throughout their studies, and this may result in a new course version. Refer to the Check My Course Progress page in MySR for the most up to date information for your course.

For Commencement Year 2018, please refer to: 4691.2 Bachelor of Nursing

For Commencement Year 2013, please refer to: 4691.1 Bachelor of Nursing

This course prepares graduates for eligibility to apply for registration throughout Australia as a registered nurse. The focus of the course is on inquiry-based learning, critical thinking and reflective practice in relation to the theory and practice of nursing in health and health breakdown across the lifespan. Using a primary health care framework, students study the application of physical and behavioural sciences to nursing; inquiry and evidence-based practice principles and utilisation within nursing; nursing care of individuals, families and groups from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan. The acquisition of nursing knowledge and skills occurs initially in campus-based simulated clinical practice settings and consolidation occurs as students undertake clinical placements in a variety of health care settings. Prospective students should be aware that full disclosure of any issues of impairment or misconduct is a declaration requirement when applying for registration as a registered nurse.

http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au

Western Sydney University Online Students: Please refer to Western Sydney University Online website for Course Advice.

https://online.westernsydney.edu.au/

Study Mode
Three years full-time on-campus, four years full-time WSU Online.

Advanced standing

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - On Campus and Western Sydney University Online

  • Certificate III will not be awarded the Unspecified Credit Elective as RPL
  • Certificate IV Health or Community Related e.g. Aged Care, Children’s Services, Assistant in Nursing will not be awarded the Unspecified Credit Elective as RPL
  • Enrolled Nurse/ Division 2 Nurse – Diploma With current registration will not be awarded the Unspecified Credit Elective
  • Enrolled Nurse/ Division 2 Nurse – Certificate IV with current registration will not be awarded the Bioscience 1 or the Unspecified Credit Elective
  • Enrolled Nurse/ Division 2 – Advanced Certificate with current registration will not be awarded the Bioscience 1 or the Unspecified Credit Elective
  • Overseas RN – Diploma level (Not post-secondary school) will not be awarded the Bioscience 1 or the Unspecified Credit Elective
  • Overseas RN – Certificate level will not be the awarded the Bioscience 1 or the Unspecified Credit Elective

Accreditation
The Bachelor of Nursing has accreditation and approval from the Nurses and Midwives Board Australia. From 1 July 2010 the approval, recognition and accreditation of courses has been transferred to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Course accreditation can be checked on their website http://www.anmac.org.au/accreditation-services. The WSU Online Bachelor of Nursing offering is pending accreditation by the Australian Nurses and Midwives Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Please note: from 1 July 2010 practitioners applying for registration as a nurse or midwife for the first time in Australia are required to demonstrate English language proficiency as specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). These requirements include either a) the IELTS examination (academic module) with a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking); or b) completion and an overall pass in the Occupational English Test (OET) with grades A or B only in each of the four components. For further details, refer to the NMBA website: http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx

Inherent requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course that you must meet in order to complete your course and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this course online.

Inherent requirements

Admission

Admission Criteria for the Bachelor of Nursing On-campus

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.

International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

An additional admission requirement for International applicants is achievement of at least an IELTS 7.0 with no band or subtest less than 6.5 or equivalent.

No provision for direct entry, with the exception of Western Sydney University alternative entry pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those students who have satisfactorily completed appropriate Foundation programs with Western Sydney University, The College. An additional admission requirement is for applicants to achieve an IELTS 7.0 with no band or subtest less than 6.5 or equivalent.

Admission to the Bachelor of Nursing offered through Western Sydney University Online

Western Sydney University Online students apply for admission to this course directly through Western Sydney University Online Course Consultants. A student’s eligibility will be assessed according to the existing admission criteria as described above. RPL will be awarded as per the criteria described above.

International students are not eligible for enrolment into the Bachelor of Nursing offered through Western Sydney University Online.

Special Requirements

On Campus Students

To be eligible to enrol in a unit and attend a health-related placement in your course, students must meet Western Sydney University course requirements and Special Legislative Requirements to be assessed in their first year of study against the following

1. National Criminal History Check: Students must have a current (expiring 3 years from date of issue) check valid for their entire course. A valid National Criminal history check must be an Australia wide check, include the student's full name matching their Student ID card and date of birth and not have any offences listed. If a student has a criminal history identified on their check, they must provide a Clinical Placement Authority Card (CPAC) or conditional letter from the NSW HealthShare Employment Screening and Review Unit

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/student_clearance/Documents/appendix-10-student-application.pdf

International students must additionally have a translated International Police Check or statutory declaration.

2. A NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance letter issued under the category of volunteer valid for their entire course.

3. A current approved first aid certificate valid for their entire course, approved provider courses can be found at

http://training.gov.au

4. A completed vaccination/immunisation card with all serology results containing expiry dates and currency must be maintained by the student to ensure compliance for their entire course.

5. NSW Undertaking/Declaration form

6. Completed any additional health forms required (such as NSW Health Code of Conduct, Health Student Undertaking/Declaration and Tuberculosis (TB) Assessment Tool)

7. Relevant Local Health District specific documentation as requested.

Contact your School for further details. Resources are also available on the Placement Hub website

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/learning_futures/home/placements_hub/placements_hub/student_compliance

For Online Students

To be eligible to enrol in a unit and attend a health-related placement in your course, students must meet Western Sydney University course requirements and Special Legislative Requirements in your state, to be assessed in their first year of study, against the following

1. National Criminal History Check: Students must have a current check valid for their entire course. A valid National Criminal history check must be an Australia wide check, include the student's full name matching their Student ID card and date of birth and not have any offences listed. If a student has a criminal history identified on their check, they must provide a clearance or authority document or conditional letter from their relevant authorised state organisation.

International students must additionally have a translated International Police Check or statutory declaration.

2. A Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance letter or state equivalent, valid for their entire course.

3. A current approved first aid certificate valid for their entire course, approved provider courses can be found at

http://training.gov.au

4. A completed vaccination/immunisation card with all serology results attached - currency must be maintained by the student to ensure compliance for their entire course.

5. Undertaking/Declaration form (or state equivalent documents)

6. Additional forms as required per state related to, but not limited to, Tuberculosis Assessment tool, Hepatitis B statutory declaration form, Signed Code of Conduct, Student Deed Poll and all other state equivalent documents as required.

Contact your school for further details. Resources are also available on the Placement Hub web page

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/placements_hub

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this course. Please contact the Course Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool and Parramatta campuses

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

401000Professional Practice Experience 1
401001Primary Health Care in Action
401002Bioscience 1
401205Professional Communication in Nursing

Spring session

401004Professional Practice Experience 2
401005Human Relationships and Life Transitions
401006Bioscience 2
401007Approaches to Professional Nursing Practice

Year 2

Autumn session

401008Professional Practice Experience 3
401206Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
401207Health Variations 1 - Perioperative
401208Research for Nursing and Midwifery

Spring session

401012Professional Practice Experience 4
401013Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing 1
401209Health Variations 2 - Chronic Illness and Disability
401210Health Variations 3 - Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Conditions

Year 3

Autumn session

401016Professional Practice Experience 5
401017Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing 2
401211Health Variations 4 - Acute Life Threatening Conditions
401212Health Variations 5 - Palliative and End of Life Care

Spring session

401020Professional Practice Experience 6
401021Being a Professional Nurse or Midwife
401213Clinical Leadership and Professional Relationships

And one elective

Western Sydney University Online

The Bachelor of Nursing offered through Western Sydney University Online will conduct compulsory on-campus residential intensives for each Professional Practice Experience unit.

Year 1 units

First Trimester

401001Primary Health Care in Action
401205Professional Communication in Nursing

Second Trimester

401000Professional Practice Experience 1
401002Bioscience 1

Third Trimester

401005Human Relationships and Life Transitions
401007Approaches to Professional Nursing Practice

Year 2 units

Fourth Trimester

401004Professional Practice Experience 2
401006Bioscience 2

Fifth Trimester

401206Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
401208Research for Nursing and Midwifery

Sixth Trimester

401008Professional Practice Experience 3
401207Health Variations 1 - Perioperative

Year 3 units

Seventh Trimester

401013Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing 1
401209Health Variations 2 - Chronic Illness and Disability

Eighth Trimester

401012Professional Practice Experience 4
401210Health Variations 3 - Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Conditions

Ninth Trimester

401017Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing 2
401211Health Variations 4 - Acute Life Threatening Conditions

Year 4 units

Tenth Trimester

401016Professional Practice Experience 5
401212Health Variations 5 - Palliative and End of Life Care

Eleventh Trimester

401213Clinical Leadership and Professional Relationships
401021Being a Professional Nurse or Midwife

Twelfth Trimester

401020Professional Practice Experience 6

And one elective

Elective Unit

The elective unit in the Bachelor of Nursing may be chosen from across the University, provided that unit pre-requisites are met, space is available and students are able to meet all scheduled activities without compromising any nursing unit requirements.

The following are elective units in the Nursing discipline area which are not listed elsewhere in the Handbook. Some of these units are open to students from across the University provided that prerequisites are met and space is available.

400958A Field Study: Comparative Studies of Health Care Delivery
401242An Introduction to Contemporary Aboriginal Australia
400621Bugs and Drugs
401196Contemporary Issues in Child and Adolescent Health
400961Drugs on Line
401237Maternal and Infant Health Care
401240Risk Mitigation and Ethics for Australian Health Professionals

Professional Practice Experience

The Professional Practice Experience is the foundation for student learning in the course. It consists of two major learning contexts for students: professional practice and simulation. Professional practice in the health care sector may take place in any level of the health service appropriate to the focus for the specific Professional Practice Experience unit, for example aged care facilities, hospitals, General Practitioner practices, community health teams. This environment is essential for providing students complexity of the nursing experience, the ability to apply learning in situations involving ill persons, and socialises students into the work domain.

Simulation is a teaching and learning strategy where aspects of the professional practice environment, such as a hospital ward or patient, are artificially created on campus to enable students to learn in a safe, non-threatening environment. Clinical Practice Units, simulated professional practice environments, will be used to allow students to undertake learning activities related to all core nursing skills such as administering medications and monitoring a patient’s condition. The School has a wide range of simulation equipment and dedicated high fidelity simulation rooms on each campus.

The percentage of time spent by students in each context will vary depending on the stage of the student in the course, the theoretical knowledge already acquired and the stage of competency development. For example at the beginning of the course more hours will be spent in the simulation context than in the health care sector. As the course progresses there is a scaling up of hours spent in the health care sector with fewer hours being spent in the simulation context. In the final session of third year a significant proportion of knowledge and skills consolidation will occur primarily in a clinical practice environment.



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