Unit of Study NURS5011 Chronic Health and Disability Across the Lifespan (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

PG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Health
Placement

Yes

Pre-requisites

NURS5010 - Introduction to Clinical Practice AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology

Enrolment information

Students who enrol in this unit in Term 2 will undertake placement hours during Terms 2 and 3. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.

Unit description

Examines the concepts of chronic health and illness, building upon prior learning in anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. Students will develop an understanding of the impact of chronic illness and disability on individuals and carers, and apply strategies to promote wellness and independence. Students will use clinical data, including laboratory and radiology findings, to make appropriate clinical decisions. A three-week (120hrs) placement experience will be completed as part of this unit.

Unit content

Introduction to Chronic Illness Across the Lifespan
Common Chronic Illnesses I: Renal and Reproductive
Common Chronic Illnesses II: Respiratory and Cardiovascular
Common Chronic Illnesses III: Neurological, Integumentary and Musculoskeletal
Common Chronic Illnesses IV: Endocrine and Gastrointestinal
Mental Health as a Co-Morbidity, Drug and Alcohol

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
Coffs Harbour	Term2	Term2
Gold Coast	Term2	Term2
Lismore	Term2	Term2

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

articulate an advanced and integrated understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of health breakdown in a chosen body system

analyse clinical diagnostic and laboratory results to direct care for the patient in the chronic care setting

apply the principles of evidence-based nursing care to devise strategies and interventions to promote independence, wellbeing and quality of life for individuals with chronic illness, and their carers

demonstrate effective nursing skills and critical reflective ability within a range of chronic conditions

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Tutorial 6 hours (Across the term)

Laboratory 16 hours (Across the term)

Placement 120 hours (Various)

Assessment
Placement	SR
Clinical skills	50%
Infographic	50%

Teaching method

Tutorial 6 hours (Across the term)

Laboratory 16 hours (Across the term)

Placement 120 hours (Various)

Assessment
Placement	SR
Clinical skills	50%
Infographic	50%

Teaching method

Tutorial 6 hours (Across the term)

Laboratory 16 hours (Across the term)

Placement 120 hours (Various)

Assessment
Placement	SR
Clinical skills	50%
Infographic	50%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees.

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