Nurse Practitioner
Sydney Nursing School offers the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) course.
Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) GC059
Course overview
The course consists of eight, six credit point theoretical units of study:
- NURS5012 Assessment and Clinical Judgement
- NURS5076 Pathophysiological Phenomena in Nursing
- NURS5071 Strengthening Nursing Leadership
- NURS5088 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
- NURS5089 Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- NURS5069 Research in Nursing and Health Care
- NURS5077 Quality Use of Medicines in Practice
and one of the following specialty electives:
- NURS5061 Expanding Clinical Nursing Practice
- NURS5072 Expanding Cancer and Haematology Practice
- NURS5074 Expanding Practice in the ICU and ED
- NURS5075 Expanding Practice in Mental Health
Additionally, in the second year of study, students will undertake two 12 credit point practice-based units of study – NURS5079 Capstone (Professional Practice) and NURS5087 Developing Nurse Practitioner Capability, which collectively include 300 advanced clinical practice hours. Please refer to the unit of study table related to this program.
Workload
Students generally undertake three units of study per semester full time. Students studying part time will undertake two units of study per semester. In the final year students will undertake two 12 credit point units of study. All units are offered in intensive on-campus mode with students required to attend study days and undertake e-learning and independent study. Assessment consists of written assignments, clinical assessments and examinations.
Unit of study table
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) |
|||
| Students in the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) are required to complete 72 credit points. This includes 54 credit points of core units of study, a 6 credit point elective, and a 12 credit point capstone, as follows: | |||
Year 1, Semester 1 |
|||
| NURS5012 Assessment and Clinical Judgement |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| NURS5076 Pathophysiological Phenomena in Nursing |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| and one (1) of the following electives: | |||
| NURS5061 Expanding Clinical Nursing Practice |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| NURS5072 Expanding Cancer & Haematology Practice |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| NURS5074 Expanding Practice in the ICU and ED |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| NURS5075 Expanding Practice in Mental Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
Year 1, Semester 2 |
|||
| NURS5071 Strengthening Nursing Leadership |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| NURS5088 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice |
6 | P NURS5076 |
Semester 2 |
| NURS5089 Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning |
6 | P NURS5012 |
Semester 2 |
Year 2, Semester 1 |
|||
| NURS5069 Research in Nursing and Health Care |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| NURS5087 Developing Nurse Practitioner Capability |
12 | Semester 1 |
|
| which includes 150 hours of advanced clinical practice | |||
Year 2, Semester 2 |
|||
| NURS5077 Quality Use of Medicines in Practice |
6 | P NURS5088 |
Semester 2 |
| NURS5079 Capstone (Professional Practice) |
12 | P NURS5087 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| which includes 150 hours of advanced clinical practice | |||
Unit of study descriptions
NURS5012 Assessment and Clinical Judgement
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: 1x clinical assessment (20%) and 1x essay 2000wd (35%) and concept map, 1000wd report (45%) Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
The ability to undertake a focused and comprehensive patient assessment is fundamental to nursing practice. Undertaking patient assessment allows nurses to gather the requisite information to make sound clinical judgements thus this unit of study places an emphasis on the systematic collection of reliable and valid assessment data. This unit of study examines the knowledge, capabilities and clinical skills required to undertake comprehensive health assessment inclusive of physical and mental health status in complex clinical situations. Underpinning any patient assessment is a detailed understanding of normal physiological processes and the ways in which illness and injury alters these processes. In this unit of study students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to synthesise concepts of altered physiology and patient assessment with the implementation and evaluation of appropriate management strategies.
NURS5061 Expanding Clinical Nursing Practice
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: 1x 2000wd essay (40%) and 1x learning contract (60%) Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
Nurses working in senior clinical positions assist in providing care to groups of patients and their families, both directly and indirectly. In doing so nurses must incorporate individual need with the requirements of the department/unit, hospital and area health service. The provision of coordinated patient care is supported by organisational structures at the hospital and area health service level, which are guided by the NSW Department of Health. Nursing practice is also informed by relevant nursing professional bodies and associations.
The aim of this unit of study is to explore local, state, national and international social and political issues that impact on clinical nursing practice in Australia. Within this context issues examined will include concepts such as the development of the specialist nurse, advanced nursing practice and the advanced practice nurse, case management theory, scope of practice, professional guidelines for nursing practice, models of care, service provision and workforce issues that impact on practitioner practice. In this unit, students will explore ways in which government and professional bodies provide information, which supports decision-making regarding the provision of patient care. Additionally, as part of expanding the individual nurse's repertoire, students will be encouraged to broaden their specialty knowledge and nursing practice and will have the opportunity to further develop specialist knowledge and/ or practice related to a specific practice topic.
The aim of this unit of study is to explore local, state, national and international social and political issues that impact on clinical nursing practice in Australia. Within this context issues examined will include concepts such as the development of the specialist nurse, advanced nursing practice and the advanced practice nurse, case management theory, scope of practice, professional guidelines for nursing practice, models of care, service provision and workforce issues that impact on practitioner practice. In this unit, students will explore ways in which government and professional bodies provide information, which supports decision-making regarding the provision of patient care. Additionally, as part of expanding the individual nurse's repertoire, students will be encouraged to broaden their specialty knowledge and nursing practice and will have the opportunity to further develop specialist knowledge and/ or practice related to a specific practice topic.
NURS5069 Research in Nursing and Health Care
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: 2 x online activities (20%) and 2x assignments (80%) Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit of study will examine and critique established and emerging ways of researching nursing and health care through discussion of the philosophical and theoretical origins of the research traditions and knowledge generation in nursing research. Conceptualisation of research questions, selection of research designs, governance of research and research utilisation in the clinical setting will be explored. Opportunities will be provided to engage in the research process with reference to clinically related situations.
NURS5071 Strengthening Nursing Leadership
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Assessment: 3000wd essay (50%) and assignment 1500wd (30%) and 1200wd reflection (20%) Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
The need for leadership across all clinical disciplines has been shown to be integral to safe practice and strong staff morale. Providing a clear and unambiguous framework for practice and fostering skills in moral stewardship are known to enable personal growth and strong clinical care. This unit explores a range of issues for clinicians including their legal and ethical obligations, concepts of accountability and collegiality, and strategies to increase resilience and emotional intelligence. It aims to equip nurses to take initiative, create supportive and sustaining clinical environments, have the courage of their convictions, and to celebrate curiosity.
NURS5072 Expanding Cancer & Haematology Practice
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: 2000wd essay (40%) and 1xl earning contract (60%) Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
Nurses working in senior clinical positions assist in providing care to groups of patients and their families, both directly and indirectly. In doing so nurses must incorporate individual need with the requirements of the department/unit, hospital and area health service. The provision of coordinated patient care is supported by organisational structures at the hospital and area health service level, which are guided by the NSW Department of Health. Nursing practice is also informed by relevant nursing professional bodies and associations. The aim of this unit of study is to explore local, state, national and international social and political issues that impact on cancer and haematology nursing practice in Australia. Within this context issues examined will include concepts such as the development of the specialist nurse, advanced nursing practice and the advanced practice nurse, case management theory, scope of practice, professional guidelines for nursing practice, models of care, service provision and workforce issues that impact on practitioner practice. In this unit, students will explore ways in which government and professional bodies provide information, which supports decision-making regarding the provision of patient care. Additionally, as part of expanding the individual nurse's repertoire, students will be encouraged to broaden their specialty knowledge and nursing practice and will have the opportunity to further develop specialist knowledge and/ or practice related to a specific practice topic.
NURS5074 Expanding Practice in the ICU and ED
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: 1x 2000wd essay (40%) and 1x learning contract (60%) Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
Nurses working in leadership positions within emergency departments and intensive care units provide care to groups of patients and their families. In doing so nurses must incorporate individual need with the requirements of the department/unit, hospital and area health service. The provision of coordinated care to critically ill and/or injured patients is supported by organisational structures at the hospital and area health service level, which are guided by NSW Department of Health Intensive Care and Emergency Department Planning services.
Professional bodies such as the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN) and the College of Emergency Nurses Australasia (CENA) also inform practice. In this unit of study students will explore ways in which government and professional bodies provide information that supports decision-making regarding the provision of care to critically ill and injured patients. Additionally, students will be encouraged to expand their clinical and theoretical repertoire by developing an in-depth understanding of a specific practice issue in intensive care and/or emergency nursing practice.
Professional bodies such as the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN) and the College of Emergency Nurses Australasia (CENA) also inform practice. In this unit of study students will explore ways in which government and professional bodies provide information that supports decision-making regarding the provision of care to critically ill and injured patients. Additionally, students will be encouraged to expand their clinical and theoretical repertoire by developing an in-depth understanding of a specific practice issue in intensive care and/or emergency nursing practice.
NURS5075 Expanding Practice in Mental Health
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: 1x assignment (30%) and 1x workplace assessment (20%) and 3000wd essay (50%) Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit of study is designed to extend students' ability to engage in advanced mental health nursing practice. Theoretical and philosophical approaches to a range of therapeutic strategies will be examined, and the nature of effective and ineffective interpersonal relationships critically explored. Through application of evidence-based knowledge, students will explore individual, family, and group therapeutic strategies, including psycho-education, relaxation strategies, group training, stress management, problem-solving skills, and social skills training. Students will be provided with structured learning experiences to extend their practice in these areas. This unit is intended to provide specialist knowledge and skills in a range of key psychosocial approaches used in mental healthcare.
NURS5076 Pathophysiological Phenomena in Nursing
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: 1x case study analysis (50%) and 1x assignment (50%) Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit of study focuses on pathophysiological concepts and processes related human responses to disease and illness. Using a conceptual approach, students will be provided with the opportunity to apply research findings to gain a deeper understanding of patient assessment findings. The conceptual approach assists students to focus on clinical problems encountered across common disease categories and populations, become more systematic in making observations about events or conditions that influence patient signs and symptoms and formalise questions that serve as the basis for further investigation. The application of these processes and concepts provides a knowledge base for registered nurses to improve clinical judgments and decision-making in the management of patients with complex changes in health status.
NURS5077 Quality Use of Medicines in Practice
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Prerequisites: NURS5088 Assessment: online modules and case study activities (50%) and 1x assignment (50%) and satisfactory clinical performance Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
With reference to one of the central objectives of Australia's National Medicines Policy, the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM), students will focus on developing skills related to selecting management options wisely considering the risk and benefit to the consumer, choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary and using medicines safely and effectively. Students will explore the regulatory framework associated with medication management and focus on clinical pharmacological therapies relevant to their specialist area of practice as an advanced practitioner.
NURS5079 Capstone (Professional Practice)
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: NURS5087 Assessment: 1x learning contract (40%) and 1x portfolio (60%) and satisfactory clinical performance Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit of study will assist students to extend their development of advanced and extended nursing practice within their specialty. The unit will provide a framework within which students will bring together the various treads of managing patients/ clients as a future nurse practitioner and assist students develop a professional portfolio demonstrating their capability to practice against the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (2006) Competency Standards for the Nurse Practitioner. The unit of study will explore selected current clinical and professionally related topics including: clinical judgment and decision making, risk benefit and risk management, judicious referrals, interdisciplinary practice, health promotion and counselling skills as well as ethical and legal considerations of practice as a future Nurse Practitioner. Students will undertake a period of partnered clinical practice with an approved clinical supervisor (senior clinician) whose work relates to the student's clinical focus, to enhance clinical skills and practice by incorporating the work undertaken during the award and extend to include guided reflection on their observation and understanding of their advanced practice role.
NURS5087 Developing Nurse Practitioner Capability
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: 1xpresentation (25%) and 1xwritten report (25%) and 1xlearning contract (50%) and satisfactory clinical performance Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit of study will assist students to extend their specialty-focussed development of advanced and extended nursing practice. The unit provides direction and mentorship in assisting students develop their knowledge and skills in relation to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (2006) Competency Standards for the Nurse Practitioner and which will therefore be suitable for demonstrating their capability to practice as a Nurse Practitioner. Selected current clinical and professionally related topics including: clinical judgment and decision making in advanced practice, risk benefit and risk management, judicious referrals, interdisciplinary practice, health promotion and counselling skills and the ethical and legal considerations of practice as a future Nurse Practitioner will be explored both within the classroom and during a specified period of partnered clinical practice with an approved clinical supervisor (senior clinician whose work relates to the student's clinical focus).
NURS5088 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Prerequisites: NURS5076 Assessment: 1x assignment (15%) and 1x case study (10%) and medication review (25%) and 1x 2hr exam (50%) Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit of study aims to empower the advanced practice nurse through an in depth understanding of medications in relation to their origin, chemical structure, preparation, administration, their actions on physiological and pathophysiological processes and their metabolism and excretion.
NURS5089 Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Prerequisites: NURS5012 Assessment: 1x clinical assessment (60%) and 1x 1hr exam (40%) and satisfactory clinical performance Campus: Mallett Street Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
Diagnostic reasoning is the hallmark of an expert Nurse Practitioner. The ability to gather and judge the value of perceptual and clinical information to inform choices and provide benefit to patients with minimal risk of harm is at the heart of advanced practice nursing. Nurse Practitioners are required to make effective practice decisions and use informed judgment, frequently in the context of uncertainty and for patients with complex health problems. Viewed from both the concept of information processing (Information Processing Model) and skilled know-how (Hermeneutical Model), this unit focuses on the examination of health-assessment techniques and the processes of clinical judgement to develop diagnostic reasoning behaviours.
Degree resolutions
Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the University policy on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
|
Code |
Course title |
|---|---|
|
GC067 |
Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) |
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
4 Admission to candidature
(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants in the order in which complete applications are received, according to the following admission criteria.
(2)
Admission to this course requires applicants to be registered to practise nursing in an Australian state or territory and satisfy the English language proficiency requirements detailed in the faculty resolutions. In addition, applicants are required to nominate a Primary Clinical Supervisor for the purpose of undertaking clinical components of this course.
(a)
a pre-registration nursing degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification with a credit average; or
(b)
a graduate diploma with a credit average in a nursing discipline from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; and
(ii) another area, and be able to demonstrate advanced skills in the area of clinical practice relevant to the Nurse Practitioner application by portfolio and referee reports; and
(d)
a minimum of three years experience as a registered nurse, of which two years full time experience is in the area of practice relevant to the application and one of these years is at an advanced level.
(4)
Qualifications used as the basis of admission must have been completed less than ten years prior to application. Qualifications older than ten years will be considered subject to the applicant providing further information substantiating appropriate continuing education and development. In these cases, admission will be at the discretion of the Dean.
5 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in the Units of Study table for the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner).
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) a candidate must complete 72 credit points, including:
(3)
Candidates are required to attend clinical simulation and fieldwork as prescribed. Where appropriate, the faculty may require individual candidates to undertake further or remedial theoretical, clinical or practical study in addition to the above requirements.
6 Time limits
0.
A candidate must complete all the requirements for the course within seven and a half calendar years of first enrolment, including periods of suspension.
7 Transitional provisions
(1)
These resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2011 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2011 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2011 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed by 1 January, 2016. The faculty may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.