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Unit outline_

NURS6031: Leadership and Collaborative Practice

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Mallett Street, Sydney

Nursing practice involves complex and demanding work, influenced by large bureaucracies and challenging healthcare environments in a constant state of flux. Nurses can empower their practice and thrive in the workplace as health professionals and leaders, by developing the key strategy of resilience. This unit of study is framed by the construct of 'health professional resilience', characterised by the capacity to withstand the negative effects and significant change enhanced by individual and environmental protective factors and research-informed decision making. The unit is designed to: 1) assist students to prepare for transition into the nursing workforce and therefore inform their management of future transitions and changes throughout their nursing career, and 2) to understand and respond to internal and external influences on current practice and professional issues, particularly those relevant to leadership development. Following an introduction to resources to inform leadership decisions, the unit examines key elements of the regulation of health care professionals, using nursing as the example. These elements include registration components, professional-ethical standards, professional competence and practice evaluation. The unit also addresses key characteristics of resilience in the healthcare workplace, with a focus on emotional intelligence required by nurses to take a leadership role in coordination of nursing and health care, and to develop effective clinical nurse-patient, intra-professional and interdisciplinary relationships.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Narelle Story, narelle.story@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Narelle Story, narelle.story@sydney.edu.au
Jillian Davey, jillian.davey@sydney.edu.au
Elle Elan, elle.elan@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation hurdle task group assignment Debate
Group work - oral presentation
15% - 15 mins team debate
Outcomes assessed: LO4
Assignment hurdle task group assignment Debate Summary
Written
0% Multiple weeks 1 page written summary of arguments
Outcomes assessed: LO4
Assignment Essay
Essay
45% Week 10
Due date: 10 May 2020 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5
Assignment Transition to practice
A. Resume, B. Application, C. Reflection
40% Week 13
Due date: 31 May 2020 at 23:59
A. 2 pages, B. 2 pages, C. 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Debate: Students will form debating teams of three. Each team will randomly select a topic and argument i.e. argue for the affirmative (who argue in favour of the topic) or negative case (who argue against it).  A one page summary of your team arguments will be submitted prior to the debate.  Debates are performed in usual tutorial classes in either week 4 or week 6.
  • Essay: 2000 words
  • Transition to practice: This involves 3 parts. Part A is your resume. Part B requires students to address the selection criteria for new graduate positions in NSW Health.  Part C requires students to write a critical reflection of an incident/situation from any clinical experience(s) where they felt unprepared or especially challenged. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Exceptional standard of submitted work and in class presentations with all learning outcomes met.

Distinction

75 - 84

Very high standard of work submitted and presented in class indicating all learning outcomes were met

Credit

65 - 74

Good standard of work sumitted and presented in class indicating all learning outcomes were met.

Pass

50 - 64

An acceptable standard of work was submitted and presented in class indicating that all learnign outcomes were met.

Fail

0 - 49

Learnign outcomes were not met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Where an assignment is submitted late without an approved extension, a late penalty will apply. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero marks will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Unit of Study overview and leadership theoretical perspectives Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 02 Leadership theories to health care/nursing Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4
1. Leadership theories discussion; 2. Sign up for debate groups: 3. Team collaboration activity; 4. Debate resources and expectations; 5. Group 1 debate topics Tutorial (2 hr) LO4
Week 03 Health, conduct and performance Lecture (2 hr) LO3
1. Team roles and follower roles; 2. Debate adjudication and preparation Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 04 Law and ethics Lecture (2 hr) LO3
1. Debate group 1 teams 2. Group 2 teams receive topics 3. Whole tutorial adjudicates Tutorial (2 hr) LO4
Week 05 Your rights and responsibilities Lecture (2 hr) LO3
Application of laws, codes, standards, and regulations to actual cases Tutorial (2 hr) LO3
Week 06 Clinical leadership Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Group 2 teams debate and whole of tutorial adjudicate Tutorial (2 hr) LO4
Week 11 Selection criteria, resume, interview techniques Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Application of quality and safety to leadership; 2. Self-care and resilience; 3. Volunteer for interview Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 12 Mock panel interviews Lecture (2 hr) LO2
Café-style mock interviews Tutorial (3 hr) LO2
Week 13 Face to face/online meetings for feedback and guidance Independent study (4 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

  • Referencing guide: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 6th Edition, 2010 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.
  • Attendance: The Sydney Nursing School Resolutions specifically outline attendance requirements. Resolution 7.2 states that if students are absent without leave for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, the Dean may call upon them to show cause why they should not be deemed to have failed that unit of study. It is expected that all students participate and fully engage in the content of this unit of study by attending lectures and tutorials, being prepared for tutorials, contributing to discussions in class
    and online, completing online quizzes, and providing and receiving feedback in a respectful and dignified manner.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. identify the conceptual and functional dynamics of transition and change in nursing practice, including organisational and personal contexts influencing transition experiences
  • LO2. recognise and be aware of a range of personal strategies, research and organisational resources to promote development of resilience and support transition experiences in nursing practice
  • LO3. demonstrate knowledge of: the principal ethico-legal and professional codes/frameworks organising and regulating nurses; their rights and responsibilities under these frameworks; and how these frameworks ensure the provision of safe, high quality health care
  • LO4. articulate critical understanding of key attributes of clinical leadership within nursing and how they might be developed and demonstrated
  • LO5. appreciate and communicate how emotional intelligence can contribute to nursing leadership, particularly in the domain of interpersonal communication within professional contexts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
LO2
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
2.1. Establishes, sustains and concludes relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships
3.1. Considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and well being of self and others in relation to the capability for practice
3.5. Seeks and responds to practice review and feedback
3.6. Actively engages with the profession
LO3
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
3.4. Accepts accountability for decisions, actions, behaviours and responsibilities inherent in their role, and for the actions of others to whom they have delegated responsibilities
6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
6.3. Appropriately delegates aspects of practice to enrolled nurses and others, according to enrolled nurse’s scope of practice or others’ clinical or nonclinical roles
6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
6.6. Uses the appropriate processes to identify and report potential and actual risk related system issues and where practice may be below the expected standards
LO4
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
2.3. Recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life
2.5. Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity
2.6. Uses delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes
2.8. Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
3.1. Considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and well being of self and others in relation to the capability for practice
3.4. Accepts accountability for decisions, actions, behaviours and responsibilities inherent in their role, and for the actions of others to whom they have delegated responsibilities
3.5. Seeks and responds to practice review and feedback
3.6. Actively engages with the profession
3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
6.6. Uses the appropriate processes to identify and report potential and actual risk related system issues and where practice may be below the expected standards
LO5
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.2 A Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3 A Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
1.4 A Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
1.5 A Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
2.1 A Establishes, sustains and concludes relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships
2.2 A Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
2.8 A Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
3.4 A Accepts accountability for decisions, actions, behaviours and responsibilities inherent in their role, and for the actions of others to whom they have delegated responsibilities
3.5 A Seeks and responds to practice review and feedback
3.6 A Actively engages with the profession
3.7 A Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
6.5 A Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Assessments require observations of and access to nurse clinicians during a clinical placement.  Reflections are based on clinical placements:

You need to have completed at least one clinical placement experience, and perferably more than one clinical placement.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

Leadership interviews are not to be conducted outside of the clinical area for example, in public areas or private homes.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.