Professional Orientation (Nursing) (11856.1)

Required texts

Recommended Texts/Resources

Fedoruk, M. & Hofmeyer, A. (2014). Becoming a nurse. (2nd ed.). Oxford Publishing 

Harrison, H., Birks, M. & Mills, J. (2021). Transition to nursing practice. Oxford Publishing.ISBN 9780190325695

All UC Nursing courses use APA 7th Edition for referencing. Please ensure you have access to support your assessment and workshop contributions.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association  ISBN: 9781433832161 

• All UC Nursing courses use APA the Edition for referencing and writing styles.
• Students may choose to purchase this text or access a copy from the library to support their learning throughout the semester.
• The use of a referencing text is beneficial and can be used throughout your degree.
• The UC Library also has a referencing guide that can be found here: https://canberra.libguides.com/c.php?g=599301&p=4148716

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

All assessment items will be submitted online via the Canvas teaching site, unless specifically instructed by the unit convenor. 

The first page of each assessment item should include the following information:

• Student ID number
• Assessment Name
• Word Count

Student's names are not to be included on any assessment tasks/submissions. Only Student ID numbers should be included (as per the Assessment Policy and Assessment Procedures).

Assessment items must be submitted to the assignment area in the unit's UCLearn site, relating to that piece of assessment. It is the student's responsibility to upload the correct and corresponding draft or assessment item, to the right submission section.

Students are strongly encouraged to submit their assessment during business hours to ensure access to Student Support Services including IT Service Desk and the Library. It is important to note that personal network/computer/technical problems are generally not considered acceptable grounds or reasons for an extension to the due date. Students who are experiencing difficulty uploading a submission are strongly encouraged to take a screenshot of any error messages, including the date and time, and contact Service Desk for technical support.

Students must submit their own original work that has not been previously submitted for assessment at the University of Canberra. Self-plagiarism is grounds for referral for academic misconduct. In this context, the student is being assessed as an individual.

Students can apply for one (1)  extension, to the submission due date for an assessment item, if the student experiences extenuating circumstances and are able to provide documented evidence. Additional extensions will not be approved. If the student experiences ongoing extenuating circumstances the student is encouraged to meet with the unit convenor to discuss their enrolment in the unit.

Students must ensure that when applying for an extension to the due date their application meets the requirements as per the University of Canberra Assessment Procedures. This means that students must ensure that when applying for an extension all required components are submitted to the assessment extension application prior to the assessment due date. It is the student's individual responsibility to ensure that applications are completed in full and in a timely manner.

In the event that a student experiences significant extenuating circumstances, the unit convenor may seek guidance from the BN Convenor to support the student's progression and participation across enrolled units of study within the same teaching period. Please see the extension section of this unit outline and the dedicated page on the BN Canvas site for more information.

To pass this unit, students must:

• Submit all assessment items as instructed, and
• Attend 80% of scheduled workshops/tutorials, and

To pass this unit, students must:

• Submit all assessment items as instructed, and
• Attend 80% of scheduled workshops/tutorials, and 
• Achieve 50% overall.

Special assessment requirements

Information on extensions and special considerations for assessments can be found in the Assessment Policy and Assessment Procedures.

Students can apply for an extension to the submission due date for an assessment item through extenuating, evidenced circumstances (specific details are found in the Assessment Procedures). Extensions must be applied for before the due date. Documentary evidence (e.g., medical certificate) will be expected for an extension to be granted, however, this will not guarantee that the application will be successful. The Unit Convener or relevant Program Director/Course Convenor will decide whether to grant an extension and the length of the extension.

An Assignment Extension form is available from the Student Forms page.

Moderation

Moderation will be undertaken for assessment items to ensure that marking is fair and consistent. Moderation processes are in line with the Faculty of Health guidelines and the University Assessment Procedures

Late submissions

Late submissions will only be accepted for a limited period. Late submissions without an approved extension will result in a penalty of 5% reduced from the total available, per calendar day late. An assignment submitted over 7 days late will not be accepted for marking. Approval based on extenuating circumstances will be dependent upon production of supporting documentation and at the discretion of the unit convenor.

Illness

It is strongly advised that students do not submit an assessment or sit an exam if they are ill or hold a current medical certificate. No consideration will be given for illness when the assessment or examination is marked.

In the event students are ill they are strongly advised to apply for an extension to the due date of an assessment, as outlined on the unit canvas site, and/or contact their unit convenor to arrange a deferred exam, before the due date of the assessment/exam.

All students are encouraged to seek support from the student support services available at UC, to assist them in navigating their student journey and achieving success in their studies. Student support services available include the Wellbeing and Inclusion teams. 

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Learner engagement

In order to get the most out of your studies, it is strongly recommended that you plan your time commitments, actively engage in class discussions (online or face-to-face) and work with your peers as part of your study. The amount of time you will need to spend on study in this unit will depend on a number of factors including your prior knowledge, learning skill level, and learning style.

Please note that as per UC guidelines, for each 3 Credit Point unit of study students should expect to spend approximately 150 hours per teaching period on both directed and self-directed activities in order to engage meaningfully in the unit content and to develop assessments for learning.

All Bachelor of Nursing students are expected to undertake a minimum of five (5) hours per week per unit of directed/self-directed learning (SDL), related to content engagement, assessment preparation, clinical learning, or revision, in addition to their timetabled unit contact (i.e., lectures, workshops, tutorials).

In nursing where PEP is a requirement for professional registration, hours expected for engagement and to meet the unit requirements are necessarily adjusted and may fluctuate during the teaching period.

Inclusion and engagement

Inclusion and Engagement

Any student with a reasonable adjustment plan (RAP) is asked to contact inclusion@canberra.edu.au to discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be required for PEP.

Students within 364JA Bachelor of Nursing must ensure that they meet the Inherent Requirements relevant to the profession of nursing – it is each students responsibility to read and understand these UC Nursing Inherent Requirements statements. For support in meeting the inherent requirements, please make a time with Inclusion and your Course Convenor

Participation requirements

It is expected that students will participate in all learning opportunities in this unit. This is inclusive of all timetabled activities. Assessment items are linked to the unit learning outcomes, the NMBA Registered Nurse standards for practice and professional codes. Therefore, all students are required to attend and actively participate in all learning activities scheduled for this unit. Student can self-select their preferred classes via the Allocate+ system.

Students are expected to attend their allocated workshop/tutorial (and seminar in INC units). Failure to meet the attendance requirements of this unit will result in an NN grade. In the event that a student experiences extenuating circumstances impacting on their ability to attend their allocated workshop, the student must notify the unit convenor via the unit email and provide documentary evidence to support their absence. All students are reminded that it is an ANMAC requirement that students complete their studies onshore, in Australia. This applies to both domestic and international students. If you are scheduled to undertake a unit of study in the upcoming teaching period and are experiencing extenuating circumstances preventing you from remaining on shore, please contact the International Nursing Student Convenor or the Bachelor of Nursing Course Convenor to discuss your ongoing course progression.

Approved absences, supported by documentary evidence, will be determined at the discretion of the unit convenor. Where an approved absence is granted, the student will be required to attend a make-up session later in the semester. Students will be advised of the required makeup session via the unit canvas site.

The theoretical underpinning of caring science is fundamental to ensuring safe nursing practice. Completion of all learning modules, including directed and self-directed study, and active participation in workshops is expected. Participating in workshop discussions to clarify concepts and to develop confidence with professional communication and verbally expressing ideas can be helpful for students and also supports the learning of student peers (see NMBA RN standards for practice 2016 Standard 2 and related criterion https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Professional-standards/registered-nurse-standards-for-practice.aspx)

Costs

The following costs are expected with this unit:

• Textbooks
• Self printing of any electronic material provided
• Potential costs associated with remote learning activities and/or assessments  (e.g. reliable computer and internet connection).

Withdrawal

It is expected that all students will be available for the duration of the teaching period, inclusive of any scheduled PEP in INC units.  All students are encouraged to review the Important Dates for Applications and Enrolments for information on deadlines, including census dates.

During the week before the teaching period commences (O week), students are encouraged to speak with the relevant unit convenor/s to understand specific unit requirements in their chosen unit of study, including requirements specified in this unit outline.

Where a student self-identifies that they will not be available for the duration of the teaching period, and/or scheduled PEP, it is strongly encouraged that they consider withdrawing from the unit prior to the census date to avoid any financial and/or academic penalty. Where extenuating circumstances arise after the census date the student will be encouraged to speak with Student Centre regarding withdrawal from the unit and applying for the remission of fees and/or academic penalty.

It is expected that students who withdraw from a unit of study will contact the course convenor to discuss their overall course progression and study plan to support their continued progression in the course from health.student@canberra.edu.au to support their continued progression in the course.

Attendance

It is expected that students will participate in all learning opportunities in this unit. This is inclusive of all timetabled activities. Assessment items are linked to the unit learning outcomes, the NMBA Registered Nurse standards for practice and professional codes. Therefore, all students are required to attend and actively participate in all learning activities scheduled for this unit. Student can self-select their preferred classes via the Allocate+ system. All students are reminded that it is an ANMAC requirement that students complete their studies onshore, in Australia. This applies to both domestic and international students. If you are scheduled to undertake a unit of study in the upcoming teaching period and are experiencing extenuating circumstances preventing you from remaining on shore, please contact the International Nursing Student Convenor or the Bachelor of Nursing Course Convenor to discuss your ongoing course progression.

Students are expected to attend their allocated weekly workshop/tutorial (and seminar in INC units). It is the student's own responsibility to ensure they have read and understood the attendance requirements for this unit of study. Failure to meet the attendance requirements of this unit will result in a NN grade. In the event that a student experiences extenuating circumstances impacting on their ability to attend their allocated workshop the student must notify the unit convenor via the unit email and provide documentary evidence to support their absence.

Approved absences, opportunity to clarify learning and make-up requirements – All units

Approved absences, supported by documentary evidence, will be determined at the discretion of the unit convenor, in line with the information available on the individual unit Canvas site.

It is the responsibility of the individual student to seek clarification if they have questions related to the content missed. In the first instance students are expected to post their question on the available discussion boards and await a response from the teaching/convening team or their peers.

Ongoing points requiring clarification are to be addressed in the available drop-in and/or make-up sessions. Students are also afforded the opportunity to contact the convening team via the unit email address as required.

Approved absences are not considered grounds for appeal.

Non-clinical units

As stipulated in this unit outline students are required to attend 80% of the scheduled timetable activities for this unit.

Where an approved absence is granted, the student will be expected to:

• revise any content missed, inclusive of:
  • workshop/tutorial/seminar activities  
  • required readings
  • Canvas activities

AND

• attend available drop-in session/s scheduled in weeks 8 and/or week 12 or 13 in the semester.
  • Students will be advised of the available session/s via the unit Canvas site.

If students identify further clarification is required, it is expected that they will attend a drop-in session/s available within the individual unit. 

Required IT skills

Please note the materials required for this unit section. You will require computer skills to access the internet upload to the Canvas university site submissions in various formats. This unit may involve online meetings in real time using a virtual room. To participate verbally, rather than just typing, you will need a microphone. For best audio quality we recommend a microphone and speaker headset. For more information and to test your computer, please visit the UCLearn Student Help link.

Students undertaking units where there are assessment items conducted online are strongly encouraged to test their setup during the semester. Where support for troubleshooting technical issues is identified by students, students are encouraged to seek support from Service Desk.

In-unit costs

The following costs are expected with this unit:

• Textbooks
• Self printing of any electronic material provided
• Potential costs associated with remote learning activities and/or assessments  (e.g. reliable computer and internet connection).

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

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• Semester 1, 2023, Flexible, UC - Canberra, Bruce (215780)