Availabilities:

2024 unit offering information will be available in November 2023

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

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

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:
1articulate an advanced and integrated understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of health breakdown in a chosen body system
2analyse clinical diagnostic and laboratory results to direct care for the patient in the chronic care setting
3apply 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
4demonstrate effective nursing skills and critical reflective ability within a range of chronic conditions

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

  1. articulate an advanced and integrated understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of health breakdown in a chosen body system
  2. analyse clinical diagnostic and laboratory results to direct care for the patient in the chronic care setting
  3. 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
  4. demonstrate effective nursing skills and critical reflective ability within a range of chronic conditions

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

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

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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