Prior to 31 December 2015

To be read in conjunction with the requirements for the course in which you are enrolled:

The Clinical Nursing specialisation is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. 

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification and must be registered nurses and must hold a current practising certificate.

However, the Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

The Clinical Nursing specialisation will not lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of  Australia.

Course aims

The course aims to provide the opportunity for individuals from any professional background who are working in health related areas to deepen the knowledge base on which their practice is grounded. 

Learning outcomes

Graduates of this stream are expected to be able to:

  • demonstrate leadership skills in the area of advanced communication and nursing practice
  • apply skills in clinical reasoning and judgement, prioritisation and decision making
  • provide leadership and exert a positive influence on the health of the community and workplace
  • evaluate their own communication practice and leadership using reflective and critical thinking processes
  • influence and improve the nature and quality of practice through positive and effective communication
  • work independently in their nursing practice at the organisational unit level and in the area of clinical or community speciality
  • practise collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team in a culturally safe manner, valuing ethical behaviour and connecting across boundaries.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Health (Clinical Nursing), a student must complete 18 units as specified below with a grade of Pass or NGP or better in each topic.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion or in 9 units or more, or failure to complete the course within two consecutive years may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University''s Policy on Student Progress.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

  • no topic may be attempted more than twice
  • the program must be completed in four consecutive semesters
  • a student may not include a topic which repeats work previously undertaken.

Core topics

9 units comprising

 NURS9709  Advanced Nursing Assessment  (4.5 units)
 NURS9711  Advanced Communication  (4.5 units)

Elective topics

plus 9 units of electives from the following topics:

 NURS8701  Continence Across the Human Life Span  (9 units)
 NURS9518  Independent Study  (4.5 units)
 NURS9707  Policy and Political Context of Health and Ageing  (4.5 units)
 NURS9708  Social Context of Health and Ageing  (4.5 units)
 NURS9710  The 3 Ds Dementia, Delirium and Depression  (4.5 units)
 
Not all elective topics will be available in any given year or semester. 

Students may, in consultation with the Course Coordinator, select other postgraduate topics offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences as electives.