Course Title: Clinical Practice 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Clinical Practice 1

Credit Points: 12.00

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
OHTH2144	Bundoora Campus	Postgraduate	150H Health Sciences	Internet	Sem 2 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 2 2010, Sem 1 2011

Course Coordinator: Jennifer James

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6650

Course Coordinator Email: jennifer.james@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 201.6.04

Course Coordinator Availability: Mon - Fri by email or by appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

• Have recent experience working with breastfeeding mothers and babies and hold a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent from an approved higher education institution or;
• have recent experience working with breastfeeding mothers and babies and be a Registered Nurse or Midwife or be eligible for registration in Division 1 of the Register and/ or;
• be an Australian Breastfeeding Association or Le Leche League Counsellor with at least 3 years experience
• Prospective students will be required to submit a written application describing professional experience and why you wish to undertake this program. Two references should also be submitted for consideration.

Course Description

Clinical Practice 1 enables the transitioning of theory to basic clinical practice in a way that increases your skills and responsibilities in a planned, sequenced manner. The theoretically based Courses draw on a wide variety of research and discipline specific knowledge which is consolidated during supervised clinical practice experiences and by participating in online activities. 
You will be required to undertake up to 150 hours of clinical practicum depending on yourbackground/ experience. This can be organised in various ways and is open to negotiation between yourself, the Course coordinator and the clinical placement. IBCLC Supervisors will provide organised supervision for students and contribute to evaluation of your performance in each clinical Course. Clinical learning will be supported by online activities during the semester which combine theoretical input and structured opportunities for learning.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The graduate capabilities associated with the learning outcomes of this course are:
• Provides comprehensive, safe, effective and evidence based care to achieve identified outcomes
• Practices within the boundaries of IBCLC lactation consultant

On completion of the program, the graduate will be expected to able to:

• Apply current research-based knowledge to lactation consultant practice;
• Demonstrate clinical competency in the range of clinical placement settings in order to meet IBLCE requirements;
• Reflect attitudes which are congruent with the philosophy of valuing women and their families, keeping the woman and her infant(s) as the focus of care;
• Affirm creativity through a commitment to professional life-long learning and intellectual curiosity;
• Extend leadership and scholarship skills in the area of lactation consultancy;
• Demonstrate creativity in the approach to all facets of lactation consultancy practice and scholarship;
• Describe a vision for the enhancement of mother-baby centred care and the advancement of the profession of lactation consultancy;
• Enhance your employability through the demonstration of a high level of competency in lactation consultancy, research, scholarship, leadership and management.

Overview of Learning Activities

This Course uses field based learning and is complemented by online clinically focussed activities. Learning strategies will include structured feedback, supervised clinical observation, journal reporting and analysing observations. Participation in community based educational and support strategies used to promote and support breastfeeding will also be required.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will undertake your clinical practice under the supervision of an experienced IBCLC lactation consultant who will act as your mentor on placement. A variety of practice settings will be negotiated and include antenatal clinics, postnatal settings, antenatal education classes, neonatal nurseries, breastfeeding day stay clinics, private practice settings and community based pregnancy care. The course is supported by information, learning activities and resources on the online MyRMIT.

Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve the learning outcomes, you need to be able to demonstrate appropriate professional judgments and knowledge in relation to the learning objectives.
Assessment will consist of: 
Ongoing development of your clinical practice record book and supervisor assessment in the clinical setting

Reflective practice journal

Case study of the very young breastfed baby.

Multiple choice exam online