Course Title: Apply communication skills in nursing practice
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: NURS5411C
Course Title: Apply communication skills in nursing practice
School: 535T Social Care and Health
Campus: Bundoora Campus
Program: C5417 - Diploma of Nursing
Course Contact: Suzie Cicero
Course Contact Phone: 03 9925-1812
Course Contact Email: suzie.cicero@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Program coordinators:
Pink Garg pink.garg@rmit.edu.au
Prem Kaur prem.kaur@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Nil
Course Description
In this course, you will learn the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with people, families and carers, and with other healthcare professionals, in healthcare settings.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
HLTENN036 Apply communication skills in nursing practice |
Element: |
1. Use effective communication strategies. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1. Apply principles of effective communication to facilitate communications. 1.2. Maximise opportunities to involve the person, families and carers in care and treatment. 1.3. Clarify roles and responsibilities of the multidisciplinary health care team for effective communicating situations, including clarifying own role as an enrolled nurse. 1.4. Apply respectful and empathetic communication techniques. 1.5. Use contemporary health terminology in written and verbal communications. |
Element: |
2. Identify and address constraints to effective communication. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1. Implement strategies within scope of practice to address communication situations in accordance with organisational policies and procedures. 2.2. Identify and address the need for advocacy for the person, families and carers in care. |
Element: |
3. Use information technology to support communication in nursing practice. |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1. Use information technology to prepare, document and communicate nursing patient clinical records and reports to the multidisciplinary health care team. 3.2. Comply with organisational policies and procedures for electronic communication. 3.3. Apply organisational policies and procedures to access data for the purpose of nursing care within scope of practice. 3.4. Apply ethical and legal regulatory requirements for electronic practices. 3.5. Apply Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) social media guidelines to own practice. 3.6. Provide information in accordance with organisational policies and procedures to enable informed decision making. |
Element: |
4. Lead small group discussions. |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1. Monitor and respond to changing group dynamics. 4.2. Clarify purpose of group meetings and manage discussion to achieve identified objectives. 4.3. Implement meeting procedures appropriate to meeting purpose. 4.4. Clarify participant roles and use communication strategies to support their effective contribution to discussion. |
Element: |
5. Give and receive feedback for performance improvement. |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1. Apply communication strategies that deliver constructive outcomes in giving and receiving feedback. 5.2. Use language in a respectful manner to give and receive feedback. 5.3. Use constructive feedback to improve own professional performance. |
Element: |
6. Evaluate effectiveness of communication. |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1. Participate in debriefing sessions following communication of situations. 6.2. Evaluate, document and report outcomes of applied communication strategies. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is designed to be delivered in a using Flipped learning methodology. Blended Learning involves learning through various modes, for example, online learning and learning in a classroom and clinical labs.The Blended Learning approach for this unit includes:
- Online learning - provide you with formative feedback and facilitate your learning as you progress through your course
- Classroom teaching - introducing you to key concepts within the courseLabs - provide practice and simulation
- Clinical experience - provides you with practical experience in a nursing health care environment
- Self directed learning - such as reading to expand your knowledge and understanding of information delivered
All learning activities you will undertake within the course are designed to provide you with the practical skills, knowledge and attitudes required to perform to the standard expected in the health industry.
Flipped learning
The classes for this course will be conducted using the Flipped Learning approach. This innovative teaching method aims to create a more interactive and engaging learning experience by reversing the traditional classroom model.
What is Flipped Learning?
In a flipped classroom, students will review instructional content, such as lecture videos, reading materials, or online resources, before the class. During the classroom sessions, the focus will shift to active learning, where you will engage in discussions, group work, problem-solving activities, and hands-on projects with your instructor's guidance.
How will this affect your studies?
- Before Class: You will be required to review course materials (videos, readings, etc.) provided by your instructors. These resources will help you gain the foundational knowledge needed for the class.
- During Class: Classroom time will be used for deeper learning, collaboration, and practical application of the concepts you’ve studied. Active participation will be key.
- After Class: You will continue to reinforce your learning with assignments, self-assessment tools, and further practice.
What is expected of you?
- Stay on top of the pre-class content.
- Come prepared to engage in discussions and activities.
- Take an active role in your learning process by asking questions and collaborating with peers.
This approach is designed to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Teaching Schedule
Course Outline
Training Product Details | |||
Course Code |
HLT54121 |
Course Title |
Diploma of Nursing |
Unit Code |
HLTENN036 |
Unit Title |
Apply Communication skills to nursing practice |
Delivery Details | |||||
Group Name |
Group Title |
||||
B25M, B25N & C25M, C25N |
|||||
Unit Start Date |
Unit End Date |
||||
July 2025 |
December 2025 |
||||
Day/s |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Start Time |
As per Timetable |
As per Timetable |
|||
Finish Time |
As per Timetable |
As per Timetable |
Contact Details | ||
Name |
||
Teacher |
Thanuja Sirikonda (Course Lead) Lynne Edwards (Course teacher-Bundoora) Shaffalica Shaffalica (Course teacher-Bundoora) Adaline Fernando (Course Teacher- City) Irene Yoong (Course Teacher- City) |
|
Program Coordinator |
Pink Garg Prem Kaur |
|
Program Manager |
Suzie Cicero |
Delivery Overview Hours | |||||
Classroom |
Online |
Workplace |
Self-Directed Study |
Other |
Nominal Hours |
23 |
13 |
14 |
50 |
Unit Details | |||||||||
Unit Type |
u |
Core |
☐ |
Elective |
Final Result Outcome |
u |
Graded |
||
Pre-Requisites |
None |
||||||||
Description |
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with people, families and carers, and with other health care professionals, in health care settings. |
||||||||
Elements | |||||||||
1 |
Use effective communication strategies. |
||||||||
2 |
Identify and address constraints to effective communication. |
||||||||
3 |
Use information technology to support communication in nursing practice. |
||||||||
4 |
Lead small group discussions. |
||||||||
5 |
Give and receive feedback for performance improvement. |
||||||||
6 |
Evaluate effectiveness of communication. |
Assessment Details
A range of assessment methods will be used to provide students the opportunity to demonstrate competence to achieve the unit requirements. This can range from:
- Knowledge Questioning – either written or verbal, this method is used to assess your knowledge.
- Product based – can range from written reports, work samples, presentations, product displays, projects, case studies, portfolios.
- Practical Observation – can be in real time in the workplace, through practical simulated off the job for example role plays.
Student are required to demonstrate and achieve all aspects and requirements of the assessment task. Students will be assessed as Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (US). A student must achieve a satisfactory outcome for all assessment tasks prior to a final unit result outcome of Competency Achieved (CA) being recorded.
The assessment methods being used for this unit are outlined below:
Task |
Method and Type |
Ungraded |
Due Date |
||
Knowledge |
Product Based |
Practical |
|||
Assessment Task-1 |
x |
S/NYC |
TBA |
||
Assessment Task-2 |
x |
S/NYC |
TBA |
||
Assessment Task-3 |
x |
S/NYC |
TBA |
||
Assessment Task-4 Clinical Placement |
x |
S/NYC |
As per CP1 allocation |
Assessment Conditions
- Assessment submissions, except tests and other in-class assessments, are due before midnight of the due date and can only be submitted through Canvas.
- All written assessments must be submitted through Canvas.
- Students are assessed as either S (satisfactory) or US (unsatisfactory) for each task. Each task explains how students are assessed.
- Every task must be completed satisfactorily to be assessed as competent in the unit.
- Submissions graded unsatisfactory must be resubmitted seven (7) days post feedback been given. IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK CANVAS FOR ASSESSMENT RESULTS AND FEEDBACK AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY.
- There are two (2) attempts only for each theory-based assessment practical-based assessment tasks.
- Resubmissions are not automatic and will only be approved at the discretion of the Program Coordinator, after consultation with the teacher.
- Attendance and course engagement will be taken into consideration when deciding. All resubmissions must be completed and submitted no more than 7 days after your work has been assessed. Assessment Conditions
Delivery Schedule | |
Date, Week, Session |
Topic, Activity, Assessment |
Week-10 |
Introduction to effective communication Complex Communication skills Clinical Handover |
Week-10 |
Documentation & Open disclosure |
Week-11 |
Teamwork & Emotional intelligence |
Week- 11 |
Information technology & Medical terminology |
Week-11 |
Practice Lab |
Week- 11 |
AT3-Practical Assessment |
Week - 12 |
AT1-Knowledge Assessment |
Week - 13 |
AT2-Knowledge Assessment |
TBA |
AT4- Clinical Placement |
|
Theory and Practical Classroom Requirements | |
On occasions, the timetable and assessment dates may need to be changed. If this occurs, you will be notified. | |
Please check your student emails and Canvas announcements daily. | |
A full laboratory uniform is required for laboratory sessions. Students who are not appropriately attired will be asked to leave. | |
100% attendance at clinical laboratory classes is mandatory |
|
Clinical Placement |
All HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing Students must attend clinical placement. This unit requires satisfactory completion of a relevant clinical placement. Clinical placements are arranged at a variety of locations across the State. Although every effort is made to allocate each student a placement close to their home this is not always possible. Students must attend the placement allocated to them. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Tasks:
Task |
Method and Type |
Ungraded |
Due Date |
||
Knowledge |
Product Based |
Practical |
|||
Assessment Task-1 |
x |
S/NYC |
TBA |
||
Assessment Task-2 |
x |
S/NYC |
TBA |
||
Assessment Task-3 |
x |
S/NYC |
TBA |
||
Assessment Task-4 Clinical Placement |
x |
S/NYC |
As per CP1 allocation |
Assessment Conditions
- Assessment submissions, except tests and other in-class assessments, are due before midnight of the due date and can only be submitted through Canvas.
- All written assessments must be submitted through Canvas.
- Students are assessed as either S (satisfactory) or US (unsatisfactory) for each task. Each task explains how students are assessed.
- Every task must be completed satisfactorily to be assessed as competent in the unit.
- Submissions graded unsatisfactory must be resubmitted seven (7) days post feedback been given. IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK CANVAS FOR ASSESSMENT RESULTS AND FEEDBACK AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY.
- There are two (2) attempts only for each theory-based assessment practical-based assessment tasks.
- Resubmissions are not automatic and will only be approved at the discretion of the Program Coordinator, after consultation with the teacher.
- Attendance and course engagement will be taken into consideration when deciding. All resubmissions must be completed and submitted no more than 7 days after your work has been assessed. Assessment Conditions
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Assessment Conditions
- Assessment submissions, except tests and other in-class assessments, are due before midnight of the due date and can only be submitted through Canvas.
- All written assessments must be submitted through Canvas.
- Students are assessed as either S (satisfactory) or US (unsatisfactory) for each task. Each task explains how students are assessed.
- Every task must be completed satisfactorily to be assessed as competent in the unit.
- Submissions graded unsatisfactory must be resubmitted seven (7) days post feedback been given. IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK CANVAS FOR ASSESSMENT RESULTS AND FEEDBACK AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY.
- There are two (2) attempts only for each theory-based assessment practical-based assessment tasks.
- Resubmissions are not automatic and will only be approved at the discretion of the Program Coordinator, after consultation with the teacher.
- Attendance and course engagement will be taken into consideration when deciding. All resubmissions must be completed and submitted no more than 7 days after your work has been assessed.
Student Attendance
- All students are required to:
- Check student emails and Canvas announcements daily. On occasions timetable and assessment dates may need to change. If this occurs, you will be notified.
- Attend and participate appropriately in all scheduled activities.Complete pre-class preparation – e.g., recommended reading and learning activities on Canvas.
- Study all material provided to maximize chances of meeting the Unit's objectives.
- Complete post-class activities as per canvas.
- Meet the 100% attendance requirement for lectures.
- Up to 80% attendance will be accepted with evidence in the form of a medical certificate or statutory declaration. It will be the student's responsibility to catch up and/ or seek assistance from their educator. If a student’s attendance falls below 80%, they will undergo a review by the RMIT Nursing Program Coordinator and may be required to repeat the course.
- All students must demonstrate 80% engagement with the learning resources provided. This includes but is not limited to the Canvas practice knowledge quizzes, which must be completed on time. Canvas analytics will be used to identify student engagement. This can affect student progression.
- All students must meet the 100% attendance requirement for practical sessions. Evidence in the form of a medical certificate or statutory declaration must be provided if one cannot attend to qualify for a make-up session. The 'make-up' session time and date will be at the discretion of the RMIT Nursing Program Coordinator. Non-attendance to the make-up session without evidence to support the non-attendance can result in no further opportunity.
- Full laboratory uniform is required for laboratory sessions. Students not appropriately attired will not be allowed to practice.
- Failure to meet the 100% practical sessions attendance requirement can result in exclusion from the clinical skills assessments, leading to a Not Yet Satisfactory result and ultimately Not Yet Competent outcome in relevant courses.
- Four hundred (400) clinical placement hours must be completed by the end of the Diploma of nursing program to meet the program requirements.
Clinical Placement
Please note an opportunity to repeat clinical placement is not guaranteed and will be at the discretion of the Program Manager. The above requirements will be considered in the decision making.
Important information regarding Assessment Tasks:
Refer to individual assessment task instructions for information on when and how to submit and specific assessment conditions.All written assessments must be submitted online through Canvas and/or on paper.Students are assessed as either S (satisfactory) or NYS (Not yet satisfactory) for each task.Each task explains how students are assessed.Every task must be completed satisfactorily to be assessed as competent in the unit.
Assessment Attempts:
- You are permitted 2 attempts on written and practical assessments.
- Resubmissions are not automatic and will only be approved at the discretion of the Program Coordinator, after consultation with the teacher. Attendance and course engagement will be taken into consideration when deciding.
- All resubmissions must be completed and submitted no more than 7 days after your work has been assessed.
Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer
If you think you have some or all of the knowledge and competencies described, please discuss the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer options with may be available to you with your Course Coordinator. For more information go to: RMIT Connect
Please read the following thoroughly by clicking the links:
Special consideration Use the special consideration process if your circumstances are such that you cannot fulfil assessment requirements. For example, if you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by a due date.
Service Portal - RMIT Connect Service Portal - RMIT Connect
Course Overview: Access Course Overview