Course Title: Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: NURS5412C

Course Title: Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City 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 

Prem Kaur (City) 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, within the scope of practice, to perform preliminary and ongoing physical health assessments of all body systems, gathering data that contributes to an individualised health plan of care.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTENN037 Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing care

Element:

1. Perform admission assessment.

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Introduce self and explain processes before commencing nursing assessment activities.

1.2. Collect and record admission information including gender, age, cultural, religious and spiritual information in accordance with organisational policies and procedures, and practice standards.

1.3. Perform baseline clinical assessment and document findings including vital signs.

1.4. Interpret and analyse objective and subjective assessment data against normal range.

1.5. Record lifestyle patterns, health history and current health practices.

1.6. Clarify emotional and physical needs of the families and carers.

1.7. Document and communicate alterations and deteriorations of health status.

Element:

2. Contribute to plan of nursing care.

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Analyse health history and health assessment to identify risks, likely impacts on daily living activities and care needs.

2.2. Use a problem-solving approach to assist comprehensive nursing care planning.

2.3. Clarify and reflect the person’s interests and physical, emotional and psychosocial needs in nursing care planning and documentation.

Element:

3 Evaluate and modify plan of nursing care.

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Analyse, evaluate and review nursing care planning decisions with registered nurse and multidisciplinary health care team.

3.2. Confirm with the person, families or carers that planned nursing care reflects their needs including their uniqueness, culture, religious beliefs and management of stress.

3.3. Ensure plan of nursing care is based on principles of contemporary, evidence-based practice and incorporates risk assessment.

3.4. Review and evaluate plan of nursing care to ensure care needs are met.

Element:

4. Perform discharge procedures.

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Collect discharge planning data.

4.2. Contribute to nursing assessment and document issues to facilitate discharge.

4.3. Identify community support services and resources to assist in discharge planning.

4.4. Check to ensure discharge requirements are planned and updated including follow up requirements, discharge prescriptions, My Healthcare Record, referrals and reports for ongoing treatment to health practitioners.


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 Blended Learning mode. 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 - prepares you for flipped class, provides you with formative feedback and facilitates your learning as you progress through your course.
  • Classroom teaching - introduces you to key concepts within the course using flipped learning 
  • Labs - provides 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. 


Teaching Schedule

 

Delivery Schedule

 

Date, Week, Session

Topic, Activity, Assessment

 

July, Week 1, Session 1

Lesson 1: Health assessment, Vital signs and Pain assessment

 

July, Week 1, Session 2

Lesson 2: Conducting different types of Clinical Assessment

(Neurological, Neurovascular, BGL, Urinalysis, Skin Assessment, GIT Assessment, Height and Weight)

 

July, Week 2, Session 3

Lesson 3: Admission & Discharge, Planning of nursing care

 

July, Week 2, Session 4

Lesson 4: Growth & Development, Person centred care for individuals with diverse healthcare needs

 

July, Week 3, Session 5

Lesson 5: Systems approach, Primary and secondary survey and patient deterioration

 

Date, Week, Session

Clinical Skill Lab Sessions and Activities

 

July, Week 1, Lab 1

Lab 1: Vital Signs and Pain Assessment

  • Skill 1: Accurately record and report vital sign measurements (Respiratory rate, Oxygen saturation, Blood pressure, Heart rate, Temperature)
  • Skill 2: Conduct a Pain Assessment.

 

July, Week 1, Lab 2

Lab 2: Neurological Assessment, Neurovascular Assessment, BGL testing and Urinalysis

  • Skill 1: Performing a Neurological Assessment
  • Skill 2: Performing a Neurovascular Assessment
  • Skill 3: Performing Blood Glucose Level Testing
  • Skill 4: Performing Urinalysis

 

July, Week 2, Lab 3

Lab 3: Admission and Discharge, Skin Assessment, GIT Assessment

  • Skill 1: Performing Nursing Admission and Discharge
  • Skill 2: Performing a GIT Assessment
  • Skill 3: Performing a Skin assessment
  • Skills Practice – Lab 1 and 2 skills

 

July, Week 2, Lab 4

Lab 4: Scenario based practice lab.

  • Part A: 1. Admission 2. Vital signs 3. Pain Assessment 4. Neurological Assessment
  • Part B:  1. Skin Assessment 2. GIT Assessment 3. Neurovascular Assessment 4. Blood Glucose Level Monitoring 5. Urinalysis

 

August, Week 5, Lab 

Assessment Task 2 Part A (Simulation Practical Assessment)

 

August, Week 6, Lab 

Assessment Task 2 Part B (Simulation Practical Assessment)

 

September, Week 10, Lab

Remediation Lab and Assessment Task 2 Resits

 

Theory and Practical Classroom Requirements

On occasions timetable and assessment dates may need to change. If this occurs, you will be notified.

Please check your student emails and Canvas announcements daily.

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.


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.

During the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121), you will complete 400 hours of compulsory unpaid clinical placements, across four phases (semesters).  Aged Care 120 hours, Mental Health and Primary Health 80 hours each and Acute Care 120 hours.

You must meet all the unit/course requirements before you are eligible for clinical placement, this includes immunisations, NDIS check, Working with Childrens and Police check. If you do not meet these requirements, you may incur a penalty in the form of a fine.


Assessment Tasks

 Task

Method and Type

Ungraded

 

Due Date

Knowledge

Product Based

Practical

Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Assessment (Part A)

Knowledge questions

 

 

S/NYS

Week 3

 

Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Assessment (Part B)

Knowledge questions

 

 

S/NYS

Week 4

 

Assessment Task 2: Practical Assessment (Part A)

 

 

Practical skill

S/NYS

Week 5

Assessment Task 2: Practical Assessment (Part B)

 

 

Practical skill

S/NYS

Week 6

 

Assessment Task 3: Case Study

 

Case Study

 

S/NYS

Week 8

 

Assessment Task 4: Clinical Placement

 

 

CP1

S/NYS

To be confirmed


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

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.

 

Student Attendance 

All students are required to: 

  • 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 maximise chances of meeting the Unit's objectives.
  • 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.
  • 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 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. 

  

Assessment Attempts: 

Self-marking quizzes 

  • Student will be permitted 2 attempts to complete self-marking assessments.  If a student requires guidance, it is their responsibility to reach out to the Lead Campus Educator.

All other assessments

  • 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.  

Special Consideration Policy   

Equitable Learning Services 

 

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