Course Title: Implement and monitor care of the older person

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: NURS5429C

Course Title: Implement and monitor care of the older person

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

Kate Lamble

Kate.Lamble@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 75

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

None

Course Description

In this course, you will gain knowledge of the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform nursing interventions to support the social and emotional wellbeing and nursing care needs of the older person in care.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTENN045 Implement and monitor care of the older person

Element:

1. Respond to health requirements of an older person.

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Apply requirements of age-related physical changes and transitions and the psychosocial needs of the person, families and carers to own practice.

1.2. Identify age-related pathophysiological disorders and how they may affect the person, families and carers.

1.3. Adjust communication for people who have sensory impairments.

1.4. Apply interventions to ameliorate care.

1.5. Develop and implement strategies to ensure social inclusiveness and cultural diversity.

1.6. Identify and respond to signs of distress and behaviours of concern

Element:

2. Contribute to the plan of care for an older person.

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Assess older person’s health using aged care assessment tools.

2.2. Identify possible age-related effects of polypharmacy.

2.3. Document and report health findings according to organisational policies and procedures.

2.4. Contribute to development of nursing plan of care within the context of the health care setting and organisational policies and procedures.

2.5. Recognise signs and symptoms to be applied to the plan of care including wellbeing and oral health problems.

2.6. Identify reablement abilities and limitations to promote capacity for self-care.

2.7. Discuss possible impacts of age-related pathophysiological disorders including impact capacity to perform daily living activities.

2.8. Document responses to nursing interventions and report changes.

Element:

3. Apply nursing practice in the aged care environment.

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Identify factors and common stereotypes associated with ageing and how these can adversely impact the older person.

3.2. Apply best practices to impact issues involved in aged care including impacts on families and carers.

3.3. Consider own values, attitudes and beliefs to ensure interventions are conducted within scope of practice of the enrolled nurse.

3.4. Promote health maintenance with the older person and provide information on available community services for the person, families and carers.

3.5. Apply work practices reflecting theories of ageing and apply best practice care guidelines for older people.

Element:

4. Identify requirements and address issues in aged care nursing practice.

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Identify legal requirements and possible ethical and other issues of concern in an aged care practice.

4.2. Ensure own work practice accords with legal requirements, is ethical and supports the rights and dignity of the older person, families and carers.

4.3. Advocate for the person, families and carers as required within own role parameters and organisational policies and procedures.

4.4. Observe and respond to physical, emotional and mental signs of stress.

4.5. Provide care for the deceased using standard precautions and in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and guidelines.

Element:

5. Use strategies related to the progressive and variable nature of cognitive impairment.

Performance Criteria:

5.1. Identify the nature of cognitive changes and use treatments and nursing interventions.

5.2. Provide activities suitable for people with cognitive changes reflecting their individual likes and dislikes.

5.3. Communicate and apply strategies to relieve distress and agitation

Element:

6. Develop and implement strategies to minimise impact of responsive behaviours.

Performance Criteria:

6.1. Observe and document behaviours and environmental factors to assist in determining triggers contributing to responsive behaviours.

6.2. Identify potential impacts responsive behaviours have in determining a response.

6.3. Implement best practice strategies to minimise impact of responsive behaviours.


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.

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.


Teaching Schedule

Delivery Schedule

Date, Week, Session

Week beginning

Topic, Activity, Assessment

Week 6

Session 1

Introduction and Attitudes to Ageing

Week7

Session 2

Theories of Aging and Aged related Pathophysiology

Week 8

Session 3

Health assessment and activities of daily living

Week 9

Session 4

Legal and Ethical

Week 10

Session 5

Dementia, Delirium and Depression

Practical Lab Assessment (Assessment Task 2)

Week 11

Practical Lab Session 1

Palliative Care, end of life and complex care needs – Self directed

Week 12

Practical Lab Session 2

Written Assessment – Assessment Task 1 -Part A and Part B

Week 13

Practical Lab Session 3

Week 14/15

Practical Skills Assessment

From Week 17

Clinical placement Assessment task 3

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 not appropriately attired will be asked to leave.

100% attendance at clinical laboratory classes is mandatory


Student support

Your first point of contact for any support needs with your assessments should be your teacher and assessor. If you require further support, you should consider contacting the following support services at RMIT.


Assessment adjustments

Students requiring support or adjustments for their formal assessments task or exams should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS), for more information on the types of adjustments provided, access RMIT adjustments to assessment.


Special consideration

If unexpected circumstances affect your ability to complete an assessment you can apply for special consideration. For more information access RMIT special consideration.


Appeals

As an RMIT student you are entitled to seek a review of decisions that impact on your studies. For more information access RMIT appeals.


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

Knowledge Assessment AT1 Part A

30 Question Quiz online

S/NYS

TBC

Knowledge Assessment AT1 Part B

9 short answer questions online

S/NYS

TBC

Practical Assessment AT2

Lab simulation

S/NYS

TBC

Clinical placement AT3

Clinical placement

S/NYS

TBC

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. For written assessments if you answer less than 50% of the questions in each part during your first attempt, you will not be granted a second attempt.

  • All resubmissions must be completed and submitted no more than 7 days after your work has been assessed.


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.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview