Nurses are the heart and soul of healthcare, and nursing is a career where you can make a positive difference in the lives of others every day.
Our Bachelor of Nursing is taught in state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories that simulate real healthcare settings. You will develop the ability to apply knowledge and evidence-based clinical reasoning skills to a nursing practice, provide therapeutic care to patients, coordinate and lead nursing care to individuals and groups, and work independently as well as collaborate in multidisciplinary teams for effective, person-centred outcomes.
Supervised clinical placements provide invaluable nursing experience in public and private hospitals and health agencies with an option in third year to undertake a specialised professional experience placement where you can explore your diverse career options.
This degree is a strong foundation for a nursing career in a number of settings, with options including primary health, mental health, chronic disease, leadership and care management. Your employment prospects as a Southern Cross nursing graduate are excellent. In the Good Universities Guide 2020, Southern Cross achieved 5-stars for nursing graduate employment outcomes, and the highest result for a NSW university for graduate median salary (Good Universities Guide 2020).
Course Learning Outcome
construct nursing practices on a comprehensive knowledge base to inform clinical reasoning and decision making to deliver sound judgements, safe, quality person centred care
use and contribute to research as a basis for ongoing professional inquiry and evidence based nursing practice responsive to holistic patient/consumer need
incorporate creativity, integrity, responsibility and accountability in professional work practices, community activities and ongoing learning
assimilate professional attributes and adhere to professional ethical and legal standards set by the profession to ensure safe and effective nursing practice
integrate and demonstrate the scope of nursing practice and a command of the factors that influence health outcomes for person centred care in a range of contexts
possess comprehensive clinical abilities to apply reflective and analytical skills in initiating, prioritising, performing, managing and evaluating nursing practices in a range of diverse consumer and health related circumstances and environments
demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively with the consumer, the nursing team or as a member of an interdisciplinary health care teams and effectively lead the delivery of nursing
apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, a local and international perspective, and respect for the identity and dignity of all persons
Supervised clinical placements of approximately 880 hours provide students with nursing experience in public and private hospitals and health agencies. These may include acute and low care health facilities; community settings; mental health facilities; extended residential aged care; GP practices; health promotion and education; intensive care; health clinics; accident and emergency; palliative care; primary health care settings and related nursing and health services within metropolitan, regional and rural areas throughout NSW and QLD and may include national or international opportunities.
Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements (e.g. a working with children check and National Police Certificate). Prior to applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements.
The course is responsive to contemporary nursing practice and provides content and clinical experiences as follows:
Professional areas: nursing knowledge and development, critical thinking and analysis, provision and coordination of person-centred care, independent and collaborative care, primary health care, mental health, acute and complex care, chronic disease management, palliative care, leadership and care management, aged care.
Biological sciences: anatomy, physiology, patho-physiology and pharmacology.
Social sciences: Australian health care system, Indigenous studies, psychology and sociology for health sciences, legal and ethical studies and research methods.
Location
Teaching period
UAC code
QTAC code
Coffs Harbour
Session 1
, Session 2
, Session 3
N/A
N/A
Gold Coast
Session 1
, Session 2
, Session 3
N/A
N/A
Lismore
Session 1
, Session 2
, Session 3
N/A
N/A
Career Outcomes
The degree is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and provides the necessary academic qualification for eligibility as a Registered Nurse in Australia.
Please note: In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) standards for English language must be met. See the AHPRA web site for further information.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your
chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review
the University’s Rules Relating to Awards,
noting any specifics listed below.
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Nursing, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising all core units.
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising any 16 core units.
Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising any 8 core units.
Professional Experience Learning
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
Progression
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.
Students who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 12 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake specified practice or theory to ensure currency prior to continuation of the course.
Duration
The maximum duration for completion of the award of Bachelor of Nursing is seven (7) years in total which includes any period for a leave of absence.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Course structure
Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.
HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
OR
Students in the 2125150 - Diploma of Health must have completed HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions and have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
NURS1003 - The Discipline of Nursing
AND
HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy
AND
NURS1002 - Essentials of Nursing and Care
AND
Have completed or be currently enrolled in NURS2003 - Nursing and Lifespan Health
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
For students in Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse Pathway (3007303):
Must have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
For all other students:
BIO00307 - Human Physiology
OR
HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
For Students in Bachelor of Nursing (3005105):
NURS2004 - Health Assessment
AND ( BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I AND HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II BIO71003 - Human Physiology II] )
AND
must have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy.
For students in Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse Pathway (3007303):
Must have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology.
BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
AND
NURS2004 - Health Assessment
AND have completed or be currently enrolled in [169656] NRS71001 - Nursing and Lifespan Health]
NURS2003 - Nursing and Lifespan Health
AND
NURS2004 - Health Assessment
AND
BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
AND
have completed or be currently enrolled in PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
Co-requisites
NURS2008 - Human Response to Health Breakdown
Anti-requisites
NRS20004 - Formation Based Learning: Chronic Illness and Nursing Care
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
NURS2008 - Human Response to Health Breakdown
AND
NURS2006 - Chronic Illness and Nursing Care
Co-requisites
NURS2009 - Health Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Care
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
NURS2008 - Human Response to Health Breakdown AND
NURS2006 - Chronic Illness and Nursing Care
Co-requisites
NURS2007 - Primary Health Care and Nursing Practices
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
Utilising Research to Promote Quality in Health Care
Session1
Location
Domestic
International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites
MWF10663 - Research and Evidence Based Practice OR STAT2001 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
AND
NURS2002 - Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
NURS2002 - Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning AND
NURS2005 - Mental Health Nursing OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices
AND NURS2007 - Primary Health Care and Nursing Practices OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices
AND NURS2009 - Health Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Care OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices
For students in 3005105:
HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy AND NURS2007 - Primary Health Care and Nursing Practices AND NURS2009 - Health Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Care AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
OR for students in 3007303:
NURS2001 - Nursing Practices AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
Co-requisites
NURS2011 - Nursing Management of Acute Health Breakdown
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
For students in 3005105:
NURS2007 - Primary Health Care and Nursing Practices AND NURS2009 - Health Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Care AND HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
OR for students in 3007303
NURS2001 - Nursing Practices AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
NURS2011 - Nursing Management of Acute Health Breakdown
AND
NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
AND NURS2011 - Nursing Management of Acute Health Breakdown
Enrolment information
The laboratory activities within this unit require students to fulfill certain vaccination compliance requirements prior to attending laboratory classes. As some vaccination protocols can take up to 5 months to complete, we encourage you to prepare now. Compliance requirements include SCU Vaccination requirements in accordance with state Health policies: NSW Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases; and QLD Health Vaccination Requirements. SCU has incorporated a combined NSW and QLD vaccination procedure as students may need to attend laboratory classes in both states. Full details of vaccination compliance requirements for this unit are available at https://www.scu.edu.au/school-of-health-and-human-sciences/course-options/professional-experience/
NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
AND
NURS2011 - Nursing Management of Acute Health Breakdown
AND
NURS3002 - Utilising Research to Promote Quality in Health Care
AND
NURS3004 - The Emerging Practitioner
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
OR
Students in the 2125150 - Diploma of Health must have completed HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions and have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
NURS1003 - The Discipline of Nursing
AND
HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy
AND
NURS1002 - Essentials of Nursing and Care
AND
Have completed or be currently enrolled in NURS2003 - Nursing and Lifespan Health
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
For students in Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse Pathway (3007303):
Must have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
For all other students:
BIO00307 - Human Physiology
OR
HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
For Students in Bachelor of Nursing (3005105):
NURS2004 - Health Assessment
AND ( BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I AND HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II BIO71003 - Human Physiology II] )
AND
must have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy.
For students in Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse Pathway (3007303):
Must have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology.
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
NURS2003 - Nursing and Lifespan Health
AND
NURS2004 - Health Assessment
AND
BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
AND
have completed or be currently enrolled in PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
Co-requisites
NURS2008 - Human Response to Health Breakdown
Anti-requisites
NRS20004 - Formation Based Learning: Chronic Illness and Nursing Care
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
AND
NURS2004 - Health Assessment
AND have completed or be currently enrolled in [169656] NRS71001 - Nursing and Lifespan Health]
NURS2008 - Human Response to Health Breakdown
AND
NURS2006 - Chronic Illness and Nursing Care
Co-requisites
NURS2009 - Health Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Care
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
NURS2008 - Human Response to Health Breakdown AND
NURS2006 - Chronic Illness and Nursing Care
Co-requisites
NURS2007 - Primary Health Care and Nursing Practices
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
For students in 3005105:
NURS2007 - Primary Health Care and Nursing Practices AND NURS2009 - Health Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Care AND HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
OR for students in 3007303
NURS2001 - Nursing Practices AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
For students in 3005105:
HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy AND NURS2007 - Primary Health Care and Nursing Practices AND NURS2009 - Health Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Care AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
OR for students in 3007303:
NURS2001 - Nursing Practices AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
Co-requisites
NURS2011 - Nursing Management of Acute Health Breakdown
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
AND NURS2011 - Nursing Management of Acute Health Breakdown
Enrolment information
The laboratory activities within this unit require students to fulfill certain vaccination compliance requirements prior to attending laboratory classes. As some vaccination protocols can take up to 5 months to complete, we encourage you to prepare now. Compliance requirements include SCU Vaccination requirements in accordance with state Health policies: NSW Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases; and QLD Health Vaccination Requirements. SCU has incorporated a combined NSW and QLD vaccination procedure as students may need to attend laboratory classes in both states. Full details of vaccination compliance requirements for this unit are available at https://www.scu.edu.au/school-of-health-and-human-sciences/course-options/professional-experience/
NURS2011 - Nursing Management of Acute Health Breakdown
AND
NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
NURS2002 - Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning AND
NURS2005 - Mental Health Nursing OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices
AND NURS2007 - Primary Health Care and Nursing Practices OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices
AND NURS2009 - Health Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Care OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices
Utilising Research to Promote Quality in Health Care
Session1
Location
Domestic
International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites
MWF10663 - Research and Evidence Based Practice OR STAT2001 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
AND
NURS2002 - Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
AND
NURS2011 - Nursing Management of Acute Health Breakdown
AND
NURS3002 - Utilising Research to Promote Quality in Health Care
AND
NURS3004 - The Emerging Practitioner
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
OR
Students in the 2125150 - Diploma of Health must have completed HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions and have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
NURS1003 - The Discipline of Nursing
AND
HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy
AND
NURS1002 - Essentials of Nursing and Care
AND
Have completed or be currently enrolled in NURS2003 - Nursing and Lifespan Health
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
NURS1003 - The Discipline of Nursing
AND
HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy
From Year 3, follow the Session 1 Commencement - Full time from Year 2 for full-time progression or the Session 1 Commencement - Part time from Year 3 for part-time progression
Then follow the course progression for Session 1 Commencement (full-time or part-time) excluding the completed unit.
Unit Code
Unit Title
Available
Credit points
Notes
This pathway is for graduates of the SCU College Diploma of Health (Nursing Specialisation) 2125150 and graduates of the Griffith College Diploma of Health Care.
Students wishing to move into Yr 2 of the Bachelor of Nursing must commence in Session 3, immediately upon completion of the Diploma, and complete NURS2004 -
Health Assessment
NURS1003 - The Discipline of Nursing
AND
HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy
AND
NURS1002 - Essentials of Nursing and Care
AND
Have completed or be currently enrolled in NURS2003 - Nursing and Lifespan Health
Enrolment information
This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
Year 2, Session 1
On successful completion of NURS2004, follow the Session 1 Commencement full-time or part-time progression from Year 2, Session 1.
Note
1:
Double-weighted unit
Note
2:
120hrs General Placement
Note
3:
160hrs Chronic Illness Placement
Note
4:
120hrs Primary Care Placement
Note
5:
80hrs Mental Health Placement
Note
6:
160hrs Acute Care Placement
Note
7:
80hrs Aged Care and Leadership Placement
Note
8:
160hrs Speciality Placement
Note
9:
Alternatively this unit can be completed in Year 3, Session 2