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Bachelor of Nursing

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BN

  • Course code

    3005105

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing provides students with a combination of foundational science, professional knowledge and clinical experiences to comprehensively prepare graduates for a career in nursing and health. The degree aims to produce graduates with the competence, confidence and flexibility to adapt to changes and contribute to innovation in the nursing profession and the health care system.

Graduates are equipped to apply sound evidence-based reasoning skills to their nursing practice, provide therapeutic care to patients, coordinate nursing care to individuals and groups, and work independently as well as collaborate in multidisciplinary teams for effective outcomes.

The Bachelor of Nursing includes a new Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse pathway program. The program is suitable for Enrolled Nurses (graduates of the HLT51612 Diploma in Nursing (Enrolled-Division 2 Nursing) or equivalent qualification. A specifically designed course of study acknowledges previous learning and enables Enrolled Nurses to complete the Bachelor degree in two years full-time or four years part-time. Students who qualify for admission will receive advanced standing (credit) in recognition of their diploma study and complete the equivalent of four specifically designed conversion units alongside the remaining second year units. Students will also complete 680 hours of professional placement. Due to the structure of the program, the intake for commencing students is only offered in the first teaching session of each year. Please note, all students in this pathway will be required to attend intensive workshops at the Gold Coast campus: One week full-time in session 1 (Week 1), and two weeks full-time in session 2 (Weeks 1 and 2).

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate skills in clinical reasoning and decision making and the ability to use and contribute to research as a basis for ongoing professional inquiry and evidence based nursing practice

Creativity

Incorporate creativity, integrity, responsibility and accountability in work practices, community activities and ongoing learning

Ethical practice

Possess professional attributes and adhere to professional ethical and legal standards set by the profession to ensure safe and effective nursing practice

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate a broad and integrated understanding of the scope of nursing practice and a command of the factors that influence health outcomes

Lifelong learning

Possess sound clinical skills and the ability to apply reflective and analytical skills in initiating, prioritising and managing nursing practice in challenging and diverse circumstances

Communication and social skills

Demonstrate the capacity to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary health care teams and effectively lead the delivery of nursing

Cultural competence

Attain the required level of professional proficiency in practice to meet standards set by the ANMAC for entry to the professional register

Supervised clinical placements provide students with experiences of nursing (totalling 1 040 hours) in settings relevant to their areas of study in government and private hospitals and health agencies. This 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 south-east QLD.

Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Before applying for this course, it is important that you understand what these requirements are.

The course is responsive to contemporary nursing practices and provides content and clinical experiences as follows:

Professional areas: critical thinking and analysis, provision and coordination of 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, philosophy, 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 335151 055151
Gold Coast Session 1 , Session 2 , Session 3 335164 055471
Lismore Session 1 , Session 2 , Session 3 335101 055011

Career Outcomes

The degree is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and provides the necessary qualification for graduates to be eligible to become a Registered Nurse in Australia.

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 for the award of Bachelor of Nursing, a candidate:

  1. shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units comprising all units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules, and have satisfactorily met the requirements for all professional experience placement; or
  2. who is an Enrolled Nurse and admitted on the basis of Admission Requirements, Clause c, will be required to successfully complete 180 credit points, comprising all units listed in Part B of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules, and have satisfactorily met the requirements for all professional experience placement.

Student Progression

  1. Candidates are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 18 months between study of any two (2) of the Formation Based Learning Units (Clinical or Professional Experience).
  2. Notwithstanding the above, candidates who have an Interrupted Study Sequence of more than 18 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported professional experience placement to ensure clinical currency prior to continuation with the course.
  3. A candidate who has twice not satisfactorily met the requirements in a Formation Based Clinical unit or Professional Experience Placement will either be:
    1. excluded from the award; or
    2. subject to adequately demonstrated grounds of appeal (consistent with University Policy), permitted to re-enrol in a Formation Based Clinical Unit following approval by the Head of School.
  4. A candidate who has failed the equivalent of thirty six (36) credit points within one academic year (three (3) study sessions) will either be:
    1. excluded for a maximum of one (1) study period.  Students must provide evidence of having obtained study skills assistance during the period of exclusion; or
    2. subject to adequately demonstrated grounds of appeal (consistent with University Rule 2, Section 10), permitted to enrol following approval by the Head of School. 

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 Equity & Disability Services website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Equity & Disability Services website for further information and contact details.

Entry requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

Language requirements

To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Nursing, a candidate:

  1. shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units comprising all units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules, and have satisfactorily met the requirements for all professional experience placement; or
  2. who is an Enrolled Nurse and admitted on the basis of Admission Requirements, Clause c, will be required to successfully complete 180 credit points, comprising all units listed in Part B of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules, and have satisfactorily met the requirements for all professional experience placement.

Student Progression

  1. Candidates are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 18 months between study of any two (2) of the Formation Based Learning Units (Clinical or Professional Experience).
  2. Notwithstanding the above, candidates who have an Interrupted Study Sequence of more than 18 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported professional experience placement to ensure clinical currency prior to continuation with the course.
  3. A candidate who has twice not satisfactorily met the requirements in a Formation Based Clinical unit or Professional Experience Placement will either be:
    1. excluded from the award; or
    2. subject to adequately demonstrated grounds of appeal (consistent with University Policy), permitted to re-enrol in a Formation Based Clinical Unit following approval by the Head of School.
  4. A candidate who has failed the equivalent of thirty six (36) credit points within one academic year (three (3) study sessions) will either be:
    1. excluded for a maximum of one (1) study period.  Students must provide evidence of having obtained study skills assistance during the period of exclusion; or
    2. subject to adequately demonstrated grounds of appeal (consistent with University Rule 2, Section 10), permitted to enrol following approval by the Head of School. 

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 Equity & Disability Services website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Equity & Disability Services 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.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
CMM10580 -  The Australian Health Care System Introductory
BIO10662 -  Systemic Anatomy Introductory
NRS10731 -  The Discipline of Nursing Introductory Note 2
NRS10732 -  Utilising Philosophy in Nursing Practice Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
NRS10733 -  Narratives of Health and Illness Introductory
NRS10734 -  Formation Based Learning: Skills Platform for Nursing Practice Introductory Note 1, Note 3
Year 2, Session 1
MWF10663 -  Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate
PHA00315 -  Introductory Pharmacology Introductory
NRS20001 -  Formation Based Learning: Primary Care Introductory Note 1, Note 4
Year 2, Session 2
NRS20002 -  Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Intermediate
NRS20003 -  Providing Effective Interventions in Mental Health and Psychiatric Contexts Intermediate Note 6
NRS20004 -  Formation Based Learning: Chronic Illness and Nursing Care Intermediate Note 1, Note 5
Year 3, Session 1
NRS30001 -  Utilising Research to Promote Quality in Health Care Advanced
NRS30002 -  Preparation for Entry to Practice Advanced
NRS30003 -  Formation Based Learning: Acute Health Breakdown Advanced Note 1, Note 7
Year 3, Session 2
NRS30004 -  Care Management and Leadership Advanced
NRS30005 -  Complex Challenges in Nursing Care Advanced Note 8
NRS30006 -  Formation Based Learning: Transitions in Health Advanced Note 1, Note 9

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
NRS10733 -  Narratives of Health and Illness Introductory
Year 1, Session 3
CMM10580 -  The Australian Health Care System Introductory
MWF10663 -  Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate
Year 2, Session 1
BIO10662 -  Systemic Anatomy Introductory
NRS10731 -  The Discipline of Nursing Introductory Note 2
NRS10732 -  Utilising Philosophy in Nursing Practice Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
NRS10734 -  Formation Based Learning: Skills Platform for Nursing Practice Introductory Note 3, Note 1
Year 2, Sessions 3
PHA00315 -  Introductory Pharmacology Introductory
Year 3, Session 1
NRS20001 -  Formation Based Learning: Primary Care Introductory Note 4, Note 1
Year 3, Session 2
NRS20002 -  Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Intermediate
NRS20003 -  Providing Effective Interventions in Mental Health and Psychiatric Contexts Intermediate Note 6
NRS20004 -  Formation Based Learning: Chronic Illness and Nursing Care Intermediate Note 5, Note 1
Year 4, Session 1
NRS30001 -  Utilising Research to Promote Quality in Health Care Advanced
NRS30002 -  Preparation for Entry to Practice Advanced
NRS30003 -  Formation Based Learning: Acute Health Breakdown Advanced Note 7, Note 1
Year 4, Session 2
NRS30004 -  Care Management and Leadership Advanced
NRS30005 -  Complex Challenges in Nursing Care Advanced Note 8
NRS30006 -  Formation Based Learning: Transitions in Health Advanced Note 9, Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
CMM10580 -  The Australian Health Care System Introductory
BIO10662 -  Systemic Anatomy Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
NRS10733 -  Narratives of Health and Illness Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
NRS10731 -  The Discipline of Nursing Introductory Note 2
NRS10732 -  Utilising Philosophy in Nursing Practice Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
NRS10734 -  Formation Based Learning: Skills Platform for Nursing Practice Introductory Note 3, Note 1
Year 3, Session 1
MWF10663 -  Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate
PHA00315 -  Introductory Pharmacology Introductory
Year 3, Session 2
NRS20002 -  Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Intermediate
NRS20003 -  Providing Effective Interventions in Mental Health and Psychiatric Contexts Intermediate Note 6
Year 4, Session 1
NRS20001 -  Formation Based Learning: Primary Care Introductory Note 4, Note 1
Year 4, Session 2
NRS20004 -  Formation Based Learning: Chronic Illness and Nursing Care Intermediate Note 5, Note 1
Year 5, Session 1
NRS30003 -  Formation Based Learning: Acute Health Breakdown Advanced Note 7, Note 1
Year 5, Session 2
NRS30004 -  Care Management and Leadership Advanced
NRS30005 -  Complex Challenges in Nursing Care Advanced Note 8
Year 6, Session 1
NRS30001 -  Utilising Research to Promote Quality in Health Care Advanced
NRS30002 -  Preparation for Entry to Practice Advanced
Year 6, Session 2
NRS30006 -  Formation Based Learning: Transitions in Health Advanced Note 9, Note 1


Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Note 2:

Linked to PEP1: Professional Understanding (40hrs)

Note 3:

Linked to PEP2: Skills Development (120hrs)

Note 4:

Linked to PEP3: Primary Care (120hrs)

Note 5:

Linked to PEP4: Chronic Health Nursing (160 hrs)

Note 6:

Linked to PEP5: Mental Health Nursing (80 hrs)

Note 7:

Linked to PEP6: Acute Health Nursing (160 hrs)

Note 8:

Linked to PEP7: Complex Nursing with a Leadership Element (160 hrs)

Note 9:

Linked to PEP8: Transitions in Health/Nominated Preference (160 hrs)

Note 10:

Linked to PEPCON1: Chronic Health Nursing (80hrs)

Note 11:

Linked to PEPCON2: Mental Health Nursing (80hrs)

Note 12:

Linked to PEPCON3: Primary Health (80hrs)

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
CMM10580 The Australian Health Care System Introductory
BIO10662 Systemic Anatomy Introductory
NRS10731 The Discipline of Nursing Introductory Note 2
NRS10732 Utilising Philosophy in Nursing Practice Introductory
BIO00307 Human Physiology Introductory
NRS10733 Narratives of Health and Illness Introductory
NRS10734 Formation Based Learning: Skills Platform for Nursing Practice Introductory Note 1, Note 3
MWF10663 Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate
PHA00315 Introductory Pharmacology Introductory
NRS20001 Formation Based Learning: Primary Care Introductory Note 1, Note 4
NRS20002 Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Intermediate
NRS20003 Providing Effective Interventions in Mental Health and Psychiatric Contexts Intermediate Note 6
NRS20004 Formation Based Learning: Chronic Illness and Nursing Care Intermediate Note 1, Note 5
NRS30002 Preparation for Entry to Practice Advanced
NRS30001 Utilising Research to Promote Quality in Health Care Advanced
NRS30003 Formation Based Learning: Acute Health Breakdown Advanced Note 1, Note 7
NRS30005 Complex Challenges in Nursing Care Advanced Note 8
NRS30004 Care Management and Leadership Advanced
NRS30006 Formation Based Learning: Transitions in Health Advanced Note 1, Note 9

Part B - Enrolled Nurse Applicants

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
NRS20005 Nursing Practices Intermediate Note 1, Note 10
NRS20006 Foundations to Nursing Intermediate Note 11
BIO20003 Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology Intermediate Note 12
MWF10663 Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate
PHA00315 Introductory Pharmacology Introductory
NRS20002 Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Intermediate
NRS30001 Utilising Research to Promote Quality in Health Care Advanced
NRS30002 Preparation for Entry to Practice Advanced
NRS30003 Formation Based Learning: Acute Health Breakdown Advanced Note 1, Note 7
NRS30004 Care Management and Leadership Advanced
NRS30005 Complex Challenges in Nursing Care Advanced Note 8
NRS30006 Formation Based Learning: Transitions in Health Advanced Note 1, Note 9