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Unit of Study NURS5011 - Chronic Health and Disability Across the Lifespan (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

  • Unit type

    PG Coursework Unit

  • Credit points

    12

  • Faculty/College

    Faculty of Health

  • Placement

    Yes

  • Enrolment information

    Students who enrol in this unit in Term 2 will undertake placement hours during Terms 2 and 3. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.

Unit description

Examines the concepts of chronic health and illness, building upon prior learning in anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. Students will develop an understanding of the impact of chronic illness and disability on individuals and carers, and apply strategies to promote wellness and independence. Students will use clinical data, including laboratory and radiology findings, to make appropriate clinical decisions. A three-week (120hrs) placement experience will be completed as part of this unit.

Unit content

  1. Introduction to Chronic Illness Across the Lifespan
  2. Common Chronic Illnesses I: Renal and Reproductive
  3. Common Chronic Illnesses II: Respiratory and Cardiovascular
  4. Common Chronic Illnesses III: Neurological, Integumentary and Musculoskeletal
  5. Common Chronic Illnesses IV: Endocrine and Gastrointestinal
  6. Mental Health as a Co-Morbidity, Drug and Alcohol

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2,3
Term2,3

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

articulate an advanced and integrated understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of health breakdown in a chosen body system

analyse clinical diagnostic and laboratory results to direct care for the patient in the chronic care setting

apply the principles of evidence-based nursing care to devise strategies and interventions to promote independence, wellbeing and quality of life for individuals with chronic illness, and their carers

demonstrate effective nursing skills and critical reflective ability within a range of chronic conditions

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
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Prescribed Resources/Equipment
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Prescribed Texts
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Prescribed Resources/Equipment
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Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.