Advancing Practice. Clinical Impact

The Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science (Anaesthetic & Recovery Nursing) aims to provide graduates with the opportunity to develop advanced specialist skills. Students undertaking this program of study are provided with a rigorous grounding in the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely practice within this clinical practice setting at an advanced level.

Successful completion of Semester 1 specialty courses is a prerequisite for continuing in Semester 2 specialty courses.

SPECIALITY CORE COURSES

Anaesthetic & Recovery Nursing I
Units:4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1
This course provides the clinician with the clinically-focused skills to function as an anaesthetic and recovery nurse within the clinical areas of the perioperative environment. It focuses on clinical skill acquisition based on principles of practice and demonstration of practical skills that are reinforced within the clinical environment. Following this course the clinician will be able to function at a rudimentary level within the areas of anaesthetic and recovery nursing. Topics included within this course include; airway management, care of the patient undergoing general and regional anaesthesia during their perioperative care and the clinical management of perioperative complications.

Anaesthetic & Recovery Nursing II
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 2
This course provides the clinician with the advanced clinical skills to function as an advanced anaesthetic/recovery nurse within the perioperative environment. Examples of the topics included within this course include the Specialist clinical practice relating to the sub specialties, clinical management of complex patients and professional issues relating to their role.

Nursing & Medical Science in Anaesthetic & Recovery Nursing I
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1
This course provides the clinician with the essential knowledge that underpins their clinical practice. It focuses on theoretical frameworks of care through structured learning within relevant areas of perioperative practice. Following this course the clinician will have the essential knowledge to enable them to function at a rudimentary level within the areas of anaesthetic and recovery nursing. Topics included within this course include knowledge of the effects of anaesthesia on the body, pharmacology and understanding of the essential equipment for practice.

Nursing & Medical Science in Anaesthetic & Recovery Nursing II
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 2
This course provides the clinician with advanced knowledge that focuses on their clinical practice. It focuses on theoretical frameworks of care through structured learning within relevant areas of perioperative practice. Following this course the clinician will have advanced knowledge to enable them to function at an advanced level within the areas of anaesthetic/recovery nursing. Topics included within this course include knowledge of advanced perianaesthesia practice for special surgical procedures and theoretical knowledge of complex conditions relating to clinical practice.

CORE COURSES

Developing Advanced Practice in Health Systems I
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1 or Semester 2
This course examines contemporary issues related to advanced nursing practice and considers the supports and constraints within which nurses practice. Topics include ethics of care, leadership, advocacy, evidence based practice, health service management, professional standards, health informatics and multicultural health care.

Developing Advanced Practice in Health Systems II
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1 or Semester 2
This course examines the evaluation of clinical practice through clinical audit. Students progress through a series of readings and activities that introduce clinical audit and then progressively work through the processes involved in the development, conduct and reporting of an audit of clinical practice.

Focused Reading in Clinical Nursing (for students granted advanced standing)
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1 or Semester 2
This course examines contemporary clinical nursing practice through a critical review of the literature with a focus on acute care nursing practice. Students are required to follow a protocol to ensure scientific rigour and minimise potential bias.

Applicants must

1. be registered, or be eligible for registration, as a nurse in Australia or New Zealand, and
2. hold a degree of Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent; or, have at least two years experience as a registered nurse in the field of the specialisation to be undertaken.

This academic plan is offered to registered nurses currently employed full-time or for a minimum of 0.6 in the specialty setting.

It is advised that students should have a minimum of 12 months of clinical experience within the clinical practice setting. Students with less than 12 months of experience are advised to discuss their application with the Program Coordinator prior to application.

• Discipline of Nursing