ASSESSMENT 2: CASE STUDY BRIEF
Due Date: Week 3
Weighting: 0% (Formative)
Length: 500 words
This assessment is scheduled early in the semester to assist in the planning and development of your case study, so that you can receive feedback on your work before handing in your final assignment.

Topic
Select a patient you have cared for, relating actual events in which you were involved and critiquing the clinical events based upon the literature.

Once you have selected the patient:

Identify the relevant part of the patient’s hospital journey, whilst being careful not to identify the patient or your institution in any way. Provide a brief paragraph which situates the patient, providing background, identifying the significance to perioperative nursing and any limitations or boundaries of your intended work (this is designed to assist in the development of the introduction for your final case study assignment).

Provide a rough plan (in dot point form) of your case study identifying headings that demonstrate the logical sequence and structure for your proposed paper.

Outline the key points to be discussed using headings identified above and the issues to be critiqued (this is designed to assist in the development of the content of the paper ensuring the patient selection and significant issues are covered appropriately, and from a variety of perspectives).

Describe the search strategy undertaken to identify preliminary references including key works and databases used (this is to ensure contemporary and reliable resources are used).

Provide a reference list containing 5 preliminary references relevant to your case study which complies with the School of Nursing’s School Academic Manual.

A high academic writing standard is required with key points in text referenced appropriately.


ASSESSMENT 3: CASE STUDY
Due Date: Week 9
Weighting: 40%
Length: 2,500 words

Topic
Full text journal articles available through electronic databases.
Each student is required to complete a 2,500 word nursing case study of a high academic standard. Case studies allow clinical episodes and practices to be articulated and explored. The case study should be about a patient you have cared for, relating actual events in which you were involved and critiquing the clinical events based upon the literature. You may write in the first person to convey actual conversations. Please also ensure patient anonymity is maintained.

It will be of more interest for you to explore a case where an event actually happened rather than a case where everything went perfectly as planned. You can then analyse what policy or system factors contributed to the event and put forward strategies for future prevention of repeat events.

Structure of the Case Study
The following areas should be considered:
Introduction to the case and explanation of the reason for selection.
Body of text that covers the following areas:
     • present the patient’s story - including clinical presentation, diagnosis, any relevant history and the pathophysiology of the patient’s condition
     • outline of the clinical progress of the patient through the perioperative environment, including interdisciplinary interventions (with an emphasis on nursing)
     • critique the nursing management of the patient and interpret the outcomes of interventions, supported with relevant (and appropriate) literature.
Conclusion that summarises the patient case study.

The School Academic Manual has further information on writing case studies and referencing your work. Further information can also be found at Appendix I.

Confidentiality
The patient’s anonymity must be maintained. Always use a pseudonym so that the patient is not identifiable and state in the case study that this is what you are doing. Do not include any other information that may potentially identify the patient including palaces, dates, times or events.


ASSESSMENT 4: POSTER
Due Date: Poster due: Week 12
Presentation actually on Tuesday (Week 13)
Weighting: 30%
Length: 2,500 word equivalence

Topic
This Perioperative Practice Poster must be submitted no later than the nominated date. If you follow the suggested guidelines then the 2500 word length will be achieved. High academic standard continues to be expected.
The poster must be on a clinical procedure covered within this semester's lecture / tutorial program. The information must be presented as a poster, using the marking guide as outlined below. Therefore students are expected to follow the guidelines as suggested for advice.

Poster Design - Suggestions
Select your surgical procedure.
Procedure must be relevant to the Graduate Diploma and your area of practice.
Discuss your idea with your CNC, Clinical Title Holder or coordinator.
Use diagrams, pictures and photos rather than text.
Use colours sparingly added only to emphasise.
One colour should dominate 70% of the poster.
Light backgrounds are generally better.
Try not to use more than 2 font types:
Times-Roman is good for text
Arial / Helvetica for headings
Font size should be approx minimum of 36 points for titles and 24 for text.
Try not to use upper case for all script as it can be difficult to read.
Highlight text with bold or underline.
Always ask someone to double-check your spelling and grammar.

Poster format
This is a suggested format if using PowerPoint to create the poster.
   • Slide 1 - Title page
title of poster
your name
program details (e.g. Specialised Perioperative Nursing Practice, Master of Nursing Science (Perioperative Nursing) – Stage 1 and The University of Adelaide)
   • Slide 2 - Introduction
outline of procedure selected
how common is this procedure? (e.g. in terms of patients, your health care facility’s incidence)
   • Slide 3 to 7 - Content
as per description of clinical procedure (e.g. clinical presentation, important perioperative considerations, etc.)
   • Slide 8 - Referencing
refer to the marking guide for referencing


ASSESSMENT 5: CLINICAL SKILLS HANDBOOK
Due Date: Week 12
Weighting: NGP / NGF
Length: Not applicable

Topic
The assessment of skills will occur over the two academic semesters (Semester 1, 2014 and Semester 2, 2014). Each of the competencies for the course has been given a level that must be achieved as part of the assessment. Students are required to complete at least 50% of the competencies for this semester. Which competencies are completed is dependent upon the clinical rotations of the students.

Students will be assessed by their preceptor / clinical title holder that they work with. It is essential that students who do not have exposure to particular skills, negotiate with the course coordinator with enough time to arrange for clinical experience to occur. Clinical skills assessment books must be submitted to the Course Coordinator by the due date in Semester 2.

In addition, students should consider having an appraisal undertaken for each clinical area allocated that they have completed during the semester. Whilst it is not a requirement of this course, it is recommended for your own ongoing professional development. This assessment should include the student, their preceptor / clinical title holder and the nurse who is in charge of the area.

Diaries should be submitted via post or in person by 1630hrs on the due date to:
Postal Address:
Course Coordinator: Perioperative Nursing
School of Nursing
The University of Adelaide
Australia 5005

In Person:
Course Coordinator: Perioperative Nursing (c/o Reception)
School of Nursing
The University of Adelaide
Level 3, Eleanor Harrald Building
Royal Adelaide Hospital
Frome Road, North Terrace