NURSING 2004 - Nursing Older People
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025
-
General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code NURSING 2004 Course Nursing Older People Coordinating Unit Adelaide Nursing School Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N Restrictions Bachelor of Nursing Assessment Online Quiz, Reflective Essay and Case Study Report Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Ms Kanchani Kitto
Course Coordinator: Kanchani Kitto
Phone: +61 8 8313 3854
Email: kanchani.kitto@adelaide.edu.au
Location: AHMS Level 4
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
-
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Recognise the nature of aged care allocation and the future challenges for Australia’s ageing population based on current trends and predictions identified in current literature 2 Examine & discuss the issues relating to management of medications in the older population, in particular age related alterations affecting pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, polypharmacy and the administration of medications. 3 Investigate and describe the health risks related to ageing, in particular risk of injury, risk of infection and altered nutritional status based on current best practice guidelines 4 Distinguish and demonstrate an understanding about the challenges and differences in the care for the older adult coming from varying cultural and ethnic backgrounds 5 Summarise and explore key concepts relating to mental wellness, wellbeing and ageing considering current recommendations. 6 Examine and recognise process and importance of the Aged Care Assesment Team (ACAT) tool used in Australia 7 Demonstrate and recommend nursing interventions to manage continence in the older adult 8 Recognise issues and stereotypes related to sleep, sexuality and exercise in regards to the ageing process in older adult 9 Investigate and devise a plan of care to accommodate older adults in a variety of settings and explore how nurses can help facilitate safe environments for the older adult using a client centred approach 10 Explore the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and nursing care required for cognitive disorders of ageing. University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1, 2, 3, 5 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
2, 3, 8-10 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
5, 6, 9 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
2, 3, 7, 9, 10 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
4 Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.
2 Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
1, 6 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
3-5, 9, 10 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Prescribed Texts
Johnson, A & Chang, E 2017, Caring for Older People in Australia, John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, Milton.Recommended Resources
Recommended Texts
Crisp, J, Taylor, C, Douglas, C & Rebeiro, G 2017, Potter and Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing, 5th edition, Elsevier, Chatswood, NSW.
AND
Nay, R & Garratt, S & Fetherstonhaugh, D 2014, Nursing Older People: Issues and Innovations, 4th edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Sydney.Online Learning
Any online delivery mode of the course offers flexibility and enables students to study at their own pace. However, it is recommended that students ensure that they keep up to date with course content published on MyUni on a weekly basis so as not to fall behind. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Face to face lectures: Face to face lectures offer synchronous learning opportunities and enable students to quickly clarify complex descriptions and terminology. Much of the content for this course is supported by textbooks with web page and e-learning supports. The Adelaide Nursing School supports the audio and video capture of lecture content as an aid to revision.
Tutorial sessions: Tutorial sessions enable small group discussion and peer interaction around the content. Each tutorial session will not only focus on the lecture content for the week but also introduce some new content.
Simulation learning: simulation learning enables students to develop skills in an environment that replicates clinical practice. Actors replace patients. They are powerful learning experiences designed to challenge students and to expand their learning in a safe and supportive way. Students will be guided through realistic patient care situations and it is important that students behave professionally as they would in clinical practice.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The workload for this course requires attendance at:
12 x 1 hour lectures
6 x 1 hour tutorial per semester
1 x 1 hour simulation activity near the end of the semester
Non-contact hours for assessment and tutorial preparation will be 4 hours per week.Learning Activities Summary
While every endeavour will be made to teach content in this order change may occur.Week
Topic
Lecture
Lecture 1
The Ageing Population
The Ageing Population & Theories of Ageing
Lecture 2
Inheritance
Inheritance Patterns & Ageing
Lecture 3
Health Assessment
Assessment of the Older Person
Lecture 4
Falls
Falls & Fractures
Lecture 5
Communication & Psychological Care
Communication & Psychological Issues for the Older person/Culture & Ageing
Lecture 6
Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse
Lecture 7
Cognitive Disorders
Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders Affecting the Older Person
Lecture 8
Continence & Incontinence
Continence Management
Lecture 9
Medicines for Older People
Quality of Medicines for Older People
Lecture 10
Comfort, Pain and Palliative Care
Comfort, Pain and Palliative Care
Lecture 11
Intimacy & Sexuality
Roles & Relationships with Ageing
Lecture 12
ATOD use in the Older Person
Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug (ATOD) Use
Tutorial series 1. Pathophysiology of ageing
2. Immune changes in the older person
3. Comfort rest and activity
4. Care of the older person in their home
5. ACAT assessment and nursing home placement
6. Pressure injury prevention and managementSpecific Course Requirements
There are no specific course requirements. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed Online Quizzes Formative
Summative
N/A
15%2, 3, 6, 8, 10 Case study- interving and reporting Summative 50% 4,5,9 Elder abuse online training Summative 10% 1, 5, 9 Elder abuse simulation reflection Summative 25% 1-5, 7-10 Assessment Detail
Formative assessment: Formative quiz looking at the fiirst two weeks of content.
ASSESSMENT 1 (50%): Patient Case Study (Interview and reporting.)
For this assessment, students will be required to select an older person aged 65 years or older. This older person can be from within either your family group, a friend or from any community groups you belong to.
To complete this assessment you will need to conduct an interview with the older person gathering information using various assessment tools (within MyUni). From the information you gain you then need to write this into a Case Study format.
ASSESSMENT 2 (10%): Elder abuse prevention online traing.
For this assessment you are required to complete the Understanding Abuse of the Older Person and Their Rights which is Module 1 in a 3 Module series provided by the Older Persons Advocacy Group designed for health and aged care professionals to promote understanding of the appropriate response to suspected, witnessed or disclosed abuse of older people.
ASSESSMENT 3 (25%): Simulation reflection
For this assessment the student will use Borton's Reflective Cycle as a guide to write a 500 word reflection outlining their learning experiences during the NOP Simulation which will be run on the 6th of June. Specific questions to consider will be discussed following the session debrief.
ASSESSMENT 4 (15%): end of semester Quiz
Online Quizzes: Multiple choice quizzes will be available via MyUni. 15 questions that cover the contant from this semester.Submission
Unless otherwise indicated all assignments are to be submitted through MyUni. TurnItin will be used to check student assignments. Students MUST keep an electronic copy of all assignments submitted.
Extensions are generally awarded for no more than 10 working days unless there are exceptional circumstances.
To apply for an Assessment Extension, a student must submit an application for extension form prior to the assessment deadline. You will find this on the School of Nursing Website or use the link provided here.
Students should review the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment PolicyCourse Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
-
Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
2019 eSELT feedback: comments to course coordinator as main teacher indicated the need to offer increased engagement during tutorials and less lecturing of new content. Positively it was highlighted, topics that were easily relatable, as being very current in healthcare, were most enjoyed, by students.
New topics will still need to be introduced during tutorial time however this will be done with greater emphasis on student interaction and peer learning, hence a less didactic delivery of new material.
A strong, identifiable link to current healthcare issues and phases will continue to be made, when teaching each of the course topics. The aim being to highlight relevance and promote student engagement.
-
Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
-
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
-
Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.