Course

Bachelor of Nursing

Approved Abbreviation: BN

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4642.1

CRICOS Code: 041099M

Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course was 2007, 2008.

This course prepares graduates for eligibility to apply for registration throughout Australia as beginning professional generalist registered nurses. The focus of the course is on inquiry-based learning, critical thinking and reflective practice in relation to the theory and practice of nursing in health and health breakdown across the lifespan. Students study application of physical and behavioural sciences to nursing; inquiry and evidence-based practice principles and utilisation within nursing; nursing care of individuals, families and groups from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan. The acquisition of nursing knowledge and skills occurs initially in campus-based simulated clinical practice settings and consolidation occurs as students undertake clinical placements in a variety of health care settings. Prospective students should be aware that full disclosure of any issues of impairment or misconduct is a declaration requirement when applying for registration as a registered nurse.

Study Mode
Three years full-time. A reduced load is possible in consultation with Head of Program.

Advanced standing

Prospective students holding the Enrolled Nurses Certificate Level IV or Advanced Certificate with Medication Administration Module will be granted automatic entry to the B Nursing. In recognition of their TAFE studies and professional experience, this group will be granted advanced standing in the following units:

Elective (unspecified 10 credit points)

Nursing for Health and Wellbeing

Understanding Good Health

Behavioural Foundations for Nursing Practice

Accreditation
The Bachelor of Nursing has accreditation and approval from the Nurses and Midwives Board NSW. From 1 July 2010 the approval, recognition and accreditation of courses has been transferred to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Course accreditation can be checked on their website. Http://www.anmac.org.au/accreditation-services. Please note: from 1 July 2010 practitioners applying for registration as a nurse or midwife for the first time in Australia are required to demonstrate English language proficiency as specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). These requirements include: a) the IELTS examination (academic module) with a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking); or b) completion and an overall pass in the Occupational English Test (OET) with grades A or B only in each of the four components. For further details, refer to the NMBA website. Http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx

Inherent requirements

Admission

Students would normally apply through UAC and enter via achievement of minimal UAI ranking. International applicants should contact the International Office for details on admission. Contact information for the International Office is available via their website.

International Office

Special Requirements Prerequisites
Students will need to have completed the NSW Health Special Requirements for clinical practicum attendance. At present these include: Prohibited Persons Employment Declaration (PPED); Criminal Record Check (CRC): Adult Health Immunisation Schedule and WorkCover accredited Senior First Aid Certificate.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

400745

Nursing for Health and Wellbeing

400746

Understanding Good Health

400747

Behavioural Foundations of Nursing Practice

400748