Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Bachelor of Science (Nursing)/Bachelor of Science (Midwifery)

Effective from 01-JUL-2019 : Code Y76

This course offers an innovative and broad study approach, preparing students for flexible career options in dynamic healthcare settings. The course is comprehensive and unique in WA in preparing graduates for beginning level practice in both midwifery and nursing. It provides students with the knowledge and skills to deliver high quality care within the healthcare environment.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Clinical or professional work placement Requirement

Students are required to complete both nursing and midwifery clinical practicums. Students are required to successfully complete 840 hours of nursing clinical practice hours and a further 640 hours midwifery clinical practice hours. Students are also required to follow ten women throughout their pregnancy journey, accumulating a further 200 hours of midwifery clinical placement hours. Placements are undertaken with a range of clinical partners as full-time clinical placements.

Duty of care

To be eligible to undertake clinical practice and fulfill their duty of care, students are required to complete risk management protocols on commencement of the course, and carry out amendments in subsequent semesters as appropriate. Risk management protocols include, but are not restricted to: International students on temporary visas are required to provide a Certificate of International Police Clearance where possible Certificate of National Police Clearance Department of Health (WA) Criminal Screening Current Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), initial certification required plus annual renewal of certification courses available via ECU provider Current Manual Handling Certification, initial certification required plus annual renewal of certification, courses available via ECU provider Current Neonatal Resuscitation (NNR), initial certification required plus annual renewal of certification courses available via ECU provider Evidence of immunisation status as per the Australian Immunisation Handbook, more information at www.mmunisationhandbook.health.gov.au including immunity to Hepatitis B Tuberculosis screening (Evidence of QuantiFERON or Mantoux Test) MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months prior to enrolment Working with Children Check, more information at www.workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au Due to the practical nature of the nursing and midwifery professions, there are inherent performance requirements applicable to this course that may impact upon the success of some potential students. Applicants and students with a disability or other issues likely to impact on their ability to perform in practice are encouraged to contact the Director, Midwifery Studies to discuss the support and inherent requirements of this course.

Attendance requirements

Students will undertake clinical practicum during the hours laid down by their host clinical agency. These full-time clinical blocks may occur at times outside the identified semester weeks. Additionally, pre-identified clinical practicum periods may change with minimal notice to students due to circumstances outside the control of the School. There is an 'on call' component to this course. It is a requirement in Australia that midwifery students provide Continuity of Care to ten women throughout the course of their studies; this includes being on call to attend them when they give birth.

Implications of failing

The practicum units are a fundamental course requirement and each unit may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by the Board of Examiners. Failure to pass these units may result in exclusion from the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources using digital technologies to inform nursing and midwifery practice.
2. Anticipate and identify potential challenges and develop appropriate nursing and midwifery strategies and solutions.
3. Apply broad health knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical nursing and midwifery situations.
4. Critically analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex nursing and midwifery practice.
5. Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
6. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional nursing and midwifery practice in accordance with the NMBA Codes of Practice.
7. Demonstrate the Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife Standards for Practice required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for registration.
8. Independently communicate nursing and midwifery knowledge, concepts and values clearly and coherently.
9. Work collaboratively within nursing and midwifery teams and with other health care professionals to ethically and effectively respond to diverse health care challenges.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

Registration

Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 4)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Diploma or equivalent;
• Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course; or
• Aboriginal Student Intake Test.

English Language requirement (Band 5)

International students (other than those students schooled in a recognised country as defined by APHRA at http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx) are required to provide any English language test approved by AHPRA with a score equivalent to an IELTS Academic overall minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.5). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement or we may require additional information to confirm that requirements have been satisfied.

Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
• Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to provide a personal statement. This statement must outline their understanding of the Registered Nurse's role and of a Registered Midwife's role, their reasons for wishing to undertake this course, and an outline of their plan for managing the workload.

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Reporting Obligations

ECU has an obligation to report details of all students enrolled in this course to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Universities are required to notify the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) if a student undertaking clinical training has an impairment that may place the public at risk of harm. For more information, please visit www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications/What-is-a-notification/What-can-notifications-be-about.aspx

Course Duration

• Full Time: 4 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time
• South West (Bunbury): Full Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Prospective applicants are advised that there is an 'on call' component to this course. It is a requirement in Australia that midwifery students provide Continuity of Care to ten women throughout the course of their studies; this includes being on call to attend them when they give birth.

Course Coordinator

Mrs Dianne Kim BLOXSOME

Course Structure

# Designated Unit - a Unit or Unit of Competency which a School has designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by Board of Examiners.
* Students will be assessed to see if they have achieved the ECU minimum standard of English language proficiency in this unit. Students who don't meet the minimum standard will be provided with appropriate English language support and development.