Bachelor Of Nursing
CRS1234567Become a Registered Nurse
In the 3 year Bachelor of Nursing course, you will gain clinical nursing experience, while learning to provide person-centred care in partnership with people across the life span and a variety of health care settings through face-to-face workshops and clinical sessions. Alongside the clinical experience, you will study the requirements for the transition to the role of registered nurse, applied evidence-based care, leadership and clinical governance in nursing.
You will also undertake specialised subjects including mental healthcare in nursing, primary healthcare and First Nations Health. The final subjects in the curriculum aim to support your transition to Registered Nurse by promoting consolidation and reflection on your clinical practice and engagement in professional nursing. These subjects will assist you to manage time and caseloads, lead teams, and make ethical clinical decisions with a compassionate and caring approach.
Further information about Chisholm's accreditation as a Higher Education provider can be found at Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Chisholm Higher Education College participates in surveys administered by Quality Indicators in Learning and Teaching (QILT).
Download the course entry requirements.
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Read more about this course
This degree provides a clear career pathway to positions as a registered nurse - in a range of settings, including:
• clinics and hospitals
• homes and hospices
• aged care settings
• schools and universities
• community health centres
• government agencies and private industry.
Indicative enrolments: 200
Course structureTo complete the Bachelor of Nursing you must complete the 23 subjects in the Bachelor.
A full-time student will enrol in 48 credit points per semester, and this will take three years to complete the bachelor.
Indicative workloadAs a Nursing student, your weekly workload for each subject you enrol in is approximately 9 hours per week. This is made up of a 3-hour class (delivered on campus) plus 6 hours personal study time. For example, if you were to study full-time, the weekly workload for this course would be 36 hours.
Complete a Bachelor of Nursing, at either our Frankston or Berwick campus.
Please note there is a 100% attendance requirement for all clinical laboratory sessions and 80% attendance requirement for all workshops.
You will be required to complete supervised clinical placements and purchase a branded scrub top for these placements as part of this course.
Registration
The Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency / Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia will keep a register of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing for the duration of your course. Chisholm Institute, as the education provider, will pass on students’ details directly to AHPRA for registration upon successful course completion. No fees are required. Further details are available at the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA) website https://www.ahpra.gov.au/. -
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Assess and apply a broad and coherent knowledge in the provision of safe, professional, legal and ethical nursing practice in accordance with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Registered Nurse standards, codes and guidelines for practice in all healthcare settings.
2. Exhibit awareness, sensitivity and respect for individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and cultures to provide safe and competent person-centred care in an Australian and global context.
3. Critically evaluate and construct evidence-based person-centred care plans in partnership with people across a variety of health care settings.
4. Establish and maintain therapeutic professional relationships through respectful and collaborative communication with people.
5. Lead collaborative practice in intra-professional and interprofessional teams to promote optimal health outcomes for individuals, communities and populations.
6. Critically reflect on professional development and lifelong learning using relevant research and clinical judgement.
7. Critically evaluate and integrate contemporary technologies, research and information to ensure best practice care outcomes. -
Subjects - Year one
Bioscience 1NUR101
Semester one
This is the first of two subjects to establish foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology relevant to nursing practice. This includes the structure, function and coordination of the human body and interactions of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine systems. Instruction and practice will be provided for the interpretation of physiological data in relation to clinical case studies.
Assessment method:A combination of a test, case study and exam
Health and WellbeingNUR102
Semester one
Introduces the knowledge and awareness of health for individuals, communities and populations. This subject will focus on diversity, inclusion and equity for communities of Australia's diverse population, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Current global and local issues are examined and the role of the nurse advocating for positive change in health outcomes.
Assessment method:A combination of peer discussion, test and assignment.
Person Centred CareNUR103
Semester one
Explores how to develop effective communication through written and interpersonal skills for person-centered nursing in different healthcare settings focusing on cultural sensitivity and safety. Outlines the language and literacy skills needed for academic work and professional nursing practice.
Assessment method:A combination of assignment, reflective journal and presentation.
Professional Nursing PracticeNUR104
Semester one
Examine the essential elements of nursing practice including the political, legal, and ethical rules that regulate it. Providing opportunities to reflect on how law and ethics impact practice and inform the role of a registered nurse in Australia. It also explores the challenges to patient safety in healthcare, both locally and globally, and reviews healthcare standards from the perspectives of both consumers and healthcare professionals.
Assessment method:A combination of clinical assessment, presentation and essay.
Bioscience 2NUR105
Semester two
Second subject to establish foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology relevant to nursing practice. This includes the structure, function and coordination of the human body and interactions of the lymphatic, gastrointestinal, nervous, reproductive and urinary systems. Instruction and practice will be provided for the interpretation of physiological data in relation to clinical case studies.
Assessment method:A combination of case study, test and exam.
Working with First Nations PeoplesNUR106
Semester two
Introduces the history of Australia First Nations Peoples, the diversity and complexity of their lived experience and traditional culture and connection with land, place, language. Provides opportunities to reflect on their own position as a health professional and the impact of cultural values and beliefs on clinical practice.
Learn strategies to improve health outcomes and support the aspirations of indigenous populations. with respect for indigenous knowledge, cultural safety and the need to work in genuine partnership to support health-related choices.Assessment method:A combination of assignment, reflective journal and presentation
Quality Use of MedicinesNUR107
Semester two
Introduces the fundamental science concepts in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and knowledge of standards required by the National Quality and Safety in Health Services Medication Standards.
Explore the benefit of person-centred medication management whilst applying critical thinking to legal and ethical considerations of the safe use of medicines and the role of the registered nurse in medication management, including safe administration practices.Assessment method:A combination of case study, test and exam
Clinical Practice in Nursing 1NUR108
Semester two
Undertake clinical practice of skills in simulated laboratories and a placement in an accredited health care setting for a period of 80 hours. Provided opportunities to develop and demonstrate person-centered care and professional competencies within a first year scope of practice for an undergraduate nurse as per the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.
Assessment method:A combination of clinical assessment, test, ANSAT, Clinical Placement attendance and professional portfolio.
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Subjects - Year two
Primary Health CareNUR201
Semester one
Introduces the core principles and frameworks of primary health care and community practices across the lifespan. Exploring both local and global approaches to primary health care, covering a broad perspective on how these practices can be tailored to different communities.
Informing a comprehensive understanding of primary health care, empowering nurses contribute to improving health outcomes and advocating for people in diverse settings and communities. This includes health promotion, disease prevention, rehabilitation and palliative care within the community settings.Assessment method:A combination of peer discussion, assignment and essay.
Pharmacology for Nursing PracticeNUR202
Semester one
Uses the National Quality and Safety in Health Services Medication Standards to expand knowledge of pharmacology and advanced scientific concepts in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics across broad classes of medication. This focuses on their responsibility in medication management, including safe administration practices, medication errors, adverse effects and drug interactions.
Students will apply critically thinking to the legal and ethical considerations for at risk population groups across the lifespan.Assessment method:A combination of test, case study and exam.
Pathophysiology for HealthcareNUR203
Semester one
Introduces fundamental scientific concepts relevant to the normal and abnormal functioning of the human body. Alteration in body systems will be explored for acute and chronic conditions across the lifespan including manifestations and deteriorations.
Common pathological processes which occur across the body systems will be studied to provide a foundation knowledge of microbiology, infection control, chronic disease and cancer.Assessment method:A combination of case study, test and exam.
Clinical Practice in Nursing 2NUR204
Semester one
Undertake clinical practice of skills in simulated laboratories and a placement in a health care setting to apply the knowledge and skills introduced in previous units. Students will demonstrate person cantered care and professional competencies within second year scope of practice for a registered nurse. To meet accreditation requirements students must attend 160 clinical placement hours as a part of this subject.
Assessment method:A combination of clinical assessment, test, ANSAT, PEP attendance and professional portfolio.
Exploring ResearchNUR205
Semester two
Introduces students to the research process and explores the fundamentals of conducting and understanding research in health care. In addition to building research skills, there will be particular emphasis on research concerning evidence-based practice in healthcare contexts, with a particular focus on Australian state and national contexts.
Assessment method:A combination of peer discussion, assignment and exam.
Mental Health and WellbeingNUR206
Semester two
Covers relevant knowledge to prepare students for working in partnership with people experiencing mental health conditions and challenges, their families and communities across the lifespan. Establishing skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in a wide range of clinical settings. This subject requires students to use the recovery and strengths-based approaches to inform practice and provide nursing care including care of self as a healthcare professional.
Assessment method:A combination of group presentation, case study and exam.
Technology Advances in HealthcareNUR207
Semester two
Explores innovative technologies in healthcare used locally, nationally and internationally to target health priorities. Students will analyse current legal and ethical implications in the use of digital technology across varying demographics in health and nursing contexts.
Assessment method:A combination of essay, presentation, and case study.
Clinical Practice in Nursing 3NUR208
Semester two
Undertake clinical practice of skills in simulated laboratories and a placement in a health care setting to apply the knowledge and skills introduced in previous units. Students will demonstrate person centered care and professional competencies within second year scope of practice for a registered nurse. To meet accreditation requirements students must attend 160 clinical placement hours as a part of this subject.
Assessment method:A combination of clinical assessment, test, ANSAT, PEP attendance and professional portfolio.
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Subjects - Year three
Complex Nursing CareNUR301
Semester one
Focusses on the theoretical foundations of advanced care nursing. Using a strength-based approach, complex care in both primary and tertiary health care settings will be covered whilst considering the diverse needs of Australia's population.
Application of clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice to advanced patient assessment planning and care management.
Establishing the advanced knowledge and practical experience required to assess and manage complex care needs and provide high-quality, safe care for a wide range of patient groups.Assessment method:A combination of essay, clinical assessment and exam.
Global and Local HealthcareNUR302
Semester one
Expands on the challenges and gaps contributing to global health disparities which must be addressed to help achieve health equity. Building on knowledge gained in previous subjects to critically analyse global health challenges and the role of global health organisations in response to health priorities. Critical evaluating the importance of individual, community, national and international collaboration in attaining optimal health for all populations. Exploring the role of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in global health responses including the management of health emergencies.
Assessment method:A combination of reflective portfolio, assignment and presentation.
Health ElectiveNUR303
Semester one
Students will have the opportunity to select a subject (AQF 7) from the Higher Education College Health courses in Family Violence, Psychology, or Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Clinical Practice in Nursing 4NUR304
Semester one
Participate in Professional Experience Placement in a health care setting to consolidate and extend knowledge, skills and attributes of registered nursing practice. Students will demonstrate person centred care and professional competencies within third year scope of practice for a registered nurse in the management of specialised complex patient care. To meet accreditation requirements students must attend 160 clinical placement hours as a part of this subject.
Assessment method:A combination of clinical assessment, test, ANSAT, PEP attendance and professional portfolio.
Leadership for Nursing PracticeNUR305
Semester two
Leadership in all levels of healthcare is essential in creating collaborative culture, positive environments and achieving common health goals.
Fundamental concepts and issues related to leadership in nursing and healthcare are explored in this subject as students transition from student to registered nurse.
Students will focus on contemporary innovative approaches to leadership in health care which contribute to maintaining nursing standards and person-centred care. Students will investigate key leadership responsibilities including risk management, clinical governance, quality improvement and change management.Assessment method:A combination of presentation, peer discussion and assignment.
Professional Practice ProjectNUR306
Semester two
Provides the opportunity to explore an area of interest related to the role of the nurse in the multidisciplinary health care team. Investigating a professional topic of choice in some depth to develop and present a research project plan.
Assessment method:A combination of assignment, essay and presentation.
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Admission requirements
Applicants with recent secondary education
Inherent requirements
- Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent (must be taught in English) (no minimum ATAR required).
Applicants with VET study
- A completed Certificate IV or above in a relevant discipline.
Applicants with Higher Ed study
- A complete or incomplete higher education qualification
For vocational and educational training (VET) and higher education studies, credits may be applied to the Bachelor of Nursing.Our inherent requirements are a guide to help you decide if a course is right for you.
If you are a student with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition or are a primary carer of an individual with a disability, you can apply for support through our Equitable Learning and Disability Support team.
Along with the admission requirements, students are required to meet a set of inherent requirements ranging from physical, cognitive and emotional, as well as work placement skills and technical and digital skills. Chisholm Institute as education providers of registered students have mandatory requirement responsibilities. Refer to: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications/mandatorynotifications/Mandatory-notifications.aspx.
Ethical Behaviors
Students must act ethically, with integrity and in alignment with nursing competency standards, codes of ethics and professional conduct and boundaries.
Requirements:
o Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to ethical and legal standards.
o Acquire and demonstrate accountability and ethical behaviour in academic and professional settings.
o Acquire and continue to demonstrate confidentiality, privacy and professional standards.
Emotional Regulation and Sociability
Individuals that work with vulnerable individuals and communities must be calm, empathetic and nonreactive and demonstrate consistently emotional regulation.
Requirement:
o Manage own emotions and responses and mental health to provide safe and empathetic support in a range of environments with diverse consumers and communities.
o Maintain professional boundaries in studies and on clinical placement and remain in command of one’s own emotions and responses when faced with traumatic or challenging course content, consumer accounts or community circumstances.
o A willingness to participate, contribute, and support the learning environment, group activities and placement settings.
o Readily adapt to changing circumstances in dynamic environments.
Cognitive Capacity
Strong cognitive skills are needed for problem-solving, decision-making, critical analysis, and reflection.
Requirement:
o Demonstrate ability to conceptualise, synthesise, and integrate knowledge.
o Apply theory and other relevant knowledge to practice.
o Revise, retain and apply complex information across multiple settings and disciplines.
Communication Skills and Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Good interpersonal skills are fundamental for building trust and working collaboratively in diverse teams and with community groups.
Requirement:
o Demonstrate respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
o Work effectively in team environments, including interprofessional collaboration.
o Be prepared to take part in group projects, carryout specific roles and support group collaboration and learning.
Communication Skills
Clear verbal, non-verbal and written communication are essential to support: therapeutic alliances, assessment and planning, academic and professional relationships, and to conduct effective advocacy.
Requirement:
o Be clear, respectful, and sensitive to others in all verbal and written communications within course, community and placement settings with diverse populations.
o Ensure you use the academic supports and resources available to meet assessment requirements in terminology, communication, written expression, referencing and debating.
o Participate in case discussions, interviews, and group work in class and fieldwork placement settings.
o Compose coherent reports, case notes, and academic writing.
o Use correct grammar, referencing, and professional terminology.
o Demonstrate culturally appropriate and responsive non-verbal behaviour.
o Interpret clients’ non-verbal communication and environmental factors.
Sensory
Adequate visual, auditory and tactile abilities
Requirement:
o Adequate visual acuity to provide safe and effective nursing care.
o Sufficient auditory function to monitor access and manage an individual’s health needs accurately.
o Tactile ability for assessment and observation of patients’ characteristics and abnormalities.
Numeracy
Competent and accurate numeracy skills for safe care
Requirement:
o Ability to interpret and apply data, measurements and numerical criteria
o Capacity interpreting and applying concepts in a timely and accurate manner
o Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations, including multiplying and dividing fractions to ensure correct medication dosage and fluid rates for patient safety.
Sustainable Performance
A commitment to conscientiousness and consistency is required in undergraduate study and placement activities.
Requirement:
o Sustain, cognitive, and emotional performance over varying timeframes.
o Manage workloads and meet deadlines across academic and placement contexts.
o Gross motor skills for lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and bending.
Self-Awareness and Reflective Practice
Ability to engage and monitor levels and strategies supporting well-being and capacity to reflect and adjust professional practice.
Requirement:
o Awareness and ability to monitor and support levels and strategies of coping. That own lived experience does not overshadow theoretical perspectives and global evidence base.
o Willingness to access support networks, either personal, academic or professional, if required
o Commitment to review, reflect on and adjust academic and professional conduct as guided.
Reasonable Adjustments
Students with a disability or health condition are encouraged to contact Chisholm’s accessibility or student support service. Reasonable adjustments to support full and equal participation are available but must not compromise the academic integrity or safety standards of the course.
Professional Accreditation
This degree adheres to the professional standards and expectations of APHRA and NMBA and other relevant accrediting bodies. Students are expected to meet industry standard professional competencies to graduate.
The inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other course information and publications available at: http: www.nursingmidiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Professional-standards.aspx
• Code of conduct for nurses
• Registered nurse standards for practice
• Code of ethics for nurses
• Guidelines for mandatory reporting notifications
Acknowledgement
Students are required to review and consider their understanding and ability to meet the inherent requirement of the course at the point of enrolment and prior to undertaking placement.
Mandatory Reporting Requirements
As an education provider, Chisholm have Mandatory Requirement to notify APHRA/NMBA when we have a ‘reasonable belief’ that a student has an impairment that, when undertaking clinical training, may place the public at substantial risk of harm (a very high threshold for reporting risk of harm to the public).
For further information on Mandatory Notifications see Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Making a mandatory notification. Visit
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications/mandatorynotifications/Mandatory-notifications.aspx -
Practical placement
The Bachelor of Nursing course includes a minimum of 800 hours of clinical placement experience, which is an NMBA requirement for Registered Nursing students. This practical exposure is essential as it enables students to apply their acquired skills and knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and clinical practice.
Documentation or licences required for practical placement
These placements provide students with the opportunity to engage directly with patients and healthcare teams, fostering their ability to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care. Students are placed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health facilities, and aged care facilities. This diverse exposure ensures that they gain a comprehensive understanding of different patient populations and nursing practices. By working in various environments, students are better prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare system and adapt to different clinical scenarios.
MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
As an education provider, Chisholm have Mandatory Requirement to notify APHRA/NMBA when we have a ‘reasonable belief’ that a student has an impairment that, when undertaking clinical training, may place the public at substantial risk of harm (a very high threshold for reporting risk of harm to the public).
For further information on Mandatory Notifications see Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Making a mandatory notification. Visit
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications/mandatorynotifications/Mandatory-notifications.aspx
PRACTICAL PLACEMENT PREREQUISITES
Prior to the allocation of a clinical placement you are required to provide the following:• valid Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee) for the duration of the program.
• valid National Police Record Check. If you believe there would be a disclosable issue on your National Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required before enrolment to determine suitability for work within the healthcare environment.
• proof of immunisation as determined by third party host organisations prior to placement.
• NDIS Worker Screening Check with no disclosable outcomes. -
Course pathways
Nationally recognised training Diploma of Nursing Graduate Certificate in Family Violence Bachelor Of Psychology Bachelor Of Nursing Possible job outcome - enrolled nurse
- child protection practitioner
- senior policy officer
- case manager
- specialised family violence worker
- psychiatric technician
- rehabilitation specialist
- social services specialist
- case manager
- school nurse
- registered nurse
- practice nurse at GP
- clinical nurse specialist
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Fees
Indicative total course cost $XX,XXX. Total course cost is indicative based upon the 202X tuition fee. Any increase in fees for subsequent years is not included in this value.
Indicative annual tuition fees of $XX,XXX.
Indicative fees are based upon a student enrolling in 100% full time study load and does not reflect if subjects are repeated or advanced standing is granted.
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Help with fees
FEE-HELP
At Chisholm, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to help you pay for all or part of the tuition fees for this degree course. Find out more about using FEE-HELP to study now and pay later.
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Advanced standing
Your current skills, knowledge and experience can help you get a qualification.
Find out about skills recognition and RPL for certificate to advanced diploma courses.
This course is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and aligned to Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Level 7.
Chisholm courses are subject to minimum and maximum group numbers. Courses may be cancelled or postponed if minimum numbers are not achieved by the start date of the course. Courses may close prior to the start date if the maximum numbers are reached. In that situation, eligible applicants will be offered a place in the next available intake.