Course Title: Introduction to Australian Health Care Practice

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Australian Health Care Practice

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

Course Coordinator: Dr Meeyoung Park

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6593

Course Coordinator Email: meeyoung.park@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

There are no pre-requisite or co-requisite requirements associated with your enrolment in this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. For further information go to: www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit/he


Course Description

An introduction to Australian Health Practice for International students is designed to provide for you an overview of health care delivery in the Australian context. You will be introduced to the communication and language strategies used in the clinical setting as part of the multidisciplinary health care team


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Objectives and Course Learning Objectives:
This course will contribute to the  Program Learning Objectives identified by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse through the following Course Learning Objectives:

6: Plans nursing care in consultation with individuals/groups, significant others and the interdisciplinary health care team

  • identify the context of health care as provided in the Australian setting
  • discuss the cultural norms of the Australian health care setting and contrast them to the health care settings of other countries

7: Provides comprehensive, safe and effective evidence based nursing care to achieve identified individual / group outcomes

  • review the formal and informal language used during communication in  the clinical setting
  • outline the requirements for verbal and written communication to ensure the effective and appropriate transfer of patient care information
  • apply the information gained during this course as a preparation for the clinical practice setting.

(Reference : Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse)

Graduate Capabilities
The capabilities that are developed through the program in which you are enrolled are described in the Program Guide. This course will contribute to the development of the following RMIT capabilities

  • 1. Work ready
  • 4. Culturally and socially aware


This course will assist in your preparation for your clinical practicum placements by providing for you an introduction to the health care setting in the Australian context.
This course will prepare you to

  • consider health care provision in the context of the Australian setting
  • identify the mechanisms for effective communication in the health care setting


Overview of Learning Activities

This course will use a range of learning activities including lectures, discussions and self-directed learning. Throughout the course you will be able to work both independently and in groups to aid development of your knowledge of the Australian health care system and its application to clinical practice.

Learning activities may include modalities such as lectures, podcasts and Lectopia, Wiki’s Blogs, discussion board and the simulated clinical laboratory environment.  

Lectures: Lectures and lecture notes are the principal mode of information delivery and will present you with the key concepts and information relevant to the understanding of the Australian health care system and nursing practice. You will be expected to participate in classroom discussions and to contribute to the learning experiences of your student colleagues.

Self-Directed Learning: You are expected to undertake self-directed learning activities to develop and consolidate knowledge throughout this learning activity.  The activities associated with this course are designed to enable you to better develop independent learning skills to support your commitment to lifelong learning as a nursing professional and a university graduate. The self-directed learning activities will support your knowledge of the material covered in the formal learning program and enhance the consolidation and application of that knowledge.


Overview of Learning Resources

The learning resources associated with this course will include targeted readings taken from a range of both primary and secondary sources. Where possible all material chosen will be digitally available to you. Lecture material may be delivered using a variety of flexible learning modes such as Lectopia, Discussion Board or workshops, group work and the simulated clinical learning environment. These modes will be utilised at the discretion of your lecturer. RMIT will provide you with additional resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems accessed via your myRMIT site.  


Overview of Assessment

The assessment associated with this course will comprise both formative and summative assessment and incorporate a variety of assessment modes. This may include but not restricted to the following: participation in discussion formats, examinations, and assignments. It may also include use of online technology in the form of a critically reflective online journal or blog.

Your knowledge of the Australian Health Care system will be enhanced over the 12 weeks of this course sequentially building upon each learning objective over that time. Your formative assessment will require you to actively participate in the classroom discussions and forums and to demonstrate your knowledge using a reflective journal. This may be undertaken using the appropriate on-line technology available at the time.

  • identify the context of health care as provided in the Australian setting
  • discuss the cultural norms of the Australian health care setting and contrast them to the health care settings of other countries
  • review the formal and informal language used during communication in  the clinical setting
  • outline the requirements for verbal and written communication to ensure the effective and appropriate transfer of patient care information
  • apply the information gained during this course as a preparation for the clinical practice setting.

Your summative assessment will require your participation in a simulated role play and the presentation of an assignment.

Assessments are designed to require you to demonstrate a critical analysis of the core principles presented in the course.

For information on grades used in RMIT courses see: www.rmit.edu.au/students/grading/highered

Assessment completed in the first half of the semester will provide feedback on your progress. Ongoing feedback on your knowledge and application will be provided from peers and academic staff. Feedback to students is provided in a variety of ways including verbal and group feedback. Individual feedback is not always provided in a written format.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

This course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced, at: www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment.