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    Overview

    This paper builds on prior learning to integrate conceptual frameworks in pharmaco and non-pharmacotherapeutic management. Students utilise physical and psychosocial assessment, differential diagnosis and clinical decision making for prescribing of medications, therapies, and appliances.

    This paper is the first of two practicums to prepare nurses to prescribe as an authorised prescriber in preparation to enter the Nurse Practitioner scope of practice. Students analyse concepts and frameworks to conceptualise the role and responsibilities of the authorised scope of practice. Under guidance of an authorised prescriber students develop experience in prescribing practice and case management in this practicum.

    About this paper

    Paper title Therapeutics: Knowledge and Integration
    Subject Nursing
    EFTS 0.25
    Points 30 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (Distance learning)
    Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching, and involves in-person assessment
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $3,353.00
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    NURS 405 or NURS 416
    Notes
    Study is concurrent with 150 hours of supervised clinical practice.
    Eligibility

    Every applicant shall normally be required to satisfy the University's and Nursing Council of New Zealand's requirements such as:

    1. Be a New Zealand registered nurse, with a current New Zealand practising certificate and be in good standing with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
    2. Have completed three years equivalent full-time practice within the last five years (with at least one of those years in New Zealand) in an area of practice she/he will undertake supervised clinical practicums.
    3. Have approved access to an area of clinical practice in which to develop their prescribing skills.
    4. Have completed an approved Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or equivalent with grades averaging a B or better.
    Contact

    nursingstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Convener: Kirsty Deans
    Secondary Convener: Jax Grigsby

    Paper Structure

    This prescribing praxis paper will provide the RN student with an advanced theoretical knowledge base to support their application of physical and psychosocial assessment, differential diagnosis and clinical decision making and prescribing of medications, therapies, and appliances; and includes a clinical practicum of 150hrs.

    Teaching Arrangements

    The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching.

    Lectures, simulation laboratories and prescribing practice under the guidance of an authorised prescriber.

    Enrolment information and course documentation will be sent to students two weeks prior to the start date of the first study block.

    Textbooks

    Recommended text: DiPiro J. et al. (2023). Pharmacotherapy: A pathophysiologic approach. (12th ed.). Sydney: McGraw-Hill.

    Lynn S. Bickley, Peter G. Szilagyi, Richard M. Hoffman, Rainer P. Soriano. (2023): Bates' Guide to Physical Examinationand History Taking (13 edition). Lippincott 

    Pirret, A. M. (2018). Acute care nursing: A physiological approach to clinical assessment and patient care (3rd ed.). Auckland, New Zealand: Alison Pirret. ISBN: 9780473277116

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    On the successful completion of this paper the student will:

    1. Demonstrate critical review and integration of previously acquired and new knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, health assessment (history taking, psychosocial assessment with cultural sensitivity), diagnostics, differential diagnosis, pharmacology and knowledge of therapeutics and other treatment options for the provision of a patient specific plan of care appropriate for evidencing achievement in Nurse Practitioner competencies.
    2. Integrate and apply knowledge of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and integrate this knowledge into prescribing practice under supervision.
    3. Articulate the autonomous role of the Nurse Practitioner (exploring independent practice within collaborative and consultative relationships), within their own area of practice for population/patient groups, providing evidence of their clinical expertise.
    4. Critically review and utilise theoretical frameworks to appropriately assess, plan, implement, evaluate and revise (as needed) nursing care of an individual, family/whānau or community under supervision.
    5. Demonstrate competence in the provision of care including health promotion and disease prevention strategies drawing on relevant theory, practice knowledge, research and best practice guidelines.
    6. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication, collaboration and consultation with the patient, their family/whānau, other health providers and the wider communities.
    7. Utilise communication, consultation and collaboration collegially with the multidisciplinary team for the safe application of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapeutic interventions being cognisant of patient needs.
    8. Demonstrate advanced interpersonal leadership and management skills to manage complex patients within their contexts.
    9. Appraise and work within national guidelines, policy and protocols, theoretical frameworks, assessing primary evidence where there are no guidelines, and 8 integrate evidence-based findings into care of individuals, family/whānau or communities and current professional practice.
    10. Integrate into plan of care an understanding of prescribing variation, individualising medication doses, antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions and interactions.
    11. Demonstrate advanced problem-solving and critical thinking to facilitate a patient centred, comprehensive, culturally and ethically sound, theory-driven, evidence-based plan and follow-up and revision as needed for Nurse Practitioner practice.
    12. Demonstrate knowledge of and comply with professional standards, legislation, regulations and codes applicable to practice as an authorised prescriber under supervision.
    13. Initiate the development of a formulary for future Nurse Practitioner practice.
    14. Incorporates understanding of diversity, cultural safety and socio-economic determinants of health and uses cultural models of care when planning and providing healthcare services.
    15. Demonstrates commitment to the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and applies advanced knowledge of Māori health and socio-economic disparities when working in partnership with Māori health consumers and local iwi/Māori health providers to improve access to healthcare and health outcomes.

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Christchurch
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    HSmoodle
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