Overview
The professional basis of nursing practice, nursing theory and related concepts for nursing.
In this paper students should be able to develop a coherent and extensive knowledge of the nursing profession. The content will challenge students to explore and critically evaluate the philosophical assumptions, theoretical threads and models that influence the development and application of the nursing profession as a health discipline. Students should then be able to use this knowledge to analyse existing and emerging professional issues and critically appraise and apply nursing theory and related concepts - as well as legislative and ethical requirements - to their nursing practice.
About this paper
| Paper title | Professional Nursing |
|---|---|
| Subject | Nursing |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | 1st Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 5 December 2025) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,581.63 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MNSc
- Eligibility
An undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least three years' full-time study and a B average in the final two years of the degree.
- Contact
- More information link
- View more information about the Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)
- Teaching staff
- Teaching Arrangements
Taught face-to-face on the Christchurch campus. Some online attendance may be possible for distance learners.
- Textbooks
Recommended:
McMurray, A., & Clendon, J. (2015). Community Health and Wellness. Primary health care in practice (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Meleis, A.I. (2018). Theoretical nursing: Development and progress (6th ed). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Critical thinking, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:
- Critically appraise the historical development of nursing as a profession and identify implications for the future direction of the profession
- Critique selected nursing theories and evaluate their application to nursing practice within the current and future health system
- Appraise and integrate relevant ethical and legal principles and requirements and critically evaluate these in relation to their nursing practice
- Interact and communicate effectively with clients, their families and whānau to reach the most appropriate outcomes
- Demonstrate skill in written communication within legislative, organisational and professional requirements
- Identify contemporary principles of leadership and management and critique these in relation to the nursing profession
- Critically appraise the principles of health promotion and education at individual, group and community levels to devise appropriate evidence-based interventions
- Critically analyse and evaluate the registered nurse's role to develop their professional identity, their responsibilities in regard to direction and delegation and their practice in the multidisciplinary team
- Practise in accordance with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) competencies and professional standards