Overview
Nursing people with complex health needs, co-morbidity or disability. Knowledge and skills in applying appropriate models of care, including restorative, service integration across the continuum of care, and patient self-management.
Building on previous papers, and through the integration of research evidence and theory, students will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge to provide skilful nursing care within a range of settings for people who have complex health needs.
The aim of this paper is to apply clinical skills and critical thinking to inform clinical reasoning, decision making and problem solving to safely provide nursing care to people with complex health needs.
About this paper
| Paper title | Nursing Clients with Complex Health States |
|---|---|
| Subject | Nursing |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | 1st Non standard period (19 January 2026 - 15 May 2026) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,676.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- NURS 441 and NURS 442 and NURS 446
- 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
Belinda Gordge
- Teaching Arrangements
Taught face-to-face on the Christchurch campus via lectures and simulation labs, preparing students for the clinical placement undertaken at the end of semester 1.
- Textbooks
Brown, D., Edwards, H., Buckley, T. and Aitken, R. (2023). Lewis's medical-surgical nursing: assessment and management of clinical problems. 6th ed. Chatswood, Australia: Elsevier.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Conduct comprehensive health assessments and apply clinical reasoning to plan and deliver safe, person-centred care for people with complex health conditions and/or disabilities
- Apply critical thinking and evidence-based knowledge to respond to rapidly changing health status and manage complex comorbidities, including pharmacological considerations
- Collaborate effectively with patients, whānau, and the interprofessional team to develop care and discharge plans that promote self-management and continuity of care
- Show evidence of culturally safe and culturally competent practice in alignment with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Nursing Council of New Zealand standards
- Integrate legal, ethical, and professional standards into nursing practice, including safe medication administration and infection prevention
- Critically evaluate research and apply evidence to inform clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for people with complex health needs
- Utilise therapeutic communication and maintain professional boundaries to support positive relationships with people and their whānau throughout the health journey.