309608 v.1 Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

Introduction

This course aims to prepare Registered Nurses to function autonomously and collaboratively in the advanced and extended clinical role of Nurse Practitioner. The curriculum has a broad scope for relevance and utility, yet has a balance between generic andspecific content, designed to develop higher-level clinical knowledge and skills necessary for nurse practitioner practice. To facilitate Nurse Practitioner role development the curriculum includes didactic, problem based learning opportunities, and clinical education through a preceptored clinical internship. The key elements of the curriculum are professional accountability, clinical leadership, competence to practice, evidenced-based practice, critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, clinical decisionmaking, and the quality use of medicines. Integral to and incorporated throughout the curriculum is the concept of cultural security.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Australian applicants - applicants must be Registered Nurses entered into Division I of their relevant State Nurses Board register and hold a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or its equivalent. Registered nurses who do not hold a bachelors degree may gain entry to the courses through an alternate mode of entry, which considers the applicant's current clinical and educational experience and professional development. Applicants must have completed a one year graduate clinical practice program or its equivalent plus a minimum of two years full time equivalent practice in their selected clinical specialisation. Formal preparation in the selected clinical specialisation is highly desirable. International applicants must be Registered Nurses entered into DivisionI of the Nurses Board of Western Australia (NBWA) register or other Australian State Nurses Board registers and hold a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or its equivalent. Have completed a one year graduate clinical practice programor or its equivalent and plus a minimum of two years full time equivalent practice in their selected clinical specialisation. Formal preparation in the selected clinical specialisation is highly desirable. Must meet English language competency requirements.

Specific Requirements

Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance section of this publication.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This fee paying course is three semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study. Intake for the course is available each semester.

Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed all the requirements of the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Specialisation (Nurse Practitioner) may apply, under exceptional circumstances, for graduation in that award, subject to approval of the Head of School/Department. For further definition refer to the Statement and Awards section under the General Information section in the Curtin Courses Handbook.

Course Organisation

This course is available in internal and external modes of study. Students are required to use the Internet to support their studies. The internship component (50 credits) of this course must be completed in an approved hospital and/or agencies. Studentsundertaking part time study will need to complete the other units listed in the first year of the program prior to undertaking the Nursing Project.

Professional Recognition

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as Nurse Practitioner in Division 1 of the Nurses Board of Western Australia register and may apply for mutual recognition of registration in other Australian states where equivalency of specialisationapplies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates registered with the Nurses Board of Western Australia as Nurse Practitioner, will be eligible to practice in areas approved by the Western Australian Director General of Health as designated nurse practitioners.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials.

Availability

Availability Information has not been provided by the respective School or Area. Prospective/current students should contact the School or Area listed above for further information.