This unit of study aims to build on the student’s knowledge in alcohol and other drugs nursing. Students will be encouraged to develop a deep understanding of the range of comorbidities associated with use of substances and mental health disorders by examining current literature and practice guidelines. This unit explores the specific requirements when planning care in the alcohol and other drugs sector, in particular trauma informed care grounded in evidence-based practice. Treatment and management strategies, including, pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for substance use problems are also studied. The unit concludes with an analysis of the current needs of the alcohol and other drugs nursing workforce in Australia.
| Clinical Approaches in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing | |
| Unit of study code | 326 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing |
| Term | JANUARY, JULY |
| Pre-requisite | 324 – Foundational Concepts in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 1 |
| Prescribed texts | Nil |
| Co-ordinated by | Erin Rooney e: erin.rooney@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Understanding comorbid conditions in relation to substance use disorders | a) critically evaluate treatment options and management strategies for people in withdrawal from problematic alcohol and other drug use | Assessment 1: Reflection on Nursing Practice | 10% | 2 |
| Theme 2: Care planning and treatment matching | b) assess the range of comorbidities and complex conditions associated with mental health disorders and alcohol and other drug use | Assessment 2: Literature critique | 40% | 6 |
| Theme 3: Alcohol and other drugs management strategies and treatment modalities | c) critically review the key principles of care planning and treatment matching when addressing the complex care needs of people experiencing harm from alcohol and other drug use | Assessment 3: Analysis of care | 40% | 9 |
| Theme 4: The specialist role of the alcohol and other drugs nurse | d) analyse treatment and management options when working with marginalised and priority populations | Assessment 4: Professional development plan | 10% | 10 |
| e) examine treatment modalities, including pharmacology and psychosocial approaches, within a collaborative interdisciplinary team using current literature and evidence-based practice | ||||
| f) critically analyse the specialist role of the alcohol and other drugs nurse and the implications for future practice in order to provide holistic and contemporary person centred care | ||||
Clinical Approaches in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing (326) is a Tier 1 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 |
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
This unit is only available to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing.
