This unit of study focuses on the assessment and management of infants, children, and young people with acute illness/injury in the hospital setting. Building on the students’ foundational knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology, and childhood development, the content is presented in age ranges and in medical, surgical, trauma, and complex chronic illness.
A family-centered and interdisciplinary approach features in holistic management strategies and students are challenged to critique their nursing practice against contemporary research and endorsed clinical practice guidelines.
This unit of study helps prepare paediatric nurses for leadership by encouraging critical thinking, reflective practice, and a commitment to culturally safe practice.
| Principles of Acute Paediatric Nursing | |
| Unit of study code | 138 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing Studies
GC single unit of study |
| Term | APRIL, OCTOBER |
| Pre-requisite | N/A |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 1 |
| Recommended texts | Fraser, J., Waters, D., Forster, E., Brown, N. (Eds). (2022). Paediatric Nursing in Australia and New Zealand (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press, GB. |
| Co-ordinated by | Sheetal Kumar e: sheetal.kumar@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: The deteriorating child | a) evaluate the role of paediatric early warning systems in fostering a greater understanding of the dynamic nature of acute paediatric illnesses and assisting in the early recognition of deterioration | Assessment 1: Personal learning goals | 5% | 2 |
| Theme 2: The infant, child or young person with an acute injury | b) develop advanced clinical decision-making skills by synthesising physical assessment and diagnostic findings and the pathophysiology of acute paediatric presentations | Assessment 2: Annotated bibliography | 30% | 4 |
| Theme 3: The infant, child or young person with an acute medical condition | c) critically analyse contemporary research on acute paediatric Illness/injury as a foundation for the development of evidence-based management plans | Assessment 3: Poster and essay | 40% | 8 |
| Theme 4: The infant, child or young person with an acute surgical condition | d) review chronic and complex illnesses in childhood and explore the effects on the child and family | Assessment 4: Reflective essay | 20% | 10 |
| Theme 5: The infant, child or young person with chronic or complex disease | e) critically reflect on your own values and beliefs in relation to culture and diversity, facilitating culturally safe and respectful nursing care of children and their families. | |||
Principles of Acute Paediatric Nursing (138) 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.
