NS1012 - Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice

Credit points:	03
Year:	2012
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition

Available to level 1 students enrolled in the BNSc.

This subject will examine the ways knowledge is generated and accepted by the individual. This includes the use of critical thinking, reflective thinking and their application to problem solving. Alternative cultural approaches to knowledge and their generation are addressed. Nursing knowledge as a unique body of knowledge is identified and explored. Nursing theorists are critiqued.Ways of knowing: examine more specific models of nursing theory; determine the relationship between theory, research and nursing practice and examine the social and political aspects of research.Critical/reflective thinking: different notions of critical thinking will be introduced, explored and related to problem solving; different types of knowledge and their place and influence on nursing knowledge; explore personal experience of obtaining knowledge (interpretive); introduction to journalling.Nursing knowledge: examine development of nursing knowledge through research. The relationship between knowledge from personal experience and nursing knowledge will be interpreted. Different cultural perspectives on creating knowledge will be examined as well as historical and gender influences on the development of nursing knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

• explore the links between nursing knowledge and experience;
• identify the key characteristics of various nursing models and theories, nursing research and their application to contemporary practice;
• evaluate, using literature and readings, the impact of evidence on building nursing knowledge and practice;
• reflect upon and share how knowledge develops as the result of personal experiences (qualitative) and the systematic approach (quantitative);
• appreciate the evidence that informs nursing practice and develop processes of critical thinking and reflective practice for incorporation into professional practice.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to evaluate that information;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

NS1011 and NS3410

Availabilities
External, Study Period 2
Census Date 23-Aug-2012
Coordinator:	Mrs Adele Baldwin
Lecturer:	Assoc. Professor Jane Mills.
Method of Delivery:	WWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.