Bachelor of Nursing

Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.

Sight

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use and interpret visual information, including colour and/or facial cues, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Observing patients in both simulated and in-practice environments to detect physical appearance and movement of patients

• Recognising signs of patient deterioration and distress

• Reading facial expressions and body language of patients who are unable to communicate or who are unconscious

• Continuously and accurately interpreting information from patients and equipment

• Preparing and administering medications, including reading medication orders, labels, doses and expiry dates

• Seeing when sterile equipment, wound sites or clean areas have been contaminated, and maintaining infection control

• Working in a variety of lighting conditions
   

Sound

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use hearing to respond to vocal cues and differentiate sounds and tone, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Listening to patients in both simulated and in-practice environments to recognise changes in a patient’s condition, including variations in breathing sounds, coughing, or expressions of distress

• Discussing patient assessment and care

• Responding to emergency situations by recognising and differentiating varying sounds, including alarms from patient monitors, clinical equipment and emergency alert systems

• Working in noisy environments with varying types and loudness of background noises
   

Touch

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use touch to feel tactile differences and changes in objects, assess physical conditions, and respond to discomfort or danger, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Using physical touch to complete patient assessments and to differentiate between assessment findings

• Using therapeutic and expressive touch to build rapport, reassurance, offer comfort and gain trust with patients/clients/family members

• Confirming the appropriate temperature of fluids and therapies used in patient care, including when equipment to measure temperature is unavailable

• Wearing protective clothing of varying materials, pressure and tightness
   

Smell

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use smell to distinguish the differences and changes in smell for identifying odours, and detecting hazards (like smoke or gas), to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Detecting odours to ensure patient safety by identifying risks, including infected wounds, gastrointestinal bleeding and poor hygiene, indicating unmet care needs

• Detecting odours caused by environmental hazards, such as smoke, gas or chemicals

Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.

Endurance

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop and use endurance to sustain physical effort and concentration over extended periods without experiencing excessive fatigue.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Undertaking multiple clinical shifts within weekly placement blocks
   

Stamina

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop and use stamina to perform short-term, high-intensity physical tasks while maintaining control and energy.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Performing repeated clinical tasks, including observations, patient care tasks, and CPR, whilst managing competing priorities and maintaining attention under fatigue

• Participating in clinical shifts involving long periods of standing, repeated movement and sustained physical effort
   

Strength

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop and use strength to lift, move, or hold objects safely using physical effort.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Repositioning manikins or people

• Performing CPR

• Assisting with bed‑to‑chair or trolley patient transfers using standard manual handling techniques

• Applying safe body mechanics while supporting patient weight and maintaining control of equipment

• Performing and assisting with procedures requiring physical resilience to be maintained for prolonged periods and during extended or busy clinical shifts
   

Dexterity

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use fine and coordinated movements of the hands and limbs to complete tasks that require precision and control.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Preparing medication, administering injections, wound care and use of clinical equipment
   

Steadiness

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use steadiness to maintain balance, control, and stable movement while standing, walking, or performing physical tasks.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Positioning and repositioning patients, including during CPR

• Conducting physical assessments and clinical procedures, such as wound care and collecting blood samples

• Preparing, administering, and handling medications and clinical equipment
   

Interruptions to consciousness

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will need to remain conscious and aware of surroundings and external factors to be able to respond appropriately and safely, even when managing interruptions or medication effects.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Maintaining full consciousness and situational awareness to ensure patient safety

Students will be asked to complete a self-declaration form so that any conditions or factors that may affect this expectation can be identified early and appropriate support arranged.

Fine motor skills

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use fine motor skills to execute small, precise movements efficiently, such as manipulating tools, equipment, or controls.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Manipulating small equipment and instruments

• Documenting information for others to read

• Undertaking internally invasive and external clinical procedures using nursing technologies and tools
   

Gross motor skills

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use gross motor skills to coordinate whole body movements such as lifting, walking, standing, or maintaining posture or balance.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Supporting patient mobility, transfers, and movement

• Moving and repositioning patients, beds, and clinical equipment

• Responding promptly to patient deterioration in dynamic clinical settings

Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.

Activities in this course where required components are applicable will be observed and assessed during compulsory placements against professional standards overseen by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Codes of conduct

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing  will follow professional rules, standards, and ethical guidelines provided by professional association(s).

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Acting ethically, advocating for patients, and responding when patient safety concerns arise

• Maintaining patient privacy, confidentiality, and professional boundaries

• Applying legislative requirements, and health care policies and procedures
   

Duty of care

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will act in ways that support personal safety and the safety of others. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Respecting and upholding patient safety, confidentiality, and human dignity

• Monitoring patients and responding to deterioration, changes in condition, or safety concerns

• Reporting concerns promptly to protect patient safety

• Maintaining accountability for actions, decisions, and patient care
   

Cultural sensitivity (including equity awareness)

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will respect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives by acting in inclusive, fair, and nonjudgemental ways.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Interacting respectfully with diverse members of the community via culturally safe practices, without bias or discrimination

• Recognising and responding to barriers that may affect equitable access to healthcare and health outcomes
   

Engage effectively

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will interact with others honestly, respectfully, and responsibly to build trust and professional relationships.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Demonstrating respectful communication with integrity, honesty and accountability towards patients, families, health service staff and peers

• Accepting feedback to build professional practice
   

Professional reflection

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop skills to review their learning and performance and identify areas for improvement.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Reflecting on feedback and incorporating feedback on safe and professional practice

Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.

Activities in this course where required components are applicable will be observed and assessed during compulsory placements against professional standards overseen by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Cognition

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop, use and apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Understanding, applying and analysing information to make judgments, and responding in real-time to complex situations
   

Understand and apply information

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use and interpret information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Integrating theoretical information into practice, accurately following instructions, making decisions, recognising risks and escalating concerns in a timely manner
   

Critical thinking and analysis

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop and use skills in analysing and evaluating information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Analysing patient information in real time, identifying and responding to risks by applying evidence-based care, and making reasoned decisions within scope to escalate concerns
   

Digital literacy

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop skills to use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Using industry-specific software to manage electronic health records, digital medication systems and other technology used to support nursing care

Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course. 

Activities in this course where required components are applicable will be observed and assessed during compulsory placements against professional standards overseen by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Verbal communication

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use spoken language to express ideas clearly, supported by tone and body language, to support understanding and feedback.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Explaining procedures, care plans, and health information to patients and families

• Participating in clinical handovers and discussions with healthcare teams

• Reporting concerns and communicating changes in patient condition promptly and accurately
   

Social cues

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use social cues to notice and respond to unspoken communication such as body language, facial expression, gestures and pace of conversations.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Recognising patient distress or discomfort and responding to their emotional and non-verbal cues

• Engaging therapeutically with patients and families, and communicating effectively within healthcare teams
   

Written communication

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop and use written communication skills to express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Accurately documenting decisions, actions and rationales for nursing interventions to meet legal and health service requirements

• Updating medical charts with vital signs, medications administered and patient care provisions

• Maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation to support patient safety, continuity of care, professional accountability, and legal responsibilities
   

Numeracy

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will use numbers and data to make decisions in everyday and professional situations. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Calculating, interpreting and communicating numerical information for medication doses, fluid rates and balances

• Interpreting vital signs and recognising numerical indicators of patient deterioration to be undertaken in real time and, often in pressurised situations
   

Collaboration and teamwork

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop and use skills in working with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Participating in patient handovers, care coordination, and real-time clinical decision-making
   

Conflict resolution

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop and use skills to address disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Communicating respectfully during challenging interactions, managing differences of opinion professionally, and accepting and responding to feedback

• Working effectively with patients and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to maintain therapeutic and professional relationships

• Identifying, addressing, and resolving disagreements constructively to ensure safety
   

Emotional regulation

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop and use skills to take part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Managing disagreements or challenging simulated situations connected to high-pressure patient scenarios, and receiving feedback

• Managing unpredictable, high-stress and emotionally charged situations during long shifts and when fatigued in clinical placement
   

Adaptability

Students in the Bachelor of Nursing will develop and use skills in responding to change through adjusting plans and managing different tasks as situations change. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

• Managing altered and competing priorities

• Adjusting communication or care approaches based on patient needs, and managing unexpected challenges in dynamic, unpredictable and time‑critical environments

• Managing shift demands and unexpected interruptions

• Maintaining professionalism under pressure, fatigue and stress to ensure safe, effective and professional practice