Postgraduate Studies 2013 Graduate Certificate courses and Distance Education subjects pot

AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Postgraduate Studies 2013
Graduate Certificate courses
and Distance Education subjects
The College of Nursing
creating nursing’s future
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013

Contents
Foreword ___________________________________________________ 1
About this handbook _________________________________________ 2
Contacting the Australian College of Nursing _____________________ 2
Important information & about ACN_____________________________ 3
Dates & enrolment information _________________________________ 6
Eligibility criteria ______________________________________________ 7
Enrolments __________________________________________________ 8
Fees & payments _____________________________________________ 12
Guidelines for students ________________________________________ 16
Graduate Certificate courses ___________________________________ 19
Distance education subject descriptors ___________________________ 21
Corporate Sponsors
Memoranda of Cooperation____________________________________ 61
Memoranda of Understanding
Affiliated Professional Organisations _____________________________ 62
ACN contacts ________________________________________________ 64
www.acn.edu.au
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Disclaimer
All information in this handbook is correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change without notice.
© 2012 Australian College of Nursing. Published by the Australian College of Nursing ACN 154 924 642, Locked
Bag 3030, Burwood NSW 1805 Australia. Authorised for publication by Debra Thoms, Chief Executive Officer,

August 2012.
Australian College of Nursing acknowledges the traditional owners of Australia.
1
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING
I am very pleased to present the 2013 Graduate Certificate course listing and Distance
Education subjects, under the new banner of the Australian College of Nursing.
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is a result of the unification of The College of
Nursing and the Royal College of Nursing, Australia and will combine the existing strengths
of the two former Colleges. From July 2012, the Australian College of Nursing continues to
offer and grow its educational services built on the foundation of The College of Nursing’s
63 years of experience in providing postgraduate and CPD education to nurses at all stages
of their careers.
This handbook contains an overview of each of the nearly 70 Distance Education subjects
offered by ACN. These single subjects can be undertaken alone, for students wishing
to develop a more in-depth knowledge in a particular area, or in some instances, may
be credited towards a full Graduate Certificate. For more details about the Graduate
Certificate courses offered at ACN, including subjects, learning and graduate outcomes,
and eligibility, please visit our website at www.acn.edu.au and follow the links to
Education, then go to the postgraduate tab.
If you are a Member of ACN, you will not only receive substantial reductions in course fees,
but you will also be entitled to a range of discounts on ACN products and services as well
as access to the Katie Zepps Library, the largest dedicated nursing library in the Southern
Hemisphere. Our specialist library staff will provide you with electronic access to books,
journals, database searches, interlibrary loans and much more.
Debra Thoms FACN (DLF)
Chief Executive Officer
Australian College of Nursing
Foreword
The College of Nursing
creating nursing’s future

POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
2

About this handbook
This handbook provides information about the Graduate Certificate courses and Distance
Education subjects offered by the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) in 2013. It includes
subject overviews, important dates and how to apply. Additional information about these
subjects and courses can be found on the website at www.nursing.edu.au/RNGC or visit
www.acn.edu.au and follow the links to Education, then go to the postgraduate tab.

Contacting the
Australian College of Nursing
Business hours: 8.30am–5.00pm, Monday to Friday
Course enquiries
Each Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Graduate Certificate course has a designated
Course Coordinator. For further information regarding course content, selection criteria
or assessment procedures, please call ACN and ask for the Coordinator for your course.
Administrative enquiries
Information relating to the administration of courses, application procedures, payment
of fees or the progress of your application is handled by the Student Services Centre
administrative staff.
Contact details
Street address
Australian College of Nursing – Sydney office
14 Railway Parade, Burwood NSW 2134
Postal address
Australian College of Nursing – Sydney office
Locked Bag 3030, Burwood NSW 1805
Freecall 1800 265 534 (1800 COLLEGE)
Tel (02) 9745 7500 | Fax (02) 9745 7501

Email | Website www.acn.edu.au
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AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING

Important information & about ACN
Australian College of Nursing (ACN; including The College of Nursing) is a major provider
of professional education for nurses across Australia. ACN is a Higher Education Provider
and is registered and accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
for the delivery of higher education courses.
Graduate certificate courses
Our Graduate Certificate courses prepare nurses for a rewarding career in the health and
community services sector. Designed to meet contemporary industry needs, the courses
provide the knowledge, skills and attitudes directly suited to working in specialist areas
of health care. We offer coursework programs that are academically challenging and
professionally relevant in an environment that encourages independent learning and
interaction amongst peers, and personal support from tutors and nurse educators.
Graduate Certificate qualifications awarded by ACN are of an equivalent standard to a
qualification at other Australian higher education institutions, including universities. ACN’s
courses articulate into university courses, enabling advanced standing towards higher
degrees, under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Some courses offer supported positions to NSW Ministry of Health (MOH) employees.
Distance education subjects
Students have the option of undertaking a single Distance Education (DE) subject from
our Graduate Certificate courses. This is useful for people who wish to develop more in-
depth knowledge in a particular area, or those who want to sample a Graduate Certificate
subject prior to enrolling in a full Graduate Certificate course.
Single DE subjects are held over one 20-week semester and most consist of a combination
of self-directed learning, assessment tasks and online work books.
Subjects that have been satisfactorily completed as single subjects may be credited
towards up to 50 per cent of a Graduate Certificate (subject to entry requirements,

satisfactory academic performance and timely enrolment in a Graduate Certificate course).
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
4
Course delivery and attendance
ACN offers a flexible learning environment, with modes of delivery including DE online,
face-to-face and professional experience placements. ACN’s online learning platform is
CNnect and can be accessed through the website via the Student login button or directly
at
Students should confirm with ACN, the dates and times for any face-to-face workshop sessions
and professional experience placements, prior to making any leave or travel arrangements.
Student resources
ACN requires its students to have a current email address, and access to a computer and the
internet, and provides a range of computer and internet access options, including a computer
lab, informal learning spaces and meeting rooms. As an ACN student, you also have access to
the Library.
ACN subject and course information books are an essential guide for students. They provide
information and guidelines on studying with ACN and include assessments, policies and
procedures, administrative forms and guidelines for learning. On CNnect, you will find the
Student Management Policy, course and subject information, resources, discussion forums,
links to websites, and study and assessment timetables relevant to your course.
CNnect IT support
ACN provides CNnect IT Support for students (during business hours) to assist them to
access and utilise CNnect. Please email or call 1800 COLLEGE
(1800 26 55 343) and ask for CNnect IT support.
Study skills workshops
Students are encouraged to attend the writing and literature study skills workshops, conducted
during February and July each year. The half-day workshops include valuable information on
academic writing, referencing and assessments. Further details are available on the website,
or by contacting the Student Services Centre at
Scholarships

Scholarships are available from a number of sources, including the Australian Government.
For more information, email
Website
The website provides valuable, up-to-date information on all ACN’s educational offerings,
student information and enrolment forms, membership, library services and contact
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AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING
information. Specifically, you will find all postgraduate courses and their corresponding
DE subjects, continuing professional development (CPD) short courses, RTO courses,
ACN’s educational philosophy and graduate outcomes, and the Student Management
and Refund Policies.
ACN membership
The Australian College of Nursing is run by nurses for nurses, giving you the opportunity
to have your say in nursing’s future. ACN Members play a leading role in the direction of
nursing policy and the provision of quality healthcare.
ACN membership delivers great value for money. Benefits include ACN publications and
regular weekly emails, national professional activities, annual nursing events, discounts
on continuing education courses, access to exclusive scholarships, advocacy and policy
discussion opportunities on the issues that affect the nursing profession, and state-of-the-art
library services.
A complimentary one-year period of membership is available to ACN students who
undertake any course in this handbook that has a minimum of 35 CPD hours and who
have never been a member before (including member of The College of Nursing and Royal
College of Nursing, Australia). Full ACN membership costs $295 annually, including GST.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program
ACN offers an extensive range of short courses that attract CPD hours. The CPD calendar and
handbook are published twice a year in January and June, and are available on the website.
To request emails updating you on upcoming CPD courses, contact
Registered Training Organisation (RTO) courses
& Assessment of Competance

Other courses offered by ACN include nationally-accredited training courses for enrolled
nurses, such as the Diploma of Nursing and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
For internationally-qualified nurses wishing to practice in Australia, and previously registered
nurses who meet the relevant Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) requirements,
ACN offers an eight-week Assessment of Competence (AOC) program.
Further information on these courses can be found in the RTO Courses 2013 handbook,
which is available on the website or by contacting
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
6

Dates & enrolment information
Important Semester Dates 2013
ACN is required to set a Census Date for each course it offers.
The Census Date is:
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administrative fee) and academic penalty
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For more detailed information on semester dates see the appropriate Graduate Certificate
course page on the website at www.nursing.edu.au/RNGC.
11 Feb – 28 Jun 2013 February – Semester 1
12 Oct 2012 Closing Date for 2013 Semester 1 enrolments* for NSW MOH-supported
applicants
4 Jan 2013 Closing Date for 2013 Semester 1 enrolments for all other Graduate Certificate
courses
11 Feb 2013 February 2013 Semester 1 commences
25 Feb 2013 Census Date – Semester 1
28 Jun 2013 February semester ends
22 Jul 2013 February semester grade release day
15 Jul – 29 Nov 2013 July – Semester 2

15 Mar 2013 Closing Date for 2013 Semester 2 enrolments* for NSW MOH-supported
applicants
7 Jun 2013 Closing Date for 2013 Semester 2 enrolments for all other Graduate Certificate
courses
15 Jul 2013 July 2013 Semester 2 commences
29 Jul 2013 Census Date – Semester 2
29 Nov 2013 July semester ends
23 Dec 2013 July semester grade release day
14 Oct 2013 Closing Date for 2014 Semester 1 enrolments* for NSW MOH-supported
applicants
6 Jan 2013 Closing Date for 2014 Semester 1 enrolments for all other Graduate Certificate
courses
10 Feb 2014 February 2014 Semester 1 commences
*Late enrolments will be considered where places are available.
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AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING

Eligibility criteria
Admission to Graduate Certificate courses is based on academic merit and selection. In
addition, applicants must satisfy any prerequisites or additional requirements specified for
particular courses, including ACN’s general eligibility criteria, below. Applicants who do
not meet the requirements may also be admitted (subject to specific conditions) at the
discretion of ACN.
General eligibility criteria
All applicants seeking admission to Graduate Certificate courses and Distance Education
subjects are required to:
1. Hold a Bachelor of Nursing or registered nurse equivalent qualification.
2. Be currently registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
3. Have a minimum of one year postgraduate experience.
4. Be currently employed in an appropriate clinical setting.

International applicants
Applicants residing outside of Australia must hold current registration in the country in
which they practice throughout their enrolment in ACN courses. Enrolment in, or successful
completion of, a course at ACN does not entitle students to practice nursing in Australia.
Students wishing to practice nursing in Australia must seek registration and/or assessment for
eligibility to register through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Professional experience placement (clinical placement) requirements
Clinical placements are a significant and sometimes mandatory component of a number of
courses at ACN. For these courses, all students will be required to obtain the following, prior
to placements commencing:
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clinical placement is being undertaken.
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etc.) needed by the individual health facilities and relevant to the State or Territory
Government’s facilities where the professional experience placement is being undertaken.
All clinical placements must be arranged by ACN.
The student is responsible for any fees and costs associated with meeting the mandatory
requirements outlined above. Students who require more information on this should contact

POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
8

Enrolments
Graduate Certificate courses
Enrolments for Graduate Certificate courses and Distance Education subjects are made
through the Student Services Centre. Application forms can be obtained online at
www.nursing.edu.au/enrolmentforms.
How to apply
1

Seek course advice
If you would like advice on which course you should attend or whether you meet the selection
criteria for a particular course, please refer to the course descriptions on the website at www.
nursing.edu.au/RNGC or contact the Course Coordinator or Student Services Centre at ACN
on freecall 1800 COLLEGE (1800 26 55 343) or 02 9745 7500.
2
Submit an application form
Available on the website at www.nursing.edu.au/enrolmentforms. Forward the completed form
to ACN before the Closing Date (where vacancies exist, late enrolments may also be considered).
See page 6 for important dates.
3
Await Confirmation of Enrolment letter
Following the Closing Date for a course, the Course Coordinator and the Course Selection Committee
will review enrolments. Successful applicants will be sent a Confirmation of Enrolment letter detailing
any outstanding payment, dates, venue and course requirements.
4
Accept your position
Your position must be accepted in writing. Students are required to return the signed and completed
Acceptance of Position form to confirm their place (sent with Confirmation of Enrolment letter).
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in writing.
9
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Please note the following important information in regards to enrolment:
Applying through your employer
If you are seeking payment for a course from your employer, you will need to pay for
the course in full in the first instance and then seek reimbursement through your employer.
ACN will provide you with a receipt for payment in full.
Scholarship recipient
If you are the recipient of a scholarship and wish to use your scholarship funds to pay for

the course, you may do so. If your scholarship has not been received prior to the course
commencement or your scholarship is released in instalments, you will need to pay the
course fees in full in the first instance.
Advanced standing enrolments
To view ACN’s information on advanced standing or recognition of prior learning (RPL),
please review the Student Management Policy on the website. As a general rule, applicants
may apply for up to 50% credit of a postgraduate course. For information on how to apply
for advanced standing, please call the Student Services Centre to discuss.
Deferred enrolment
Students who have submitted to be deferred will be sent a letter detailing the dates and
subjects that they have deferred into. Please be advised that NSW MOH-supported students
are unable to defer in the first six months of a course unless they can demonstrate and
provide evidence of extenuating circumstances.
Workshop/subject/course cancellation
ACN reserves the right to cancel a workshop/subject/course if there are insufficient
enrolments. A full refund will be made of all fees paid. A decision to cancel a workshop/
subject/course will be made ten (10) working days prior to workshop/subject/course
commencement.
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
10
Application process for NSW Ministry of Health-supported places
Nurses employed by NSW Ministry of Health (MOH) who meet the eligibility criteria can apply
for Graduate Certificate courses that are supported by NSW MOH.
1
Seek course advice
If you would like advice on which course you should attend or whether you meet the
selection criteria for a particular course, please refer to the course descriptions on the website
at www.nursing.edu.au/RNGC or contact the Course Coordinator or Student Services Centre
at ACN on freecall 1800 COLLEGE (1800 26 55 343) or 02 9745 7500.
2

Complete the NSW MOH application form
Available from your nursing administration or on the website at www.nursing.edu.au/enrolmentforms.
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form to your Director of Nursing & Midwifery, by the advertised Closing Date. Priorities will be assigned
to applicants by the Local Health District/Network, based on Local Health District/Network needs.
3
Submit an application form
The completed application will be forwarded to ACN by the Local Health District/Network before the
Closing Date (where vacancies exist, late enrolments may also be considered). It is essential that all
sections of the form are completed. Incomplete forms will be returned to your District office.
4
Student selection
A panel compromising ACN and NSW MOH representatives will convene in November and June of
each year to determine student selection for NSW MOH-supported courses.
Selection is made according to the priorities and workforce needs of Local Health Districts/Networks
(provided the applicant meets the course admission criteria).
5
Await Confirmation of Selection letter
Following student selection, successful applicants will be sent a Confirmation of Selection Letter,
detailing requirements for accepting the offer. Directors of Nursing & Midwifery at the Local
Health Districts/Networks are advised in writing of the outcomes within one week of the selection
process occurring.
6
Accept your position
Your position must be accepted in writing. Students are required to return the signed and completed
Acceptance of Position form to confirm their place (sent with Confirmation of Selection letter).
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*Please note: NSW MOH-supported students cannot withdraw from a course unless they can demonstrate
and provide evidence of extenuating circumstances.
11

AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Applying through your employer
If you are seeking payment for a course from your employer, you will need to pay for the
course in full in the first instance and then seek reimbursement through your employer.
ACN will provide you with a receipt for payment in full.
Scholarship recipient
If you are the recipient of a scholarship and wish to use your scholarship funds to pay for
the course, you may do so. If your scholarship has not been received prior to the course
commencement or your scholarship is released in instalments, you will need to pay the
course fees in full in the first instance.
Advanced standing applications
To view the College’s information on advanced standing or recognition of prior learning,
please review the Student Management Policy on the website. As a general rule,
applicants may apply for up to 50% credit of a course. For information on how to apply
for advanced standing, please call the Student Services Centre to discuss.
Deferred enrolment
Students who have submitted to be deferred will be sent a letter detailing the dates and
subjects that they have deferred into.
Workshop/subject/course cancellation
The College reserves the right to cancel a workshop/subject/course if there are insufficient
applications. A full refund will be made of all fees paid. A decision to cancel a workshop/
subject/course will be made ten (10) working days prior to workshop/subject/course
commencement.
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
12

Fees & payments
The course fee covers education materials, educator/tutor support and assessment marking
where applicable. The course fee also has an administration fee included.
Course fees do not cover the supply of recommended and prescribed texts, or salary

supplementation for face-to-face components. Course fees may be tax deductible. Speak
with your tax advisor for further details.
Fee paying applicants
Course fees are payable on acceptance of a position in a course and must be paid prior to
course commencement. Students have the option of paying in full or in two installments.
The latter option incurs a non-refundable accounting fee of $150.00.
Failure to pay course fees by course commencement date will result in the cancellation
of course enrolment.
All requests to withdraw from a course/subject must be made in writing to ACN.
NSW Ministry of Health-supported students
NSW MOH-supported students will be required to pay a recommencement fee, if their
program of study is varied due to extenuating circumstances.
Fee schedule
These prices are effective from 1 January 2013 and were correct at the time of printing;
however, fees are subject to change without notice. Please enquire about course fees at
ÌiÊÌiÊvÊ>««V>Ì°ÊÊviiÃÊ>ÀiÊÊÕÃÌÀ>>Ê>ÀÃÊ1®°
Type of course Non-refundable
administration
fee
Fee balance Total course fee
Graduate Certificate courses
for students residing in Australia
$575.00 $5,175.00 $5,750.00
Graduate Certificate courses
for students living overseas
$600.00 $5,400.00 $6,000.00
Single subjects – Member, go to
www.acn.edu.au and follow links to
Membership
$175.00 $1,200.00 $1,375.00

Single subjects – non-member, go to
www.acn.edu.au and follow links to
Membership
$175.00 $1,575.00 $1,750.00
13
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING
How to pay
Payment details can be submitted on a Course Application Form via Visa and MasterCard
or by sending a cheque or money order. Payments such as EFTPOS and BPAY can be
made in person at the Sydney office in Burwood, or via telephone.
Students are reminded that fees are payable in advance and that all course fees must
be paid when accepting an offer of course placement. Students supported through
scholarship or alternative arrangements must submit these details on application.
Please refer to Important Semester Dates 2013 on page 6.
Enrolment in subjects
Following admission, students are required to identify the subjects that will constitute
their enrolment. Please refer to the course outlines at www.nursing.edu.au/RNGC for
the core/elective/specialty subjects for Graduate Certificate courses.
Correct enrolment in subjects is the responsibility of the student. Additions and deletions
can be made to an enrolment by contacting the Student Services Centre before Census
Date. Failure to notify ACN of withdrawal from a subject before Census Date can result in
subject failure and incurs financial liability.
Students should be aware that it is their responsibility to notify Student Services Centre
to ensure that:
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and that ACN is informed of any changes as they occur;
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Further information is available from the Student Services Centre.

Refund policy
Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with the Refund Policy at
www.nursing.edu.au/StudentInformation.
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
14
Withdrawal from a course or subject
Notification of a student’s intention to withdraw either before or after the
commencement of a course/subject must be made in writing. Withdrawal by telephone
or by implication is not acceptable under any circumstances.
Withdrawals prior to Census Date are subject to a non-refundable administrative fee as
outlined in the fee schedule on page 12.
If withdrawal occurs after Census Date there is no refund. See the Student Management
Policy and Refund Policy at www.nursing.edu.au/StudentInformation.
Refer to the Important Semester Dates 2013 on page 6 for Census Date. For further
information, contact the Student Services Centre.
Recommencement fees
Reinstatement of enrolment following a deferral will only be completed on receipt of
a completed Reinstatement Form, including payment of the recommencement fee.
This fee covers the administration component of re-enrolling, producing materials and
contracting your tutors and markers.
Advanced standing
Students who have been granted advanced standing, leading to an exemption from one
subject (six credit points), will not be charged for the subject. Enrolments for advanced
standing must be made in writing on application to the course and must include
supporting documentation. Advanced standing cannot be sought for more than 50%
of a Graduate Certificate course.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Eligible students seeking RPL for other courses into a Graduate Certificate course will
be charged a fee.
Transcripts

Students receive their Academic Transcript free of charge on completion of all the
requirements of their course.
There is a charge for the issue of a replacement ACN testamur and award certificates.
Contact Student Services Centre for details.
15
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Library fines
Fines imposed by the Library will result in the imposition of sanctions and may holt your
progression within a course.
These sanctions remain until such time as proof is received that the debt has been paid.
If a sanction is imposed, a student is:
UÊ ÌÊ«iÀÌÌi`ÊÌÊÀiViÛiÊ>ÊÀiÃÕÌÊÊ>ÞÊVÕÀÃiÊÀÊÃÕLiVÌÊV«iÌi`Æ
UÊ ÌÊ«iÀÌÌi`ÊÌÊiÀ]ÊÀiiÀÊÀÊÛ>ÀÞÊiÀiÌÊÊ>ÞÊVÕÀÃiÊÀÊÃÕLiVÌÊ
completed; and
UÊ ÌÊ«iÀÌÌi`ÊÌÊ}À>`Õ>ÌiÊvÀÊ>ÞÊVÕÀÃiÊÀÊÀiViÛiÊ>ÊÌÀ>ÃVÀ«ÌÊÀÊÌiÃÌ>ÕÀ°
Collection of unpaid fees
Students with outstanding fees who have received notification of the amount owing
will be referred to the appropriate debt recovery agency for recovery action. Please note
that students will be liable for recovery costs incurred.
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
16

Guidelines for students
The Graduate Certificate courses are professional development programs for nurses
currently employed in the health care sector. They are designed to be undertaken part-
time. The following information will assist students in the process of deciding which
course to undertake and which subjects are required to successfully complete each
Graduate Certificate. These guidelines apply to all of the Graduate Certificate courses
offered by ACN and should be read in conjunction with the general information found in
the earlier sections of this handbook on Course Delivery and Attendance, How to Apply

and Fees and Payments.
Structure of courses
In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all the requirements for
the course. The courses are usually structured around a number of core (compulsory),
specialty and elective subjects. Each Graduate Certificate course contains four subjects,
each worth six credit points (total of 24 credit points). Students undertake two subjects
each semester (unless by special arrangement).
Course duration
Normal course duration is conducted over two 20-week semesters. A single subject
comprises 150 hours over one semester.
Workload
It is recommended that students study 12–15 hours per week. The actual amount of time
will be determined by individual learning needs and the sequence of assessment items.
Course sequence
The core, specialty and elective subjects indicated for each course are found on the
website, under the postgraduate tab. Courses are designed to build and develop
students’ skills and knowledge. As the student progresses through the course they
are encouraged to think more widely and more critically. All students at this level
are required to demonstrate an understanding of evidence-based practice and basic
research principles.
17
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Course completion
Students must obtain all required units for their course and pay any outstanding
debts to be eligible to complete their course. Students who have completed prior
studies should ensure that subjects for RPL or advanced standing have been credited
accordingly and reflected on their records well before their last semester of studies.
Students are advised to contact the Student Services Centre for further advice or
assistance with determining and confirming their eligibility for completion.
ACN policies and guidelines

The policies and guidelines of ACN have been written to provide guidance on the
responsibilities of students to their studies. Students should read and be familiar with
the policies and guidelines, especially the Student Management Policy, which can be
found on our website at www.nursing.edu.au/StudentInformation.
Student complaints and appeals
ACN is committed to providing a learning and working environment in which
complaints are responded to promptly, with minimum distress and maximum
protection to all parties. All students and staff have a responsibility to contribute to
the achievement of a productive, safe and equitable study and work environment.
The Student Management Policy outlines what a complaint or grievance is and
contains information about how to make a complaint or appeal and the process
associated with appeals.
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
18
Graduate Certificate
courses
19
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING

Graduate Certificate courses
All Graduate Certificate course information and subject descriptors can
be found on the website at www.nursing.edu.au/RNGC.
Acute Care Nursing Medical stream/Surgical stream
Renal stream
Aged Care Nursing (Feb only)
Breast Cancer Nursing (July only)
Cancer Nursing
Child and Family Health
Clinical Management (July only)
Critical Care Nursing Cardiac stream (Feb only)

Emergency stream
Intensive care stream
Neonatal Nursing Intensive care stream (Feb only)
Special care stream (Feb only)
Paediatric Nursing Studies General stream
Emergency stream
Oncology stream
Intensive care stream
Perioperative Nursing (Feb only)
Stomal Therapy Nursing (July only)
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
20
Distance education
subject descriptors
21
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING

Distance education subject descriptors
Addiction nursing ___________________________________________________23
(formerly Issues in drug and alcohol addiction)
Anaesthetic nursing _________________________________________________23
Applied neonatal physiology __________________________________________24
Assessing and managing adult pain ____________________________________24
Assessment of growth and development ________________________________25
Assessment of the older person ________________________________________25
Audiometry nursing __________________________________________________26
Blood and marrow transplantation _____________________________________26
Breast cancer nursing: Interventions in breast cancer care __________________27
Breast cancer: Role of the nurse in the management of breast cancer care ____27
Breast cancers ______________________________________________________28

Cardiac nursing _____________________________________________________28
Chemotherapy and other systemic treatments in cancer care _______________29
Child development in the family context ________________________________29
Chronic and complex care ____________________________________________30
Clinical competence: Contextual application in neonatal intensive
care nursing ________________________________________________________30
Clinical issues in acute care nursing _____________________________________31
Clinical issues in audiometry nursing ____________________________________31
Clinical issues in cancer care nursing ____________________________________32
Clinical issues in care of the older person ________________________________32
Clinical practice in child and family health _______________________________33
Communication: Applied strategies for health care professionals ____________33
Concepts in critical care nursing practice ________________________________34
Continence management _____________________________________________34
Day surgery and day procedure: Principles and practice ____________________35
Dementia care ______________________________________________________35
Developing nursing practice ___________________________________________36
Drug and alcohol nursing practice ______________________________________36
Electrocardiography: Clinical application _________________________________37
Emergency nursing __________________________________________________37
Family and child health _______________________________________________38
Financial management _______________________________________________38
Foundational perspectives of women’s health ____________________________39
(formerly Women‘s health)
Haematology nursing ________________________________________________39
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 2013
22
Healthy ageing ______________________________________________________40
Human resource management _________________________________________40
Infant and child nutrition and feeding___________________________________41

Intensive care nursing ________________________________________________41
Introduction to leadership and management _____________________________42
Introduction to renal nursing – Renal unit 1 ______________________________42
Medical imaging nursing______________________________________________43
Men’s health _______________________________________________________43
Neonatal special care _________________________________________________44
Nursing in the perinatal environment ___________________________________45
Nursing the high-risk newborn_________________________________________45
Operating room nursing ______________________________________________46
Paediatric assessment: Physiology and development _______________________46
Paediatric emergency nursing __________________________________________47
Paediatric intensive care ______________________________________________47
Paediatric pain: Assessment and management ___________________________48
Post-anaesthetic care unit nursing ______________________________________48
Practice and philosophy of perioperative nursing__________________________49
Principles of acute care nursing ________________________________________49
Principles of acute paediatric nursing ___________________________________50
Principles of infection control __________________________________________50
Principles of perioperative management _________________________________51
Principles of renal nursing – Renal unit 2 ________________________________51
Principles of renal replacement therapy – Renal unit 3 _____________________52
Principles of stoma care ______________________________________________52
Professional issues in aged care nursing _________________________________53
Professional issues in paediatric nursing _________________________________53
Professional issues in stomal therapy ____________________________________54
Quality in action _____________________________________________________54
Respiratory nursing __________________________________________________55
Sexual health nursing: Clinical practice __________________________________55
Sexual health nursing: Principles and practice ____________________________56
Stress response and health breakdown __________________________________56

(formerly Applied clinical physiology)
Symptom management in advanced disease states ________________________57
Wound management ________________________________________________57
Possible distance education subjects for 2013 _____________________________ 58
23
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Addiction nursing
(formerly Issues in drug and alcohol addiction)
-1/Ê" 276
AVAILABLE AS CPD Distance Education
OFFERED ,1/Ê,//
N/A
*Ê-/ Ê1/"
July intake only
*,,+1-/ 259 Drug and alcohol nursing practice
This subject explores drug and alcohol addiction, treatment options and relapse prevention. Students will
examine the concepts of therapeutic relationships and legal and ethical dimensions of caring for clients
with addictions. Case management for clients with a drug and alcohol addiction involves a collaborative
approach to service delivery; it involves comprehensive treatment and management to ensure optimum
recovery and relapse prevention. This subject explores various community resources available to meet
client, family, and carer needs.
Prescribed texts: Nil
Anaesthetic nursing
-1/Ê"
221
AVAILABLE AS
GC Perioperative Nursing/CPD Distance Education
OFFERED ,1/Ê,//
See course descriptor online
*Ê-/ Ê1/"

Feb intake and July intake
*,,+1-/
N/A
This subject prepares students to plan, assess and manage patients receiving anaesthesia. Through a
series of activities and readings, students will investigate the necessity of planning in peri-anaesthesia
nursing. Commencing with the importance of physical assessment and interviewing techniques, the
student then applies these findings to the preparation of patients for their surgical and anaesthetic
experience. Topics such as the use, care and maintenance of anaesthetic equipment, techniques used in
anaesthesia, and the pharmacology of anaesthesia are discussed. Through the acquisition of theoretical
knowledge and skill development the student will be able to achieve those competencies required
to practice as an anaesthetic nurse within the framework of the ACORN competencies and ANZCA
standards. This subject has a compulsory online component.
Prescribed texts: Nil