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Assessment and Management of Pain unit (CNA509)

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Unit year 2026

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2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Online

This unit is only available to registered nurses. This unit uses group work and late enrolment may affect your ability to participate actively.

Introduction

This unit will enhance your understanding of the classification and pathophysiology of pain and equip you with the skills to accurately and comprehensively assess pain across the lifespan and within a range of healthcare contexts.  You will explore pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and factors impacting the individual pain experience, critically reflecting on current pain management strategies.

Summary

Unit name Assessment and Management of Pain
Unit code CNA509
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Nursing
Discipline Nursing
Coordinator Mrs Ann Marie Brown
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 06/07/2026 28/07/2026 31/08/2026 25/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyse and differentiate between different types of pain based on their unique pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • Critically evaluate the bio-psychosocial impact of pain on individuals, their families and support networks, integrating a person-centred approach.
  • Apply evidence-informed pain assessment tools and communication techniques to ensure accurate and comprehensive evaluation of pain.
  • Critically examine multimodal pain management strategies to optimise quality of life and health outcomes.
  • Critically reflect on current pain management practices within clinical settings, considering ethical decision-making, cultural safety and collaborative interdisciplinary care.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
060309 $592.00 $592.00 not applicable $3,178.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Individual Study – This unit is offered fully online via MyLO (My Learning Online). You are expected to devote around 10 hours per week to the study materials, assessment tasks and self-directed learning.

Online webinar - 1 hour webinar, 3 times per semester. 

AssessmentVirtual Patient Pain Assessment (15%)|Person Centred Care Pain Assessment (35%)|Clinical Case Study Professional Dialogue (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

There are no required textbooks for this unit.

Required Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator.
Recommended

Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.