Contemporary Critical Care Nursing Practice unit (CNA771)

Online

Introduction

This unit builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in CNA770 Foundations of Critical Care Nursing Practice. This unit extends developing clinical assessment and patient management skills in complex critical care situations. You will apply integrated problem-solving skills reflecting advanced practice concepts guided by readings, and practical activities.

Summary

Unit name	Contemporary Critical Care Nursing Practice
Unit code	CNA771
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Nursing
Discipline	Nursing
Coordinator	Mrs Amali Hohol
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 2

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	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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

• Integrate advanced clinical assessment skills by incorporating a variety of data sources and health professional input.
• Evaluate complex care plans in critical care nursing practices using evidence informed research in collaboration with the healthcare team to promote Person-Centred Care and optimise patient outcomes.
• Apply problem solving capabilities related to the care of the complex critically ill patient incorporating team leadership skills in a highly technological area.
• Critically reflect on and respond to ethical issues to mitigate potential adverse consequences in high-pressure intensive care environments.

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.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CNA770 Foundations of Critical Care Nursing Practice.

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, 3 times per semester.
Assessment	Clinical Practice Profile (50%)|Online Activities and Essay (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Aitken, L., Marshall, A., & Buckley, T. (Eds.). (2023). Critical care nursing (5th ed.). Elsevier. Cairo, J (ed) (2020). Pilbeam’s mechanical ventilation: Physiological and clinical applications, (7th ed). Mosby Elsevier.
Recommended	Australian Critical Care Journal, Official Journal of Australian College of Critical Care Nurses, Elsevier. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing Journal, ScienceDirect. Further 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.