2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Sydney
Introduction
The focus of Complex Care is on recognition of acute deterioration, urgency of care, patient management and pharmacology for patients with complex and acute diagnoses. Complex Care synthesises your knowledge of disease states to acute deterioration and examines the implications of deterioration to body systems and patient outcomes across the lifespan. You will apply clinical reasoning skills and are required to recognise, interpret, analyse and record data relevant to the acutely deteriorating patient, in accordance with the NSQHS Standards and evidence-informed practice.
Summary
| Unit name | Complex Care |
| Unit code | NUR353 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Nursing |
| Discipline | Nursing |
| Coordinator | Ms Tess Mathew |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 |
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| Cradle Coast | Block 4 - Other |
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| Hobart | Semester 1 |
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| Hobart | Block 4 - Other |
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| Launceston | Semester 1 |
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| Launceston | Block 4 - Other |
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| Sydney | Semester 1 |
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| Sydney | Block 4 - Other |
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- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International 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 |
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| Semester 1 | 23/02/2026 | 17/03/2026 | 20/04/2026 | 14/06/2026 |
| Block 4 - Other | 17/08/2026 | 22/09/2026 | 01/10/2026 | 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).
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the framework of clinical reasoning and person-centred care in the recognition of urgency of care.
- Determine the indication and quality of use of medications in the context of acute patient states.
- Apply knowledge of the relationship between pathophysiology of disease and indication for specific interventions.
- Evaluate the role of the NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice and the NSQHS Standards in the context of caring for acute and complex patients.
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 |
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| 060301 | $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
CXA144 Pathophysiology for Health Care or CXA240 Pathophysiology for Health Care 1Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Semester: 3 hour practical, 6 times per semester. 35 minute Test - OSCA. Block 4 - Other: 3 hour practical, 6 times per semester. 35 minute Test - OSCA |
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| Assessment | Quiz Series (20%)|Nursing Care Plan (40%)|Objective Structured Clinical Assessment (OSCA) (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Amerman, EC. (2019). Human Anatomy & Physiology (2nd Global Edition), Pearson Education. |
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| Recommended | Tiziani, A. (ed). (2022). Harvard's Nursing Guide to Drugs (11th ed). Elsevier. LeMone, P., Bauldoff, G., Gubrud-Howe, P., Carno, M.-A., Levett-Jones, T., Dwyer, T., Moxham, L., Reid-Searl, K., Berry, K., & Carville, K. (2023). LeMone and Burke’s Medical-Surgical Nursing. (5th ed.). Pearson Education Australia. Bullock, S., & Manias, E. (2022). Fundamentals of Pharmacology (9th ed). Pearson. Recommended Readings will be provided via the unit Reading List on the University Library website. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.