Unit Outline

Students will be introduced to what leadership means for the Registered Nurse in contemporary nursing practice. This unit will focus attention on learning about the essential components and processes of nursing leadership in practice environments. Internal and external factors influencing leadership in contemporary health care delivery will be discussed. Leadership models and theories will be explored and personal leadership qualities will be identified and critiqued. Students will employ critical analytical and reflective abilities to identify, develop and communicate their strengths and developmental needs as emerging nurse leaders.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Critique your own leadership qualities through self-assessment, analysis and feedback.
2.	Critically analyse, reflect and apply evidence to leadership theories and application to self and contemporary health care environments to provide nurse leadership within health care contexts.
3.	Communicate evidence based knowledge and skills to others.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

No alterations have been made as a result of student feedback.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Leader Interview	Week 6	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Essay	Week 13	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Leader Interview

Task Description:

For this assignment, you will interview two nurses or midwives with experience in leadership. Integrate your findings from the literature and your interviews to construct a 2,500 word essay that addresses a question specified in MyLO.

Task Length:

2500 words

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	The extent to which a clear position is argued and sustained for the topic selected and the degree of relevance for nursing practice.	LO1, LO2
2	Appropriate literature is incorporated to support argument in a synthesized essay.	LO2
3	Ability to access information from key stakeholders and to incorporate this as interviews into written work.	LO2
4	Communicate clearly and succinctly using the current APA Style.	LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Essay

Task Description:

You are required to participate at least weekly in an online forum which forms part A of the assessment task. Failure to do so may accrue loss of marks. The second phase, part B, requires you to write an essay that reflects your key learning points from participating in the activity and the evidence that supports your learning.
The MyLO site will have more information on the assessment requirements.

Task Length:

Total (Discussion forums:500 words minimum and 1500 words Essay)

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Participates in unit online discussion forums, demonstrating an understanding of leadership theory and reflection on practice.	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Clearly identifies an area of focus for leadership development, applying nursing leadership theories to outline the area’s relevance to effective leadership.	LO1
3	Demonstrates autonomy and well-developed judgment in generating and implementing an ‘action’ that will strengthen leadership potential in the focus area with justification from synthesis of relevant literature.	LO1, LO2
4	Reflects on the implementation of the ‘action’, with discussion of resulting newly acquired knowledge and links to critical analysis of scholarly literature.	LO1, LO2
5	Transmits knowledge using effective written communication including academic writing substantiated by scholarly literature and Harvard style referencing.	LO2, LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.