Unit Outline

In this unit, you will develop skills in critical evaluation, evidence-informed practice, and person-centred care to enhance the patient experience in oncology nursing. You will gain expertise in investigating care practices, analysing patient feedback and identifying gaps between patient experiences and clinical practice.

You will apply evidence-informed decision-making to design quality improvement initiatives that align with national standards and healthcare quality frameworks. Additionally, you will strengthen your ability to navigate ethical dilemmas with empathy, advocate for best practices, and contribute to advancing oncology nursing to improve the patient experience.

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	Apply an evidence-informed approach to oncology nursing to enhance patient experience and support clinical decision-making.
2	Develop initiatives in oncology nursing to optimise patient experience.
3	Reflect on ethical dilemmas in oncology nursing to promote empathetic cancer care.
4	Propose recommendations to advocate for advancements in own oncology nursing practice.
5	Apply academic integrity, authenticity and own academic voice to foster credibility and professionalism in healthcare communication.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to student feedback, this unit has been restructured to offer clearer guidance while retaining flexibility. Previously centred on a self-directed learning contract, students valued the autonomy but found the lack of structure challenging.
The revised format mirrors continuous improvement processes commonly used in healthcare settings. Students still choose a focus area aligned with patient experience, but now work through a structured cycle to develop a quality improvement plan, supporting both learning and real-world application in their workplace.

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:	Evaluation of oncology nursing practice	Week 4	30 %	LO1, LO3, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Report and structured reflection	Week 7	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Interactive oral assessment – proposal of a quality improvement plan	Week 13	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Evaluation of oncology nursing practice

Task Description:

You will conduct an evaluation of your own practice related to one specific aspect of patient experience within your oncology nursing role.

Task Length:

1250 words

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse national policy documents and guidelines related to patient experience in oncology nursing.	LO1
2	Critically reflect how your practice aligns with a key aspect of the patient experience in oncology nursing care.	LO3
3	Articulate academic integrity and own voice to communicate insights on own nursing practice.	LO5

Assessment Task 2: Report and structured reflection

Task Description:

You will present a short report of the themes identified during routine patient conversations related to the topic identified in Assessment Task 1. Reflect on how these insights differ from your initial perceptions and propose preliminary solutions to enhance patient experience.

Task Length:

1250 words

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Evaluate insights from patient conversations related to one aspect of patient experience.	LO1
2	Critically reflect on patient experience compared to your initial perceptions.	LO3
3	Design preliminary solutions to enhance patient experience.	LO2
4	Propose preliminary specific nursing actions to enhance patient experience.	LO2
5	Use scholarly integrity, credibility and your nursing perspectives to convey insights about patient experience to relevant healthcare stakeholders.	LO5

Assessment Task 3: Interactive oral assessment – proposal of a quality improvement plan

Task Description:

You will propose a quality improvement plan with actionable steps to improve patient experience. Following the development of your plan, you will engage in a simulation, explaining your proposed plan to a colleague.

Task Length:

1500 equivalent (incorporates plan and 8-10 minute interactive oral assessment)

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Integrate data to inform oncology nursing practice and guide clinical decisions.	LO1
2	Design a quality improvement initiative to enhance patient experience in oncology nursing practice.	LO2
3	Reflect on an ethical dilemma in oncology practice and its impact on decisions related to improving patient experience.	LO3
4	Develop recommendations to address gaps or challenges in current oncology nursing practice.	LO4
5	Use your academic voice to present insights and recommendations in oncology nursing practice.	LO5

How your final result is determined

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

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.