Key facts
UNE unit code: HSNS170
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Patient safety is the cornerstone of high-quality health care.
The nursing profession is committed to patient safety and quality health care delivery through the application of professional nursing standards, principles of safe, legal, ethical practice, communication, documentation and digital health within contemporary nursing practice.
Through a blended learning approach you will develop a comprehensive understanding of key elements of professional nursing frameworks and standards that inform nursing practice in Australia. You will develop an understanding of person-centred care.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify the NMBA (2016) Registered nurse standards for practice and identify your scope of practice as it relates to these standards;
- relate legal, ethical and professional standards to the delivery of person-centred care in diverse nursing contexts;
- relate law and ethics to safe digital health;
- develop knowledge of principles of timely, purpose-driven and effective communication, documentation and team practice that supports continuous, coordinated and safe nursing care; and
- define clinical reasoning and its utility to nursing.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Oral Presentation No. Words: 1200 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 1000 |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Supervised Exam To pass this unit, you must attempt this task and achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% across all assessments. No. Words: 1000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical Skills Workbook
ISBN: 9780729544863
Rebeiro, G., Wilson, D., & Fuller, S., Elsevier 5th ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Potter & Perry's Fundamentals of Nursing
ISBN: 9780729544870
Crisp, J., Douglas, C., Rebeiro, G., & Waters, D., Elsevier 7th ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
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Studying online
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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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