Unit Code: NUR541

Unit Name: Communication and Critical Thinking in Nursing

Description: The role of the nurse in any context requires competencies in communication, critical and reflective thinking skills and the ability to read and apply evidence based nursing practice. Nurses are expected to master communication skills in any diverse contexts and this unit prepares the student with the foundational knowledge for communication, thinking and best practice behaviour and attitude which are important to the developing professional discipline. This unit should also include cross cultural communications protocols within the Fijian context, types of thinking and their importance in creating self-awareness skills and developing therapeutic relationships with clients and families.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the importance of effective communication in nursing. 2. Discuss communication across lifespan and across cultures. 3. Discuss different types of thinking in relation to health and nursing. 4. Demonstrate written and oral communication skills. 5. Identify the key active listening skills and their application in the health care environment. 6. Discuss the steps associated with beginning, manning and terminating a health interview. 7. Discuss assertiveness and the nurse-client relationship. 8. Describe the importance of terminating therapeutic relationship and Caring for self 9. Discuss journaling in nursing. 10. Demonstrate communication skills in clinical practice.

Prerequisite: Pass in Year 13 examination (or equivalent) and as per Minimum Entry Requirement (MER).

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1