BACHELOR S DEGREE PROGRAM NURSING SCIENCE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF GRAZ

BACHELOR S DEGREE PROGRAM NURSING SCIENCE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF GRAZ

Bachelor s Degree Program for Nursing Sience Table of Contents Introduction... 3 The Degree Program... 4 Admission Requirements and Admission... 4 Objectives of the Degree Program... 4 Qualification Profile and Potential Occupational Fields... 5 Structure of the Degree Program... 6 Partnerships... 6 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)... 6 Further Recognized Languages of Instruction Other Than German... 6 International Comparability... 7 The Curriculum... 8 Content of the Curriculum... 8 Required Modules... 8 Free Elective Modules, Practical Training Electives, Required Elective Modules... 9 Mandatory Attendance... 9 Definition of the Course Types... 9 Teaching and Learning Strategies... 10 Practice-oriented Learning / Practical Training... 10 Grading... 11 The Roll of the Instructors... 11 The Role of the Students... 12 Study Materials... 12 Examinations and Degree... 13 Description of the Examination Methods... 13 Bachelor s Thesis... 13 Academic Degree... 14 Evaluation Measures... 15 Course Evaluation... 15 Curriculum Evaluation... 15 Graduate Survey... 15 The Bachelor s Curriculum for Nursing Science... 16 2

Bachelor s Degree Program for Nursing Sience Introduction Nursing is one of the oldest professions in health care and includes the largest group of people active in this field. Nursing is an independent profession and science, and includes practical, ethical, individual and empirical knowledge. Nursing, along with other professional groups, provides an important and indispensable contribution to the health sector. In a time of major health care reforms, and in light of the increasingly complex health problems, nurses are increasingly being seen as a key resource for health reform strategies. As the largest group of health workers in the European Union, who also work in a wide variety of health care settings, nurses make a strong contribution towards achieving the goals of "Health 21" (WHO, 2001). The health system needs nurses with comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge. It needs nurses who are willing to expand their knowledge through lifelong learning, so they are able to master the challenges facing health care both today and in the future. In addition to basic theoretical and practical knowledge of health care and nursing, the focus is increasingly on issues such as: Health promotion and disease prevention Evidence-based care and treatment Nursing research and transfer Organization of the outpatient care for chronic conditions and the elderly Multi-disciplinary and international cooperation This requires an appropriate tertiary education and qualifications for nurses in line with international standards. This promotes the mobility of students and instructors at the international level and enables the creation of networks and international cooperation. The following curriculum differs from conventional training in health and nursing education in the following points: The degree program provides a tertiary education It includes 1,500 hours / 60 ECTS credits of additional theory 60% of the instruction and courses are held at the university, scientific level 40% of the instruction and courses are held at the School of Health, which focusses primarily on practical nursing content, taking (current) nursing scientific findings into account The focus is on adult education and didactic approaches, and thereby promotes selfresponsibility, independence and lifelong learning The degree program is designated as a medical study in accordance with the Austrian University Act (BM:WF, 2007)*. * http://bmwf.gv.at/fileadmin/user_upload/hsrechtdok07.pdf, Last accessed March 16 th, 2011 3

The Degree Program The is a full-time, undergraduate course of study providing professional qualification and after four years leading to the academic degree of "Bachelor of Nursing Science". Successful completion of the program entitles the graduate to continue their education with the master s program and subsequently the doctoral program for "Nursing Science". Bachelor s Master's Doctor s Suitable qualification opportunities are provided among others by the Institute of Nursing Science, Medical University of Graz. Detailed information can be found in the respective curricula. Admission Requirements and Admission For more information about the admission requirements please visit the University website. Objectives of the Degree Program The curriculum is designed to prepare students who have completed the Bachelor s Degree Program for Nursing Science to take on the role and responsibilities of a qualified nurse. Furthermore, the aim of the degree program is to apply and implement scientific findings in nursing science. The learning objectives of the various modules are the skills that the students will have gained upon successful completion of the module and which will serve as the foundation for acquiring further skills as they work towards a Bachelor s of Nursing Science. The degree program aims to: Train nurses or build on the knowledge and skills they have already obtained in such a way as to enable them to responsibly and adequately contribute to the care of patients, families, nursing home residents, etc. and actively participate in the future development of health care. Impart students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to work independently as nurses in every area of patient care. The students will learn to apply their knowledge and skills reflectively and engage in lifelong learning to ensure the care they provide is always based on the latest scientific findings. 4

Link theory with practical elements. The students will acquire extensive knowledge and skills to support individuals and families in the experience of health and illness during the course of life and to promote health and provide preventive care. The students will acquire the skills to enable them to work in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams. Provide the students with qualifications and the ability to provide holistic care, which will require the students to apply knowledge from various branches of science. Knowledge from other branches of science serve as the foundation, or have an impact on the care provided, and are thus taught in the first semester. The majority of the modules, however, are in the field of health and nursing and nursing science. The final semesters focus on the main topics in nursing research. The degree program is held in a national and international context. The Institute of Nursing Science strongly encourages international cooperation in teaching and research and encourages an exchange of students and lecturers. Qualification Profile and Potential Occupational Fields Possible occupational fields for graduates are health care and nursing in outpatient, day-patient or inpatient care facilities, as well as preventive, rehabilitative or palliative care facilities with a focus on or responsibility for the following tasks: Performance of Health 21 (WHO, 1999) tasks Support of the nursing team in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient services etc. with regard to the application and implementation of nursing scientific knowledge, especially in terms of evidence-based care (EBP) The role as primary nurse Practical support for trainees, students and colleagues in health care and nursing (practical guide) The implementation of scientifically-based guidelines and standards to support and participate in nursing research projects Multidisciplinary teamwork Communication, education, training and counseling of patients and relatives in carerelated topics The promotion of health and wellbeing The comprehensive, systematic and accurate assessment of the care situation on the basis of nursing classification systems and the latest nursing scientific findings Process control for providing care The implementation and use of nursing instruments The holistic and individual care of patients / residents based on the biopsychosocial model The evaluation of nursing interventions Lifelong learning 5

Structure of the Degree Program The is a four year program during which the specified professional skills and appropriate academic titles are acquired. The comprises a total of 240 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) of instruction and courses, self-study and practical training. 140 ECTS of the consist of theory, including the preparation of the thesis. The remaining 100 ECTS consist of practical training conducted at healthcare facilities. Thus, the curriculum of the at the Medical University of Graz fulfills both the guidelines of the European Union and the requirements of the Austrian Act on Nursing Care. The consists of eight semesters. The semesters consist of different modules and serve to impart relevant knowledge and practical skills for the nursing occupation. The number of ECTS credits assigned for the individual courses (modules) can be found in the overview (pp. 16-18). The courses and practical training in Part 1 (see p. 16) must be completed successfully before attending the courses and practical training in Part 2. Likewise, the courses and practical training in Part 2 (see p. 17) must be completed successfully before attending the courses and practical training in Part 3. Partnerships Partnerships exist with the School of Health at the University Hospital Graz and various other health care facilities. University partnerships also exist with national and international institutions / universities. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) To enable international credit for courses, the extent of the course of study and individual study requirements will be given in ECTS credits which are based on the actual workload including the time necessary to attend the lectures. In accordance with the University Act 2002, 60 ECTS credits will be granted per year, which corresponds to a workload of 1,500 real hours. The ECTS credits are determined among others by means of student survey. The annex includes a list of the ECTS credits awarded for each individual course. Further Recognized Languages of Instruction Other Than German Select courses shall be offered in the English language. It is intended that such courses shall make up 10% of the entirety. 6

International Comparability The participation in the ECTS program ensures comparability. Furthermore, participation in EU and other international exchange programs will continue to be promoted. 7

The Curriculum Within the each academic year will be assigned 60 ECTS credits, i.e. 30 ECTS credits per semester. The curriculum of the Bachelor s Degree Program for Science Nursing Science is divided into different modules. The structure of the curriculum offers students the opportunity to gain a solid foundation of knowledge, skills and understanding of the nursing discipline. It combines theoretical and practical learning. Furthermore, the curriculum is structured in such a way that students are provided the opportunity to develop analytical and critical thinking skills for nursing practice, so that by the end of the degree program they will be able to work on the basis of available scientific research. The contents of the curriculum and the planned teaching and learning strategies, should enable students to develop professional and ethical decisions, expand their communication skills and enhance their ability to cooperate effectively with patients and other members of the multiprofessional team. The curriculum also aims to qualify the students from the beginning, so that they are suitably prepared to carry out the various activities required in nursing and, in the spirit of lifelong learning and scientific progress, are able to keep their knowledge and skills current. Content of the Curriculum The content of the curriculum is based on the latest research findings in each topic area and is relevant to the health care and nursing care of people and takes into account the epidemiological, demographic and socio-cultural circumstances. The curriculum imparts basic knowledge of nursing science research and its implementation. Thematically, the curriculum focuses on the theory and practice of health care and nursing in different settings. In this respect, special consideration is given to the care and support of people in an aging society. Furthermore, thematic areas such as cross-cultural and evidence-based care, among others, are taken into consideration, with the focus on imparting the relevance for health care and nursing. Many of the modules give special attention to current nursing science aspects, as well as gender-specific issues. Required Modules In accordance with the curriculum, 227 ECTS / 5,675 hours of instruction are held in the form of required modules and required practical training by the Institute of Nursing Science and the partner School of Health. All required modules must be successfully completed in order to obtain the Bachelor's degree and a diploma in nursing. 8

The student is permitted at any time to attend modules at domestic or international universities and institutes and to complete practical training at health care facilities in Austria or abroad. The modules attended, however, must correspond to the modules of the Bachelor s curriculum of the Medical University of Graz. The transcript of grades, including ECTS credits and ECTS grades, must be submitted for accreditation. It is recommended that any such courses or training be coordinated in advance with the staff and faculty of the Institute of Nursing Science. The accreditation is determined by the Studies Rector of the Medical University of Graz. Free Elective Modules, Practical Training Electives, Required Elective Modules During the course of their studies, students are to complete a total of at least 23 ECTS / 575 hours of free elective modules, practical training electives and required elective modules. Free Elective Modules Practical Training Electives Required Elective Modules : 9 ECTS / 225 h : 8 ECTS / 200 h : 6 ECTS / 150 h The choice of the individual free elective modules and practical training electives is up to the student. In addition, students have the opportunity to complete modules or practical training at other universities and health care institutions in Austria or abroad. It is recommended to choose courses from the field of nursing science. In addition, students are required to complete required electives with continual evaluation of performance. Students may also choose from among the relevant courses as decided upon by the Academic Board. In addition to the special study modules as defined in the curriculum, instructors, groups of instructors, and students together with instructors may suggest required electives which, after the approval of the Academic Board, may be completed. Mandatory Attendance With the exception of the lectures and self-study, a mandatory attendance of at least 80% is required for the courses and practical training. Definition of Course Types The following course types shall be offered in the required subjects: Lecture (V0): Lectures serve to impart learning content to a large number of students. They can be offered in part or entirely as virtual courses upon approval by the Academic Board. Lectures are not limited to a certain number of participants and attendance is not mandatory. 9

Seminars (SE): Seminars are a form of instruction that is primarily intended to stimulate the independent work of the students. This shall be ensured for example through problem-based learning (PBL, i.e. independent acquisition of learning content in small groups under the guidance of a tutor). Seminars will be held in groups with a limited number of participants and attendance shall be mandatory. Practical Training (PR): Practical training serves as professional training and as a meaningful supplement to the scientific education. Teaching and Learning Strategies The curriculum applies a variety of learning experiences and teaching and assessment strategies that are based on pedagogical and learning theories that, among other things, take into consideration the way adults learn and in which the instructors act as learning facilitators and the students must assume the role of active learners. Essentially this means that the teaching, learning and assessment strategies are based on the principles of adult learning and the principle that both instructors and students bring existing knowledge and experience into the education process. Active participation is a prerequisite for the success of the teaching and learning process and is fostered by the instructors and practical training organizers as this will be of central importance during the entire professional career of the graduates. Furthermore, studies on the learning processes of adults have shown that new knowledge is only retained and analytical critical thinking can only be learned if new knowledge is applied, accepted attitudes and values are examined and experiences are reflected upon. The focus of the theoretical components is therefore on interactive methods that can be applied in a large variety of situations. Thus, students should also be encouraged to link theory with practice. Practice-oriented Learning / Practical Training The approach of this curriculum is intended to facilitate the linking of theory and practice as many modules incorporate practice-based experiences. During the practical training, students should work as a member of a nursing/health care team, learn in direct contact with healthy and sick patients, and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to comprehensively plan, provide and evaluate patient care. The students not only learn to work in a health care team, but also to lead such a team and organize comprehensive care and health promotion. The practical training is to be completed in different settings/departments of the health care sector under the supervision of the respective professional staff, and serves to deepen the theory taught in the courses and enable the students to acquire practical professional skills and abilities. Detailed information about the tasks and activities can be found in the practical training guideline. The students will be offered practical training positions by the Institute of Nursing Science in cooperation with the School of Health at the University Hospital Graz and various other health care facilities. Students are required to register in writing at the beginning of the 10

semester for the respective practical training. They are, however, permitted to find a suitable practical training position on their own. In such cases, a written application must be submitted to the practical training coordinator. During the practical training, specified clinical abilities and skills are to be acquired or deepened. During their practical training students are supervised and supported by practical trainers (certified nurse, social worker, etc.). In addition to the hours for practical training, accompanying hours will also be held by instructors from the School of Health for Reflective Practice and providing instructions. The practical training supervisor will evaluate the students based on the abilities and skills they have acquired at the end of the practical training. Detailed information about the evaluation criteria can be found in the practical training guideline. Grading Grades are given as follows: 1. "Very good" (1) corresponds to "pass with distinction" according to 21 section 3 of the Guk-SV, 2. "Good" (2) corresponds to "pass with merit" according to 21 section 3 of the Guk-SV, 3. "Satisfactory" (3) corresponds to "pass" according to 21 section 3 of the Guk-SV, 4. "Pass" (4), 5. "Fail" (5) corresponds to "fail" according to 21 section 3 of the Guk-SV. (E) "Participated with Success" also corresponds to completed according to 21 section 5 of the Guk-SV The Role of the Instructors The pedagogical approach for adults adopted by the curriculum has an impact on the choice of teaching methods and therefore also on the role of the instructors. The instructor no longer only provides static knowledge, but also helps the students learn to learn. The instructor should be a guide, discussion partner and supervisor. This also means that the fundamental shift from pedagogy (education) to andragogy (theory and practice of adult education) must be understood and implemented by each and every instructor. 11

The Role of the Students The introduction of the principles of adult education also has significant implications for the students. They have the role of active learners, should be encouraged to ask questions and to try out and apply their academic knowledge in various settings, as well as reflect on practical experience. The students should be able to develop critical thinking and psychomotor skills. It is assumed that students shall take responsibility for their own learning, which includes the active acquisition of information and relevant skills, as well as the reflection of their own knowledge and skills. Study Materials The module coordinator for each module will usually create a module book that will be made available to the students at the beginning of the module. 12

Examinations and Degree The examinations will be completed as part of the individual modules in accordance with University Act (2002). In addition, a Bachelor s thesis is to be written. Upon successful completion of the program, the university shall award graduates the academic degree of "Bachelor of Nursing Science" (BScN). The attached "Diploma Supplement" provides detailed information about the degree program and the requirements met in order to obtain the academic degree. Description of the Examination Methods The examinations methods shall be designed in such a manner that they are comprehensible, reliable and valid, such that they are suitable for evaluating the different learning objectives (knowledge, skills and attitudes). The learning contents imparted in the courses are examined. In accordance with the integrated form of instruction, the examinations shall take place in this form. The following types of examination are intended: Lectures: Lecture examinations cover all the lecture material and knowledge imparted from all the courses of a module (including the subject literature). As a rule, lecture examinations take place as written examinations and shall be offered in accordance with the legal guidelines. Depending to the course content, oral examinations may also be given. When grading a lecture examination, it is not permitted that specific sections of an examination be required for a passing grade. The grades are to result from the entire score. Further terms are not permissible. The overall grade for the module corresponds to the grade for the lecture examination. Courses with Continual Evaluation of Performance: Practical training (PR) and seminars (SE) shall be evaluated as follows: The participation and independent contributions of the students (written and oral) shall be graded. Excused absences can be tolerated up to 20% of the total instruction. For courses with continual evaluation of performance, clear evaluation criteria must be published in the module book. Bachelor s Thesis The students must independently prepare two written Bachelor s theses. The topic of the Bachelor s thesis should be relevant to the field of nursing/nursing science. In writing the Bachelor s thesis, the author should demonstrate that they are capable of independently and reflectively examining and presenting a scientific problem relevant to the field of nursing. Essential evidence of this examination consists of the composition of a piece of written work containing a description of the problem and its classification within an overall interrelationship, as well as a presentation and discussion of the solution and the results. The holistic approach as stipulated in the biopsychosocial model of the Medical University of Graz, should also be followed within the framework of the Bachelor s thesis. Detailed information on writing the thesis can be found in the Bachelor s Thesis Guidelines. 13

Students are granted 10 ECTS / 250 hours for the preparation of the Bachelor s thesis. The supervisor will evaluate the Bachelor s thesis, and award a grade according to the ECTS grading system. Academic Degree After successfully completing all of the required modules and practical training, graduates of Bachelor's Degree Program for Nursing Science are awarded the academic degree of "Bachelor of Nursing Science" (BScN). 14

Evaluation Measures The evaluation is. essential for the assessment of the entire curriculum and the individual modules in terms of structure, content, teaching and learning strategies, as well as processes and outcomes. Therefore, within the degree program students are continuously (usually at the end of each module) given the opportunity to provide feedback on the quality of their learning experience. In addition, the students can also provide feedback on personally relevant issues during office hours. The Medical University of Graz also collects further feedback at the end of the degree program. Course Evaluation Regular course evaluation shall be planned, conducted and published in cooperation with the responsible parties in accordance with the evaluation directives to be stipulated in the articles. Curriculum Evaluation The curriculum shall be evaluated with regard to the following three points: 1. It shall be evaluated if and to which extent the implementation of the curriculum conforms to the stipulations of the concept and the curriculum. 2. It shall be evaluated to which extent the concept and the present curriculum are suitable for attaining the educational goals striven for. 3. The educational goals and the qualification profile are also to be subjected to evaluation at regular intervals such that if needed they can be adapted to the continually changing societal demands. Furthermore, a constant improvement process based on the experiences of the learners shall ensure that inconsistencies and flaws with regards to the curriculum and or its implementation can be eliminated as early as possible and if necessary adaptations can be made to the present curriculum. Graduate Survey At a later point graduates will be systematically surveyed to determine in particular if in retrospect they find their training for the Bachelor s in Nursing Science to have been satisfactory and appropriate for their professional requirements and respectively to determine where they believe the strengths and potential for improvement in the Degree Program for Nursing Science lie. 15

The Bachelor s Curriculum for Nursing Science Theory University (total) : 83 ECTS / 2,075 h Theory School of Health : 57 ECTS / 1,425 h (total) Practical Training : 100 ECTS / 2,500 h The above also includes: Bachelor s Thesis : 10 ECTS / 250 h Degree Examination : 5 ECTS / 125 h Free Elective Modules (University) : 9 ECTS / 225 h Required Elective Modules : 6 ECTS / 150 h Practical Training Electives : 8 ECTS / 200 h 16

Part 1 (90 ECTS) ECTS Semester Hours Course Type Location 1st 3rd Semester Professional Ethics and Introduction to the Health Care Profession Principles of Nursing Science and 1.5 ECTS 2.7 SE School of Health 2.5 ECTS 2 SE University Nursing Research Health Care 10 ECTS 16 SE School of Health Care of the Elderly 1.5 ECTS 2 SE School of Health Palliative Care 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health Hygiene and Infectious Diseases 2.5 ECTS 4 SE School of Health Nutrition, Health and Diet 1.5 ECTS 2 SE School of Health Biology, Anatomy, Physiology 4.5 ECTS 4 VO University General and Special Pathology 5 ECTS 4 VO University Pharmacology 1.5 ECTS 1.5 VO University First Aid, Disaster Management and Radiation Protection 1 ECTS 2 SE School of Health Health Education and Promotion, 1.5 ECTS 1 VO University Occupational Medicine Job-specific Ergonomics and Bodywork 1.5 ECTS 2.7 SE School of Health Sociology, Psychology, Education 2 ECTS 2 VO University and Social Hygiene Communication, Conflict Management and Supervision 1.5 ECTS 2.7 SE School of Health Healthcare Structures and Facilities 0.5 ECTS 1 SE School of Health EDP, Computer Science, Statistics, 1 ECTS 1 SE University Documentation Job-specific Legal Basis 1 ECTS 1 VO University Subject-specific English 1.5 ECTS 2 SE University Care in an Aging Society 2 ECTS 2 VO University Free Elective Modules 3 ECTS - - University Required Elective Modules 2 ECTS 3.4 SE School of Health Required Practical Training 40 ECTS - - Health Care Facility The courses and practical training in Part 1 must be completed successfully before attending the courses and practical training in Part 2.

Part 2 (60 ECTS) ECTS Semester Hours Course Type Location 4 th 5 th Semester Professional Ethics and Introduction to the Health Care Profession Principles of Nursing Science and 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health 1 ECTS 1 SE University Nursing Research Health Care 5.5 ECTS 8.7 SE School of Health Care of the Elderly 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health Palliative Care 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health Home Care 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health General and Special Pathology 5 ECTS 4 VO University Pharmacology 1.5 ECTS 1.5 VO University Gerontology, Geriatics and Geriatric 1.5 ECTS 1 VO University Psychiatry Job-specific Ergonomics and Bodywork 1 ECTS 2 SE School of Health Sociology, Psychology, Education 1 ECTS 1 VO University and Social Hygiene Communication, Conflict Management and Supervision 1.5 ECTS 2.7 SE School of Health EDP, Computer Science, Statistics, 1 ECTS 1 SE University Documentation Job-specific Legal Basis 1 ECTS 1 VO University Subject-specific English 1 ECTS 1 SE University Free Elective Modules 3 ECTS - - University Required Elective Modules 2 ECTS 3.4 SE School of Health Required Practical Training 30 ECTS - - Health Care Facility The courses and practical training in Part 2 must be completed successfully before attending the courses and practical training in Part 3.

Part 3 (90 ECTS) ECTS Semester Hours Course Type Location 6 th 8 th Semester Professional Ethics and Introduction to the Health Care and Nursing Profession Principles of Nursing Science and 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health 1 ECTS 1 SE University Nursing Research Health Care 5.5 ECTS 8.9 SE School of Health Palliative Care 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health Home Care 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health General and Special Pathology 4 ECTS 4 VO University First Aid, Disaster Management and Radiation Protection 0.5 ECTS 1 SE School of Health Health Education and Promotion, 1.5 ECTS 1 VO University Occupational Medicine Job-specific Ergonomics and Bodywork 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health Sociology, Psychology, Education 1 ECTS 1 VO University and Social Hygiene Communication, Conflict Management and Supervision 1.5 ECTS 2.7 SE School of Health Healthcare Structures and Facilities 1 ECTS 1.4 SE School of Health Subject-specific English 1 ECTS 1 SE University Transcultural Nursing 4 ECTS 3 SE University Evidence-based Practice (EBP) 5 ECTS 3 SE University Reading and Evaluating Research 5 ECTS 3 SE University Results Management, Supervision and 5 ECTS 3 SE University Organization Free Elective Modules 3 ECTS - - University Required Elective Modules 2 ECTS 3.4 SE School of Health Required Practical Training 22 ECTS - - Health Care Facility Practical Training Electives 8 ECTS - - Health Care Facility Bachelor s Thesis 10 ECTS - - University Degree Examination 5 ECTS - - School of Health / Health Care Facility For more information, please visit http://www.medunigraz.at/studium.