Home  /   Course Handbook  /  Complementary Therapies in Healthcare (NURS2163)

NURS2163

Complementary Therapies in Healthcare

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus Semester 1
Ourimbah Semester 1
Port Macquarie Nth Coast Inst Semester 1

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

Examines the history and philosophical approaches to complementary therapies, professional and legal issues, indications and contraindications for use of complementary therapies, as well as some of the practical techniques of complementary therapies.

The course will be theory and practical based and will include complementary therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, Reiki, meditation, and guided imagery. These therapies have been selected to suit the scope of practice of health care professionals and also because of burgeoning community interest and usage of these complementary therapies. The different modalities will be viewed from an historical, social and contemporary basis within the legal context of modern society in Australia. `

Objectives Completing the learning objectives of this course should enable students to;
1. Critically examine concepts of complementary therapies and the available evidence
2. Develop an understanding of the safe practice and legal responsibilities of nurses and other health professionals integrating complementary therapies into practice
3. Develop an understanding of the history and context of complementary therapies used in health care.
4. Discuss theory and practiced based modalities including massage, acupressure, reflexology, aromatherapy, herbal therapy, Alexander technique. Feldenkrais, Reiki, meditation, guided imagery and music therapy.
5. Examine contraindications and benefits of complementary therapies within the scope of practice
6. Examine professional and cultural issues relating to complementary therapies
Content This course will cover the following topics within practical application where appropriate in tutorial sessions:
Introduction to the history and philosophy of complementary therapies within a context of health;
Professional,cultural ethical and legal issues regarding complementary therapies;
Using complementary therapies for specific conditions within scope of nursing practice;
Exploring the contraindications and benefits of different types of complementary therapies;
Introduction to massage including shiatsu, Swedish and remedial massage;
Exploring Eastern massage techniques such as Thai massage;
Introduction to Reiki and other therapeutic touch modalities applicable health care;
Herbal therapy;
Principles of acupressure within a health setting;
Aromatherapy within a health care context including care of the elderly with dementia and palliative care patients;
Introduction to meditation and exploration into guided imagery;
Replacing Course(s) N/A
Transition N/A
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Nil
Modes of Delivery Distance Learning : IT Based
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Self Directed Learning
Workshop
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Powerpoint presentation
Essays / Written Assignments Literature Review (different topic than powerpoint presentation)
Other: (please specify) COMPULSORY COURSE COMPONENT:
100% attendance and participation in the workshop is required to achieve a pass or higher grade in this course

Attendance and participation in workshop will enable the student to put into practice theoretical concepts in line with the objectives, so that they have greater knowledge and skills about complementary therapies and be in a better position to inform patients about health care options.

The workshop will be followed by a quiz that focuses on the learning outcomes of the workshop.

Due to the resource intensity of this course students who cannot fulfill the requirement of attendance, may need to attend the workshop at the next course offering.
Quiz - On-line Nursing and Pharmacology Quiz

Students can attempt each quiz twice between the time the quiz opens and closes. Students will receive the higher of the two marks.
Quiz - On-line Sociology Quiz

Students can attempt each quiz twice between the time the quiz opens and closes. Students will receive the higher of the two marks.
Contact Hours Lecture: for 10 hour(s) per Term for Full Term
Tutorial: for 2 hour(s) per Week for 4 weeks
Workshop: for 7 hour(s) per Term for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Compulsory Course Component To be awarded a pass or higher grade in this course each student is required to:

* Submit all assessment items
* 100% attendance, participation in workshop and demonstrate satisfactory performance
Timetables 2013 Course Timetables for NURS2163