In undertaking studies in PNSA the student embarks on an advanced practice journey toward practicing as a Perioperative Nurse Surgeons Assistant PNSA. The student PNSA undertakes this Advanced Clinical Practice CPD course in the specialist area of Perioperative Nurse Surgical Assistant (PNSA), to develop their cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the underlying principles and theoretical concepts in the role of surgical assistance.

During both subjects, all students engage in robust online discussion via blog postings with fellow students and the Course Coordinator. The student is required to develop a Clinical Practice Log and meet all aspects of credentialing and assessment requirements under the supervision of their Surgeon mentor/s.

To undertake the course, you need to engage a surgeon Mentor and supervisor for all intraoperative practice. Your mentor is also required to sign off clinical competencies – a mentor guide and consent form are available on the online registration page.

Course content

The course is based on the following:

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Communication
• Health Advocacy
• Judgement and clinical decision making
• Management and leadership

• Nursing Expertise
• Professionalism and ethics
• Scholarship and teaching
• Technical expertise

Assessments

Semester 1 (PNSA A)

• Case study
• Blog postings
• Written assessment

Semester 2 (PNSA B)

• Written assessment
• Blog postings
• Written assessment or the development of a "YouTube" video
• Clinical Evidence Log commenced in Semester 1 (PNSA A) and continued in Semester 2 (PNSA B)
• Competency assessments
• Clinical placement with Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS) Surgeon Mentor

Extra requirements

1. Students must be aware that they are required to ensure they meet all requirements of the hospitals or facilities they work with their surgeon/s and check all facility requirements and student agreements or other legal requirements that are required to practice.
2. Broadband internet access and an active email address that can be accessed at home during study periods.
3. Students must have basic computer literacy skills (e.g. Word or other word processing software)