School of Nursing and Midwifery

Seini Siahi Fifita

Head of school

Meet our Staff

QUEEN SALOTE SCHOOL OF NURSING & MIDWIFERY

Programs and Program Statements

There are 2 programs of study currently being offered by this School. Each program has a Program Statement to give a clear idea of what to expect in each program.

Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing – Level 7

The focus of this program is to expand and enhance the current Registered nurse’s knowledge and clinical skills to advance their acute nursing practice. Within the scope of advancing nursing practice, nurses are required to assess patients, make provisional diagnoses, request and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe therapeutic interventions based on skilled client assessment and sound evidence-based decision-making processes. In order to provide effective and safe care, nurses must be able to master a range of core and specialty-based assessment skills, using critical thinking, and a diagnostic reasoning process.

This program consists of two 30 credit point courses that runs in two semesters.

Program Name	Semester	Code	Course Name and Description
Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing – Level 7	1	ACNUR701	Advanced Acute Care Nursing Theory and Practice This course will explore and enhance the nurse’s knowledge and clinical skills to advance their nursing practice in the complexity of critical illnesses and injuries. The acute care student nurse will demonstrate skills and evidence based diagnostic reasoning in performing advanced patient assessment. In order to provide effective and safe care, the nurse will be able to master a range of core and specialty-based assessment skills, using critical thinking and processes for sound evidence-based decision making. The nurse will apply knowledge of pathophysiological disease processes into providing advanced care for patients with acute conditions
Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing – Level 7	2	ACNUR 702:	Expanded Acute Care Nursing Practices in ICU and EDThis course aims to demonstrate the expanded and advanced management of the patient with a rapidly deteriorating health condition. The focus is to enable Acute care student nurse to rationalise, request, interpret and formulate diagnostic decisions. Within these processes they are expected to demonstrate knowledge and skills of assessment, diagnostic tests, and culturally safe interventions, and high-level decision making in the provision of care including those of with mental health conditions, obstetric, gynaecological and paediatric client.

Advanced Diploma in Nursing – Level 6

The Advanced Diploma of Nursing aims to educate and prepare competent and safe to practice registered nurse in Tonga and possibly in the pacific region and beyond. The program provides nurses with sound theoretical knowledge, skills and attributes for the delivery of quality holistic nursing care for the people of Tonga. It encompasses trends in nursing education informed by evidence-based and best practice, to achieve Universal Health Coverage – Sustainable Development Goals, Tonga Strategic Development Framework II, and the mission of the Ministry of Health.

Program Name	Semester	Code	Course Name and Description
Advanced Diploma in Nursing – Level 6	1	ANUR401	Social Science Provides students with the essential knowledge of psychology, sociology and related concepts, principles and psychosocial processes of health. The relevance of psychology and sociology to nursing practice will then be explored with emphasis on their significances for the nursing practice in Tonga and beyond.
		ANUR402	Health and Healthy Living This course explores the concept of health as it applies to individuals, families, communities and the importance of the environment to the maintenance of healthy living. Adolescent’s Health development in relation to decision making and healthy living is explored. Various behaviors that promote and risk health are discussed. Health system-structure and status of nursing to support health and healthy living is also explored.
		ANUR403	Human Bioscience 1 This course introduces the study of anatomy and physiology with an examination of the organization, structure and tissue of the human body. It will cover the body systems, and discuss the essential terminologies, structural organization of the body, Bio-Chemistry, Cells, Glands and Body Tissue. Body systems covered will include Integumentary System, Muscular-Skeletal System, Cardiovascular System, and Respiratory System. The processes of the body system are discussed.
		ANUR404	Nursing Theory & Practice 1 This course introduces basic theoretical knowledge of skills in nursing practice. Nursing theories, legal and ethical values as a basis for ethical nursing practice will be taught. The following foundational theories of nursing practice will be introduced: • Introducing the Nursing care process phases with related concepts • Growth and development physical developmental theories. • The functional health pattern framework. • Basic Infection Prevention Control. • Effective communication and patients-nurse therapeutic relationship. • Introduction to professional roles and responsibilities of nurses in their various areas in nursing. The significance of the above foundational theories to nursing practice will be discussed.
		ANUR405	Primary Health Care 1 This course introduces the concepts of Public Health and Primary Health Care (PHC) and how these are applied in nursing practice. The relationship of PHC within the Public Health System is explored. Primary Health Care Approaches are discussed in achieving health for ALL. Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) are identified and their significance to nursing practice. The roles and responsibilities of nurses working in the community are discussed in relation to PHC. The principles of community and family assessment are explored and applied to nursing practice in the community setting.
		ANUR410	Clinical Practice 1A It introduces the basic nursing skills that are associated with concepts integral to our practice such as infection control, therapeutic relationship and health assessment. Learners will also identify several external partners that linked with the health system in delivering quality health services. The students will also deploy out to the community health centers as part of their clinical placement in this course. Hence, demonstration of skills would be focus on essential skills to be implemented in the community health context. Major nursing skills demonstrated include, hand washing, basic life support, communication skills, interviewing skills, vital sign, and bed making (unoccupied bed). More emphasize will be on health assessment in which they are required to complete a health assessment of a child by completing the functional health pattern. Family assessment and community assessment is also an element of this course with assessment guideline provided in the booklet for guidance. Clinical Practice 1B This course is designed to further introduce knowledge-based skills that essential for nursing care in the hospital setting. Major concept explored includes cultural safety in the workplace and inflection control is the major focus. Demonstration of basic skills regarding these concepts includes, Hand washing, Sponging, First Aid, Bed making, Patients transferring, Moving and positioning of patients in bed. More emphasize will be on essential nursing skills that are required for the application of nursing process to practice are also primary elements of this course. It involves the mastering of skills in Health assessment, Vital Signs, Blood sugar monitoring, Specimen Collection, Health Education skills and completion of the Nursing Care Plan sheets.
	2	ANUR406	Primary Health Care 2 This course introduces the concept of Health Promotion and Nutrition, and their applications to individuals, families, and communities in clinical and community setting. Components of Nutrition are identified and their significance in nursing practice. Strategies (Health Education) for promoting health and changing behavioral pattern are explored.
		ANUR407	Human Bioscience 2 This course continues the study of Anatomy and Physiology as applied to nursing. It is focusing on the following systems: Lymphatic System, Immune System, Urinary System, Fluid, Electrolytes & Acid Base Balance, Nervous System, Digestive System, Endocrine System, Reproductive System and Sensory systems. The course will discuss processes and its significance to human survival.
		ANUR408	Human Bioscience 3 This course will examine the science of Microbiology and Pharmacology that are essential for effective nursing practice. The main focus of microbiology are the processes by which the identified organism develops and cause disease, factors that enhance its growth and extend, methods for prevention and management, and the significance of microbiology study to nursing practice. Discussion of Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, administration of drugs.
		ANUR409	Nursing Theory and Practice 2 Students will learn about the Tonga National Professional Standards for Tongan nurses and nursing standards for Year 1 nursing students. It will also focus on components of the nursing process. The elements of nursing assessment, diagnosis and planning, implementation and the evaluation process will be discussed in a detail approach. Caring as central aspects of nursing practice will also be discussed with associated nursing theories. Knowledge about a range of nursing skills essential for student’s checklist will also be discussed.
	3	ANUR501	Medical Surgical Nursing 1 NUR514 is an introduction to the integration of pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease related to Inflammation and Wound Healing, Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Imbalances, physiology of pain. nursing assessment, sign and symptoms, diagnosis and management (including pharmacology) of patients with common problems related to Sensory and Integumentary Function, Musculoskeletal Function, Urinary Function and Gastrointestinal Function.
		ANUR502	Medical Surgical Nursing 2 Examines the concepts of infection with resulting signs and symptoms, Altered Immunity and Genetics, alteration in the Respiratory, Hematological and Reproductive system will also discuss. Nursing and pharmacological management and care of the client experiencing pathological changes resulting in medical or surgical problems commonly occurring in Tonga. The major communicable diseases common in Tonga and the preparations for a possible epidemic.
		ANUR503	Maternity Care This course is designed to develop knowledge and skills in women health assessment and nursing management on woman’s health and well-being before, during, and after pregnancy and includes aspects of physical, mental, emotional and social health. The students are introduced how to provide Maternity Care services to women, babies, and families throughout the whole pregnancy, during labour and birth, and after birth for up to six weeks.
		ANUR504	Nursing Theory and Practice 3 This course focuses on the development of nursing knowledge and skills to support nursing practice when caring for the hospitalized patient. It will focus on nursing patients in medical, surgical, and obstetric settings with concepts related to the role of nurses in patient care explored. The learner will continue to examine and apply knowledge appropriate to the management of a hospitalized patient which includes legal and ethical principle, professional nursing concepts and leadership and management. (perioperative nursing)
		ANUR505	Clinical Practice 2 This course designed to enhance development of competencies expected of a second-year student nurse according to the curriculum and the Tonga National Professional Standards for Registered Nurses (Siate Folau ‘a e Neesi Tonga) in caring for patient: - Acute hospital setting – medical/surgical nursing including pre-operative and post op care of patients in the ward. - Students will be supported to master nursing skills required of their management of care. Nursing care of the pregnant mother during the antenatal, labour & delivery and postnatal period.
	4	ANUR506	Medical Surgical Nursing 3 Introduces the pathophysiology in alterations of central nervous system, endocrine and cardiovascular system. Application of nursing management to patients with medical and surgical conditions related to the above system. The major non-communicable diseases common in Tonga will be discussed.
		ANUR507	Mental Health Nursing This course introduces the student to the mental health services in Tonga and develops an understanding of the nurse’s role in promoting mental health and the nursing care of mental distress and illnesses. The student will be introduced to assessment processes to determine the mental health status of clients (consumer’s/service users), be able to work with families to support a family member with mental health issues, have an understanding of psychopathological illnesses identified in Tonga, and the appropriate referral of clients, within requiring specialized care within the context of Tongan Act
		ANUR508	Child Health Nursing This course is designed to extend the knowledge and skills of nurses into the assessment, health promotion and care of healthy and sick children after birth and under 14 years of age. This care provides discussions of patient within the context of family-centered, across a range of clinical and community settings. Also, the nurses are to provide an advanced educational experience that will develop the student’s intellectual and imaginative abilities in order to facilitate the development of independent judgement and problem-solving skills. The student will have placement into the clinical, in Paediatric Ward and will be expected to apply theoretical knowledge through his/her nursing actions.
		ANUR509	Nursing Theory & Practice 4 This course builds on from Nursing Theory and Practice 3 focus on the development of nursing knowledge and skills to support nursing practice when caring for the hospitalized patient living with the effect of chronic illness and providing care for a Terminal ill patient. The learner will begin to explore nurses’ roles, responsibilities and appropriate attitude to manage care of a hospitalized child and patients in the operating theatre. A range of nursing skills will be mastered throughout the subject to promote physiological, psychological health of patients to achieve optimal health during hospitalization.
		ANUR510	Clinical Practice 3 In this course students are to demonstrate competency in year 2 competencies by providing pre-hospital (basic first-aid and life support care) and basic nursing care for hospitalized patients in the wards and mental health unit. Begin to show competency in managing patients with acute medical and surgical conditions, advance life support and specialized clinic patient care management. (ENT, EYE, NCD, OPD, Diabetic and OPD special clinic) Medical: Students will care for hospitalize patients with medical conditions under the guidance of clinical nurse and tutor. Surgical: Students will care for hospitalized patients with surgical conditions including the peri-operative period under the guidance of the RN and clinical Tutor Mental Health: Demonstrate nursing care of a patient with mental illness Child Health: Students demonstrate competent skills of assessing and care for hospital child. Specialized clinics: The student will participate in the care of patients in these areas under the guidance of a clinical nurse (RN) and tutor Obstetric: Students will care for the pregnant mother who has been admitted to hospital for labour, delivery and postnatal periods under the guidance of the midwife, RN and tutor.
	5	ANUR601	Complex Maternity Care This course builds the knowledge base required to advance from the “normal” childbearing experiences to childbearing complications. Also, it will focus on the roles of the nurse in meeting the physiological and the psychosocial needs of the pregnant mother and her families who experience complicated childbirth. Course content includes assessment and management of complication during antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum period. Nutrition, cultural diversity, use of technology, communication, anatomy and physiology review, terminology, critical thinking, and application of the nursing process are integrated throughout this course. Upon completion of this course students will be able to provide and manage care for complicated childbirth in a variety of settings.
		ANUR602	Care of the Complex Patient This course continues to examine pathophysiology and nursing management of patient with complex condition. Students will develop the ability to apply knowledge of pathophysiological concepts to guide physical, clinical and diagnostic assessment of the patient. Through integration of assessment findings with knowledge of pathophysiology, students will develop knowledge of triaging and prioritizing the management of chronic illnesses and conditions that require emergency nursing care.
		ANUR603	This course will prepare students to understand care of complex health issues. They will be taught nursing skills to be able to manage complex health issues including triaging and holistic care to early age patients up to care of the aged and dying. They will also be prepared to work at emergency department and provide emergency care in any situation and to respond to crisis effectively.
		ANUR604	Clinical Practice 4 This clinical practice provides a time for the student to practice in a dependency and specialised nursing care areas like ICU, Paediatric Ward, Special Care Nursery, and Emergency Department and Operating Theatre.
	6	ANUR605	Remote Island/Area Nursing This course will prepare students to work in the outer islands and in remote clinics and villages. It means that the only available trained health provider is the nurse and thus must deliver health care holistically. Students will review the management of common conditions and how to work within protocols. The management of a rural clinic will be explored as will the nurse’s roles and responsibilities. Concepts of Universal Health Coverage needs to be addressed, linking this to the roles and responsibilities of nurses in remote and island nursing.
		ANUR606	Nursing in Emergency and Disaster Situations This course requires the application of basic nursing knowledge and skills to give students the chance to gain in depth understanding the nature of an emergency and disaster nursing. The concept of emergency and disaster nursing in relation to population health while they are in their community placement. Demonstration of community assessment and primary health care principles is expected in the completion of community assessment reports. Student will clarify the lines of command and establish clear lines of Communication as part of their investigation in this course. Collaborative and team work with other health professionals, disaster responders, nongovernmental organizations and governments must demonstrate and familiarize during emergency and disaster nursing situation.
		ANUR607	Evidence for and from Practice This course provides the framework for students to understand the evidence-base both for their practice and the evidence base that can be generated from practice. Nursing and Allied Health workers are performing their clinical and non-clinical responsibilities in a health system that requires an extraordinary range of skills and talents on them. It is expected that they deliver high-quality care in a compassionate but also cost –effective manner. To accomplish these diverse goals, students continually need to access and evaluate new information, and incorporate it into their decision making. Evidence-based for and from practice course provides an avenue for students to learn about research principles, concepts and perform a research project to aid in evidence-based practice.
		ANUR608	Professional Nursing Practice To prepare 3rd year students for transition as graduate nurse to practice in clinical area and community practice through in-depth exploration of professional concepts and issues. This course includes the competencies for registration, working with others in delegated authority and understanding the concept of delegation of care and leadership and management. The Siate Folau is a document that encompasses the Tonga Nurses to sustain the nursing professional in excellence best practice.
		ANUR609	Clinical Practice 5 This clinical practice provides a time for the student to be in the community health centres consolidating and integrating the knowledge and skills from related emergency disaster, remote nursing contexts and research. The students will be placed in the health centres to be part of the health care team in the community health centre setting.