Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description



CODE NUR0117

 
TITLE Individual and Career Development 1

 
UM LEVEL 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus

 
MQF LEVEL Not Applicable

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Nursing

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit will incorporate:
1. Self-concept, self-awareness and self-esteem
2. The development and use of reflective practice
3. Introduction to emotional intelligence
4. Group Dynamics – the development of effective and ineffective groups - teamwork
5. The principles and use of human communication
6. The use of therapeutic communication for self and others
7. Problems/barriers to communication
8. Communication in difficult situations: the unpopular patient, breaking bad new, death and dying, bereavement process
9. Stress Management
10. Time Management

Study-unit Aims:

The main aims of this study-unit are:
(1) to enable students to develop skills for independent learning future career development planning; and
(2) to enable them to communicate effectively in different health care situations.

Hence, the concepts of self-awareness, reflective practice and the management of self to enhance self-development is one the main components of this credit. The development of groups and the differences within a group with reference to their group, will also be given importance.

The development of effective communication that responds to the various needs of people who make use of services within the various health care settings will be addressed.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Understand personal needs, values, strengths & weaknesses, feelings & motivations,
- Understand group dynamics,
- Understand the diverse roles people have within a group,
- Be aware of different types of groups,
- Develop an understanding of the dynamics of the communication process,
- Identify the different roles of the group leader depending on the aim of the group,
- Identify problems and barriers to communication and react appropriately,
- Identify ways of appropriate communication in difficult situations within a health care settings.

2. Skills (including transferable [generic] skills): By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Be able to reflect on one’s own experiences to enhance personal and professional development,
- Express self clearly and concisely as appropriate to the communication setting,
- Promote team spirit and harmony,
- Participate in the development of an effective group,
- Make use of verbal and non-verbal communication skills,
- Make use of effective listening skills.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings

Corey, G. & Corey, M.S. (1987) Groups: processes and practice USA: Brooks Cole.

De Vito J., (1994) Human Communication. New York: Harper Collins College Publishers, 6th edition.

Freshwater, D. (2002) Therapeutic Nursing: Improving Patient Care through Self-awareness and Reflection. UK: Sage Publications.

Hopson, B. & Scally, M. (1985) Lifeskills Teaching. UK: McGraw Hill.

Johnson, W.D. & Johnson, P.F. (1991) Joining together: group theory and group skills UK: Prentice Hall International.

Morrison P. and Burnard P., (1997) Caring and Communication. London: McMillan Press Ltd., 2nd edition.

Nelson-Jones, R. (1992) Lifeskills Helping. USA: Thomas Learning.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Reflective Diary Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Therese Bugeja

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.


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