This unit of study is designed for registered nurses and introduces core concepts in alcohol and other drugs (AOD) nursing, including harm minimisation and the legal and ethical responsibilities involved in supporting people experiencing substance use disorders. It provides an overview of commonly used substances, how dependance develops, and the assessment and screening tools used to identify related harms. The unit also highlights stigma, along with the role of respectful language and communication when working with people seeking care for AOD use.
| Foundational Concepts in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing | |
| Unit of study code | 324 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing
GC single unit of study |
| Term | JANUARY, JULY |
| Pre-requisite | This unit is the first unit in the Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing, and will be a pre-requisite for other units of study in the Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 1 |
| Prescribed texts | Nil |
| Co-ordinated by | Erin Rooney e: erin.rooney@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Australian drug policy and philosophy | a) evaluate Australia’s harm minimisation strategy and its influence on alcohol and other drugs policies and nursing practice | Assessment 1: Online forum | 5% | 2 |
| Theme 2: Legal, ethical and professional issues | b) explain the legal and ethical responsibilities involved in providing care for people experiencing alcohol and other drug harms | Assessment 2: Essay | 30% | 5 |
| Theme 3: Understanding substance use | c) critically examine commonly used substances, the development of substance use issues, and their impacts on people and their support system | Assessment 3: Audiovisual assessment | 30% | 8 |
| Theme 4: Alcohol and other drugs screening and assessment | d) analyse theoretical perspectives, including cultural, psychosocial, and biological models, to understand substance use patterns and outcomes | Assessment 4: Reflective essay |
35% | 10 |
| Theme 5: Effective communication and language in alcohol and other drugs nursing | e) assess approaches to screening and assessment for alcohol and other drug-related harms to support person-centred care | |||
Foundational Concepts in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing (324) is a Tier 1 unit.
| Tiers | 2026 Member price (10% discount) | 2026 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,460.60 | $2,734.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,806.20 | $3,118.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,623.80 | $4,026.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,266.00 | $4,740.00 |
| *Graduate certificate / single unit of study fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change without notice | ||
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
