Course overview
This course introduces the advanced practice nurse to the provision of care in the critical care setting. The concepts of assessment of the critically ill patient and the initial prioritising of care will be explored. The nursing and medical science related to the cardiac and pulmonary systems will be discussed in detail. The theoretical concepts and knowledge gained will enable the advanced practice nurse to engage in discussions regarding the principles of critical care nursing. It will have both theoretical and clinical components supported by classroom teaching. Students will also be expected to complete a range of clinical competencies throughout the course.
Course learning outcomes
- Recognise the signs of cardio-respiratory distress; and differentially diagnoses potential causes based on history-taking and clinical assessment.
- Analyse and interpret diagnostic tests and monitoring used to assess the adequacy of the cardio-respiratory systems.
- Discuss the aetiology and pathophysiology of common cardio-respiratory disorders potentially resulting in cardio-respiratory failure.
- Identify the priorities and formulate an effective nursing care plan to manage a patient with the potential to, or is experiencing cardio-respiratory distress.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the indications, rationales, setup, operation, application, monitoring, and troubleshooting required for managing a patient requiring technology to optimise their cardio-respiratory condition.
- Plan, implement and evaluate holistic plans of care in collaboration with the health care team.
- Identify and evaluate the current clinical issues in critical care nursing and considers the implications for your clinical area.
- Identify, critically appraise and integrate current evidence based guidelines and consensus statements to inform competent clinical practice.