NUR4924

Critical care nursing ( 9 points, SCA Band 0, 0.188 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms Tracy McConnell-Henry

Offered:
Not offered in 2006.

Synopsis: This unit focuses on enabling the student to develop proficiency in the management of critically ill clients/patients from all social, cultural and economic backgrounds with life threatening illnesses requiring the interventions of mechanical ventilation and / or haemodynamic monitoring. The student will develop an understanding of and clinical proficiency in the therapeutic interventions essential in caring for these clients/patients within acute/critical care settings. This unit also focuses on the principles and practices necessary to provide nursing care to clients/patients experiencing cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students will be expected to be able to: 1. Demonstrate the application of an in-depth knowledge of alterations in normal physiologically function in the management of critical care clients/patients experiencing alterations in these systems. 2. Plan and implement appropriate, age specific, culturally relevant nursing interventions for critically ill patients. 3. Demonstrate the competent implementation of related advanced, technologically based, critical care nursing skills. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, ethical, medical, and nursing issues related to the management of the following groups of clients/patients within the critical care environment 5. Apply bioscientific knowledge and evidence based practice in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of care for the critically ill client/patient. 6. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge base specific to interventional cardiology procedures. 7. Critically evaluate the socio-cultural, legal and ethical issues related to the nursing management of the critically ill client/patient. 8. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the critical health breakdown of clients/patients requiring life support measures. 9. Plan and implement appropriate, evidence based, therapeutic nursing interventions related to the management of clients/patients requiring mechanical ventilation and haemodynamic monitoring. 10. Demonstrate a knowledge of the theoretical concepts that underpin mechanical ventilation & haemodynamic monitoring. 11. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in the management of clients/patients, families, and significant others who are experiencing grief, loss, or what they perceive to be a crisis situation.

Assessment: Clinical Performance Appraisal (40%) Written Assignment (20%) + Exam (40%) + Clinical Hurdles (Pass/Fail)

Prerequisites: NUR5703 Advanced pathophysiology & advanced health assessment