Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Critical Care)

Course code: 3555 + Course abbreviation: GradCertNurs(CritC) + Total credit points required: 24 + 2 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Gippsland; Peninsula – P/T only)

Course description

This course, offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, prepares nurses for practice in the dynamic, technological and multidisciplinary environment of critical care. The course aims to facilitate the acquisition and application of advanced health assessment skills and knowledge; develop advanced knowledge of underlying pathophysiological processes; pursue problem solving cognitive tools and skills; promote appropriate and effective clinical decision making skills; ensure an application of safe and appropriate critical care nursing interventions utilising an evidenced-based approach; and review and enhance an awareness of related psychosocial, ethical and legal issues.

Course objectives

On completion of the course students are expected to be able to: 1. demonstrate advanced assessment skills and knowledge for clients/patients in critical care areas; 2. understand underlying pathophysiological processes for common conditions; 3. utilise appropriate clinical reasoning and problem solving frameworks for complex care situations; 4. demonstrate appropriate application and knowledge of critical care nursing interventions; 5. develop an awareness of professional issues relating to current and future critical care nursing practice; 6. undertake age appropriate nursing practice in a manner that is sensitive to client/patients’ personal, social and cultural needs; 7. apply an understanding of the legal and ethical implications related to critical care nursing practice; and 8. utilise the best available evidence for improving critical care nursing practice and client/patient outcomes.

Course structure

This course consists of one 12-point core unit, one 9-point core unit and one 3-point unit offered over two semesters. Study days are in blocks of two-to-four days per month spread over each semester. Students must engage in a minimum of three days per week paid employment in a critical care or coronary care unit over the duration of the course. Students are required to undertake the following core units:

NUR4901 Acute cardio respiratory management
NUR4924 Critical care nursing
NUR5703 Advanced pathophysiology and health assessment

Assessment

Assessment includes case study reports, tests, online tutorial discussion groups, clinical skills, exams, clinical performance, advanced life support assessment, learning packages and assignments.

Contact details

Gippsland: administrative officers (postgraduate): telephone: +61 3 9902 6441; fax: +61 3 9902 6527

Peninsula: administrative officers (postgraduate): telephone: +61 3 9904 4156; fax: +61 3 9904 4655

Or visit www.med.monash.edu/nursing/postgraduate/

Course coordinator

Ms Joanne Porter

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