Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Critical Care)

Course code: 1243 + Course abbreviation: GradDipNurs(CritCr) + Total credit points required:48 + 2 semesters full-time, 4 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Gippsland)

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. In collaboration with relevant health care agencies, the course responds to industry needs for highly educated critical care nurse clinicians in metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals. Clinical practice is included in the course and takes place in a variety of settings throughout metropolitan and south-eastern Victoria. Students must engage in a minimum of three days per week paid employment in a critical care or coronary care unit during the first 12 months of the course.

Course objectives

On completion of all course requirements, it is expected that graduates will: 1. demonstrate competency in the performance of complex clinical skills within the critical care environment; 2. explore complex and life threatening health breakdowns and their nursing implications; 3. pursue problem solving methods for individual nursing decision making, intervention and evaluation; 4. use research methods for improving nursing practice and patient outcomes; 5. examine a range of professional issues relating to current and future critical care nursing practice; and 6. reflect on the critical care ethos as it relates to nursing individuals in a range of environments from the highly technological to home.

Course structure

Students will be required to undertake four core units and one elective unit.

Core units

NUR4901 Acute cardio respiratory management
NUR4924 Critical care nursing
NUR5703 Advanced pathophysiology and health assessment
NUR9214 Advanced therapeutic interaction in nursing

Elective units

A further 12 points, consisting of either an elective unit selected from units within other postgraduate nursing courses or a research unit - students in the research option should consult with the course coordinator.

Assessment

Assessment includes case study reports, tests, online tutorial discussion groups, clinical portfolios, exams, literature reviews, clinical performance, oral presentations, advanced life support assessment, OSCA, learning packages and assignments.

Contact details

Gippsland: administrative officers (postgraduate): telephone: +61 3 9902 6441; fax: +61 3 9902 6527 or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/nursing/postgraduate/

Course coordinator

Ms Joanne Porter

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