Leader: Ms Joanne Porter (Gippsland Campus) and Ms Sharyn Streitberg (Peninsula Campus)

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula First semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

The management of the patient experiencing acute alterations in cardiovascular and respiratory function is an important aspect of specialist acute/critical care nursing. This unit focuses on the principles and practices necessary to provide nursing care to patients experiencing cardiovascular and respiratory problems. The student will develop an understanding of and clinical proficiency in the therapeutic interventions essential in caring for these patients within acute/critical care settings.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of acute cardiovascular and respiratory conditions facing the critically ill client/patient;
2. Plan and implement appropriate, age specific, culturally relevant, therapeutic interventions for clients/patients experiencing cardiovascular and respiratory health break down.
3. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge base specific to technological therapeutics and monitoring devices used in the acute/critical care environments.
4. Apply bioscientific knowledge and evidence based practice in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of care for the critically ill client/patient.
5. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in caring for the critically ill client/patient, their families and members of the multi-disciplinary team.
6. Critically evaluate the socio-cultural, legal and ethical issues related to the nursing management of the critically ill client/patient.

Assessment

1 hour examination (60%)
1000 words written assignment (40%)
Advanced Life Support Assessment (Pass/Fail)