Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Through a variety of in-class, clinically based, and student driven activities, this subject will enable students to further develop, identify and apply nursing interventions in attempting to overcome life threatening situations facing the patient within the intensive care environment; display an in-depth and advanced knowledge of a range of critical health breakdowns of intensive care patients, with appropriate nursing interventions applied to the clinical area; develop an increased knowledge base to an advanced level specific to technological skills; demonstrate problem identification and problem solving abilities in implementing nursing care strategies with minimal support; develop increased communication and interpersonal skills in caring for patients, their families and members of the multi-disciplinary health team; demonstrate an increased knowledge of therapeutic agents in terms of relevant legislation and safe intensive care nursing practice; discuss a variety of complex ethical and legal issues relating to critically ill patients; appreciate the multicultural health care concerns of the Australian population.
Synopsis The subject builds upon previous pathophysiological, critical care concepts and intensive care nursing content. It expands students theoretical and practical knowledge for nursing critically ill clients/patients through in-depth exploration of multiple organ failure and nursing interventions which minimise threats to life and further injury.
Assessment An examination, a written report and by clinical performance standards.