Course Title: Critical Care Nursing Studies 2

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Critical Care Nursing Studies 2

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

NURS1037

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012

Course Coordinator: Jane Mateer

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7546

Course Coordinator Email: jane.mateer@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 201.7.05


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Prerequisite capabilities are developed from a bachelor degree in nursing and professional development and experiential learning acquired as a practising Division 1 nurse. The student must be currently employed in a critical care unit throughout the duration of the course. In addition, the student must have successfully completed NURS1036.


Course Description

This course builds on the knowledge acquired in Critical Care Nursing Studies 1. The course aims to further advance the student’s ability to monitor, assess, plan, implement and evaluate collaborative management of patients experiencing a critical illness incorporating bioscience concepts.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The dimensions of capability developed in the course include:

  • 1. Ability to apply advanced skills in assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation in a variety of clinical care settings and contexts;
  • 2. Analysis, synthesis and integration of knowledge and application to practice;
  • 5. Apply an evidence-based approach to advanced practice;
  • 6. Operate as a team member to lead, manage and contribute to an enabling environment that promotes safety, health and human dignity.


At the completion of the course you should be able to:

  • Synthesize knowledge on pathophysiology to plan, implement and evaluate relevant evidence based collaborative interventions for the management of patients with a critical care illness of a higher severity;
  • Understand the importance of physical assessment techniques in evaluating and planning care for the critically ill patient with a higher severity of illness;
  • Ability to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the rationales, effects and implications of therapeutic interventions relevant to care of the critically ill patient with a higher severity of illness;
  • Ability to demonstrate, synthesize and apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology in the context of evidence based care relevant to care of the critically ill patient with a higher severity of illness;
  • Acquire and interpret assessment data and diagnostic interventions in terms of underlying pathophysiology and clinical implications;
  • Ability to demonstrate systematic clinical assessment and decision making skills necessary for safe effective care of the critically ill patient with a higher severity of illness;
  • Ability to demonstrate effective evaluation of patient outcomes and responses to interventions;
  • Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of the effects and implications of evidence-based interventions and regimes;
  • Ability to incorporate research evidence regarding critical care nursing into practice;
  • Ability to evaluate the findings of research pertaining to critical care nursing in patients with a higher severity of illness;
  • Ability to contribute to knowledge relevant to the critical care discipline by consuming, engaging in and disseminating research findings;
  • Ability to develop collaborative management plans incorporating multidisciplinary interventions applying evidence based principles in patients with a higher severity of illness.

The underpinning knowledge and skill developed in the course includes:
Students will be provided with a range of theoretical and experiential opportunities to acquire the essential knowledge and skills required to provide efficient, effective and safe care of the critically ill patient. In accordance with The Competency Standards For Specialist Critical Care Nurses (2002) the following content will be included in the program:

  • Anatomy and physiology pertinent to management of the complex critically ill patient;
  • Complex pathophysiology, management of illnesses and alterations of vital body functions;
  • Advanced physical assessment;
  • Collaborative interventions and plans of care incorporating current research findings.


Overview of Learning Activities

Lectures
Tutorials
On-line learning content
Class presentations
Face-to face and on-line discussion.
Lecture notes
Internet based resources
Relevant scientific peer reviewed literature


Overview of Learning Resources

Lecture notes
Prescribed and recommended texts
MyRMIT Studies and on line resources.


Overview of Assessment

Essay
Examination