Transition to Critical Care Nursing

Speciality Classification

Critical Care / ICU

Location

Online

Delivery

Online

Time / Duration

30 Hours

This self-paced course is comprised of 12 interactive learning modules focussed on the care of the deteriorating and critically ill patient requiring advanced cardiac monitoring and ventilatory support.

Learners are engaged through video, case studies, simulation and self-assessment activities which enhance and reinforce learning.

By the end of the modules and case studies, learners will be able to:

Implement a structured and comprehensive approach to the assessment and management of patients requiring advanced haemodynamic and respiratory care
Apply new skills in ECG and ABG interpretation to identify rhythm and conduction abnormalities, and mismatch in ventilation and gas exchange
Apply knowledge of advanced concepts in haemodynamic monitoring and positive pressure ventilation to the management of patients requiring critical care nursing.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites

You must be a Registered Nurse to be selected for this course.

Modules / Topics

Core principles in assessing severe acute respiratory failure

Explain fundamental nursing assessments of the patient with a severe acute respiratory failure
Describe the key findings that are important in determining the severity of an acute respiratory failure
Explore the triggers and strategies for escalation of care for the patient with a severe acute respiratory failure through clinical case study analysis

Management of hypoxic respiratory failure

Understand the indications for high flow oxygen therapy and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation
Understand the common modes, settings, terminology, risks and benefits of high flow oxygen therapy and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation
Understand nursing considerations for the critically ill patient receiving non-invasive ventilation through clinical case study analysis

Arterial blood gas analysis and interpretation

Describe a structured approach to blood gas analysis
Explain the significance of the findings in the analysis of a blood gas
Explore key nursing considerations across a range of blood gas analyses from clinical case studies

Airway management using rapid sequence intubation

Define rapid sequence intubation (RSI) and recognise indications for its use
Understand communication priorities and personnel involved when planning and preparing for RSI
Describe the commonly used drugs and equipment for rapid sequence intubation
Be familiar with the RSI procedure, from pre-oxygenation to extubation
Understand the risks associated with the RSI procedure and know how to mitigate them

Invasive ventilation principles

Understand the most common invasive positive pressure ventilation modes, settings and terminology
Describe ventilator-induced lung injury and dyssynchrony.
Explore key nursing considerations for the critically ill patient receiving invasive positive pressure ventilation through clinical case study analysis

Invasive ventilation management

Explain the common alarm parameters, modifications and nursing actions taken to minimise harmful effects and risks of mechanical ventilation on the critically ill patient
Describe the monitoring and evaluation requirements for the patient receiving mechanical ventilation
Explore, through clinical case study analysis, risk mitigation and management strategies in the mechanically ventilated patient with acute respiratory failure

Haemodynamic monitoring

Explain the function, positioning and risks of invasive haemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling
Describe the key nursing considerations required to mitigate risk when managing the patient with an arterial line and/or central venous access device
Explore key nursing considerations for the critically ill patient with arterial and central venous access devices and pressure monitoring through clinical case study analysis

Cardiac rhythm interpretation

Identify and explain components of the normal sinus rhythm
Identify the features of abnormal cardiac conduction
Recognise common tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias.

12 Lead ECG interpretation

Apply a systematic approach to 12-lead ECG interpretation
Identify patterns of ischaemia and infarction

Haemodynamic support

Explain the most common intravenous fluid management strategies, vasopressors and inotropes used in the care of the critically ill patient
Describe the risks and benefits of the use of intravenous fluids, vasopressors and inotropes in the critically ill patient
Explore key nursing considerations for the critically ill patient receiving intravenous fluid, vasopressor and/or inotropic support through clinical case study analysis

Neurological support

Describe the initial nursing assessment and management of patients with an altered conscious state
Describe key physiological concepts associated with primary and secondary brain injury
Recommend evidence-based emergency interventions associated with intracranial pressure management and prevention of secondary brain injury

Care of the sedated and ventilated patient

Explain the fundamental nursing interventions for health promotion in the critically ill paralysed, sedated, ventilated patient
Describe the relationship between the fundamental nursing interventions and the risks associated with critical illness and admission to critical care
Explore fundamental nursing considerations and risk assessment for the paralysed, sedated, ventilated patient through clinical case study analysis