Each module is 30 credits each and completion of both modules will lead to the achievement of 60 credits.

Adult Critical Care: Patient Assessment 

This module is delivered as a blended learning approach. It is for nurses working in level 3 adult critical care areas and will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake and interpret a comprehensive assessment of an adult patient with complex care needs. It is intended to build on the knowledge and skills previously gained from achievement of the Step 1 Competencies, part of the National Competency Framework for Registered Nurses in Adult Critical Care (2015).

When taken in conjunction with the Adult Critical Care Patient Management module, these modules meet the requirements for the Step 2 and Step 3 competencies which form part of the National Standards for Adult Critical Care Nurse Education (2016).

Aims

• demonstrate mastery of knowledge and in-depth understanding of the assessment process of complex patients in adult critical care settings.
• develop as a practitioner who can independently perform and critically reflect on the application of accurate assessment data to the care of critically unwell patients.
• demonstrate the ability to critically appraise and apply the relevant theory to support clinical decision-making during the assessment of the complex patient.

What and how you will learn on this module

The curriculum is designed to prepare the registered nurse to meet the core competencies relevant to all general critical care units, as outlined in Step 2 and Step 3 of the National Competency Framework for Adult Critical Care Nurses (2015). The learner will gain the necessary in-depth knowledge of related pathophysiology, principles, and practices to critically appraise the clinical assessment findings from Level 2 and Level 3 patients. The content for the course will be delivered using an online blended learning approach.

 

Adult Critical Care: Patient Management

This module is delivered as a blended learning approach. It is for nurses working in level 3 adult critical care areas and will explore the management of complex conditions seen in level 3 patients, using contemporary evidence and patient-centred care. It will enable students to manage critically unwell patient conditions appropriately. It is intended to build on the knowledge and skills previously gained from achievement of the Step 1 Competencies, part of the National Competency Framework for Registered Nurses in Adult Critical Care (2015).

When taken in conjunction with the Adult Critical Care: Patient Assessment module, these modules meet the requirements for the Step 2 and Step 3 competencies which form part of the National Standards for Adult Critical Care Nurse Education (2016).

Aims

• provide students with a systematic understanding and mastery of the knowledge and skills required to deliver evidence-based clinical care to adult intensive care patients with complex needs.

• develop students’ ability to demonstrate their deep learning and proactively participate in service improvement relating to the care of the adult critically unwell patient.

What and how you will learn on this module

The curriculum will prepare the registered nurse to meet the core competencies relevant to all general critical care units, as outlined in Step 2 and Step 3 of the National Competency Framework for Adult Critical Care Nurses (2016). Students will develop the skills and knowledge required to formulate an evidence-based management plan and enhance the care they provide to Level 2 and Level 3 patients. The content for the course will be delivered using an online blended learning approach.

 

These 2 modules are intended to build on the knowledge and skills previously gained from achievement of the Step 1 Competencies and when taken together, these modules meet the requirements for the Step 2 and Step 3 competencies which form part of the National Standards for Adult Critical Care Nurse Education (2016). 

On application of the module please find the supporting document in the Download section to the right that you will need to complete and attach to your application.

Course plan and structure for the September 23 Cohort. You can also download a copy of this in the Downloads section on this page

You will receive 10 hours of study for 20 weeks (starting the 11th Sept - and finishing the 12th of Feb) - meaning for 20 weeks, you will be expected to engage with  10 hours of study each week.  No self-directed content will be issued on the , 18th Dec, 25th Dec or 1st Jan.  Thereby, no study leave needs to be allocated for this week.   In the table below, you can see which days will be campus days and the dates you will have 1-hour class tutorial scheduled on.  

Groupwork expectations:

We will assign you group work within your study time per/week.  You are expected to dedicate 2hrs per week to group activities which you will arrange yourself with your assigned group

Academic Skills:

The academic skills content is supplementary and self-directed.  However, we encourage you to use your own time to engage with the content before you start the course.  Engaging with it will help you prepare for studying and also support you in being successful with your assignments.  

 

Updated schedule for synchronous events.  See the comment above regarding study leave scheduling.
Date & time	Where	Theme
The 22nd of August 14:00 - 15:00	Online	Introduction to Canvas, MS Teams  Channel, and self-directed academic skills content.  Click here for the hyperlink to the online meeting.
The 11th of Sept 09:30 - 16:30	Campus	Your First Campus Day | Welcome to your programme
The 18th of Sept 14:00 - 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Respiratory
The 25th of Sept 14:00 - 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Respiratory
The 2nd of  Oct	Submission	Learning Agreement
The 16th of Oct 14:00 - 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Cardiovascular
The 23th of Oct 14:00 - 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Cardiovascular
The 30th of Oct 14:00 - 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Cardiovascular
The 6th of Nov 09:30 - 16:30	Campus	Assignment preparation
The 27th of Nov 14:00 - 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Renal and EOL management
The 4th of Dec 09:30 - 16:30	Campus	Practice exam, obstetric management and review of formative competencies
The 18th of Dec	Submission	Draft Essay
Both weeks: 18th & 1st  of Jan	Reading weeks	It has been scheduled in line with winter holidays to give you more time to consolidate and practice for your exam.  Thereby, no study content will be published on this week.
The 8th of Jan 14:00 - 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Gastrointestinal
The 15th  of Jan 14:00 - 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Rehabilitation
The 22nd of Jan 14:00 - 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly content	Professional and Service Development
The 29th of Jan 14:00 – 15:00	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Leadership
The 5th of Feb	Online tutorial, in addition to weekly online content	Final assignment prep
The 12th of Feb	Campus	Exam
The 26th of March	Submission	Essay
The 30th of April	Submission	Summative Competency Document
July		If you pass all assignments the first time, we hope you have your certificates ready before the end of this month.

Learning Outcomes

Adult Critical Care: Patient Assessment 

1. Demonstrate deep and systematic knowledge of the applied anatomy and physiology of the various body systems and the pathophysiological changes associated with a range of conditions related to critical illness.
2. Use a systematic approach to undertake a comprehensive and detailed, advanced physical assessment of a complex critical care patient.
3. Autonomously evaluate complex patient assessment data in relation to the patient’s presenting condition and assessment, with reference to the underlying pathophysiology.
4. Critically analyse the assessment findings, demonstrating a comprehensive, systematic application of knowledge, understanding, and research in relation to relevant policies, procedures, and guidelines.
5. Critically analyse the relevance of invasive and non-invasive monitoring approaches used with complex critically unwell patients, to inform their management.
6. Critically analyse and discuss appropriate investigative strategies in the assessment process of the critically unwell patient, with reference to the multidisciplinary team.

 

Adult Critical Care: Patient Management

1. Demonstrate deep and systematic advanced skills in the management of a critically unwell patient, in conjunction with enhanced theoretical knowledge and understanding that underpins the chosen intervention.
2. Scrutinise and critique the current research and evidence base in clinical decision- making to provide effective, integrated, and high-quality care for the critically unwell patient.
3. Apply systematic, detailed knowledge and application of the pharmacological management of a critically ill patient, adjusting therapy according to the response in the patient’s condition.
4. Independently provide solutions to complex situations through in-depth, systematic critical analysis and evaluation, to improve patient care.
5. Critically appraise the effectiveness of interaction between patients/relatives/carers and the multidisciplinary team when providing collaborative care, promoting participation in decision-making and care planning for the critically ill patient.
6. Critically examine and appraise the professional role, attitudes, values, beliefs, and ethical issues when caring for critical care patients and their families.

  

Assessment

Adult Critical Care: Patient Assessment 

Exam

Adult Critical Care: Patient Management

Essay (4000 words) and Competency assessment document