Integrated Critical Care

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing (Integrated Critical Care) specialisation is a 50 credit-point, blended delivery model of online and work integrated learning course. The course provides students with a sound understanding of the theoretical knowledge and scientific advances that underpin the management of patients requiring specialist critical care. During the course students will apply critical care nursing knowledge in clinical practice, demonstrating their ability to competently care for patients with complex care requirements.

With clinical support from a health service employer, students will gain the knowledge and clinical skills required to understand core concepts relating to acute illnesses, diseases, and trauma in critical care services. They will also gain skills in critiquing evidence-based practice for the care management of patients and their families in these specialist areas.

The Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing (Integrated Critical Care) specialisation is a clinical coursework program of one year's duration. Students will typically take four 12.5 CP subjects across the year. On successful completion of this course, students may be eligible for entry to the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice.

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing the Integrated Critical Care specialisation in the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing will be able to:

Apply advanced knowledge of scientific and research-based evidence that underpins critical care nursing that align with the relevant practice standards for specialist critical care nurses
Assess, review and analyse patient health data to identify and explain the rationale for solutions to complex problems in critical care
Employ effective specialised technical skills in the delivery of specialist critical care
Communicate effectively with other members of the interprofessional healthcare team and people who are acutely or critically ill to facilitate effective individualised plans for care
Critically appraise critical care nursing practice and to integrate relevant research evidence into effective individualised plans for people who are acutely and critically ill
Apply knowledge of human pathophysiology across the continuum of care to safely and effectively provide critical care that addresses actual and potential disease and treatment related health needs
Conduct planning and delivery of specialist critical care that meets the specific supportive care needs and experiences of people affected by acute illness or trauma
Initiate, plan, implement and evaluate an individualised, patient-centred, coordinated care plan in collaboration with the interprofessional healthcare team
Act to promote teamwork, wellbeing and collaboration with the interprofessional team and to achieve desired patient outcomes.

Last updated: 8 February 2024