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Stand Alone Module

Introduction to Critical Care

30 Credits

Duration:

17 weeks

Start Dates:

September and February

Attendance:

Tuesdays: 2 & 23 October, 20 November and 4 December
Wednesdays: 26 September, 10, 17 & 31 October, 7, 28 November and 12 & 19 December

Venue:

Uxbridge Campus

Cost:

Available on request

Key Contact:

The Enquiries Team

Tel:

01494 603 171

Email:

ask@bucks.ac.uk

Is this course suitable for me?

This module is open to all health care professionals in primary or secondary care who care for critically ill patients.

Overview

Critical care is a rapidly expanding area. Recent changes in government policy and advances in technology have increased the demand for high dependency beds and for health care practitioners who can competently deliver the complexity of care required by this patient group.

This module provides the opportunity for practitioners wishing to care for patients experiencing critical illness, who are of a higher dependency to acquire an understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary. The module also enables practitioners to use relevant literature and research to inform practice, provide competent and effective care and function effectively in a multi-professional team. The aim is to enable the student to critically analyse and evaluate the principles and practice of caring for critically ill patients in a variety of care settings.

Content

The module will focus upon;

1. The process of nursing during the assessment, critical care and rehabilitative phases, utilising nursing theories or appropriate frameworks for care.
2. Concepts of critical care and caring for patients/clients in critical care and caring for patients in non-critical care settings; biological, pharmacological, psychological and social aspects of critical care.
3. The role of the nurse within the critical care environment will be explored, drawing on a range of medical/surgical and neurological interventions and identifying appropriate nursing and therapeutic interventions, technological applications and best practice.
4. The physical and emotional needs of the patients and their families will be explored within the context of a family centred approach to care.
5. Exploration of the function of the multi-professional team, role expansion and accountability, information giving and the role of the nurse in leading and managing care.
6. Decision making will be discussed in relation to the management of the patients care, including legal and ethical issues, evidence based practice, protocols and resource allocation.
7. Rehabilitation, education, patient and relative follow up and support groups are topics to be considered

What will I learn?

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically analyse the application of research in the care and treatment of patients requiring level 1 and level 2 care including the relevance, strengths and weaknesses of the research for and its utilisation in practice.
2. Provide a rationale for assessing planning, implementing and evaluating the care of the patient at risk utilising underpinning pharmacology, physiology, specialist knowledge and skills appropriate to the care required for patients and their relatives.
3. Critically apply technical and therapeutic skills to the care of patients at risk, with regard for interventions provided by the multi-professional team.
4. Explore and discuss concepts of levels of care and critical illness and critically analyse the effectiveness of care delivered to patients and their families in this setting.

This module can also be used towards a ‘Top Up’ Degree by enrolling on the BSc (Hons) Health Care Practice. In order to complete this degree you can automatically transfer these credits on enrolment within a two year period, otherwise application through the CATs Committee will apply.

Knowledge and skills framework (KSF)

This module will address elements of the following KSF’s dimensions:

Communication; Personal and people development; Heath safety and security; Service improvement; Quality, Equality and diversity; Health & well being (1 – 8)

Teaching and learning

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be used including lectures, seminars, small group discussions and personal reflection on practice. There will be an opportunity to practice clinical skills in a specialised critical care skills lab. Emphasis is placed on integrating theory and practice as well as exploring opportunities for developing skills for critical care nursing as appropriate to the course outcomes. The practice element of this module will be developed through the use of clinical competencies. Assessment is by course work and must reflect the integration of theory and practice.

The course is comprised of 15 study days (7 practice and 8 theory days) normally over 17 weeks divided into theory, practice skills and clinical days, which can be taught on different sites. On successful completion of the course, 20 credits at level 6 will be awarded.

Entry requirements

We’ll be looking for a health care professional with six months experience within a relevant clinical area.

For Level 6 study, 120 credits at Level 5 or the equivalent are required.

How to make an application

Please contact the Enquiries Team on 01494 603 171 or email ask@bucks.ac.uk

We hope to have a fully on-line application system shortly, but in the meantime, to apply for a course, please download and print these forms, completing them fully and posting back to the address below.

• Introduction_to_Critical_Care_-_Student_Information_ (13.5 KB)
• Course_Enquiry_Letter (70.4 KB)
• Application_form (58.1 KB)
• Notes_for_Guidance (51.6 KB)
• Fee_Authoristaion_Form (61.1 KB)
• Academic_Reference_Form (50.6 KB)
• Clinical_Reference_Form (57.2 KB)

If you are unable to view the forms, please click here to download a free version of adobe reader.

Alternatively, if you call us on 01494 603 171 or email ask@bucks.ac.uk we can post you a hard copy application pack.

Students funded by the NHS or other employer

If the cost of your course is being funded by your employer, please contact your education lead or manager for guidance as to how they would prefer you to make an application.