This unit of study is designed to provide students with an in depth understanding of the nature of critical illness and the role of a nurse in meeting the needs of patient with life threatening conditions. The unit of study allows the students to acquire advanced clinical knowledge that underpins the provision of expert care for patients in the critical care setting. The students will explore major system alternations and multi-organ failure characteristic of critical illness. Problem solving through critical thinking is emphasised in assessment and prioritising patients’ needs. Best practice guidelines are used to inform nursing interventions in order to optimise health outcomes for patients, families and the community.
| Principles of Critical Care Nursing | |
| Unit of study code | 281 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing
GC single unit of study |
| Term | APRIL, OCTOBER |
| Pre-requisite | 344 – Advanced Applied Pathophysiology (in Clinical Practice) |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 1 |
| Prescribed texts | Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (c2018). Human anatomy and physiology (11th ed. Global ed.). Pearson Education. 9781292261034 |
| Co-ordinated by | Ross Pancho MACN e: ross.pancho@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Respiratory assessment & management in the critically ill adult | a) recognise the complexity of critical care practice and the dynamic nature of clinical care strategies | Assessment 1: Online discussion (250 words) | 5% | 2 |
| Theme 2: Cardiac assessment, monitoring and management | b) critically analyse findings of mental and physical status to obtain a holistic health assessment related to critically ill people | Assessment 2a: Quiz | 10% | 4 |
| Theme 3: Neurological issues in critical care | c) develop multidisciplinary care plans which optimise health outcomes for critically ill people | Assessment 2b: Essay (2,000 words) | 40% | 5 |
| Theme 4: Metabolic and gastrointestinal issues in the critically ill | d) appraise the use of technology and nursing procedures to promote therapeutic interventions in critical care | Assessment 3: Analysis of care (2,000 words) | 40% | 9 |
| Theme 5: Immunological aspects of critical illness | e) evaluate evidence-based practice related to advanced multi system support needed to manage critically ill people | Assessment 4: Reflective statement (250 words) | 5% | 10 |
| Theme 6: Introduction to shock pathophysiology and management | f) critically reflect on own practice in relation to cultural safety and the delivery of equitable, respectful and ethical care | |||
| Theme 7: Pain assessment and management in critical care | ||||
Principles of Critical Care Nursing (281) is a Tier 1 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 |
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
