This unit offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced health assessment, clinical diagnostics, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions essential for the management of critically ill patients across a variety of acute care settings. Students will engage with contemporary practice guidelines, critically analyse complex clinical scenarios, and apply advanced problem-solving and clinical reasoning skills to inform high-quality patient care.
Through a combination of theoretical learning and reflective practice, the unit fosters the development of both independent clinical judgement and effective interdisciplinary collaboration.
The unit also supports students in consolidating their clinical competencies across the three specialty areas—intensive care, emergency, and cardiac nursing—ensuring they meet the professional and academic standards required for completion of the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing.
| Principles of Critical Care Nursing | |
| Unit of study code | 281 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing |
| Term | JANUARY, JULY |
| 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 | N/A |
| Co-ordinated by | Jenat Sakayanathan e: jenat.sakayanathan@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 considerations in the critically ill | a) recognise the complexity of critical care practice and the dynamic nature of clinical care strategies | Assessment 1: Online discussion | 5% | 2 |
| Theme 2: Cardiovascular considerations in critically ill patients | b) interpret findings of mental and physical status to obtain a holistic health assessment related to critically ill people | Assessment 2: ECG quiz | 10% | 4 |
| Theme 3: Neurological considerations in the critically ill | c) develop multidisciplinary care plans which optimise health outcomes for critically ill people | Assessment 3: Literature critique | 35% | 5 |
| Theme 4: Gastrointestinal considerations in the critically ill | d) appraise the use of technology and nursing procedures to promote therapeutic interventions in critical care | Assessment 4: Analysis of care | 40% | 9 |
| Theme 5: Immunological considerations in the critically ill | e) discuss evidence-based practice related to advanced multi system support needed to manage critically ill people | Assessment 5: Short essay | 10% | 10 |
| Theme 6: Shock and multiorgan dysfunction | 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 the critically ill | ||||
Principles of Critical Care Nursing (281) is a Tier 1 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price | 2026 Member price (10% discount) | 2026 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 | $2,460.60 | $2,734.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 | $2,806.20 | $3,118.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 | $3,623.80 | $4,026.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 | $4,266.00 | $4,740.00 |
| *Graduate certificate / single unit of study fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change without notice | ||||
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
