Programs

 

Cont. Ed. : Postbasic Critical Care Program for Registered Nurses

This program is designed to enable registered nurses to acquire the necessary knowledge and practice expertise to care for clients in a critical care setting.

Program

The Critical Care Program is delivered using print-based materials via distance education.  It includes four self-learning critical care modules, a laboratory component, and a four-to-six week  preceptored clinical experience (depending on prior critical care experience) in a critical care setting.

Three core modules are pre-requisites to commencing the critical care modules.  These include:

Critical Care Modules

 Module One - Introduction to Critical Care Nursing

Focuses on professional issues, individual and family response to critical care issues, as well as other considerations in the critical care setting
Module Two - Tools and Concepts for the Critical Care Nurse
Includes basic electrocardiography, dysrhythmia interpretation, hemodynamic  monitoring, ventilatory assistance, code management and shock
Module Three - Nursing Care for Specific Alterations
Focuses on alterations in the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, renal, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems
Module Four - Multi-System Alterations
Includes seven identified content areas as well as special considerations and critical care assessments.

Clinical Experience

Upon successful completion of the theoretical and laboratory components of the program, a four-to-six week preceptored clinical experience in a critical care setting is required.  Learners with prior critical care clinical experience may opt to complete a clinical project in their own setting.

The laboratory component, clinical experience/project will be evaluated using the pass/fail grading scheme.

Learners will be accommodated in their own geographic region as much as possible.

Program Fees

Credit Recognition

Learners who successfully complete the Postbasic Critical Care Program will receive the following transfer credits:
   
    Memorial University                  6 transfer credits
    St. Francis Xavier University      6 transfer credits
    Athabasca University                9 transfer credits       

Program Completion

This program has received full approval from the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Learners can complete the program at their own pace but must complete the program within one year.

Learners who have successfully completed the program are awarded a certificate of completion from the Centre for Nursing Studies.

The Centre for Nursing Studies offers Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) as a service to learners who feel they may have achieved learning through previous knowledge and experience.

For More Information

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Download Registration Materials for the Critical Care Program for Registered Nurses

The Postbasic Critical Care Program is offered yearly based on demand. For further information and registration materials contact:

Centre for Nursing Studies
Continuing Nursing Studies Department
Southcott Hall
100 Forest Rd.
St. John's, NL
A1A 1E5

Telephone: (709) 777-8162
Toll Free: 1-888-290-6272
Fax: (709) 777-7324
E-mail: mbrowne@cns.nf.ca