Introduction to Critical Care

*Please note this course is subject to validation.

Credits: 20 credits at Level 6 and 7.

Why study this subject?

This course is designed for healthcare practitioners in primary or secondary care who provide support for critically ill patients and who are working in a high dependency area.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

BNU has a long history of training health care professionals, giving them the skills and practice-based experience they need to provide excellent patient care.

This short course will focus on the process of nursing during the assessment, critical care and rehabilitative phases, utilising nursing theories or appropriate frameworks for care.

The module also enables you to call upon relevant literature and research to inform practice, provide competent and effective care, and function effectively as part of a multi-professional team.

What will I study?

Over the 15 weeks, we'll cover areas such as:

• caring for patients and clients in critical care and non-critical care settings; biological, pharmacological, psychological and social aspects of critical care
• the role of the nurse within the critical care environment; drawing on a range of medical/surgical and neurological interventions and identifying appropriate nursing and therapeutic interventions, technological applications and best practice
• the physical and emotional needs of the patient and their families will be explored within the context of a family centred approach to care.

On successful completion of the module you should be able to:

• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology associated with disorders that can contribute to critical illness and acute deterioration
• draw upon evidence-based practice to critically evaluate and reflect upon interventions used to support the acutely unwell adult and their significant others, within an ethico-legal and professional framework
• demonstrate competency in the holistic care of the critically ill patient and significant others.

How will I be taught and assessed?

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be used to meet the needs of the students who are likely to have varied experiences.

At Level 6, you will be assed by critical care competencies and a poster with a 10 minute presentation, whilst at Level 7 you will be assessed by critical competencies, a poster with a 10 presentation and an essay of 3,000 words. 

Both Level 6 and Level 7 are taught together.

When will this course run?

This course runs on Wednesdays from 10am - 5pm.