C11118v3 Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing

Note(s)

Students must be employees of Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, Ramsay Health (Westmead Private Hospital or North Shore Private Hospital) or Sydney South West Area Health Service.

This course is not offered to international students.

Overview

This course prepares registered nurses to function as critical care nurses in various health care settings.

Students develop the specialised skills and knowledge to become critical care nurses and to recognise and support the unique characteristics of the critical care patient population.

Course aims

The course is designed to impart the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to enable registered nurses to:

• practise safely and competently in the specialty of critical care nursing
• synthesise specialty knowledge, skills and expertise in order to enhance the quality of care for patients and their families
• make appropriate clinical judgments in relation to care of critically ill people
• critically evaluate their practice and incorporate research findings and technologies when appropriate
• develop the ability to actively contribute to the professional development of others
• appropriately counsel and support patients and their families as they deal with their health and lifestyle adjustments, and
• use research in order to make informed decisions about nursing practice.

Career options

Career options include specialty critical care nursing.

Articulation

Additional admission requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in nursing or equivalent tertiary qualification. Registered nurses who do not have an undergraduate diploma or degree but who have recent relevant work experience may also be considered eligible (such applicants must present evidence of a capacity to undertake tertiary study).

Applicants are also expected to have had at least one year's full-time professional employment in nursing and are normally expected to have concurrent employment in their area of specialty.

Course duration and attendance

This course is offered on a one-year, part-time basis.

Course structure

Students must complete a total of 24 credit points of study, comprising four specified nursing subjects.

Students who undertake the program with Northern Sydney Central Coast Health (NSCCH) or Ramsay Health undertake a Clinical Accreditation Program (CAP) with NSCCH. This is at no cost to participants. NSCCH students who successfully complete the CAP are awarded exemption from the specialty clinical practice subject.

Students who undertake the program with Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWASH) undertake a CAP with SSWASH while enrolled in Specialty Clinical Practice.

Course completion requirements

Other information

Further information is available from the Faculty Student Office on: