92616 Core Concepts in Acute Care Nursing

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject focuses on phenomena that are fundamental to acute care (medical/surgical) nursing practice. Concepts, such as pain and wound management, and nutrition that impact on the patient's illness experience are explored. Students also explore models of nursing and their impact on the management of patient care. Teaching approaches draw upon students' clinical experience, with assessment items applied to their specific specialty area.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. demonstrate understanding of the responsibilities and impact of the acute care nurse within the multidisciplinary team (Standard 1, 5, 13)
2. explore the role of the nurse in the development and improvement of acute care nursing standards and education (Standard 1, 7, 12)
3. apply the pathophysiological and psychosocial processes of health breakdown across the lifespan, to persons who are experiencing common acute care health problems (Standard 1, 3, 4)
4. analyse the impact of current developments in technology, pharmacology and medical/surgical treatments on patients and staff (Standard 3, 9)
5. critically evaluate various approaches to the nursing management of common acute care problems (Standard 1, 4, 9)
6. apply research evidence to nursing practice (Standard 6, 10).

Content

This subject explores the advanced nursing care of patients in acute care settings. It provides foundational knowledge for advanced acute care nursing practice, building on students' current and past nursing experiences and knowledge. The topics within the subject reflect health phenomena that are common across acute care illnesses requiring medical and/or surgical intervention. The subject content covers the following areas:

• risk assessment and management, and adverse events
• pain management
• wound management
• pharmacology
• fluids and electrolytes, nutrition
• delirium
• leadership and management
• infection control.