Acute and Critical Care: Foundations for Practice (level 6)

Module delivery dates

Lancaster - 03 and 17 October, 07, 18 and 25 November 2013; 09:30 - 16:30 hours

You will need to attend one of the induction days prior to commencing your first module; these are running in Lancaster on 18 or 19 September 2013 (you only need to attend one date), 08 January 2014 and 26 March 2014 and in Carlisle on 20 September 2013, 07 January 2014 and 25 March 2014. If you have studied at the University of Cumbria in the past two years the requirement to attend the induction day may be waived.

Closing date for applications

The closing date for applications is 5 working days prior to the module start date or, if this is your first module, 5 working days prior to the induction date.

Why study with us?

The aim of this module is to develop in-depth knowledge of the principles underpinning the care of adults experiencing acute and critical illness.

Finance

If you are employed within NHS North West and this module is to be funded by your employing Trust, please contact your Line Manager and CPD Lead for advice relating to funding and the funding application process.

What can this course lead to?

Having completed this module you may wish to bring these 20 credits into the University Advanced Diploma in Practice Development: Acute and Critical Care.

Please discuss this opportunity with the module leader before completion of this module.

Alternatively, you may wish to use this module towards one of our top-up degrees: BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice, or BSc (Hons) Practice Development.

Resources and facilities

We are amongst the UK’s leading health and wellbeing faculties and are proud of the high level of support we are able to offer to our students. We provide a wide range of high-quality courses supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff. If you join us you will enjoy great facilities and learn alongside caring, committed and experienced professionals. Our employment record is excellent.

Entry requirements

Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.

More information about levels and credits.

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 20 credits Selection criteria

To be eligible to study this module, you must demonstrate the ability to study at this level and commit to attempting the assessment. When taken as part of a specific named award, the module content and assessment must be focussed towards the subject of that award. Participation in the formative components of the module is required in order to pass the module.

Modules

HLLG6001 Acute and Critical Care: Foundations for Practice (20 credits at level 6)

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion, you will be able to:

• Critically analyse the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions utilised in the management of the acutely ill adult
• Critically appraise the key concepts, theories, evidence, guidelines and policy upon which their practice is based
• Critically analyse the process of assessment and problem identification in the planning and evaluation of patient care
• Utilise a client and user focus to enhance acute and critical care practice.

Indicative core bibliography

Adam S, Welch J & Odell M (2009). Rapid assessment of the acutely ill patient. John Wiley and Sons.

Advanced Life Support Group (ALSG) ( 2010 ) Acute medical emergencies: the practical approach ( 2nd edition ). Oxford : Wiley‐Blackwell (BMJ Books)

Cooper N, Forrest K and Cramp P (2006) Essential guide to acute care. 2nd Ed. Blackwell

Esmond G (2008) Non-invasive respiratory support techniques: oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation and CPAP. Blackwell

Moore T & Woodrow P (2009) High-dependency nursing care 2nd Ed. Routledge

Peate I and Dutton H (2012) Acute nursing care. Pearson

Prosser S and McArthur-Rouse F (2007) Assessing and managing the acutely ill surgical patient. Blackwell

Wood I, Garner M (2012) Initial management of acute medical patients. A guide for nurses and healthcare practitioners. 2nd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell.

Module assessment

3,000 word written assignment

Course summary

• Concepts of critical care and national policy drivers
• Patient assessment and monitoring
• Haemodynamics and fluid balance
• Introduction to 12 Lead ECG and arrhythmia recognition
• Pain assessment and management
• Effect of acute / critical illness on body systems; including: respiratory, cardiac, renal and nervous systems
• Pathophysiology and treatment of shock
• Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• Care of the dying patient
• Ethical, moral and legal issues.