Applied care of the critically ill adult

This module is specifically for adult nurses working within a level 2/3 facility caring for critical care patients who have undertaken the Principles of care of the acutely ill adult in the critical care environment module. The module will enable the learner to complete the Step 2 & 3 competencies of the National Competency Framework for Adult Critical Care Nurses.

The content will incorporate the core curriculum of the framework allowing the learner to demonstrate a systematic understanding of advanced pathophysiology using a systems-based approach including the respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, neurological and integumentary systems.

Learners will critically synthesize key concepts of holistic critical care nursing considering; the critical care environment, psychosocial aspects of nursing care for the patient and their family, multidisciplinary teamwork, legal and ethical considerations pertinent to critical care, end of life care, rehabilitation, medicines management, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics in relation to critical care, emergency situations, human factors and patient safety within critical care, all of which will be underpinned by the synthesis of contemporary research and evidence.  Advanced and specialist roles within critical care will also be explored such as transport of the critically ill patient, ECMO and organ donation.

Entry Criteria

• Effective registration with an appropriate Professional Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) in health care
• Minimum one year post-registration experience, preferably in critical care
• Possess BSc (Hons) 2:2 degree award minimum
• IELTS 6.5 in all criteria
• Currently be employed in practice and have the support of their manager in undertaking the module
• Undertaken and completed the PCPH 5012 module

Non Standard

• Possess a BSc or 60 credits equivalent at level 6 which must include a Research module (or equivalent)
• Applicants who fall short of the above entry requirements may use the RPL mechanism to contribute towards the above criteria at the discretion of the Programme Leader

Key information

PCPH 5014 is a postgraduate module in which you will be expected to produce assessed work at level 7, postgraduate standard. If it is sometime since you produced an academic essay or undertook other kinds of academically assessed work, you will be well advised to undertake some academic preparatory work. Advice and support can be provided by the Module Leader.

How to apply

Online application forms and guidance for application process