A Learning Pathway for Critical Care Nurses

Abstract

Clinical specialty pathways have long been part of a nursing career. Recent changes within the healthcare arena has seen the demolition of critical care boundaries/walls, the learning pathway for critical care nurses is seen as a way to prepare nurses for this role and encourage a more proactive approach to lifelong learning and professional development. As part of moving forward in our approach to providing post graduate nurse education The College of Nursing has developed a learning pathway for critical care nurses. This poster articulates this pathway for the clinical specialties of emergency, cardiac, cardiothoracic intensive care and intensive care nursing. The pathway starts with an introductory module which lays the foundation for the nurse to then move along the learning pathway where students can exit with a graduate certificate or ultimately completing at Masters level. The learning pathway embodies the ethos that lifelong learning and professional development enables nurses to provide patient centred care regardless of physical location within the health service. The modules build on each other to equip the nurse with the knowledge and ability to recognise the early signs of physical deterioration, assess the individuals’ immediate needs, and facilitate care needs in a timely manner. The nurse can enrol in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework or a Graduate Certificate framework which will then articulate with a variety of Masters programmes offered at universities throughout Australia. This allows The College of Nursing to meet the individual student needs and successfully facilitate their learning and professional development.