Nursing a critically ill patient (5cr)

Objective

Students
• can plan and execute the care of critically ill patients in an intensive care and observation ward
• can apply evidence-based nursing in the care of critically ill patients and assess the effectiveness of care
• can assess the role of pharmacotherapy and fluid and nutrition therapy in the care of critically ill patients
• can assess the significance of medical and observation equipment in the care of a critically ill patient
• can record information on a critically ill patient in accordance with the nursing process
• know how to apply guidance methods in offering support and guidance to a patient and their family members
• can define and assess the significance of patient safety in the care of critically ill patients
• can apply the ethical instruction of intensive care
• understand the importance of a follow-up clinic of patients who have been in intensive care

Content

• characteristics of patients in intensive care and observation, staggering of care and special competence requirements of nurses
• processes for nursing critically ill patients
• support and care for vital functions
• patient safety
• medicine safety
• equipment safety
• operating medical and observation equipment and interpreting the information they provide
• recording
• asepsis and preventing infections
• assisted interaction and guidance
• ethical guidelines for intensive care

Qualifications

Suitable for nurses, public health nurses, and midwives to deepen and update their skills, or for health sector university of applied sciences students who have already completed the relevant professional basic studies in their degree. The requirement for transitioning to advanced studies is approximately 120 credits or another specific reason agreed upon with a study counselor. Open university students should have equivalent knowledge (a corresponding course from another university of applied sciences or sufficient work experience as a nurse).

Further information

RPL 8/2025:
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is possible only if the student has a previous nursing degree or equivalent higher education studies leading to a nursing degree.