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Basic Critical Care Nursing


Location(s):  Distance Learning Option

Basic Critical Care Nursing is an advanced certificate program. You will develop the practical knowledge and skills you need to provide safe entry level critical care nursing practice. Within the framework of critical care nursing (including individuals and their families), you will develop enhanced skills in:

  • assessment

  • diagnosis

  • planning

  • intervention

  • evaluation


Graduates are credited 354 practice hours towards eligibility to maintain registration from the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) if they are currently registered in Saskatchewan while taking the program.

Sponsored Applicants - 2010/2011

As an applicant sponsored by the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region or Saskatoon Health Region, you will enrol in one of the following 11-week fast-track delivery options.

  • September 7 to November 19 - registration deadline is June 30

  • October 4 to December 17 - registration deadline is September 3

  • March 21 to June 3 - registration deadline is February 18

Length: 11 weeks (Fast-Track)


Why my job is so rewarding...

Career Opportunities

Graduates are qualified for employment in adult intensive and cardiac care units. They are also qualified for beginning preparation for emergency, recovery and transport nursing.

Graduates may find employment in a variety of critical settings in tertiary care centres, community regional hospitals, step down units and, in some jurisdictions, in the home.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): September, February, March

  • For more information, contact Jocelyn Schwartz at (306) 775-7575.

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


  • Licensed with the registered nurses' licensing body in the province where you will participate in a clinical experience

  • English Language Requirement


The following are not required on admission but are required prior to participating in the clinical component:

  • Current immunization

  • Current CPR Health Care Provider "C" AED or equivalent


Note

  • Sponsored applicants are selected through an application process by either the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region or the Saskatoon Health Region.



Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Clinical/Practicum
    • Your clinical experience (12 12-hour shifts - CLIN 210, CLIN 211, and CLIN 212) will occur in Regina or Saskatoon in a specialized cardiac unit or critical care unit. An experienced preceptor will guide your practice and critical care nursing skill development.
    • Travel and accommodation costs to attend the tutorials, labs and clinical experiences are your responsibility.
      Home Study
    • The theory component (NRSG 227, NRSG 228, NRSG 229, NRSG 230, NRSG 231 and NRSG 232) is offered through home study. Tutorials are offered to enhance your learning. There are up to six tutorials and four labs that are integrated throughout the theory component. The labs are delivered on the same days as the tutorials. Attendance is mandatory.

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.





Transfer Credit and Future Study Options


  • The University of Saskatchewan and Athabasca University will grant transfer credits within their Post RN Degree programs.
  • As an experienced registered nurse, you now have the opportunity to complete the Cardiovascular (CV-only) Component courses from the Basic Critical Care Nursing program. Upon successfully completing NRSG 227, NRSG 228, NRSG 229, and CLIN 210, you will receive a Statement of Achievement and be credited 121 practice hours towards eligibility to maintain registration from the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) if you are currently registered in Saskatchewan while taking the courses.

  • CLIN 210  Clinical Practice 1
  • You will participate in a clinical experience (36 hours in total) focusing on the cardiovascular system and related diseases. You will integrate aspects of the theory into the delivery of patient care. A preceptor in the critical care area will guide your practice and the development of critical care nursing skills.

    2.0 Credit Units
    36.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 228 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 229 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • CLIN 211  Clinical Practice 2
  • You will participate in a clinical experience (48 hours in total) integrating the cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological theory with nursing practice in the critical care area. A preceptor in the critical care area will guide your practice and the development of critical care nursing skills.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 230 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 231 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • CLIN 212  Clinical Practice 3
  • You will participate in a clinical experience (60 hours in total) integrating all aspects of the program into your nursing practice in the critical care area. A critical care preceptor will guide your practice and the development of critical care nursing skills and patient / family centered care.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 232 Minimum Grade of 60


  • NRSG 227  Cardiovascular System and Associated Diseases
  • You will build on the foundations of cardiovascular nursing by reviewing the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system. You will examine and plan for management of common cardiovascular diseases.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time


  • NRSG 228  ECG Interpretation
  • You will focus on a systematic approach to cardiac rhythm interpretation. The course content includes identifying, analyzing, and treating cardiac rhythms. You will also receive a brief introduction to 12 Lead Electrocardiography interpretation.

    2.0 Credit Units
    35.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Corequisites:   NRSG 229   

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 227 Minimum Grade of 60


  • NRSG 229  Cardiovascular Hemodynamics and Pharmacology
  • You will receive an introduction to the principles of hemodynamic monitoring and cardiovascular pharmacological therapy. Using these principles and therapies, you will plan for care of the critically ill patient.

    2.0 Credit Units
    35.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Corequisites:   NRSG 228   

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 227 Minimum Grade of 60


  • NRSG 230  Critical Care Challenges 1
  • You will review the respiratory system focusing on anatomy and physiology, assessment, care, and nursing management of complex respiratory diseases. You will plan for the management of patients with respiratory complications.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Corequisites:   NRSG 231   

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 210 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 231  Critical Care Challenges 2
  • You will review the neurological system focusing on anatomy and physiology, assessment, care and nursing management of complex neurological disorders. You will plan for the management of patients with neurological complications.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Corequisites:   NRSG 230   

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 210 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 232  Critical Care Challenges 3
  • You will review the renal, gastrointestinal, hematological, immunological, musculoskeletal and integumentary systems. Your studies will focus on anatomy, pathophysiology and nursing management. With a family-centered focus, you will plan for the management of the psychological, emotional and physical care of a critically ill patient.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 211 Minimum Grade of P



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