Program Overview

Program Overview

Critical care nurses are responsible for the most vulnerable patients. They have the responsibility to vigilantly monitor, assess and treat the critically ill, while providing support to their families. Whether you are a new critical care nurse, an experienced critical care nurse, or a nurse interested in working in the critical care unit, this program offers a flexible, professional development opportunity by enabling you to access continued learning regardless of your location, shift pattern or other commitments.

Intakes and Availability

Program Highlights

• Success Stories
• Resources

Admission Requirements

• Proof of registration as a registered nurse (RN) with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• RNs from other provinces should contact the program coordinator.
• How to apply

Please note: The advanced concepts and theory introduced in this program builds on prior foundational knowledge from nursing, Acute care experience is highly recommended.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing students

Fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students can also apply to the program but will not be able to complete the practicum portion until proof of RN registration is provided. A letter of recommendation from a professor/clinical teacher is required and should be forwarded to the program coordinator.

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $1,547 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Management Of CCHC: Cardiac (CCCC 1501)
• Foundations: Critical Care (CCFO 1500)
• Introduction to E Learning (CCIN 1500)
• Professional Practice Preparation (CCPP 1506)
• Critical Care Practicum (CCPR 2502)
• Mgmt Of CCHC: Gi/Renal/Endocri (CCRE 1503)
• Management Of CCHC:Neuro (CCRN 1503)
• Management Of CCHC:Respiratory (CCRN 1505)
• Critical Care Simulation (CCSI 2501)

Career Options

• Critical care nurse
• Emergency nurse
• Cardiac nurse

Practicum

The final component of the program is an integrated practicum, which includes 120 hours of clinical practice in an adult critical care practice environment. You will demonstrate competency in the Standards of Practice for Critical Care Nursing in Ontario under the direct preceptorship/mentorship of an experienced critical care nurse and the facilitation of a Durham College faculty advisor.

Tech Requirements

• Processor: i3
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
• Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
• Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
• Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
• Internet connection

Program Details

This program is designed for students with previous education. Please see the entrance requirements section of this page for more detail.

Designed for registered nurses (RNs), it consists of an introductory course to e-learning, five theoretical courses offered online, a critical care simulation component held at Durham College or a partner site and hands-on preceptored experience in a CCU.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Practice within the scope of professional, legal and ethical standards, organization policies and best practices in critical care nursing.
2. Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients, families and/or substitute decision makers to optimize patient and family-centred critical care.
3. Assess, analyze and monitor data for patients with complex, multi-system problems in order to anticipate early deterioration in patient’s condition, establish priorities and to plan interventions.
4. Plan, implement, evaluate and document specialized nursing interventions to achieve optimal patient outcomes in potential or actual life threatening illness and end-of-life situations.
5. Advocate for and deliver patient and family-centred care to patients/families experiencing potential or actual life threatening illness and end-of-life situations.
6. Collaborate with members of the inter-professional health care team in providing care for patients experiencing potential or actual life threatening illness and end-of-life situations to achieve continuity of care and optimal patient outcomes.
7. Use evidence-based research and best practice guidelines to inform and adapt critical care nursing practice.
8. Use strategies and available resources to respond to environmental, physical and psychosocial stressors affecting self and others in the critical care setting.
9. Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development to enhance competence in critical care nursing.