In high-stress, fast-paced environments like critical care units, nurses require advanced theoretical knowledge, clinical judgement, problem-solving, and communication skills to provide specialized care to patients. Through the Introduction to Critical Care course offered by University of Windsor Continuing Education, participants will increase their confidence to provide care to patients while staying up to date on trends and technology in critical care areas.
Interested nurses who are pursuing a role in critical care can register for this course to gain an understanding of key aspects of critical care, prior to undergoing formal training provided by their employer.
The course is taught by certified critical care nurse and University of Windsor, Faculty of Nursing member Dr. Debbie Rickeard. She has 40-plus years of clinical experience in areas such as critical care, heart failure, cardiac transplant, and medical surgical nursing. In addition to her practical experience, Dr. Rickeard has also been a clinical educator and faculty at university and college levels as well as an education specialist with a focus on critical care at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
“Whether new to critical care or experienced in the critical care setting, the course will provide insight into factors that influence patient-centered care, patient outcomes, and patient safety in the critical care environment,” says Dr. Rickeard.
Learners will be guided through evidence informed nursing interventions, high-level clinical judgement and professional practice skills required, along with an overview of critical care topics including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurology, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal, hematology, immunology, and multi-system problems through a series of seven self-paced modules. Interested individuals who want knowledge in specific areas have the option to take modules individually.
Participants can also attend an in-person simulation spanning over two and a half days to pursue the full course. The simulation will take place in the Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor simulation lab making use of high-fidelity manikins to create realistic medical scenarios.
Course modules will be available for review on September 26. Individuals are encouraged to register by October 17 to ensure adequate time to review the self-paced modules prior to attending the simulation.
More information can be found on the Introduction to Critical Care program page. Inquiries can be directed to continue@uwindsor.ca.
