An evaluation of a critical care course for undergraduate nursing students

Abstract

There is a shortage of critical care practice placements for undergraduate nursing students. It is essential that an undergraduate curriculum incorporates critical care teaching so that critical care skills are evident at the point of registration.

Nursing Student's Experiences in Critical Care Course: A Qualitative Study

“…Study conducted by Gallagher, [10] to evaluate a critical care course for undergraduate nursing students showed that the results from this evaluation clearly demonstrate that undertaking the critical care course was a positive experience for the students and it is evident that the majority of students valued the critical care course.…”

“…More advantages which enhance the support and moving forward towered high self-confidence was not limited to the preceptors assigned with but also the staffs in the areas as the students described: Gallagher [10] reported the nature of clinical placement areas may also influence a student's ability to engage with the critical care course and clinical placement could impact on the students' ability to develop an understanding of the skills taught.…”

“…This issue of confidence is also supported by Aqel and Ahmad [13] who made a link between an ability to undertake clinical or technical skills and increased competence. Gallagher et al, [10] have postulated that the student's confidence would improve as their knowledge and understanding of managing these patients would be enhanced.…”

“…It may be more advisable to identify the students who have a specific interest in critical care [10,12].…”

“…Augmentation of critical care would not only enrich the undergraduate educational experience, but is also essential in the acquisition of generic skills these essential skills include assessment, management and effective communication concerning a deteriorating patient. If taught throughout the curriculum [10].…”