Basics of Acute Care Nursing (3 cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- analyse the factors causing changes in basic vital functions and the effect of these changes in on the patient's health
- explain how to systematically assess the need for treatment of patients in need of urgent care and implement main clinical tests and treatment procedures required by the patient’s condition
- combine and analyse information received from different sources about the patient's condition
- use research information and recommendations to justify decisions made in acute care
- prioritise treatment procedures related to patient care and assess the response of treatment in acute care nursing
- start basic patient monitoring
- know how to analyse the significance of comprehensive and timely documentation and reporting in the treatment of acute patients
- describe and plan how care technology is used in nursing of an acutely ill patient
- understand the principles of communication and teamwork in acute nursing
- understand the risks related to patient and occupational safety in acute care nursing and is able to describe how to ensure the safety of their activities
- describe the support need an acutely ill patient and their significant others
- analyse and evaluate their own self-regulation methods in the handling of demanding and stressful situations

Location and time

Course textbooks:
-Baid, H., Creed, F. & Hargreaves, J. 2016. Oxford Handbook of Critical Care Nursing (2 ed.)
-Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P. A. & Hall, A. 2019. Essentials for nursing practice. Ninth edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.

Both textbook are available as ebooks in Laurea library

Learning material for independent learning in Canvas workspace

Teaching methods

Lessons at the campus
Independent studying in Canvas
Workshop, compulsory to all participants

More detailed information will be delivered in the course orientation lesson

Employer connections

No projects.

Exam schedules

See Pakki calendar

Completion alternatives

According to the degree regulations (2024), "Students are entitled to apply for recognition of prior learning regardless of where, when and how the competence has been acquired. ... At Laurea, there are two different procedures for the recognition and accreditation of prior learning: a) accreditation of prior learning (competence acquired in higher education studies at another institution) and b) demonstration of competence (competence acquired in other ways). The recognition and accreditation of prior learning is initiated by the student themselves. The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence. The student is entitled to guidance for the recognition and accreditation of their competence." Further information in the student intranet.

You may also assess work-based learning as a way to acquire the competence needed. Read more in the student intran

Student workload

3 ects = 81 hours of student work

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

The study unit corresponds to the requirements of Bachelor's level education.

The prerequisite for participation is always that the possible competence prerequisites according to the curriculum (previous study or similar competence) are fulfilled. The student is responsible for taking into account the prerequisite conditions.

Module 1 & 2 theoretical studies should be mainly passed
Anatomy & physiology study unit must be completed