Nursing in the critical care setting : a synthesis of experiences

Abstract

For two and a half years nursing students are put through a rigorous set of curricula that culminates in the Adult Health 4, nursing critical care, course. Students are expected to assess and research a patient and his disease processes during each clinical day spent in the hospital. This analysis of five different experiences in the critical care settings of the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit incorporates knowledge on the health care system and patient support with professional values and ethical behaviors in the provision of care to all patients.