ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (ACLS) PROVIDER COURSE: Teaches the standards and guidelines of Emergency Cardiac Care. Focuses on the core cases that lead to sudden cardiac death and on how to respond to an emergency situation. The standard ACLS curriculum also includes defibrillation, cardioversion, automated external defibrillation, acute coronary syndrome, acute ischemic stroke, hypotension, pulmonary edema, and shock. Elements of Effective Team Dynamics will be discussed including post cardiac arrest debriefing, family presence during resuscitation, targeted temperature modification (induced moderate hypothermia), and ethical cases. ACLS Provider cards will be issued from the American Heart Association to those who successfully complete the course requirements.
BASIC CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (BCLS) (1-day course): Explains the chain of survival and the ABC's of CPR for health care professionals. Explains early defibrillation.
BASIC EKG INTERPRETATION (2-day Course): This course simplifies the interpretation of normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms utilizing a systematic approach. Nurses need to monitor patients in any setting when the situation calls for it, therefore, its usefulness is not limited to the ICU/ER but also applies to medical-surgical floors, diagnostic areas, doctor's offices and home care. The course also helps one to prepare for the ACLS course. Treatment modalities for each dysrhythmia will be discussed.
12 LEAD EKG (1-day course): This course teaches nurses to identify electrophysiologic changes in the evolution of chest pains such as ischemia, injury and infraction. Criteria is presented in diagnosing a recent, acute or old MI. Correct placement of the ECG leads will be included.
CRITICAL CARE COURSE (4-day course): This course is designed to prepare nurses to work in an ICU/ER setting where advanced knowledge in physiology, physical assessment and hemodynamic monitoring is required. Clinical scenarios will be presented along with medical and nursing management. The course will prepare nurses to think critically and make appropriate and effective decisions in the care of patients with complex health problems. A comprehensive discussion of the pharmacologic agents used in the care of critical patients will be discussed. Nurses will be able to titrate intravenous infusions in drip calculations in order to render care that requires an understanding of the patient's assesment and the physiologic hemodynamic effects of medications.
CRITICAL CARE IV DRIPS CALCULATION (1-day course): In the ICU setting, the nurse is always expected to know his/her drugs. These drugs include the most commonly used vasoactive agents such as Dopamine, Dobutamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine and many more. Guidelines will be presented on the dilution, preparation, titration dosages and its hemodynamic effect on the patient. Practice time on the calculation of dosages will be a priority of the course.
HEMODYNAMICS (1-day course): This course explains the hemodynamic waveform used in monitoring the critical patient such as pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, central venous pressure, arterial blood pressure and intra-aortic balloon pump pressures. Cardiac rhythm interpretation is also a vital part of the course. The critical care nurse will develop confidence in clinical practice as he/she will be able to accurately evaluate the effect of medications on the patient's hemodynamics. This one-day seminar will involve an interactive session where the participants will be supervised in their analysis of these waveforms from stimulations which appear on a television screen in order to bring the ICU setting into the classroom. 5.0 contact hours
IV THERAPY ADMINISTRATION (1-DAY COURSE): This is a one day course on the basic principles of IV Therapy with focus on the performance aspect. Practice time will be provided on the actual preparation and insertion of peripheral IV catheters. Care and maintenance of central lines, blood transfusions, PPN & TPN administration will be discussed. 7.0 contact hours
CHEST X-RAY INTERPRETATION (1-day course): Accurate interpretation of a chest x-ray will enable the nurse to collaborate with the ICU team and physicians to evaluate findings and treatments.
PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORTS (PALS) (2-day course): Advanced techniques in pediatric resuscitation utilizing the standards and guidelines of the American Heart Association. Recertification of the Pediatric Advanced Life Support requires one day attendance. The PALS course prepares the participant to respond in emergencies affecting the pediatric population, in hopsital and out of hospital. The core cases discussed in the course include: Airway management, respiratory cases incolving upper airway disease or obstruction, lower airway problems, lung tissue disease, and disordered control of breathing, shock cases include; hypovolemic shock, cardiogenic shcok, and distributive shock (septic, neurogenic, and anaphylactic), cardiac emergencies include; pulseless arrest(ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, asystole and pulseless electrical activity), fluid management, electrical therapy, and use of automated electrical defibrillators. Pharmacologic agents used in pediatric emergencies will be discussed. Techniques in pediatric assessment will also be discussed according to the American Heart Association Guidelines.
Online Preceptor Training Course - The course is intended to serve as a guide to nurses who are preparing to engage in the preceptor role. The course includes four modules, each module has student activity intended to be answered by the student and submitted at the completion of the course. Pre-registration is required to take the course. Module 1 covers the historical background of precepting nurses; the significance of the preceptor roles and the characteristics of the nurse leader; Module 2 covers the application of teaching and learning theories in clinical practice; spirituality as a concept in care; and, the Code of Ethics for Nurses; Module 3 covers enthusiasm and humor as a teaching and learning tool; developing interpersonal relationship with preceptees and embracing diversity; and, evaluating clinical performance; Module 4 covers techinques to achieve confidence and comfort in teaching; and, the five core teaching characteristics of preceptors.
VENTILATORS AND BLOOD GAS INTERPRETATION (1-day course): The course content covers the different modes and settings of the ventilator, thereby increasing the clinician's confidence in the care of patients needing ventilator support. The patient wearing criteria will be discussed. Clinical scenarios will be presented on ABG analysis that will also include treatment modalities, acidosis, and alkalosis in both respiratory, and metabolic cases.