Nurse Practitioner in Critical Care (NPCC) is a postgraduate clinical residency program emphasizing a strong clinical component with 15% of theoretical instruction and 85% of practicum. The NPCC Program is intended to prepare registered nurses to provide advanced nursing care to patients who are critically ill. The nursing care is focused on stabilizing patients’ conditions, minimizing acute complications, and maximizing restoration of health.
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They diagnose patients and develop individualized treatment plans, follow up on courses of treatment, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and maintain detailed records.
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NPs must also engage in continuing education (CE) to keep abreast of technological, methodological, and other developments in their field.
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Most importantly, these professionals serve not only as healthcare providers to patients, but also as mentors, counselors, researchers, educators, and they are permitted to assess and participate and work under the supervision of doctors. They can practice in ICUs of Tertiary Care Hospitals based on institutional protocols. When Nurse Practitioners in Critical Care exercise this authority, they are accountable for the following competencies:
a) Patient selection/admission into ICU
b) Problem identification through appropriate assessment
c) Administration of medication or non-invasive devices or therapies
d) Patient education for the use of therapeutics
e) Knowledge of interactions of therapeutics, if any
f) Evaluation of outcomes
g) Recognition of complications and untoward reactions
Upon completion of the course, graduates will be eligible to work in intensive care units, emergency departments, and specialized care units in ‘advanced practice roles such as clinical experts, managers, educators, and consultants. They are prepared to provide advanced nursing care to adults in the critical care units of tertiary care centers.