Supports the development of fundamental knowledge required to systematically analyze and interpret basic cardiac dysrhythmias. Explores myocardial electrophysiology in relation to cardiac monitoring, and develops a systematic approach to dysrhythmia analysis and interpretation. Considers the predisposing factors and associated interventions related to the conduction defect present, and the consequences of the dysrhythmia to both systemic and myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Finally, explores the significance of dysrhythmia analysis, interpretation and management to critical care nursing practice. Prerequisites: 75% in NSCC 7100 or 75% in NSHA 7100 (75% in each evaluation component is required).

The purpose of this course is to introduce participants to the high acuity nursing specialty and the role of the high acuity nurse. The participants will focus on expanding their ability to think critically and engage in participatory relationships; examine the concept of health and explore their understanding of health in order to promote health for high acuity patients and families. The participants will explore the lived experience of an acute illness (e.g. respiratory illness) while applying the theory of oxygen supply and demand, comprehensive assessments, and in consideration of ethical clinical decision-making within the high acuity nursing practice environment.

This course provides opportunities for the learner to develop an advanced understanding of patients' experiences of various acute illnesses, and often this acute illness occurs in patients who are living with a chronic illness. The presence of co-morbidities can create an unpredictable course of illness; this course provides opportunities for the learner, as the high acuity nurse, to identify the patient's priority problems and using the knowledge and abilities required to care for complex and acutely ill patients, provide appropriate and timely nursing care. In the high acuity environment it is the high acuity nurse who works most closely with the patient and this provides the ideal opportunity for the high acuity nurse to, early on, recognize a change in the patient's condition. This course provides opportunities for the learner to recognize that the identification of priority patient problems and timely interventions can restore imbalances in oxygen supply and demand in order and provide optimum end organ perfusion.

The purpose of this 125 hour clinical course is to provide students with opportunities to develop proficiency in caring for high acuity patients in a variety of settings. Through application of previous high acuity theory course content (e.g. oxygen supply and demand), students are engaged in critical thinking while performing comprehensive assessments and determining appropriate clinical/ethical decisions. Students learn to further their ability to develop and maintain engaged relationships with patients and families in crisis. Prerequisites: NSHA 7201 (75% in each evaluation component is required).

The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to pursue a particular area of interest in High Acuity Specialty Nursing. The learning intentions, learning activities and evaluation strategies for the course will be determined by the student and the course tutor. Prerequisites: NSHA 7300

Introduces diverse perspectives on teaching and learning related to specialty nursing, and explores the impact that connected teacher-learner relationships have on effective learning. Views teaching and learning as mutual and parallel processes, being influenced by beliefs, intentions and capacities of both teachers and learners. Further develops teaching and learning abilities according to mutually agreed upon learning outcomes and intentions.

NSHA 7410 is an elective course that combines theoretical and clinical learning to offer students an opportunity to explore the critical phase of the ACS continuum. In-depth theory related to the patient's experience of an acute MI will be explored before the students participate in a precepted clinical experience in an appropriate cardiac clinical unit. Emphasis for learning will build on previous High Acuity theory courses and focus on building knowledge, skill, ability, and clinical decision making related to the care and management of a patient experiencing an acute myocardial infarction. The student will have the opportunity to learn about various therapeutic interventions used to promote oxygen supply and demand balance for acute MI patients (eg. pacemakers, medications, revascularization techniques, and fluid management). Prerequisites: NSHA 7300