Course Overview
In this 125-hour clinical course, learners establish foundational competencies in caring for stable and evolving critically ill people and their families while applying theoretical knowledge acquired in the program to real-world clinical practice. Learners progressively develop independence in providing nursing care in a critical care setting. Through direct patient care and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, learners strengthen skills in assessment, clinical reasoning and decision-making, therapeutic intervention, and professional communication. Patient care experiences focus on supporting patients requiring advanced monitoring, respiratory support, and interventions to optimize oxygen supply and demand. Learners work closely with an assigned buddy RN to progressively build confidence and competence in clinical decision-making and patient care. Note that NSCC 7420 is primarily delivered as a clinical instructor-led course; however, in select circumstances it may be completed as a preceptorship. Working alongside your assigned buddy RN, you will actively engage in patient care by: Collecting clinical data through systematic, comprehensive assessments; Forming clinical judgments based on evolving patient status and contextual influences; Making informed decisions about priorities and appropriate interventions; Implementing care in collaboration with your buddy RN and the interdisciplinary team; Communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals to ensure safe, coordinated care; Evaluating outcomes and adjusting care plans as needed in response to your patient’s condition; Experiences throughout this clinical course are designed to reinforce critical thinking, professional judgment, and the safe management of acute clinical situations Please note: Learners must be Registered Nurses and have successfully completed NSCC 7320 to enroll in this course. Learners must successfully complete this clinical course to register for the next critical care theory course (NSCC 7520)
Prerequisite(s)
- 75% in NSCC 7320
- Completed clinical application and practicing RN license
Credits
5.0
Domestic fees
$1,635.57
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Independently and consistently perform comprehensive assessments and safety checks of *stable critically ill patients.
- Independently and consistently interpret assessment data, recognize variance, and determine patient care priorities for *stable critically ill patients.
- Independently and consistently articulate clinical reasoning and rationale for nursing interventions, judgment, and decision-making while caring for *stable critically ill patients .
- Integrate specialty-specific theory to form clinical conclusions and explain nursing interventions for *stable critically ill patients.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with patients, families, and members of the interprofessional healthcare team.
- Articulate relevant patient findings through clear, concise, and timely verbal and written communication.
- Demonstrate professionalism by engaging in self-evaluation, acknowledging strengths and areas for development, seeking assistance as needed, utilizing available resources, and being accountable for learning and professional practice.
*Stable critically ill patient: an individual with predictable care needs and gradually evolving or resolving changes in condition .
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2026
Related Programs
Critical Care Nursing Clinical 1 (NSCC 7420) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Health Sciences
- Critical Care Nursing Specialty (Combined Critical Care/Emergency Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Critical Care Nursing Specialty
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Emergency Nursing Specialty (Combined Emergency/Critical Care Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Specialty Nursing (Critical Care - Combined Critical Care/Emergency Option)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Part-time
- Specialty Nursing (Critical Care - Standard Option)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Part-time
- Specialty Nursing (Emergency - Combined Emergency/Critical Care Option)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of NSCC 7420 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 42172
Dates
Sep 08 - Nov 27 Loading
- CRN 42172
- $1635.57 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Nov 27 | N/A | N/A | Other |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Kristine Hughes
Course outline
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- Clinical lab format.
- This course requires a completed clinical application and supporting documents prior to registration. Students currently enrolled in NSCC 7320 can access the clinical application through the Learning Hub. If you are not currently enrolled in NSCC 7320, use the Request Approval button to request the clinical application. NOTE: this 125-hour clinical is completed over 4–6 consecutive weeks. Clinical courses are non-refundable.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.