Critical Care Nursing Curriculum

The curriculum aims to raise standards in Critical Care Nursing (CCN) on a national level and meet the health practice setting needs. It is designed to provide a course outline for the critical care nursing component of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) education program under the Accreditation Quality Assurance Commission (AQAC) at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE). The curriculum is organized into two main sections: Critical Care Nursing Theory and Critical Care Nursing Clinical. The theory section covers topics such as cardiac, cardiothoracic surgery, respiratory, hematology, gastrointestinal, renal, wound, neurologic, trauma/burn, behavioral, multi-system, and end of life care. The clinical section provides a detailed outline of the clinical rotations and experiences that nursing students will undergo in critical care settings. The curriculum was developed through a collaborative effort involving a Technical Working Group (TWG) and a senior international consultant. The TWG reviewed existing national curriculums in critical care and provided input on the updated curriculum. The consultant reviewed, adapted, and consolidated the TWG's review in line with international standards and competency frameworks and the latest evidence-based knowledge and practices. The curriculum includes guidelines for nursing students in clinical settings, critical care evaluation criteria, case study outlines, and descriptions of experiences in the dialysis department and operating room. It also includes simulation suggestions and case study examples to enhance learning and practice. The curriculum is designed to be in line with the national updates of the Nursing Standards and to strengthen the critical care curriculum under the BSN. It is hoped that the curriculum will enhance the uniformity and standardization of critical care nursing education and contribute to improving the quality of healthcare provided to Palestinian patients. The curriculum was reviewed and approved by the MoEHE/AQAC and the MOH Director General of Education in Health. The contents of the curriculum may be clarified or expanded upon by the MoEHE/AQAC through issuance of specific written communication and periodic notices.