VSPN TECH140-0519: Advanced Nursing-Critical Care Module 1

The lectures for this course will be presented in an audio format using a webinar platform.

Enrollment is closed.
Instructor: Andrea Steele, RVT, VTS (ECC), MSc
Course Open: May 2, 2019-June 9, 2019
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Thursdays, May 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2019; 9:00-11:00pm ET (USA)
Course RTS Times in Your Area: World Clock Converter

To prepare for your online experience, review the VIN-VSPN CE informational video prior to the course open date.

Level and Prerequisites: This advanced course is focused toward the experienced technician who routinely deals with emergent or critical cases or has an interest in specializing in Emergency and Critical Care. Module 1 is highly recommended prior to enrolling in Module 2, as Module 2 builds on information learned in Module 1.
VSPN CE Course: Open to VSPN members actively interested in veterinary emergency and critical care nursing. This program has been approved for 8 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval. (22-36087)

Course Description:
This is module 1 of a two-part course in advanced nursing skills for emergent and critically ill patients. Advanced Nursing Modules 1 and 2 will emphasize the role of the technician in emergency and critical care. Throughout the series, technicians will be encouraged to critically think, problem solve, and develop new skills. These courses will be presented in a systems approach, beginning with nursing techniques that may be universal to any emergency situation or critical illness, followed by techniques that focus on the various body systems.

Week 1 (Real Time Session May 9): Critical Care Basics-Assessing and Stabilizing
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Explain stabilization of the emergent patient.
  • Outline how to triage incoming patients.
  • Discuss the minimum database.
  • Compare different ways of obtaining vascular access.
Week 2 (Real Time Session May 16): Critical Care Basics-Continued Care
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Discuss blood pressure monitoring (direct and indirect), ECG monitoring techniques, and pulse oximetry.
  • Explain techniques for obtaining blood gas measurements (venous and arterial).
  • Calculate constant rate infusions.
  • Assess pain management techniques.
Week 3 (Real Time Session May 23): Nursing Care of the Respiratory Patient
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Recognize and deal with respiratory distress.
  • Discuss methods of assessing ventilation and oxygenation.
  • Explore long term oxygen supplementation.
  • Explain criteria for mechanical ventilation.
Week 4 (Real Time Session May 30): Nursing Care of the Cardiac Patient
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to
  • Discuss common arrhythmias seen in emergency and critical care.
  • Explain common cardiac diseases and their pathophysiology.
  • Discuss ongoing nursing care and treatment of these patients.
Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course. To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook: There is no required textbook for this course.

About the Instructor:
Andrea Steele, RVT, VTS (ECC), MSc is an experienced lecturer on the topic of veterinary emergency and critical care at numerous international veterinary conferences, private continuing education events and in-clinic. Andrea has been an ICU technician since 1998, is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care, and is a Past President, and current Member at Large of the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians (AVECCT). Andrea has authored numerous book chapters and articles, and co-edited Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care for Veterinary Technicians 3rd Edition.

Total CE Credit: 8

Tuition: Member $168 ($151 early bird special if enrolled by April 18, 2019)
* Enroll in both modules by May 9, 2019 and receive a 15% discount off the original course price.
Prices are listed in US dollars.

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on May 9, 2019 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

To Enroll:
  1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  3. Each person is individually responsible for his/her own registration. To ensure that all information received is secure and correct, please do not enroll for a course on behalf of another individual.
  4. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 792 or email . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.
Enrollment is closed.

*Note: "This program has been approved for 8 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.(22-36087)"

Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN office 800-846-0028 ext. 792 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

*For more information on VSPN's upcoming CE courses, check the VSPN Course Catalog.

Lisa Kernaghan, LVT, RVT, CVT, VTS (ECC)
VSPN CE Coordinator

VSPN CE Services:
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 792
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357