ICTQual Level 4 Award in Clinical Nursing Skills

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Advanced Patient Assessment

1. Conduct comprehensive patient evaluations using advanced assessment techniques.
2. Monitor and interpret vital signs accurately to identify deviations from normal ranges.
3. Perform thorough physical examinations and apply diagnostic reasoning to formulate clinical decisions.

Wound Care Management

1. Understand the principles of wound healing and the various factors that affect it.
2. Apply best practices for treating and managing different types of wounds, including surgical, chronic, and trauma-related wounds.
3. Select and use appropriate wound care products such as dressings and bandages effectively.

Intravenous Therapy

1. Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and effective administration of intravenous (IV) medications and fluids.
2. Manage IV therapy, including site selection, catheter insertion, and monitoring for complications.
3. Troubleshoot and resolve common issues related to IV therapy.

Medication Administration

1. Understand the principles of safe medication handling and administration.
2. Calculate and administer correct medication dosages via various routes (oral, IV, IM, subcutaneous).
3. Identify and manage potential side effects and adverse drug reactions.

Emergency Response Techniques

1. Respond promptly and effectively to medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest and respiratory distress.
2. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) competently.
3. Apply basic life support (BLS) skills and emergency equipment in various emergency scenarios.

Clinical Decision Making

1. Utilize critical thinking and evidence-based practices in making clinical decisions.
2. Evaluate patient data and clinical evidence to develop appropriate care plans.
3. Integrate ethical and legal considerations into clinical decision-making processes.

Infection Control and Prevention

1. Implement infection control practices to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
2. Perform proper hand hygiene techniques and use personal protective equipment (PPE) effectively.
3. Educate patients and healthcare staff on infection prevention strategies.

Patient Communication and Education

1. Employ effective communication strategies to interact with patients and their families.
2. Provide clear and concise patient education to promote health and disease prevention.
3. Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in patient communication and education.

Pain Management

1. Assess and evaluate patients’ pain levels using standardized pain assessment tools.
2. Implement pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management strategies.
3. Develop patient-centered pain management plans tailored to individual needs.

Nutrition and Hydration

1. Assess patient’s nutritional status and hydration needs accurately.
2. Implement and monitor dietary plans and manage feeding tubes as necessary.
3. Educate patients and their families on the importance of nutrition and hydration in overall health.

End-of-Life Care

1. Apply principles of palliative and end-of-life care to provide compassionate support to terminally ill patients.
2. Address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families during end-of-life care.
3. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members regarding end-of-life issues.

Clinical Supervision and Leadership

1. Develop and demonstrate leadership skills in clinical settings.
2. Supervise and mentor junior staff and nursing students effectively.
3. Promote teamwork, collaboration, and a positive work environment in healthcare settings.