Specialism in Acute Medical Nursing

Registered practitioners such as adult trained nurses that work within the Acute Medical areas

The aim of the programme is to enable acute medicine nurses to develop their knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of acutely ill adults.

The module forms the foundation of a clear developmental career pathway in line with local, national and Registration Body continuing professional development requirements. Credits for this module can contribute to Master’s Degree award.

Minimum of 9 months post registration experience in the clinical setting.

Must be able to attend all mandatory sessions and participate in the assessment.

1. Knowledge:

LO 1     Apply knowledge of relevant pathophysiology underpinning conditions commonly seen in acute medicine.

LO 2.    Critically Analyse data gathered from a range of sources to identify pathology and its related sequelae which places the patient at further risk of deterioration

LO 3.    Critically reflect on their own leadership, accountability, responsibility and limitations in their scope of practice drawing on professional codes for the provision of safe, quality, multi-professional and compassionate care within the acute medical environment.

        2.   Skills:

LO 4.    Appraise and evaluate clinical outcomes based on data analysis and interpretation obtained from the patient history, family members/ carers, physical findings and laboratory results, to permit on going planning and management

LO 5.    Evaluate the appropriateness of escalation and referral process and utilise support facilities available and interact with all staff who play a role in the delivery of multidisciplinary care of the deteriorating patient

        3.  Values and attitudes:

LO 6.    Manage patients as determined by the standards for safe care based upon national and profession guidelines in this area (NICE 2019, NMC 2018)

This is a specialist Module in Acute Medicine, designed to support nurses to navigate the challenges of working within an acute medical setting. It is accredited at 30 Credits, Level 7.

There are 9 mandatory sessions to attend over a 9 month period.

The module aims to cover the following areas:

Patient Assessment

• Initial assessment on arrival
• A-E Assessment
• Diagnostic procedures and Interpretation of test results,
• Blood results; Interpreting ABGs
• Escalation; Communication

Deteriorating Patient and Sepsis management

• Impact of Sepsis
• Recognising and managing sepsis.
• Understanding the complexity of nursing today:
• Frailty
• Patient Expectations
• Patient Experience

Managing the Breathless Patient

• Anatomy and pathophysiology of the respiratory system
• Oxygen Therapy (Including High flow oxygen) – demonstration of equipment

Cardiac Nursing

• ECG interpretation and  Rhythm Recognition
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology relevant to cardiac adult health care
• Clinical assessment of patients with chest pain 

Neurological Disorder and Altered Consciousness

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Hematological disorders

Metabolic Disorders

• Recognition and management of: Diabetic Keto Acidosis (DKA)
• Recognition and Management of: Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State  (HSS)

Infectious Diseases

Mental health

• Depression in the context of long-term physical health conditions
• Anxiety disorders and how they interact with physical health worries
• Crises, self-harm presentations and risk management
• Personality disorder and how best to manage challenging situations
• Severe and enduring mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and how patients are managed
• MHA and the MCA and how they are used for the medically unwell patient.

Older Peoples Nursing:

Organisation and Flow : Table top exercise with virtual ward Leadership in Acute Medicine

NMAHP Post Graduate Education Team

N/A

Select 'Book now' button above to see available dates