AACN launches Critical Care Pharmacology

American Association of Critical-Care NursesFeb 4 2012

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and Elsevier | MC Strategies announce the launch of AACN: Critical Care Pharmacology, a comprehensive, evidence-based online nursing course to help nurses further develop their competencies in the safe administration of medications commonly used in critical care.

Designed for both new and experienced critical care nurses, the course complies with The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals, including education on the most commonly used medications, best practices and evidence-based interventions. Created in consultation with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), this course is geared to bedside clinicians and educators. The interactive course builds confidence through scenarios of caring for real-world, critical care patients.

AACN: Critical Care Pharmacology is available for individual or institutional purchase through AACN.

"This course breaks new ground in online clinical education," said AACN Director of Communications and Strategic Alliances Ramón Lavandero, RN, MA, MSN, FAAN. "The unique interprofessional framework provides nurses with 360-degree knowledge of the safe administration of medications within the highly complex critical care environment."

In eight lessons, nurses will engage and learn through four key features, including Ask the Pharmacist, Safety Alert, Myth vs. Fact and What's the Evidence? Presented in a case study format using high-tech animations, the course offers clear illustrations of complicated concepts that encourage critical thinking skills.

AACN: Critical Care Pharmacology joins AACN's extensive collection of continuing education resources developed as part of its ongoing commitment to offer critical care nurses the knowledge and tools necessary to provide optimum care. Nurses can take advantage of 13.5 continuing nursing education contact hours offered through AACN.

"Ensuring safe care of critically ill patients receiving high-alert drugs has long been a challenge," said Cindy Tryniszewski, RN, MSN, executive director of clinical e-learning at Elsevier | MC Strategies. "Working alongside AACN and ASHP, we have developed a high-quality product that provides nurses with superior continuing education on how drugs work, why drugs cause adverse effects, and what the implications are for patient care."