Band 5 Education Pathway

King’s Critical Care
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How to become a Critical Care Nurse

With a dedicated training and education team, King’s Critical Care provides band 5 nurses with a structured and proven development programme supporting you to gain the required skills and knowledge to become a truly excellent Critical Care Nurse.

This comprehensive educational package includes the opportunity to undertake the intensive care course at King’s College London, and gain academic credits towards a BSc or MSc pathway.

Step 1: Programme Introduction

  • 4 week supernumerary period
  • Orientation document
  • Equipment training
  • Trust drug assessment programme
  • IV competencies
  • Pharmacy workbook
  • E-learning MT modules

Step 2: Introduction to Critical Care Course

  • Partnered with GSTT
  • Comprehensive teaching days, covering general critical care and relevant specialist areas
  • National STEP 1 Practice Assessment documentation
  • Online workbooks to support preparation for the SDs
  • 2hr written exam
  • Identified assessors and clinical support
  • PDN contact time & bedside teaching

Step 3: Practice Supervisor Training

  • Trust-based, blended learning programme:
    • E-learning module and formal SD
    • Portfolio of experience

Step 4: Advanced Pathophysiology E-learning Module

  • Self-directed learning
  • 6 ‘systems’ based workbooks
  • Online learning resources
  • Access to KCL library as an NHS employee
  • Covers general anatomy and physiology
  • Exam assessment
  • Pre-requisite for ICU course

Step 5: Critical Care Course

  • 30 credit Level 6 or 7 course
  • University based teaching
  • Clinical practice assessment document (aligned to step 2 & 3)
  • Formative online discussion forums and written assessment
  • Summative 2hr written exam
  • Identified assessors and clinical support
  • PDN contact time & bedside teaching

Step 6: Practice Assessor Training

  • Trust-based, blended learning programme:
    • Workshop SD
    • Portfolio of experience

Step 7: In-House Team Leader Development Course

  • Senior Band 5 Nurses
  • Preparation for a Band 6 Team Leader role
  • Budget awareness
  • Risk management
  • Staff allocation
  • Service improvement project

Interested in discussing further?

Use the button below to express your interest in a position as a Critical Care Nurse in London.

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