Has anyone taken the Critical Care Certificate (e-learning) at Durham College?

[ruralgirl08]

Hi,

I am in the pursuit to gain some basic critical care knowledge. I am planning on taking the Critical Care Certificate at Durham College. Has anyone taken this program or know someone who has? What did you/they think of it?

Also, I have asked some seasoned ICU nurses, what they thought about college level preparation. One said "its not necessary, they will teach you what you need to know when you go through orientation," but another said "I took some courses, and that's how I got my foot in the door."

I have already have: ACLS, Basic ECG. TNCC

So I am thinking that with education: "the more the merrier," any thoughts?

[Joyce22]

Hi,

Currently, I am in the Durham College Critical Care e-learning program and I am enjoying it. I am pursing the program in other to gain access to a critical care unit. I am working presently in a nephrology/medicine unit of a tertiary hospital and most job advertisement into the ICU unit require some years of ICU experience or certification in Critical Care. Moreover, this course provides opportunity of learning about some "stuffs" that happen in ICU, and thus prepare one both knowledge-wise and emotionally for assignments in critical care units.

[ruralgirl08]

Thanks for you response, I am really glad to hear you are enjoying it. That makes me feel a lot better about enrolling.

How are you finding the workload with the program? Do you think it is "do-able" for someone who is working full-time?

[Joyce22]

Hi,

I am presently working full time with The Ottawa Hospital. Althoughm there are lots of required readings to be done, visits to library, discussions, quizzes, term papers. However, I found the course doable. Studying online requires a lot of discipline, setting aside some hours each day to study; drawing a study plan and sticking to it. One also have to consider family committments and some other factors.

[ruralgirl08]

I have a few more questions...

1) Would you recommend buying all the "recommended" textbooks on the book list? (I know that sometimes programs list text books on their book lists and then never use them.)

2) Did you get the recommended (optional) PDA?

3) Did it take a while to get the program info sent to you, after you applied and were accepted into the program?

4) Have you contacted your unit of interest prior to the practicum piece, to let them know you are interested in their program?

Note: I graduated a couple years ago and did my consolidation placement in a MICU, at the hospital I currently work at. Back then they offered me a New grad position in the ICU, which I turned down: b/c I was getting married, and moving close to an hour away (my plan was to work at a local hospital, and somehow get into the ICU there.) Now I find myself back at my original hospital working on the floor, making the hour drive. I want to get back into the ICU I consolidated in, but I feel they may look down on me for wanting to "come back". I know it was a huge mistake, but I definately have learned my lesson. I have learned I am critical care nurse, down to the core.

Do you think it would be wise to return to the unit I once gave up on? Or try to get into their sister hospital's unit for a new start? I realise this is more of a pride issue, but sometimes things are very grey. I taking this program to increase my knowledge and make a me a more attractive candidate for the job.

Thanks for all you feedback, btw.