PIC Training Programme for E grade nurses experienced in adult intensive care nursing.

Our Paediatric intensive care unit is a twenty- bedded multi-specialty lead centre caring for children between the ages of 0-16 requiring critical care. Conditions commonly cared for are cardio-respiratory, hepatology, trauma, thermal injuries, oncology, neonatal and general medicine

There have been several reports that have highlighted the need for appropriately trained nurses within the paediatric intensive care environment (A Bridge to the Future 1997, BPA Report 1993). To meet these recommendations the unit has proactively recruited child branch nurses who have then undertaken an accredited PICU foundation course.

Our next strategy is to recruit nurses who have substantial experience in the adult intensive care setting to bring their expertise to our unit. We will provide an extensive six-month training programme to facilitate and integrate additional knowledge and skills, producing a practitioner who will be able to care for the critically ill child and their family in a safe and appropriate manner.

The training programme will be facilitated by a dedicated clinical practice team, will run twice a year and will consist of 13 theoretical study days together with a supernumerary period of two-four weeks. Information gained on the study days will be integrated into clinical practice with support from a named mentor and through the completion of clinical competencies. Teaching sessions will include topics surrounding child development, family centred care, foetal circulation, cardiac conditions, stabilisation of critically ill child, physiological response to critical illness, neonatal development and care, child protection and much more! Individual needs are meet by allowing one study day to be designed by the programme members.

Staff development is high on our agenda. Your commitment to PICU will afford further opportunities for training and development, including secondment to undertake your Diploma/Degree in Child Health.