Clinical skill and practice development will be supported by continuous assessment in the workplace. This includes the achievement of associated care activities and the development of a practice-based diary towards the achievement of practice outcomes.

A patient case study demonstrating a critical analysis of a patient assessment using an established assessment tool used to detect a deterioration in a patient's condition. There should be an analysis of, the effects of altered homeostasis that produces the signs and symptoms assessed and a critical evaluation of interventions initiated in response to the assessment (3000 words) (contributes to meeting LO's 1, 2 and 4)
The Assessment of Clinical practice (contributes to meeting LO's 2 and 3)

In order to successfully complete this module students will be required to pass both elements of assessment

Appropriate professional registration (NMC or HCPC)
Minimum of 6 months in an acute care environment and have access of an acute area or environment to allow assessment of clinical skills
Clinical mentor/ preceptor
Support of local line manager

Creed, F., Spiers, C., (2010), Care of the Acutely Ill Adult: An Essential Guide, Oxford, Open University Press.
Page, K.,McKinney, A.,(2012), Nursing the Acutely Ill Adult: Case Book, Milton Keynes, Open University Press.
Jevon, P., B. Ewens, (2012) Monitoring the Critically ill Patient, (3rd Ed). Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Oxford

Library
IT resources
Clinical Mentor
Blackboard

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (37 hours)
36 hours Lecture/Discussion
1 hour Group tutorial support

Guided Independent Study: (263 hours)
113 hours research for assignment, preparation of portfolio.
Clinical learning 150 hours Clinical assessment document (including 30 recorded hours with mentor/ preceptor)

Supervised clinical practice with an identified preceptor will promote an individualised learning pathway, underpin the development of clinical assessment skills and provide guidance towards the achievement of practice outcomes. It is anticipated that the majority of clinical learning will take place in the student's resident place of work. However, the student may negotiate opportunity to work in an alternative environment of care to support the achievement of associated care activities.

This module facilitates the development of clinical skills that enable early recognition of the sick' patient and initiation of action with urgency. This includes the assessment and management of patients whose condition is at risk of deteriorating, patients requiring detailed observation (including support for a single failing organ) and those stepping down from higher levels of care. Clinical skill development is based on the care of patients with respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, neurological, nutrition and pain assessment and the subsequent management of those needs. This will include reference to haemodynamic monitoring and interpretation, selection, use and limitations of equipment, interpretation of investigation results e.g. blood biochemistry/ haematology and the scoring and recording of vital signs using a variety of assessment tools, including 'track & trigger' systems and knowledge of the subsequent common management strategies that may be employed. Module content will be underpinned by specific knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology.