Rapid Intensive Care Unit Onboarding in Response to a Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Nursing education
• Pandemic preparedness

Background:

• Hospital resources were strained during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A need existed to rapidly train non-intensive care unit (ICU) nurse practitioners (NPs) for critical care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a brief educational course's effectiveness in improving non-ICU NPs' knowledge and comfort in critical care.
• To assess the impact of a blended learning curriculum on critical care nursing skills.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week blended curriculum combining bedside teaching, online learning, and simulation was implemented.
• Learning was assessed via pre- and post-course multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests and direct faculty observation.
• Learner comfort and reaction were evaluated using pre- and post-course surveys.

Main Results:

• All seven participating NPs reported satisfaction with the course and its flexible format.
• There was a significant increase in the mean MCQ scores from 60% pre-course to 73% post-course.
• NPs reported improved self-confidence in managing critically ill patients post-course.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 Critical Care Course (CCCC) effectively prepared NPs for ICU demands during the pandemic.
• The course provided practical knowledge and skills, fostering confidence in managing critically ill patients.
• This innovative training model supports rapid upskilling of healthcare professionals in critical care settings.