Calling all nurses, critical care nurses, nurses who want to increase their knowledge base and critical thinking skills, nurses who thrive on learning more and more and more, nurses who want to be the best that they can be. If this describes you, then please read on.

Natchez Regional Medical Center is, for the first time, hosting a Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification Review Class which will be July 24 and 25 in the Magnolia Room at the hospital. This CCRN class is a preparatory class for anyone interested in sitting for the CCRN exam, but it is also an excellent resource of critical care information for any nurse wishing to broaden his/her knowledge base and sharpen critical thinking skills.

This course is offered in conjunction with Med-Ed and the designated speaker will be Mr. David W. Woodruff, MSN, RN, CNS, CEN CCRN.

Mr. Woodruff began his health care career as a paramedic. After years of treating patients “in the field,” he furthered his education and obtained his nursing degree. His nursing experience includes staff positions in coronary care units, medical intensive care units, surgical intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units and trauma emergency care. He has served as instructor of nursing, unit manager, nursing expert witness, and as president of a private consulting firm. Mr. Woodruff presents seminars across the country and is widely regarded as a knowledgeable and thorough instructor who can make the most difficult material understandable.

All course content follows the AACN’s updated 2010 CCRN exam blueprint.

Upon completion of this course, the RN should confidently be able to:

Correlate the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, neurological, hematologic, gastrointestinal and renal systems to the care of the critically ill patient;

Devise a plan of care for patients experiencing cardiovascular disorders;

Describe interventions necessary for the care of patients with neurologic disturbances;

Identify appropriate interventions in the care of persons with endocrine disorders;

Provide a plan of care for patients with acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, and electrolyte imbalances;

Explain the nursing interventions necessary in the care of a patient with pulmonary disease.

I am so excited about the possibilities that this class offers for those of us who put quality patient care at the top of our priority list. Let the learning begin.

Registration is now open for anyone interested in participating in this valuable learning experience. We are extremely excited to offer an educational opportunity of this caliber in our area.

I hope that you will take advantage of the savings afforded by participating in this course locally since travel expenses and overnight stay costs will be eliminated. Cost for the two-day class is $250 per person, which covers the cost of materials and the speaker. Cost also includes a program manual and CE certificate. Deadline to register is July 14.

Registration forms or more information may be obtained by contacting me at 601-443-2442 or via e-mail at patricia.marks@natchezregional.com.

Fourteen and a half contact hours will be awarded to all participants that complete the two day course. I look forward to learning along with you!

Patricia Marks, RN, is the education coordinator at Natchez Regional Medical Center.