[NP-ADCR1] Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (ADCR1)

Offered by School of Health Sciences

Advanced Diploma

About Course
Course Structure
Entry Requirements
Financial Matters
Course Schedule

About Course

Course Objectives

The Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing aims to:
(a) improve the standard care provided to critically ill patients and their families;
(b) facilitate early and accurate diagnostic assessment;
(c) advance the science of critical care nursing; and
(d) support research initiatives.

Course Description

The Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (ADCR1) is a part time CET course, consist of the following modules:
1) Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making (45 hours)
2) Applied Pathophysiology and Pharmacology (45 hours)
3) Evidence-Based Practice (45 hours)
4) Care Management Across Life Span (45 hours)
5) Clinical Practicum in Advanced Nursing (80 hours)
6) Fundamentals in Critical Care Nursing (60 hours)
7) Advanced Critical Care Nursing Science I (60 hours)
8) Advanced Critical Care Nursing Science II (60 hours)
9) Advanced Critical Care Nursing Practice (60 hours)
10) Advanced Clinical Practicum in Critical Care Nursing (360 hours)

Trainer's Proflle

Tan Hong Yong

Dr. Tan is a medical professional and educator with a unique blend of expertise in both medicine and economics. Holding an MBBS and a Bachelor of Science in Economics, he has developed a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare and education.

With nearly a decade of medical work experience, Dr. Tan understands the complexities and demands of the changing healthcare environment. This extensive clinical background allows him to bring practical insights and real-world applications into his teaching. He teaches full-time and part-time nursing and healthcare-related courses, focusing on health assessment, anatomy and physiology, human biosciences, applied pathophysiology and pharmacology, and biology. His teaching approach lays the foundational knowledge that encourages his learners to think critically and reason so they can provide better care in a dynamic healthcare environment.

He has applied his leadership skills and economic acumen to be instrumental in aligning educational strategies with industry needs, ensuring the modules he is leading are both relevant and forward-thinking.

Dr. Tan’s educational philosophy integrates clinical expertise, economic understanding, and strategic management to prepare students for the multifaceted challenges of modern healthcare. He is committed to fostering a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, innovation, and continuous professional development.


Hazel Lim Wai Ling

Hazel is a nursing professional and educator with a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing). She brings academic nursing foundations and research-related experiences to her role as a polytechnic lecturer, where she has been shaping the minds of future nurses since 2011.

With a five-year diverse work experience in dermatology, renal, and general wards as a nurse, and completed later by several years of research as a research nurse and research assistant, Hazel contributed to impactful studies that have advanced her understanding of various healthcare fields.

Hazel has made contributions to research, particularly in the areas of dementia and healthcare technology. Her published works include "Knowledge and Attitudes towards Dementia among the General Public in Singapore: A Comparative Analysis," featured in Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders in April 2023, and "Introducing a Healthcare-Assistive Robot in Primary Care: A Preliminary Questionnaire Survey," published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI in May 2023. These publications reflect her dedication to exploring innovative solutions and addressing public health issues.

In her teaching role, Hazel provides students with hands-on experience and bridges the gap between theory and practice. Hazel’s combination of clinical experience, research expertise, and teaching excellence makes her an invaluable asset to both her students and the broader healthcare community.


Sabita Zakir Husain

Dr. Sabita is a seasoned medical professional with a rich background in both clinical practice and healthcare education. She holds an MBBS and advanced qualifications, including a Specialist Diploma in Biotechnology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, and an Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance, combining her medical expertise with strong educational skills.

With over a decade of clinical experience as a medical officer in three different countries, Dr. Sabita has provided comprehensive care to patients across multiple specialties, serving both adult and pediatric populations in various healthcare settings.

In her role as an educator, Dr. Sabita is passionate about sharing her extensive knowledge and experience with future healthcare professionals. She teaches full-time and part-time courses, specialising in anatomy and physiology, applied pathophysiology, pharmacology, and human biosciences. Her teaching approach focuses on building foundational knowledge while encouraging learners to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills essential for effective patient care.

Dr. Sabita’s diverse experience in medicine and education uniquely equips her to play a significant role in shaping the development of aspiring healthcare professionals, fostering their growth and preparing them for the challenges of the healthcare industry.

Ismail Maideen

Ismail is a highly qualified and dedicated professional with over four decades of experience in nursing and education. He holds an impressive array of credentials, including an Advanced Certificate in Learning and Assessment, a Master’s in Education, a Graduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDHE), a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing), and a Post-Basic Certificate in Critical Care Nursing.

In his clinical career, Ismail worked in the Cardiothoracic Surgical Critical Care Unit, where he provided care to critically ill patients and led clinical teams in a high-stakes environment. His expertise in critical care was further enhanced by his role as a Clinical Research Head Nurse, overseeing and conducting research that contributed to advancements in patient care. Prior to his critical care experience, Ismail worked in the emergency department, where he gained valuable experience in acute and emergency care. His diverse clinical background has provided him with a deep understanding of the complexities of healthcare, which he now applies to his teaching.

As an Associate Lecturer, Ismail teaches both full-time and part-time courses in nursing and healthcare, specializing in general and critical care nursing. A seasoned educator and healthcare professional, he is passionate about empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to excel in the fast-paced world of healthcare.


Clarissa Lee Vwen Chia

Clarissa is a highly experienced nursing professional with over a decade of expertise in both clinical practice and nursing education. She holds a Master’s in Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDHE), a Bachelor’s in Nursing, and an Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Critical Care). Before transitioning into education, Clarissa worked as a Critical Care Nurse and Nurse Clinician, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the complexities of critical care settings. This experience allows her to effectively bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing future nurses for the realities of healthcare.

Currently a Senior Lecturer and Senior Education Specialist at the School of Health Sciences, Clarissa teaches both full-time and part-time diploma courses, specialising in general and critical care nursing. Her innovative teaching methods have earned her recognition as a finalist for the prestigious President’s Teaching Award in 2023, highlighting her dedication to educational excellence.

Clarissa is passionate about nurturing the next generation of nurses, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the fast-paced healthcare environment. Her teaching philosophy emphasises critical thinking, clinical competence, and compassionate care, ensuring her students are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern healthcare.

Caroline Lee Ho Yee

Caroline Lee holds a Master in Education and a PGD HE; both from NIE. She also holds a Bachelor in Nursing (Applied Science) and a Post-Basic Certificate in Critical Care Nursing. Caroline is a registered nurse.

Caroline’s key domain and areas of practice are in general nursing and critical care nursing. She presented her paper entitled “Connecting Generations: Service-Learning as a Tool for Building a Foundation to Gerontology Nursing” at the prestigious 7th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning in April 2019.

Caroline is currently a lecturer in Ngee Ann Polytechnic and is the Programme Lead in critical care nursing. She was the proud recipient of STA in 2018/2019 and will again receive the award for 2023/2024.

Caroline also double hats as a practicum coach for new colleagues to develop their confidence and competencies in adapting and implementing good Teaching and Learning strategies and practices in the classroom.


Clara Tai Chia Chia

Clara attained the Diploma in Nursing with Merit in 2001 and an Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Critical Care) in 2005. She then went on to achieve the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Nursing) in 2008, and the Master of Education (Curriculum and Teaching) in 2020.

As a registered nurse specialising in critical care, Clara currently serves as the Senior Manager of the nursing skills cluster. Leading module leaders and ensuring up-to-date teaching practices of skills and application of knowledge, Clara's past experience includes roles in various units at Singapore General Hospital and 10 years as a lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Clara has been blessed with a fulfilling career in the field of Nursing. She worked in an acute hospital (Singapore General Hospital) for 13 years holding the latest post as that of a Nurse Clinician. During the 13 years, she had previously worked as a registered nurse in orthopaedic surgery unit for 1 year, respiratory medicine unit for 2 years, medical intensive care area (MICA) for 1 year, medical intensive care unit for 1 year and surgical intensive care unit for 8 years.

Subsequently, Clara joined Ngee Ann Polytechnic as lecturer teaching nursing students of Diploma in Nursing and Advanced Diploma in Nursing for 10 years.

Course Structure

TPG course reference No.

TGS-2021002418

Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing

Post-Diploma Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practicum in Critical Care Nursing
Advanced Clinical Practicum in Critical Care Nursing (NP-012150)
The module provides the student opportunities to provide direct patient / family care and gain clinical experience in critical care settings, acute and caring of older adults with acute and chronic disorders in acute setting like coronary care, cardiovascular, neurosurgical and medical surgical intensive care units. Nurses will provide care for the critically ill patients and support their families. These clinical practices provide an overall analysis of the practice of critical care nursing.
Post-Diploma Certificate in Advanced Critical Care Nursing
Advanced Critical Care Nursing Practice (NP-012149)
This module aims to provide students with an understanding and comprehensive foundation on the principles of critical care nursing practice. It will also provide comprehensive skills necessary to obtain data through health history, physical examination together with identifying relevant laboratory data, monitoring adjuncts and advanced nursing skills that are performed commonly in the acute care setting. This module serves to equip critical care practitioners with the necessary skills for critical thinking to make informed clinical decisions in the management of critically ill patients.
Advanced Critical Care Nursing Science I (NP-012147)
This module aims to provide students with an understanding and comprehensive foundation on the principles of critical care nursing practice and a continuity of basic nursing science from general nursing training. Coronary, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological diseases and altered conditions of these major body systems are covered in depth with integration of pathophysiology and applied human anatomy. Interpretation of relevant laboratory and diagnostic studies results are included and advanced nursing skills that are performed commonly in the acute care setting, this module serves to equip critical care practitioners with the necessary knowledge of diseases and skills for critical thinking to make informed clinical decisions.
Advanced Critical Care Nursing Science II (NP-012148)
This module aims to provide students with an understanding and comprehensive foundation on the principles of critical care nursing practice and a continuity of basic nursing science from general nursing training. Gastro-intestinal, hepato-biliary, endocrine and nephrology diseases and altered conditions of these major body systems are covered in depth with integration of pathophysiology and applied human anatomy. Interpretation of relevant laboratory and diagnostic studies results are included and advanced nursing skills that are performed commonly in the acute care setting, this module serves to equip critical care practitioners with the necessary knowledge of diseases and skills for critical thinking to make informed clinical decisions.
Fundamentals in Critical Care Nursing (NP-012146)
This module aims to provide students with an understanding and comprehensive foundation on the fundamentals of critical care nursing. Critical care practices, ethical and legal issues, patient and family education, psychosocial issues, sleep alterations and management, nutrition, pain management, sedation, agitation, delirium assessment and management and end of life issues are covered in depth with integration of pathophysiology and applied human anatomy and relevant laboratory and diagnostic studies results are included and advanced nursing skills that are performed commonly in the acute care setting, this module serves to equip critical care practitioners with the necessary knowledge and skills for critical thinking to make informed clinical decisions in a critical care unit.
Post-Diploma Certificate in Applied Sciences in Advanced Nursing
Applied Pathophysiology and Pharmacology (NP-012125)
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of pathophysiologic and pharmacologic considerations. This module will enable the students to gain a better understanding of underlying disease processes and relate the basic principles of pharmacology and the nursing process to selected drugs and their therapeutic use.
Care Management Across Life Span (NP-012127)
This module focuses on the current trends that affect the healthcare and financial systems in Singapore. Emphasis will be placed on integrated care, collaboration and coordination to provide continuity of care of patients with special needs in a variety of healthcare settings. The principles and concepts of palliative care, case management, disease management, medical-surgical nursing and transitional care will be discussed.
Evidence-Based Practice (NP-012126)
This module aims to provide the students with the knowledge and application underpinnings the evidence-based practice. Based on the 5 steps of evidence-based practice, the students will learn to convert information into an answerable clinical question (ask), track down best evidence for answering the question (acquire), critically appraise evidence (appraise), integrate evidence into clinical decision making (application), and evaluate and seek ways to improve the next time (audit).
Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making (NP-012124)
This module aims to provide the students with comprehensive foundation and principles of health assessment in clinical nursing practice. It will also provide comprehensive skills necessary to obtain data through complete health history taking and physical examination. Emphasis will be placed on the holistic and comprehensive approach of assessment. Variations of normality in the older persons will be taken into considerations in the assessment findings. Together with the relevant laboratory data, this module also equips the students with necessary knowledge underpinning the skills to make informed clinical decisions.
Post-Diploma Certificate in Clinical Practicum in Advanced Nursing
Clinical Practicum in Advanced Nursing (NP-012128)
The module provides the student opportunities to synthesize and apply the knowledge and practical skills learned in Post-Diploma Certificate 1 (Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making, Applied Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Practice and Care Management Across Life Span) to the 2-week of broad-based Clinical Practicum in Advanced Nursing module. The students will be assigned to one of the following clinical settings that is different from their specialty attachment.
•   Acute care
•   Intermediate and long-term care
•   Primary care
•   Geriatric centres
•   Mental Health Care

Entry Requirements

Condition 1

Highest qualification

Local Polytechnic Diploma in Health Sciences (Nursing) or equivalent. And Working experience:Be a Registered Nurse with valid practising certificate from the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB); andHave at least 2 years of clinical nursing practice; andHave a minimum of 1 year practice in the nursing speciality –   nursing practice related to the care of critically ill patients
or

Condition 2

Highest qualification

University Degree in Health Sciences (Nursing) or equivalent. And Working experience:Be a Registered Nurse with valid practising certificate from the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB); andHave at least 2 years of clinical nursing practice; andHave a minimum of 1 year practice in the nursing speciality –   nursing practice related to the care of critically ill patients

Financial matters

Course fees payable (incl. GST & excl. supplementary fee)

Description Post-Diploma Certificate in Applied Sciences in Advanced Nursing Post-Diploma Certificate in Clinical Practicum in Advanced Nursing Post-Diploma Certificate in Advanced Critical Care Nursing Post-Diploma Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practicum in Critical Care Nursing Total course fee
Full Course fee $4,473.36 $1,988.16 $5,964.48 $8,946.72 $21,372.72
Singapore Citizen Aged 40 & Above $447.34 $198.82 $596.45 $894.67 $2,137.28
PR Sponsored by SME $465.80 $207.02 $621.07 $931.61 $2,225.50
Singapore Citizen Sponsored by SME $465.80 $207.02 $621.07 $931.61 $2,225.50
Singapore Citizen Aged Below 40 $671.00 $298.22 $894.67 $1,342.01 $3,205.90
Singapore PR $1,789.34 $795.26 $2,385.79 $3,578.69 $8,549.08
Long-Term Visit Pass Plus $4,473.36 $1,988.16 $5,964.48 $8,946.72 $21,372.72

GST rate

The course fees payable above are inclusive of 9% GST rate.

Payment option

The first payment needs to be made after accepting the offer.

Allowed payment by

The course fee allows to be paid by:
Post-Secondary Education Account (Adhoc withdrawal form);
Post-Secondary Education Account (Standing order form);
SkillsFuture Credits (SFC);
Credit card (e-payment);
Debit card (e-payment);
PayNow (e-payment).

Refund and withdrawal policy

  • Please note that a 100% refund will be available if the withdrawal request is submitted more than or equal to 14 days before the course start date.
  • Please note that a 50% refund will be available if the withdrawal request is submitted less than 14 days before the course start date.
  • Please note that no refund will be available if the withdrawal request is submitted on or after the course start date.

Course 
Schedule

Course Date: 8 April 2024 to 24 November 2024
Class Day(s): Mon to Fri

Time: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Delivery mode: Face-to-face & Home-based learning (Async & Sync)