Advanced acute and critical care nursing is a specialty practice developed within the framework of graduate nursing education and based upon the broad generalist background of the baccalaureate prepared nurse. As a well-rounded professional, the advanced practice acute care nurse recognizes the human components of the dignity and uniqueness of the patient and develops the plan of care toward that end. Advanced practice nurses in acute and critical care collaborate with other nursing specialists, physicians, and other members of the health care team. As advanced practice nursing specialists, advanced acute and critical care nurses recognize their responsibility to contribute to the profession through clinical excellence, ethical practice, research, and scholarship. The faculty believe that congruent with advanced nursing practice is a commitment to lifelong education.
Students are active participants in the learning process towards their long term goals.
Faculty function as patient and student advocates, role models and mentors, assisting and guiding the student in acquiring the knowledge base, critical thinking skills and technical abilities essential for advanced practice. Once the clinical portion of the program begins the second semester, students should anticipate committing approximately 4-8 hours per day to the program to include study and clinical preparation. For part-time students, the load is decreased by half. All academic costs associated with the program are the responsibility of the individual. The Medical College of Georgia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools .