Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing

With job growth of 12.2% projected for registered nurses by 2028,^* there is an industry demand for nurses with sophisticated specialty skills. As a registered nurse, Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing will equip you with the analytical, practical, communication and leadership skills needed to take the lead in the management of critically ill patients in intensive care and high dependency units at an advanced practice level.

Study with one of Australia’s largest and most established nursing schools. Ranked #15 in the world,^{^} the School’s cutting-edge research is recognised as well above world standard.^# Our strong industry connections mean you will be guided by experts in critical care nursing as you explore the current and emerging trends, concepts, knowledge and evidence that provides the policy and practice framework in which the care of critically ill patients takes place.

Are you ready to become a change agent and play a leading role in advancing the care of critically ill patients?

If you want to take the next step in your nursing career, our Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing will prepare you to become a leader and practise effectively at an advanced practice level in critical care settings. As a graduate you will demonstrate ethical, safe, high-quality, expert clinical decision-making abilities within an interdisciplinary team, and psychomotor skills commensurate with specialised theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and person or client-centred care.

As a student of Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Intensive Care Nursing you will be challenged to advance your professional judgement by exploring the current and emerging trends, concepts, knowledge and evidence that provides the policy and practice framework in which the care of critically ill patients takes places.

Second year elective units allow you to pursue your specific areas of interest and career goals. You can choose from complementary areas of practice to your specialisation, or undertake studies preparing you for roles in education, leadership or management. You will also have the opportunity to select a unit from anywhere across the university, further expanding your skill set.

Deakin’s strong industry connections ensure a high level of collaboration and support during your clinical practice. This means that while you study you can immerse yourself in your speciality practice area with one of our numerous metropolitan, rural and regional health partners across Australia.

Our innovative online program delivers a rich, interactive and empowering learning experience designed for postgraduate nurses. Live-streaming seminars and class discussions will encourage critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork skills. Australia’s top-rated tech support and access to our expert teaching staff means you can learn at your own pace, when and where it suits you, without compromising quality or support.

This course enables you to:

• evaluate and intervene in response to complex data from patient and technologically-derived sources
• develop an advanced understanding of normal physiology, and the pathophysiology of illness and injury of critically ill patients
• perform focused, systematic and methodical patient assessments
• demonstrate advanced clinical judgement leading to autonomous decision-making
• practise critical thinking and reflection regarding current health environment issues and specialty nursing practice
• explore and demonstrate an understanding of complex practice, transcultural, ethical and psychosocial concepts
• combine advanced communication skills with professional knowledge to promote safe, high-quality care of the critically ill.

You will be challenged to become a leader in evidence-based practice, and a change agent to improve the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes in intensive care and high dependency units.

Graduates are prepared to handle the contemporary challenges intensive care nurses may face with a course that responds to industry trends and demands. You will learn how to make a difference through senior roles in areas such as practice, education, leadership and research.

^* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections
^{^} 2024 ShanghaiRankings Ranking of Academic Subjects.
^# Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018.

• Begin the application process

  We have a network of experienced authorised agents around the world who can help you through the application process. They are trained to provide advice and information on Deakin University and our degrees. Find out if you need to use a Deakin authorised agent to submit your application.

• Check entry requirements

  Entry requirements differ depending on your degree or country of residence. Before starting your application, read through the entry requirements on the course page entry requirement tab.

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• Certify supporting documents

  Most documents need to be certified. For example, award certificates, academic transcripts and your identity papers (passport). Documents in languages other than English will also need to be translated. Take the original document and a photocopy to an authorised person (for example, justice of the peace, public notary, member of the police force or Australian lawyer), to sign.

  Be sure to attach all requested supporting documentation, otherwise your application could be delayed. If you get your application in early, this gives us more time to arrange visas and accommodation if you need them.

• Submit your application

  Depending on your nationality and country of residence, you can submit your application directly to Deakin through our online international student application service StudyLink Connect or through a Deakin authorised agent.