1. The Basic Critical Care Course (or its equivalent) will be offered in conjunction with the Little Rock Critical Care Program (LRCCP) at least three times per year, and more often if needed. This course must be completed by all RNs working in Critical Care areas within the first year of their employment in the unit. The Basic Critical Care Course must be completed before taking any of the Body Systems courses listed in #3. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis. 
2. The Basic Dysrhythmia Course (or its equivalent) will be offered at least three times per year and more often if needed. All RNs working in Critical Care areas will complete this course within the first six (6) months of their employment in the unit. This course (or its equivalent) is a prerequisite for attending the Basic Critical Care Course and ACLS course.
3. The major portion of the Critical Care Program, which will be referred to as the Body Systems, will be offered in conjunction with LRCCP. The Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Neuroscience , renal/Endocrine, and GI/Hematology Modules will be offered once per year.

The Basic Critical Care, Dysrhythmia, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Neuroscience Courses will be mandatory and require a passing score of 80% for continued employment in the Intensive Care Units. Attendance of the mandatory courses will be at the sponsorship of the unit and scheduled in a timely manner based on staffing needs.

Attendance of the GI/Heme-, and Renal/Endocrine modules will be optional and at the written request of the nurse. The Trauma, CV, Neuro, Pulmonary, and renal/Endocrine Updates, and CCRN/PCCN Review Portions of the course are optional and available for registration upon completion of the mandatory Body Systems Modules. Reimbursement of course fees and or granting Official Leave for attendance of the optional courses is contingent upon a passing score of 80% or greater on the posttest and the availability of funds. Comp time will not be granted for attendance of optional courses.

The Chemotherapy module will be mandatory for 20% of the nurses on the 4E unit. The Clinical Services Manager will designate candidates for this course.

Nurses working in the Critical Care Units will attend a four hour course on Continuous Renal Replacement therapies. This course is offered in conjunction with the Hemodialysis department. Content includes didactic and skill components necessary for the safe management of patients undergoing alternative dialysis therapies. This is scheduled as needed.

4. To successfully complete any of the above courses, the nurse must score 80% or above on the Post-Test. In the Basic Dysrhythmia Course, in addition to scoring 80% or above on the Post-Test, the nurse must also correctly and consistently identify V-Tach and V-Fib on the Post-Test; if he/she misses any of these lethal dysrhythmias, a supplementary test must be taken within two weeks. A practical examination, including defibrillation, cardioversion and therapeutic interventions, must be successfully completed (pass/fail).
5. A nurse who fails any portion of the Critical Care Courses (Basic, Dysrhythmia, or Body Systems) is responsible for making arrangements to retake the test on his/her own time within two weeks of the end of the course. If the person does not pass the re-test, it is his/her responsibility to arrange transfer within a two week period to a unit where the course is not required. For reconsideration to rehire in a Critical Care area, the employee must retake the necessary portion on his/her own time.  Failure to successfully complete any portion of the course will be communicated in writing by the Critical Care Education Coordinator to the appropriate Clinical Services Manager and Nursing Director.
6. Experienced nurses will take the Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool (BKAT) in the first week of employment. Persons not making 80% will be allowed to retake the test within two weeks. If they do not pass on the retest, they will not work in ICUs. PRN Pool follows unit policy.
7. Verification of successful completion of courses will become a permanent part of each nurse's file. The Critical Care Education Coordinator will place course in Training Tracker.

Nurses attending any of the courses are expected to comply with all UAMS attendance policies while attending class. Failure to do so will be communicated to the Clinical Services Manager by the Critical Care Education Coordinator.

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