Critical Care Essentials
This course is designed for critical care nurses and provides education on the management of pacemakers, critical care drips and pharmacology, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), glycemic control, chest tubes, music therapy, mechanical ventilators, evidence-based practice (EBP), and the safe care of patients with psychiatric disorders. Participants will enhance their knowledge and clinical decision-making skills related to the assessment, monitoring, management, and troubleshooting of complex critical care therapies and devices. The course also focuses on evidence-based interventions, medication management, and strategies to promote safe, high-quality patient care across a variety of clinical situations.
Target Audience
Critical Care Registered Nurses
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, the learner will:
- Demonstrate increased knowledge in the care of critically ill patients with pacemakers, chest tubes, and mechanical ventilators, including appropriate management, monitoring, and troubleshooting of these devices.
- Enhance their ability to safely care for patients with psychiatric disorders, including assessment, accurate documentation, and implementation of appropriate nursing interventions.
- Increase their understanding of evidence-based practice (EBP) projects implemented within the unit and their impact on patient outcomes.
- Strengthen their knowledge of critical care medications, including indications, monitoring, and safe administration practices.
- Improve their understanding of glycemic control management and the assessment and treatment of patients experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
- Describe the role and benefits of music therapy as a complementary intervention in patient care and its potential impact on patient outcomes.
Course summary
- 5.75 Attendance
- 7.75 Nursing Contact Hours
Houston Methodist is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Houston Methodist will award up to 7.75 nursing professional development contact hours for this activity.
Critical Care Essentials Agenda
September 10, 2026
Location: Unity Tower Conference Room
Time | Topic | Presenter(s) |
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Pacemaker Management | Courtney Villarreal |
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM | Break |
|
9:45 AM - 11:45 AM | Drips and Pharmacology | Grace Zamora |
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM | Lunch Break |
|
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM | DKA and Glycemic Control | Courtney Villarreal & Grace Zamora |
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM | Mechanical Ventilation | Tiara Washington |
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM | Break |
|
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM | Music Therapy | Alexandra Ferrer |
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM | Safety Checklist | Courtney Villarreal |
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM | Chest Tubes | Courtney Villarreal |
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) | Courtney Villarreal & Grace Zamora |
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM | Post-Course Evaluation |
|

Available Credit
- 5.75 Attendance
- 7.75 Nursing Contact Hours
Houston Methodist is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Houston Methodist will award up to 7.75 nursing professional development contact hours for this activity.

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