Newswise — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has released a new version of its popular online orientation course for critical care nurses.

The updated course, Essentials of Critical Care Orientation 3.0 (ECCO), provides the latest evidence-based nursing knowledge and best practices for nurses working with acutely or critically ill patients with complex and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Since its original launch in 2002, ECCO has been used at more than 1,100 hospitals and healthcare facilities in the United States and Canada as an integral part of their critical care orientation or to supplement classroom-based education. Over 92,000 nurses have successfully completed the program.

“ECCO materials are guaranteed to be evidence-based, which is convenience at my fingertips,” says Amy Nugent, director of education and professional development at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, New York. “And it is not cost-effective for me to put together a home-grown course for one to two nurses who are orienting to ICU.”

Organizations can find out more about the course at www.aacn.org/eccoorientation.

ECCO was developed by well-known experts currently practicing in critical care and vetted by AACN, the leader in acute and critical care nursing.

The updated course now offers two learner pathways: intensive care unit (18 lesson modules, 58 CE) and progressive care unit (17 lesson modules, 53 CE).

The addition of a progressive care track is designed to help onboard the growing number of nurses who care for high acuity patients who are not in the ICU but require highly skilled nursing care. These nurses may work in stepdown, intermediate, telemetry, transitional, high acuity, direct observation or medical-surgical progressive care units. Progressive care nurses also may practice in long-term acute care hospitals where patients — especially those who are ventilator-dependent — may receive care.

A highly interactive online education program, ECCO includes:• Interactive patient scenarios• Contextual lessons and activities in patient care• Abundant practice and critical thinking opportunities• Extensive medical illustrations, infographics, and simulated diagnostic tools and medical equipment

Body-system-specific content is complemented by global content on professional nursing practice that is universally relevant to all patient types. The program also comes with easy access to resources and support for hospital educators and nurse preceptors implementing the program.

ECCO is part of AACN’s extensive library of e-learning courses, delivering standard-setting education and expertise that nurses and healthcare organizations can trust. About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, California, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN represents the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and includes 225 chapters worldwide. The organization’s vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

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