Hyperbaric Medicine Practice: Hyperbaric Nursing

Course overview

KEY CONCEPTS The specialty of hyperbaric nursing has evolved since the 1950s along with the practice of hyperbaric medicine. Nurses, qualified by education, experience, and professional licensure, provide care for patients in the altered environment of the hyperbaric chamber. The art and science of nursing are uniquely combined in this setting as nurses not only deal with the technology of the hyperbaric chamber, the physiological monitoring and life-support equipment, but also with the art of psychologically adapting the patient and providing emotional support and patient and family education. The administrative aspects of setting up a hyperbaric medicine department and training and developing staff also fall into the realm of nursing.  This course discusses the above listed aspects as well as the practical aspects of hyperbaric nursing.