An introduction to critical care that helps nurses deliver safe, effective care that optimizes patients' outcomes Understanding the Essentials of Critical Care Nursing provides novice critical care nurses with a firm foundation so that they are able to understand the complexities of care deliver safe, effective care and begin their transition to expert nurses. It identifies concepts and techniques that are unique to critical care nursing and focuses on the essentials of providing care to patients with disorders that are commonly seen in critical care settings. Evidence-based practices, safety initiatives, commonly used medications, and leading technologies for providing better care are highlighted throughout the book. By concentrating on the problems that the new critical care nurse is most likely to encounter, the text establishes the groundwork students need to become increasingly effective nurses capable of offering advanced care.