Full course description
$25
Self-Paced
2 CE Hours
Course Overview
In the high-stakes environment of critical care, inappropriate sedation or delayed recognition of delirium can mean life-altering outcomes. This course helps you align your practice with current Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) guidelines—improving safety, comfort and recovery for the most vulnerable patients.
Through real-world case studies and expert instruction from Creighton University faculty, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to make timely, evidence-based decisions in high-acuity settings.
Who Should Enroll
This non-credit course is ideal for registered pharmacists, PharmD graduates preparing for the workforce or residency, post-graduate residency candidates, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians working in critical care setting or healthcare professionals seeking CE or skill refinement.
Course Instructor
Daniel E. Hilleman, PharmD
Director, Continuing Education
Professor, Creighton University
Nationally recognized expert in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and Director of Continuing Education at Creighton University.
Mark A. Malesker, PharmD, FCCP, FCCP, FCCM, FASHP, BCPS
Professor, Creighton University
Veteran critical care educator and published researcher with deep expertise in ICU pharmacology and cardiopulmonary disorders.
Stacey Dull, PharmD, BCPS
Associate Professor, Creighton University
Experienced clinical pharmacy educator specializing in acute care and interprofessional practice.
What You’ll Learn
By completing this course, you will be able to:
- Evaluate ICU sedation medications, including benzodiazepines, propofol, dexmedetomidine and ketamine, for appropriate use in critical care
- Apply validated sedation monitoring tools such as the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) and Bispectral Index (BIS) to guide titration and weaning strategies
- Identify ICU delirium subtypes and risk factors to support early recognition and intervention
- Compare pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic delirium strategies, including dexmedetomidine and antipsychotics
- Initiate, monitor and taper neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBs) such as cisatracurium and rocuronium in critically ill patients
- Use Train-of-Four (TOF) and peripheral nerve stimulators to prevent complications and guide safe, effective NMB management
FAQ
What are the benefits of completing this course?
You’ll gain evidence-based critical care skills to reduce common ICU complications such as prolonged mechanical ventilation and ICU delirium. Strengthen your clinical decision-making with confidence in dosing, titration, and monitoring of sedatives, opioids, and neuromuscular blockers. You’ll also access practical tools to personalize ICU protocols, elevate care standards and drive improved patient outcomes in high-acuity environments.
This module is part of the Advanced Critical Care Therapeutics Certificate. It can be taken individually or stacked with other modules to earn the certificate.
How long does it take to complete?
Modules are self-paced and designed for flexible learning. Most take 1-2 hours to complete.
How is the course structured?
Each course includes video lectures, case-based learning, interactive assessments, and downloadable tools—designed for online, asynchronous learning.
Can I earn Continuing Education Credits?
Yes, You need to complete the entire program to receive credit. To receive credit, you will need to receive 75% on the quiz and case study at the end of the module. Upon successful completion of the module, and completion of the evaluation, a certificate will be available for you to print. You will have three attempts to complete each quiz.
Category 1 Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
AAPA accepts AMA category 1 credit for the PRA from organizations accredited by ACCME.
Nursing CE Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education designates this activity for 2.0 contact hours for nurses. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacy Credit Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education (HSCE) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This enduring material, Sedation, Neuromuscular Blockade and Pain Management is accredited for 2.0 hour(s) for completion of all CE sessions. Term of approval is from this date on September 15, 2025 until September 15, 2028. Sedation, Neuromuscular Blockade and Pain Management is a knowledge-based CE activity.
Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education (HSCE) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
We do not offer tuition assistance for lifelong learning courses or certificates. However, Creighton alumni, faculty, staff and eligible partner employees, along with their spouses and dependents, may qualify for a 15% discount. One discount per offering. Other restrictions may apply. Learn more.