Sickle Cell Disease: Advanced Nursing Care Across the Lifespan

Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents complex and lifelong challenges for patients and healthcare providers alike. This six-credit-hour course is designed for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses who provide care to individuals with SCD in acute, chronic, outpatient, and community settings. Nurses will explore the pathophysiology of SCD, recognize diverse clinical manifestations, and apply the latest evidence-based strategies for managing pain crises, organ-specific complications, and comorbid conditions. Topics also include pediatric and adolescent transitions, reproductive and pregnancy care, disease-modifying therapies, transfusion practices, and curative options. The course integrates insights from lived experience, national guidelines, and UpToDate content, enabling nurses to advocate for equitable care, manage complex patient needs, and improve quality of life for individuals living with SCD.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Explain the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease and its implications for multisystem involvement across the lifespan.
2. Assess and manage acute complications of SCD, including vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, and stroke.
3. Integrate evidence-based therapies to prevent complications, including hydroxyurea, transfusions, and curative options like stem cell transplant.
4. Address psychosocial, reproductive, and health equity issues impacting patients with SCD, including transitions in care and stigma in healthcare settings.
5. Develop individualized nursing care plans that incorporate preventive care, chronic disease management, and patient education strategies.