Take your practice to the next level without wasting time or money!
Join a Membership Community Focused on Raising the Bar on Critical Care Nursing Practice!
A Unique Community of Like-Minded nurses!
This Membership Community is for YOU if:
- You are new to critical care nursing
- You work in an Intensive Care or Progressive Care setting and would like to advance your knowledge and critical thinking skills
- You live in a state that requires Continuing Education for license renewal
- You are CCRN or PCCN Certified and are in need of Continuing Education Hours to renew your certification
- You are a Critical Care or Progressive Care Nurse who wants to prepare for national certification
- You would benefit by the collaboration and support offered by other nurses in the critical care community
Critical Care Nursing is my passion!
Hi! I'm Kay!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for visiting my membership community website! Here's my bio so you can get to know me better!
Kay Hoppe MSN, RN, CNS, CCRN, PCCN has been a Critical Care Nurse, CNS, and Educational Consultant for over 40 years. She has spoken extensively throughout the nation on critical care nursing topics and is well-known for her CCRN Review course. Nurses consistently comment on how Kay makes difficult concepts easy to understand. Her CCRN Review Podcast has over a half million downloads.
Kay received her BSN from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and her MSN from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a staff nurse and CNS, she worked in several critical care settings including: ICU, CCU, Burn Trauma, Neuro Trauma, and Cardiothoracic Surgery. Kay has been teaching in the university setting for the past four years.
When she is not teaching, Kay loves to spend time with her daughters, Jenna and Olivia, as well as her dogs Milo and Roxy. She also loves spending time outside in her flower gardens.
here's what you get with your membership!
Monthly Accredited Continuing Education
Monthly Accredited Continuing Education
Monthly Accredited Continuing Education
Designed for busy critical care nurses, these courses deliver relevant content monthly to keep your skills sharp and your care exceptional! All courses are recorded by Kay with handouts and downloadable references included. Scroll Down To See Currently Available Courses!
critical care case studies
Monthly Accredited Continuing Education
Monthly Accredited Continuing Education
Explore complex, real-world critical care cases each month through engaging recordings that deepen your clinical insight and confidence.
evidence-based protocols & guidelines
Monthly Accredited Continuing Education
evidence-based protocols & guidelines
Every month, Kay breaks down one key evidence-based guideline for a critical care issue you face daily -- fast, focused, and ready to use!
Article review of the month
evidence-based protocols & guidelines
No time to read? No problem! Get the key takeaways from one impactful critical care article each month.... recorded for easy, on-the-go learning.
downloadable resources
Access a growing library of high-impact, ready-to-use resources for critical care nurses . . . Available anytime, only for members of Kay's community.
ccrn/pccn review courses included with premium membership!
With Kay's Premium Membership, unlock full access to high-yield CCRN & PCCN Review programs ..... focused, flexible, and built to help you succeed!
current Courses Included in your membership!
Vasopressors in Critical Care
Antidysrhythmics in Critical Care
Vasopressors in Critical Care
(2.5 CE Hours)
Sharpen your critical care edge with this focused, practical course on vasopressors—lifesaving medications at the heart of ICU care.
I’ll break down the indications, titration strategies, and potential adverse effects of key agents including Norepinephrine (Levophed), Dopamine, Phenylephrine, Epinephrine, and Vasopressin.
Learn how to choose the right pressor, respond to patient changes, and avoid common pitfalls through real-world examples and bedside-focused insights.
Perfect for ICU nurses who want to deepen their understanding, improve patient outcomes, and feel more confident managing shock and hypotension under pressure.
Inotropes in Critical Care
Antidysrhythmics in Critical Care
Vasopressors in Critical Care
(2 CE Hours)
Step into the heart of hemodynamic management with this focused course on inotropes—powerful medications that can make or break outcomes in critically ill patients.
Tailored for critical care nurses, this course covers the indications, mechanisms of action, titration strategies, and potential risks of commonly used inotropes such as Dobutamine, Milrinone, and Dopamine. You’ll learn how to assess response, recognize complications early, and adjust therapies with confidence at the bedside.
Whether you're managing low cardiac output, sepsis, or heart failure, this course will sharpen your clinical judgment and give you the tools to make rapid, informed decisions when your patients need it most.
Antidysrhythmics in Critical Care
Antidysrhythmics in Critical Care
Antidysrhythmics in Critical Care
(2.5 CE Hours)
Take the guesswork out of rhythm management with this practical, case-based review of antidysrhythmic infusions commonly used in critical care.
This course gives you a clear understanding of when and why to use medications like Procainamide, Lidocaine, Esmolol, Amiodarone, Diltiazem, Adenosine, and Digitalis.
I’ll break down their mechanisms of action, recommended titration protocols, monitoring priorities, and key adverse effects—so you can act quickly and confidently in high-stakes cardiac situations.
Whether you're managing rapid A-fib, ventricular arrhythmias, or unstable rhythms at the bedside, this course will help you sharpen your skills and strengthen your impact in the ICU or ER.
Vasodilators in Critical Care
Hemodynamic Monitoring: System Setup and Troubleshooting
Antidysrhythmics in Critical Care
(2.5 CE Hours)
Master the art of managing critically ill patients with this focused, nurse-friendly guide to vasodilator therapy.
In this course, I’ll dive into the indications, titration strategies, monitoring essentials, and potential side effects of the most commonly used vasodilators in critical care—including Nicardipine, Nitroprusside, Labetalol, Hydralazine, Enalaprilat, Metoprolol, Clevidipine, and Nitroglycerin. You'll gain the confidence to recognize when and why to use these medications, understand their impact on hemodynamics, and respond quickly to changes in patient condition. Whether you're working in the ICU, ER, or step-down unit, this course will sharpen your skills and strengthen your clinical judgment at the bedside.
Hemodynamics: the basics
Hemodynamic Monitoring: System Setup and Troubleshooting
Hemodynamic Monitoring: System Setup and Troubleshooting
(3 CE Hours)
Take the mystery out of numbers and waveforms with this practical introduction to hemodynamic monitoring.
Designed specifically for nurses, this course refreshes essential cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, then builds confidence with key hemodynamic concepts used in real clinical settings.
You’ll learn how to define, interpret, and apply terms like preload, afterload, cardiac output, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), pulmonary artery pressures, wedge pressure, and more—so you can better understand your patients’ status and guide interventions with clarity.
We’ll also explore oxygen delivery and consumption (SvO₂ and ScvO₂) to deepen your grasp of tissue perfusion and critical care decision-making.
Perfect for bedside nurses looking to boost their knowledge and clinical impact.
Hemodynamic Monitoring: System Setup and Troubleshooting
Hemodynamic Monitoring: System Setup and Troubleshooting
Hemodynamic Monitoring: System Setup and Troubleshooting
(2 CE Hours)
Step confidently into the world of hemodynamic monitoring with this focused, high-impact course designed specifically for critical care nurses!
Learn how to expertly set up, level, and zero pressure lines for accurate, reliable readings. Gain a clear understanding of why transducer leveling matters, how square wave testing ensures system fidelity, and what happens when your readings are off due to damping issues.
Through practical instruction, you’ll discover how to troubleshoot common waveform challenges like artifact, catheter whip, and inaccurate pressures—and walk away with the skills to respond effectively and in real time.
Whether you're refining your skills or just getting comfortable with pressure lines, this course delivers essential, exam-relevant content every ICU nurse should know.
Pulmonary Artery Catheter Insertion & Waveform Analysis
Pulmonary Artery Catheter Insertion & Waveform Analysis
Pulmonary Artery Catheter Insertion & Waveform Analysis
(4 CE Hours)
Unlock the full potential of hemodynamic monitoring with this comprehensive, high-impact course on pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) insertion and waveform analysis. Designed for critical care nurses, this course demystifies the indications, features, and diagnostic power of the PAC.
You’ll learn to confidently identify catheter markings, select appropriate insertion sites, and interpret the dynamic waveforms of the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery during insertion and beyond.
Discover how to align pressure tracings with the ECG for precise timing and uncover the clinical significance of abnormal A and V waves in right atrial and wedge pressures. Through case-based learning and waveform correlation, you’ll connect pressure patterns to underlying pathophysiology—equipping you to make smarter, faster, and safer clinical decisions at the bedside.
Oxygen Transport & Acid/Base Balance
Pulmonary Artery Catheter Insertion & Waveform Analysis
Pulmonary Artery Catheter Insertion & Waveform Analysis
(3 CE Hours)
Unlock the power of precision in patient care with Oxygen Transport and ABG Analysis, a high-impact course designed exclusively for critical care nurses. Master the art and science of arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation—not just reading the numbers, but understanding what they mean in real time, at the bedside, when seconds matter. Elevate your practice and become the go-to expert in your unit for oxygenation and acid-base balance.
Capnography: The Basics & Beyond
Pulmonary Artery Catheter Insertion & Waveform Analysis
(2.5 CE Hours)
In the fast-paced world of critical care, early detection and rapid response can mean the difference between life and death. Capnography: The Basics and Beyond is a dynamic and practical course designed specifically for critical care nurses who want to elevate their clinical expertise.
Whether you're monitoring intubated patients, managing procedural sedation, or responding to a code, this course will help you recognize the subtle signs of deterioration before they become critical.
Key takeaways include:
- Understanding the phases of the capnogram
- Identifying waveform abnormalities and what they mean
- Applying capnography in a variety of critical care scenarios
- Enhancing patient safety through early intervention
Join me and go beyond the numbers—discover how capnography can transform you
CCRN REVIEW
CCRN REVIEW
(30 CE Hours)
**Included with Premium Membership Only**
Ready to take your critical care knowledge to the next level—and earn your CCRN® with confidence?
This high-impact CCRN Review Course is designed specifically for busy critical care nurses who want a focused, engaging, and practical approach to exam prep.
I break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand segments across all major test areas, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuro, endocrine, renal, GI, hematology, multisystem, and professional practice. You'll walk away with key test strategies, must-know content, and real-world clinical insights that not only help you pass the CCRN—but also make you a stronger, more confident bedside nurse.
Whether you're just starting your study journey or need a final tune-up before the exam, this course gives you the edge you need.
PCCN REVIEW
CCRN REVIEW
PCCN REVIEW
(30 CE Hours)
**Included with Premium Membership Only**
Take the next step in your nursing journey with this focused, engaging PCCN® Review Course, built specifically for progressive care nurses.
Whether you work on a step-down unit, telemetry, or intermediate care, this course will help you master the knowledge and critical thinking needed to pass the PCCN exam—and elevate your practice at the bedside.
I’ll cover all major content areas, including cardiac, pulmonary, endocrine, neuro, GI, renal, hematology, multisystem, and professional caring practices—with real-world examples and test-smart strategies along the way.
You’ll gain not only the content you need but also the confidence to apply it. Ideal for nurses ready to validate their expertise and make a greater impact in patient care.
Here's What Nurses ARe Saying About Kay...
A Passionate Nurse with Over 40 Years of Experience!
"Kay presented great content, applicable to my everyday practice as well as the CCRN Exam. She broke down difficult concepts into the easy to understand pieces. Lecture methods were interesting and certainly drew my attention."
"I ACED the CCRN using her review course! I love that I will have lifelong access to the content. I precept new-grads and appreciate having a resource that allows me to brush up on these topics. Thank you!!!"
"Overall EXCELLENT course! The brief reviews of anatomy before certain sections really helped me pull back some of that knowledge from wayyyyy back in nursing school so I could better apply content later on in the course!"
Basic Monthly Payment Option $25/month
- A very budget friendly way to build your knowledge and confidence!
- Get accredited continuing education hours!
- Renews monthly
- Cancel at any time
Premium Annual Membership Payment Option $249/year
- With this option you get TWO FREE MONTHS OF MEMBERSHIP EVERY YEAR + MY CCRN & PCCN COURSES ARE INCLUDED!
- Renews annually
- Cancel your yearly membership at any time
ACCREDITATION
A Certificate of Completion Will Be Issued Upon Course Completion
Kay Hoppe Presents is a Provider of Continuing Education Approved by the California Board of Nursing Provider #17698
free 12-lead ecg webinar on september 17th at noon (CDT)
Come join me for the third session of my 12-Lead Series! In this session, we'll learn how to determine axis, and how it can help us to identify hemiblocks, chamber hypertrophy, and wide QRS complex tachycaridas. One CE will be awarded for attendance. I hope to see you there!