[bbuff]

Hey!
I've been in my CVICU for about 9 months now. (RN for 3 years)

Staffing is changing-a few of our seasoned staff are going to days. That leaves us lower on the totem pole ready to step up and take on more. I'm excited, but nervous at the same time.


Anyway, I wanted to know of a good resource (book or online) that would help me prepare for this class. I want to go in already having a feeling that I know enough to take this on.
Any suggestions?

TIA!

[BBFRN]

http://www.icufaqs.org/

bbuff- go to the link above and scroll down to IABP Review. Lots of good info on this site overall for critical care nurses. Enjoy your class- balloon pumps aren't nearly as scary as you would think.

[nurseabc123]

http://www.datascope.com/ca/elearning_programs.html

[ghillbert]

Do you know what type of balloon console?

Plenty of info at the manufacturer sites:
http://www.arrowintl.com/documents/p...2w-qrg0905.pdf

[ghillbert]

Important things to learn:
- the 1:2 waveform (showing assisted and unassisted pressures)
- Effects of inflation and deflation
- Consequences of poor timing
- When to intervene ie. loss of pulses