Mechanical Ventilation

Register Today!

  1. This is a discussion on Mechanical Ventilation in MICU / SICU Nursing, part of Critical Care Nursing ... I am brand new to the ICU world and I was hoping that someone could please explain the different...

    by Aug 21, '11
    I am brand new to the ICU world and I was hoping that someone could please explain the different modes of mechanical ventilation and what makes certain modes more favorable for certain conditions. My preceptor has briefly explained them to me but she is a relatively new ICU nurse (<1 year experience) as well and probably doesn't have as good of a grasp on the mechanics as would a more seasoned nurse. I really appreciate any help you many have to offer!
    Read Online


    Print and share with friends and family.
    Compliments of allnurses.com.
    http://allnurses.com/showthread.php?t=607851

    by ahm5012 Aug 21, '11 5:16 pm
    ©2013 allnurses.com INC. All Rights Reserved.
  2. 3,139 Views
    Click Tags to Find Similar Topics

  3. 10 Comments so far...

  4. Aug 21, '11 by
    You'd be better off to talk to one of your respiratory therapists. Most of them are eager to answer questions and are a wealth of knowledge. And they are usually able to explain it in a manner that is understandable. Mechanical ventilation can be quite complicated.
    Five&Two Will Do and MomRN0913 like this.
  5. Aug 21, '11 by
    Agreed. Pick the brain of the next RT that crosses your path. Never hurts to have a few friends in that arena as well.
  6. Aug 21, '11 by
    Ask RT or your pulmonary or critical care service folks. They'll be your best resources. Here is a link to some introductory information that you might find useful. CCM Tutorial

    I am more concerned with you having a preceptor that has been an ICU RN for less than one year. THAT is a problem.
    jaParker, scarcity21, surferbettycrocker, and 2 others like this.
  7. Aug 22, '11 by
    Quote from Biffbradford
    Agreed. Pick the brain of the next RT that crosses your path. Never hurts to have a few friends in that arena as well.
    They do save your

    They love to explain this stuff, this is their area of expertise. I also totally agree to have some friends in the RT. I was very close to the RT's and when I called, they answered, thank God. The other nurses would have me call them to get them to come.... They do save your butt sometimes.

    When I started int he ICU I didn't know much about it, but I picked their brains any chance I had ot educate myself. It'll come in due time.
  8. Aug 22, '11 by
    I agree, your best info will be from an RT. Does your facility have new nurses go through ACCN ECCO training. It was very helpful for me.

    Good luck to you!

    Rhonda
  9. Aug 23, '11 by
    Quote from meandragonbrett

    I am more concerned with you having a preceptor that has been an ICU RN for less than one year. THAT is a problem.
    I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that finds this concerning.
    nslade likes this.
  10. Aug 30, '11 by
    You should check out the podcast by Jeffrey Guy called ICU Rounds. I learned of it from a post on this website. He's got one podcast from 5/13/07 titled Mode of Mechanical Ventilation. Very informative, hope it helps you as much as it did me!
  11. Dec 13, '11 by
    Not to mention the 8 billion other ventilatory modes available today.
    sunnycalifRN, IheartICUnursing, and meandragonbrett like this.
  12. Dec 31, '11 by
    Ask your RTs as they will have the most information, and will be able to explain things to you in the most comprehensive way. In the meantime, you could try this website: Adult Ventilation Management Online Nursing Continuing Education Course

    I am still in nursing school, but I recently had to do a rotation with a respiratory therapist. We got to choose an area we were interested in, and then we were allowed to observe respiratory as they worked in that area. Since I want to be a critical care nurse, I chose the ICU. After my observation, I had to write a paper about ventilation, ventilator modes, respiratory meds, etc. I used the website above to write some of my paper. It has an explanation of the vent modes, and also includes other information. I hope that helps.