Expectations of vent knowledge for applicants?

[detroitdano]

Just curious how much SRNA's are expected to know about ventilators and modes, understanding the hard numbers, etc.

I always bug the RT's every chance I get to explain things that I don't quite understand. I'm stellar with ABG interpretation, knowing what needs to be changed based on ABG's, etc. but I'm not so hot on understanding pressures and things like that which are not covered in either ICU orientation or nursing school. I try my best to learn every bit I can, but I'm wondering if diving further into it is worth it if we're not really expected to understand vents backwards and forwards until you're in an actual program.

Any current students, current CRNA's, or folks that have interviewed care to chime in? What is expected about vent knowledge at the interview for an RN, or what types of things were you asked about?

[detroitdano]

Anybody?

[gluck]

It sounds to me like you have enough basic knowledge to get through the interview well. Do you understand the vent material covered on the CCRN?

If they ask a question that you don't know the answer to, don't try to bluff, instead, tell them what you would do: consult with the RT and/or look it up.

Once you are in a program, they are going to teach you the vent from scratch.