Published
Congratulations- I still remember my first one even 18 years ago- because once the tube went in my brain went dead- I had absolutely no idea what I was supposed to do then until the instructor reminded me that I had paralyzed the patient so I really did need to bag the patient NOW. Savor the sweet moments and remember the joy when you hit the rough patches!
Good job. One piece of advice- if you use a stylet HOLD ONTO THE TUBE when you remove said stylet! When I was doing my paramedic training/ OR/intubation rotation there was a case in which I got the intubation just fine but the anethesiologist, perhaps to teach me a lesson, extubated the patient at the same time he attempted to remove the stylet. Needless to say I never forgot that lesson.
I remember my first time...was perfect!
If you think your first time tubing a patient was fraught with anxiety, wait until you intubate your first patient by yourself! That is a wonderful experience!
One of my greatest instructors (and former AANA president) told my class the story of his first intubation. He was so happy to get the tube in the right place, that he couldn't think of what to do next except cheer. His preceptor said "Well, good job, but what the hell are you going to do to ventilate him, put your lips on the ETT and blow??!!" :)
Congratulations on a successful start to your clinical practice!
Phishininau
110 Posts
nailed it. Drinks are on me. OETT #2 went just as well. Good day for me!