Published Jun 5, 2004
dawn1rhino
25 Posts
I am a student nurse studying respiratory in Med-Sur II. We will be doing clinicals starting next week and I will be on ICU. I am looking for some practical, always remember - but the book probably doesn't mention it-realistic adivce from a seasoned pro.
suzanne4, RN
26,410 Posts
Look at the patient, not just the numbers!
You can actually get an O2 sat of 88% when the probe is on the sheet, or even the side rail of the bed.
Keep your eyes and ears open.
Enjoy your rotation :balloons:
explorer
190 Posts
Look at the patient, not just the numbers!You can actually get an O2 sat of 88% when the probe is on the sheet, or even the side rail of the bed.Keep your eyes and ears open.Enjoy your rotation :balloons:
Good Advice.:chuckle
BamaGirlRN
106 Posts
When I was doing by preceptorship in the ICU, the main things was pt safety, suctioning (alot) & oral/nasal care for vent pts, and like previously said, assess the pt. not the monitors.
RN4NICU, LPN, LVN
1,711 Posts
LOL suzanne that is so true - gotta love it when the bed has better sats than the patient.
needdynurse
44 Posts
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I am not exactly sure what you are asking,but as an R.T I will try to help.......
DO NOTs--ignore monitor alarms, yet don't rely on the machine and ignore the patients appearance.2) interfear with a cardiac arrest,remember that the rest of the patients in I.C.U.,need attention also.3)ask a nurse about a certain proceedure if s/he is really busy with their patient.4) WORRY 5) Guess.
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DOs---Ask as many questions as is possible,from other health allied professionals,such as Physio/RT/E E G Techs--ec/ekg Techs/Pulmonary Techs
Wash hands often and after treating another patients.2) not be afraid of what you see,just ask O.K? 3) Watch as many proceedures as you can.
4)watch what the nurses do.4) read I C U Proceedure book.5) Ask nurses if
they need some help,just make sure that you know what your doing.Ask
Isolation nurse if they need help,because they usually do,they cannot get dirty,offer to receive linnen,dressings,wrappers,etc--this will win you big brownie points 6) Don't freak out at what you may or manot see,and above all,don't let it show on your face,or say things like oh my God. :uhoh21:
I hope that I have helped NRSDUG/R.T