Level 1 trauma

[bheh14]

Hi guys! Wondering if you guys can help me. I am a new LPN and in process of getting RN. I need to make a presentation for a level 1 trauma case. What are the roles of RN in trauma cases?

[EmergencyNrse]

Nice try.

There are other resources to use for your homework.

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

In a "real" trauma, we usually have 3 RN's and at least 1 but usually 2 techs initially as well as the ER doc and or trauma surgeon. One RN serves as recorder because things move so fast you don't have time to record and do patient care. One is the primary RN who stays with the patient for the duration and the 3rd is a helper until things settle down or the patient goes to ICU or OR.

Techs usually do blood draws, help setting up trays, get ready for transport, be a general gofer and are invaluable!

Primary RN is responsible for knowing everything that is going on with that patient and helps coordinate with the trauma surgeon to get a final dispo on the patient.

Nurses put in IV's, give meds, sets up and helps with insertion of central lines, chest tubes, hangs blood, accompanies patient to CT or other special xray procedures, and transport and report off when patient leaves the ER.

We have a wonderful chaplaincy service that is there 24/7 so we don't really do a lot of dealing with families, but you may do that is some facilities.

The primary RN makes sure all orders are implemented, the patient is stabilized and comfortable if possible. The nurse will help with airway management if there is no RT immediately present as well.

The RN's basically take the patient from start to finish and make sure everything is done that can be done in the ER. The nurse must have a full understanding of ACLS and trauma protocols as well as must be well versed in the use of all equipment, i.e., traction, chest tubes, auto infuser, ventilators, Bair hugger or cooling devices.

Some level 1 facilities use the trauma room as the OR. Ours does not, so we do not serve as OR nurses, although we have been known to crack a chest or two in the ED. Our job is to get everything started, and someone else (ICU or OR) takes it from there.

Don't know if that is what you were looking for, but that is what we do.:)

[silentRN]

Depends if you're in the ER or ICU. They can be a little different.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Depends on the state, locale and facility.

[BostonTerrierLover, BSN, RN]

Easy:jester:,

Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Dys-/Ar-rhythmias.

You keep those in working order, and you got a happy Level Oner!

:redbeatheBoston