Need Help With Balloon Pump!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I have a patient that will be on na balloon pump and I really dont know that much about them. I aam a new nurse in an ICU and want to know alittle about what to expect. Does anyone know of a website that I can go to for information?

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

icufaqs---one of the best for critical care general knoweldge

iabp review9/06

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Specializes in CIC, CVICU, MSICU, NeuroICU.

Hmmmm I would not accept such assignment if I'm not comfortable with the equipment. IABP needs special training. I work in cardiovascular ICU and only RN who is balloon trained can take balloon pump patient. I went through a class, took the exam given after class and buddied up with experienced nurse several times before I can take balloon pt on my own.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
Hmmmm I would not accept such assignment if I'm not comfortable with the equipment. IABP needs special training. I work in cardiovascular ICU and only RN who is balloon trained can take balloon pump patient. I went through a class, took the exam given after class and buddied up with experienced nurse several times before I can take balloon pt on my own.

I completely agree with this. Most NPA state that you are responsible not just for care, but appropriate knowledge about the equipment you are using and you have an ethical responsibility to refuse assignments you are not properly trained to handle.

~faith,

Timothy.

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Ditto to the other replies: Taking a patient - stable or not - who is on a IABP requires specialized training as with any piece of equipment. Much more so do to the complexity and function of the pump. Ask for a class - ask for hands on training and for precepting; pump patients require first class care - go for it!

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Specializes in CVICU, MICU, CCRN-CSC.

Yep. We have to take a class, a test, etc...I would not take a IABP if you have not been trained.

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Specializes in Adult SICU; open heart recovery.

I agree with the others. I find it a little disconcerting that your unit would give a balloon patient to a new ICU LPN without balloon certification. In my CV recovery unit and in our other SICUs, if a pt. is going to get a balloon and the RN isn't balloon certified, assignments will be switched so that a balloon-certified nurse can pick up the patient.

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Specializes in CCU/CVU/ICU.
I have a patient that will be on na balloon pump and I really dont know that much about them. I aam a new nurse in an ICU and want to know alittle about what to expect. Does anyone know of a website that I can go to for information?

Holy crap. If that were my relative..and the nurse who is taking him/her in a critically-sick state...the night before got tips on IABP's from the internet???

I would go ballistic. Either refuse this patient...or keep an experienced nurse on your hip (and keep this a secret).

Is your unit that short-staffed and desperate??

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Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

Oh big +1 on what the other posters have written. You need a class at the very least. I had a IABP Pt. when I was orienting at the CTICU, never had any experience with it before. My preciepter (thank you Kevin) had years of expierience on the contraption. You worked hard for your licence, don't put it in jepordy by taking this Pt. w/o experienced precepter. Two things, 1) The fact that you posted here could be used against you if things go pear shaped. 2) Most importantly your instincts were right on in asking for help and knowing when you were potenially over your head in this. You are a great and smart nurse, don't let management ham string you.

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, and Cathlab.

i completly agree with all the coments stated above. The IABP can be a pretty frightining peice of equipment, specially if one has not had a prior experience. I remember that during my initial months in the cathlab i would panic each time when the orders were given to prepare the patient for an IABP insertion during a procedure. It was only through time and experience that one can grow accustomed to the device. another thing, it takes quite a bit of convincing power to get the pt on a IABP to lie straight, esp the elderly. There are some things that no text books can teach you, but rather observing and picking up pointers from senior members of the team. Adressing your concern related to lierature realted to IABP, i would recommend doing a google serach with the words IABP and the manufactueres name (in my case Arrow , which is the type of device we use) in the key words section. that should help you to find online information that at least i found immensely helpful.

Good Luck

Amyn Merchant

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Specializes in CVICU, PACU, OR.

I am a new nurse in a cardiovascular thoracic recovery unit and I know that will not take classes or care for patients that have IAPBs, VADs, etc. for at least one year. Maybe you should clarify what is expected of you from managment?

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I went to an excellent class on IABP put on by a Datascope rep. They have a great website at

datascope.com

Click on cardiac assist at the top, then on the page that appears click on Educational Resources on the L column. then E learning resources and finally on COUNTERPULSATION OVERVIEW. It is very good.

Terri

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