Published Jul 14, 2008
munkypants
19 Posts
hi all,
any help on this would be appreciated!im moving from a level 2 to a 3 unit, so have no experience of nitric or oscillation. any tips on basics, resources, what to watch out for would be fantastic! have 6 weeks before i start, so have some time to read up!
thanks
lisa:redbeathe
ilstu99
320 Posts
I :redbeathe this website:
http://www.adhb.govt.nz/newborn/TeachingResources/ventilation/VentilationBasics.htm
I would make nice with the RT staff. I've seen some nurses treat them like they're health care techs, and shut down a GREAT resource.
AND...become very familiar with your unit's protocols as soon as possible. It will allow you to ask questions early....not when you are faced with an emergency.
thank u! one thing-im uk, what is an RT?!
SteveNNP, MSN, NP
1 Article; 2,512 Posts
Respiratory Therapist.
preemieRNkate, RN
385 Posts
I agree, get to be buddies with the RTs! I have learned SO much from the RTs I work with. I'm always asking them about the vents, and when I precept I always ask them to explain the vents to the new nurses.
2curlygirls
220 Posts
I learn best as I go. I would ask to take stable oscillators, iNO babies. Or take an assignment in the room with an HOFV, iNO baby and ask questions, watch what they are doing if possible.
They seem pretty intimidating when your new. It's just like anything else and you learn the skills.
Good luck!
Oscillator/iNO, now that's my kind of patient! (missing the acuity of my old unit!)
dawngloves, BSN, RN
2,399 Posts
I learn best as I go. I would ask to take stable oscillators, iNO babies. Or take an assignment in the room with an HOFV, iNO baby and ask questions, watch what they are doing if possible.They seem pretty intimidating when your new. It's just like anything else and you learn the skills.Good luck!Oscillator/iNO, now that's my kind of patient! (missing the acuity of my old unit!)
Is there such a thing as a stable oscillator/iNO baby? :uhoh21:
IME, yes. They do exist. NOt stable in the traditional sense, but stable enough that a nurse, looking to learn, can without fear of the baby crashing. Absolutely.
You aren't going to feel totally comfortable at first, but it's like learning anything else.
elizabells, BSN, RN
2,094 Posts
Oh yes, and they're my favorite patients. Stably critical. Give me that over 3 bradying CPAP preemies any day.
kharing
113 Posts
I was thinking the same thing. If a patient is on an oscillator, they are far from stable. Might be easier to learn from an RT in the equipment room to get the basics down first.
Where I work, if you are on a oscillator and on nitric, you are pretty freakin' sick.
A term kid is a heartbeat away from ECMO and a preemie....it's fly or die. :uhoh21:
Sweeper933
409 Posts
ditto