PICU Nurse Practitioner

[cherryames31]

We currently have an ACNP working in our PICU and she does an amazing job. She is the one constant between all the rotating residents/fellows and she really knows the patients...and although she has a similar role as the resident, she definitely has not lost that nursing perspective. Hey, I've even seen her help a nurse change a bed, you won't catch a doc ever doing that :).

Anyway, I was just wondering if there were any other PICU nurses who work with any NP's in their PICU's? What do you think of the role and would you consider pursuing it?

Pediatrics is my love and I'm considering the various NP roles...just not sure if clinic work is for me, or not.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

We have one, although I can't say I see her very much. She took the position a couple of years ago, worked diligently in the unit for awhile then took on the quality improvement mantle for the whole hospital and now all she does for our patients is wound care. She has been away from the bedside for so long that she has no concept of what our workload is, or hwo our work is organized, so she makes plans that just DON'T work for the nurse, like arranging for a wound-vac dressing change (that only SHE is capable of doing properly) at 0730 for which the nurse is expected to have everything ready, meds drawn up, patient prepared etc. We change shifts at 0700 and are often still getting report at 0730, but because it works for her to schedule it thus, that's what we do. Or shell arrange for some invasice debridement and dressing change for the supper hour so that the family doesn't have to be inconvenienced. It's nice that the family is considered, but... When she was doing this, there were many nurses who never got their supper because the dressing took longer than she expected. Oh well, my experience is not the usual in any sense with this unit so don't go by me. The unit where I worked before the APNP was a gem who always considered all the players and how things would impact everyone before she did anything. She also put in lines, intubated, extubated, ordered tests and meds and was an extra pair of hands. That would be ideal!

[caringforlife]

We have 3 mid-levels that work in our PICU. One is an NP and two are PA's. They cover 0700-1900, 7 days a week. The NP is wonderful. Just like you mentioned, she has the nursing background and grasps the scope of nursing practice. She too is willing to help as needed.

Best of luck to you!