SKT686

We have fairly open visitation, but have arrived there after a slow evolution. Look around at other hospitals websites and the Institute for family centered cares site. This is a huge issue in a lot of places. Sheila

I really do thin experience has a lot to do with what the icu nurse wants to know. For me I need to know why their here, any major test results, access and resuscitation they haave recieved....But while we are venting...My pet peeve is at my hospital the nurse who calls report or transport the patient si not necessarily the patient who has been caring for the patient in the ED and therefore can not answer any questions that we may have. I know they are just trying to help each other out, but I need to talk to the person who has been caring for the patient. Sheila

In NC arterial pucnture is a "certifiable " procedure. The individual hospital sets the polisy and training standards. ANalysis is a totally different situation and falls under CLIA regs for laboratory tests with standards for maintaince, calibration, etc. We have 24/7 Respiratory coverage and are certified to do art sticks to facilitate getting labs in emergent situations. Sheila RN/RRT

Shari, THe same thing happened to me last summer. I wish I had some real wisdom to make it easier, but it has been the hardest thing I have encountered in nursing this far. I still work in the same unit since there are very few places to do PICU. I am still toying with the idea of moving to an adult unit, or one that doesn't work weekends and holidays. Hang in there it does get easier slowly. Sheila:twocents:

Our microtainers only require 0.5ml of blood and we get cbc's, complete metabolics, NH4, only a few more specialized, or send out type labs require more. Have you looked and any of the "closed" systems for drawing from lines? Sheila:typing

I doubt that a CRNA program would take a BSRT because of the legality of giving all of the non inhalation meds. CRNA programs are very competative and require ICU experience. Believe me ICU is very different as a nurse. I am an RN/RRT. I challenges getting some of my credits to tranfer when I decided to goto nursing school. I did a trditional BSN program because with the prerequisites it would have taken me three years even for an ADN program. Good Luck, Sheila