sara52g

We have this problem with the smaller kids- the regular sedation doses we would give to them gets metabolized way too quickly when on the circuit. You can usually get them under control though just by giving much higher doses

The protocoll where I work is after a child has been on a sedation infusion (usually Morphine) for more than a week, when they are nearly ready to extubate we start weaning the drip by 10% a day until off. Usually works pretty well and we will extubate while they are still in the wean phase.

We run CVVH in our PICU all by the nursing staff, and it's bascially a learn on-the-job situation. Bits of teaching in orientation, but mostly learning during preceptorship and through experience. Since it isnt every day that we use it, it's basically those of us that seek out the opportunities to take those patients that become more proficient. It isnt too complicated, just takes time being exposed to it

just curious- can someone tell me a little more about what are some standard values that you start your oscillators at, or to put it another way, how high would you go on the pressures on your conventional vent before deciding to go to an oscillator. i know this varies with childs age and size, but i'm just looking for a range. MAP AMP Hz iTime Thanks

I have seen many cases of 'mild' tracheomalacia that can resolve as the child grows. For some it just means they may need some extra support when they get a cold/URI (ie oxygen,mist,etc) but be healthy the rest of the time. An ENT consult and a scope is probably a good idea, but tracheomalacia definetely can be mild enough not to cause any major respiratory or other health issues hope this helps

You can check out this website: http://www.medcalc.com/pedidose.html but you would have to know for each specific medication what would be the appropriate weight-based dose. For example, tylenol is 10-15 mg/kg/dose, plug in the weight in the website and you'll get your dose. To get your drug/dosage info i dont know of any websites, but the Harriet Lane Handbook is a great and widely used peds drug guide that will give you all of that.

Rule of 3 is helpful for a drip that will be staying at the same dose for quite a while. In reality, most mcg/kg/min drips need to be titrated up or down several times throughout the shift, so it really is worth it to know how to do the calculations to change the rate, rather than hanging a new drip with each change in dose

In my experience, to work on a peds floor you are usually just required to have basic CPR and then possibly take PALS within a few years of working. For the peds ER ro ICU, PALS is mandatory. Any of these courses can be taken by anyone in the general public, however most hospitals or organizations will offer special ones for health care professionals that are more focused on what you would practically need to know in your job, and maybe more physiology than the standard classes. Good Luck

HI, I've been working as a nurse for just over 2 years now, and I'm planning on grad school for next fall. I am really interested in nursing research and want to get some experience now. Any ideas on how I can get involved in a project?? I'm living in a different city than where I went to school, so contacting my old professors is not an option I'd appreciate any advice!