greetings from Down under As some of you may know we dont have RTs in ICU in Australia so the nurses are responsible for most respiratory care including ETT management. At present I am reviewing the...
there appears to be little difference between OZ and NZ from above. What happens in OZ is how differ area health services (in NSW) interpret the nurses & midwifery act and then how this translates...
As always if you dont know what to do DONT. Unfortunately as a new grad you are in an unequal power relationship however you will need to stand your ground. Explain politely you are unsure of what to...
chani replied to nursingdude78's topic in MICU, SICU
Dear all on aussie forum we have also been discussing CVP. Below is a posting from a senior ICU specialist about the physiology of CVP. CVP Measurement This is the Achilles heel of the CVP. Like...
putting aside my misgivings for patient being treated. Patient needs appropriate investigation to identify reasons for low BP and urine output. That means ECG and cardiac echo to rule out intra-op...
chani replied to nursingdude78's topic in MICU, SICU
many oz docs refer to CVP as a random number generator and many posters have identified all the things (abdominal ascites, ventilation, PEEP) which interfere with a 'correct' reading. Additionally...
"clinical practice and evidence based practice, knowledge versus reality of practice." while you are working over the next couple of shifts see if you can identify something that seems contrary to...
I was asked the comment on something the other day which initially made me go YUCK and then I thought am I just being precious and not keeping up with the times. I was asked whether sterile gloves...
chani replied to nightshift82's topic in MICU, SICU
I have to say I am torn regarding the evidence regarding the efficacy of chlor hex bag baths. From a nursing perspective regarding time and efficiency I love the product however I am yet to find more...
In NSW & Victoria Australia we have had large numbers of both H1N1 and influenza A as well as non-specific flu-like patients admitted, who then crash & burn within 24 hrs. Both states are over...
I would have to agree with both sides of the debate here. I am concerned over the dilution of nursing degrees away from an applied science degree and do feel that there is a lack of certain...
Inotropes/pressors = A line. this is standard practice in Australia also. I would only use CVC/Picc for bloods as a last resort and that is ususally a long term patient who is stable & not on...
:banghead:this is me after 20 years. The basic problem is that they are brought up to think its womens work and need to be thanked profusely if they do anything. Now my hubby does alot compared to...
well done for focussing on the many items that needed to be done and not getting caught up in the emergency. Too often I see the outgoing shift running around finishing their work while the oncoming...
chani replied to vastudent09's topic in MICU, SICU
Early in my ICU career I learnt to plan so I knew when items such as meds and obs needed to be done, so that then I could slot in bigger items such as dressings and line changes. One of the biggest...
chani replied to leesespieces's topic in MICU, SICU
I must say I am dismayed by the tone of most of the emails in this discussion thread. I'm afraid that most of you are appear as though you have absolutely no idea or compassion for what the families...
chani replied to NeosynephRN's topic in MICU, SICU
As a general rule vital signs q1h for stable ICU patients and q2h for non-intubated patients. Vital signs are HR, BP, RR, O2 Sats and pain When titrating meds - 1/4 hrly when changing (any more...
chani replied to newyorkgrrrrrrrrrrrl's topic in MICU, SICU
the short answer is too much! At a hospital where I used to work we had 'hover matts' however not sure they are still used. They were great for lifting in that they created a cushion of air enabling...
This question troubles us in Australia. When we looked for evidence we couldn't find it. And considering how essential the practice is in intensive care this is appalling. I'm used to either 1"wide...
The NHS infection control e-learning package is being trialled in NSW (Australia). Love to here from NHS staff who have experienced this package. All the gory details
So this CAS test. When was it implemented in QLD and are you aware of the background behind it? What support does the hospital give to you to complete and how does it map to across different nursing...
From the land downunder OMIGOD I have just read through the horrendous nurse patient ratios they expect what I assume to be US nurses. Are you kidding me! the hospitals a committing way mega fraud...
At a meeting the other day someone bought up the use of disposable curtains as an infection control strategy. In NSW (Australia) these are currently not in use or available (to my knowledge). I'd like...