tttaylor

Hello Everyone! I am a BSN student graduating in May (hooray!). For my final clinical I am in a SICU and have learned a ton! As part of my grade I am to do a evidenced based project for unit improvement- as the hospital just recently began doing open heart surgery I am working on an educational sheet for the nurses about sternal precautions. Some have completed specialized CV training while others are still working on it. I have gathered together all my studies and EBP about sternal precautions but my NM wants me to do a section about practical tips. The problem is... I don't know any practical tips! I have scoured the internet and have yet to find any stratigies for how to get a patient OOB without supporting under their arms when they have multiple chest tubes and specialized wires. I heard something in previous clinical about using a sheet around the patient? Can any seasoned CV nurses shed some light on this subject?

Great tips! I'm curious though- what if the patient has chest tubes and cannot turn on either side?