Teddy11

Thanks for your response. I feel so much better...felt awful about it, but I guess it happens. Explains why some change at the stopcock and not to the hub. Will have to see if clamps in the kit and perhaps not integrated onto the lines during or post insertion?

Thanks

No clamp noted with it or it's removed at insertion and not used? Not sure. Have not yet experienced Swan insertion experience. I know some change it at the stopcock, but most go to the hub and not leave the stopcock/tubing on longer than policy (96 hrs). Only see insertion policy and general maintenance, nothing specific related to actual clamping.

Hi I am new to critical care nursing and had a question about changing pressure tubing on PA lines. Once PA line, CVP injectate, etc are primed and ready to connect to patient, does the patient have to be flat to switch over tubing? I know for zeroing, CO, insertion/removal you do but to change over lines specifically does it matter? I was also taught you needed to clamp/pinch the CVP and PA catheter prior to the switchover - what have you found to be the best way with the stiff PA/CVP catheter, pinching or using clamp? I heard you should not use a hemostat to avoid damaging the line. Appreciate any insight.

Hi I am new to critical care nursing and had a question about changing pressure tubing on PA lines. Once PA line, CVP injectate, etc are primed and ready to connect to patient, does the patient have to be flat to switch over tubing? I know for zeroing, CO, insertion/removal you do but to change over lines specifically does it matter? I was also taught you needed to clamp/pinch the CVP and PA catheter prior to the switchover - what have you found to be the best way with the stiff PA/CVP catheter, pinching or using clamp? I heard you should not use a hemostat to avoid damaging the line. Appreciate any insight.

Yes, good orientation. Actually information overload. High expectations of the nurses which is probably where my concerns come from since I am not at that level. That's where the "what I think I should know vs what I do know" dilemma stems from. There's also pressure to go faster and I know I'm not ready for that when these stupid mistakes happen. At first it was newness but now it's because I'm trying to not get behind. I thought about maybe having started on a less acute unit first in hindsight as you're doing, but I'm here now so don't want to keep bouncing all over. Thanks for your support and ideas. I have been reading up on my own there's just so much information to know I guess I have to let time have its course. For the sake of the patients and coworkers you just want to have it now, right?

I have been out of hospital nursing for about 4 years and critical care for over 10. I decided to return to the bedside and am now in an ICU position. So many things have changed since I worked and all the newness of equipment, processes, and type of patients has me completely off my game. I always felt confident clinically but now find myself not understanding this new patient population the way I feel I should and making small stupid mistakes each time I work. Nothing harmful to the patient thank goodness, just dumb for an experienced nurse. It makes me frustrated and worried about making mistakes. Almost paralyzes me before getting to work but once I'm there I'm ok. Very hard on my confidence and reputation. Anyone else been or know others in this position and how long this transition back lasts? Thanks much!