when you have an intubated patient, regardless of level of sedation, ease of the intubation, vent settings, etc., what is your picu's policy on suctioning, do you do it yourself, or does one person bag while a second person stays sterile and suctions? we have travelers at our facilty frequently during busy times, and many of them have told me that in other facilities, you suction alone. not sure if it's a staffing issue, or what, but how do you stay sterile, for one thing? how is this scenario even remotely safe for the patient? okay, maybe your vent is set on minimal support settings, pt breathing on his own, the pt is calm, whatever, but what if they start to crump, or your ett plugs off? just seems like an accident waiting to happen, imo.
