What is general skills lab etiquette?

[Axmann, RN, BSN, NREMT-B]

So, my school has a pretty nice simulation lab. Students are allowed to schedule time in there or just practice when there isn't a class using the lab.

My concern is: I'm afraid to utilize the skills lab. I'm afraid I'm going to use something to practice that I'm not supposed to or be accused of "wasting" things or "fooling around".

For example: even though I'm FAR away from learning this skill, I'd like to practice ET intubation. Our skills lab has laryngoscopes and intubation dummies. However, since I'm not in a class that's even DISCUSSED intubation, I'm all paranoid that someone would say something about me like accusing me (again), of "playing around". Furthermore, I'd like to just take a look at all the equipment in the lab and learn how everything works so I'm not dumbfounded the first time It's introduced.

Essentially, this entire LINE of thinking prevents me from wanting to do ANYTHING in the skills lab, even anything related to class.

Does anyone else feel like this in regards to their skills lab?

[Axmann, RN, BSN, NREMT-B]

You will be accused of 'playing around' if you're playing with things that have nothing to do with the current program you are attending. The lab director at my school would probably ban you from the lab all together.

I don't believe it's even taught in nursing school unless you're doing a post-grad cert or are continuing to advanced practice.

Please re-read my entire post. I don't think you've done that.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

General skills lab etiquette is you only work on skills that have been introduce. You do not request to practice advanced skills. You follow all the rules of the skills lab including procedures to schedule practice time and getting referrals from your instructor as well.

Mastering the basic fundamental skills, assessment and documentation is the best way to show initiative and advance the profession.

What's the point in trying to learn differential equations and advanced calculus if you haven't mastered basic calculations & algebra?

That said, in the US intubation/advanced airway management is not a basic nursing skill. I've never seen an entry to practice program or nursing fundamentals book include advanced airway management. Very few basic RNs intubate, if any. RNs generally prepare the patient , sedation medications & monitoring equipment as well as ensure the proper supplies for intubation are bedside. The nurse may subsequently assist the MD/DO/PA-C/APN/CRNA/RRT/EMP-P/flight nurse (etc) with the procedure and perhaps oxygenate via BVM & suction. Of course document & monitor the patient as appropriate.

[Everline]

If there is anything I've learned so far in nursing school it is to not jump ahead of myself. I concentrate on what they are giving me at any particular time and I try to be as good at it as I can be because soon enough, we move on. As for lab, we don't have access to all of the supplies. When we were working on inserting foley catheters we were given those supplies to work with in lab. When we were inserting feeding tubes or giving injections, we were given those supplies and etc. We are not allowed to just do whatever, especially jump ahead and start working on tasks untaught. It would be just like our lab instructors to catch us attempting to do stuff we haven't been taught and then to have us prove we know our current stuff in some awful simulation scenario. Lol. Yeah, stick to what you are supposed to be learning now.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

Please re-read my entire post. I don't think you've done that.

I read your post. It's pretty ambiguous if you're in a program where ET intubation is even in the scope of practice. The skills lab director in my lab runs the lab like a tight ship. If you're not studying the skill she'd be on you like white on rice to leave the equipment alone. On the flip side, it doesn't hurt to ask the director if she could show you how to do it, and to let you practice too.

As undergrad nurses, we would never be allowed to touch equipment meant for the nurse practitioner or doctorate students. Chances are, your lab will have similar rules.

[Stephalump]

General skills lab etiquette is you only work on skills that have been introduce. You do not request to practice advanced skills. You follow all the rules of the skills lab including procedures to schedule practice time and getting referrals from your instructor as well. Mastering the basic fundamental skills assessment and documentation is the best way to show initiative and advance the profession. What's the point in trying to learn differential equations and advanced calculus if you haven't mastered basic calculations & algebra? That said, in the US intubation/advanced airway management is not a basic nursing skill. I've never seen an entry to practice program or nursing fundamentals book include advanced airway management. Very few basic RNs intubate, if any. RNs generally prepare the patient , sedation medications & monitoring equipment as well as ensure the proper supplies for intubation are bedside. The nurse may subsequently assist the MD/DO/PA-C/APN/CRNA/RRT/EMP-P/flight nurse (etc) with the procedure and perhaps oxygenate via BVM & suction. Of course document & monitor the patient as appropriate.[/quote']

We cover intubation during our code management lab. It's not so much that we're learning to do it, as becoming familiar with the equipment and process so we aren't completely lost if we're in a situation where it's being done.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

We cover intubation during our code management lab. It's not so much that we're learning to do it as becoming familiar with the equipment and process so we aren't completely lost if we're in a situation where it's being done.[/quote']

Being familiar with equipment and process is not the same as being taught advanced airway management skills. The OP was asking about practicing intubation. When I was an EMT and took the basic as well as continuing ed classes we were introduced to intubation so that we could assist the advanced life support team/paramedics in the field including assisting (but not actually performing the skill) with intubation, ventilating a patient with an advanced airway.

[gigi_rn]

Bizarre scenario. Sounds like the lab may be used by other disciplines (Respiratory Therapy, for instance). ET intubation is not taught in a pre-licensure nursing program. Attempting skills you have not had in class will only allow you to develop bad habits. If you don't know what you are doing (which would be the case), you could damage the equipment, which would hinder everyone's learning.