Critical
care nurses work with patients that are considered in a very vulnerable state. Patient ratio is lower for critical care
nurses, as the patients require more one on one care.
Critical
care nursing, often referred to as intensive care, or ICU nursing is a
specialty field of nursing. This
position requires extreme focus and attention to detail, in addition to a great
amount of experience to play an active role in monitoring patients. These nurses care for patients with life
threatening conditions, which often makes this particular field of nursing very
high in demand. Unlike other areas of
nursing, where patient care involves vitals, assisting with mobility, bathing,
etc. critical care nurses focus on complete patient medical care, essentially
keeping the patient alive. Patients can
worsen very quickly in ICU, and the nurse that cares for them is there to stay
one step ahead in recognizing problems. As a general rule, critical care nurses are only responsible for one and
occasionally two patients for the entire shift. The pace of critical care is hectic, and unlike other areas, remains the
same 24 hours per day.
Training
for Critical Care Nurses
There are
two main certifications for critical care nurses. One is CCRN, which is certified critical care
registered nurse. In order to earn this
certification, a nurse is required to pass a very intense exam, followed by a
review exam every two years. In
addition, continuing education is required; the amount can vary by state. Classes must be accredited and approved to
count towards the continuation of education.
The second
certification is the CNRN, which is the certified neuroscience registered
nurse. This certification applies to
nurses working with patients suffering from neurological disorders, or brain
injuries. This specialty field of
nursing is often very prevalent in rehabilitation centers or hospitals that
specialize in traumatic brain injuries.
Tips for
Working in ICU
When family
or friends visit patients in the intensive care unit, it can be beneficial to
offer some tips to them. Many have never
been exposed to a critically ill patient, and they may be at a loss on what to
say or do. It may be very helpful to
offer some advice to ICU visitors.
- Speak
calm and clear, and make sentences short with a positive note. Sometimes visitors will raise their voices,
almost yelling because their loved one is on a ventilator. Remind the visitor, the patient can hear normally,
the ventilator has no effect on hearing.
- If
the patient is on a ventilator, it's fine for loved ones to explain to them
what is going on and what to expect next.
- A reminder not to ask the patient
questions they cannot answer is important.
It can be frustrating for the patient not to be able to answer; however,
in many cases a nod yes or no is all they can provide.
- Ask
family members to bring a dry erase board for communication that can eliminate
frustration.
- Remind
the family that their visit should be timed according to patient needs. If a patient is trying to sleep, and there
are 4 family members in the room talking, there is little chance they can
rest.
Intensive
care is a very important part of a medical facility. Patients are as close to sickness or have
severe injuries, and are as close to death as they can be while still among the
living. Many ICU unites limit the number
of visitors and May only allow 1 visitor at a time, and sometimes for a specified
amount of time. Some family members may
not appreciate the rules, however, reminding them the rules are in place to
serve the patient's needs, usually serves the purpose. It can be a very stressful time for families,
the uncertainly of their loved one's condition can raise tensions, and shorten
tempers. It is crucial, however, that an
ICU area remain calm and quiet.
If you have
ever considered working in ICU, determine what additional education is needed, as
many hospitals will offer tuition reimbursement. You need to be a quick thinker, and have the
ability to react immediately under very stressful circumstances, but working in
this department provides a very valuable experience.
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