Peanut- Critical Care Nursing

In the dynamic and ever-evolving field of healthcare, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses are pivotal in delivering specialized care to critically ill patients. Often working behind the scenes, these dedicated professionals are instrumental in saving lives and ensuring optimal outcomes for those in critical conditions.

ICU nurses, or Critical Care Nurses, are registered nurses with advanced training in intensive care. They operate within the Intensive Care Unit of hospitals and medical centres, where they manage patients with life-threatening conditions that require continuous monitoring and intervention. Serving as a crucial link between doctors, patients, and their families, ICU nurses offer comprehensive care and support during some of the most critical moments of a patient’s life.

The responsibilities of ICU nurses are both demanding and essential for patient recovery and overall well-being. Key tasks they undertake include:

Critical Patient Care

In the ICU, it is crucial to monitor all patients meticulously. Critical care nurses should continuously record vital signs, documenting minute-to-minute changes. Any deviations from normal values must be addressed with immediate and heightened attention.

Pain Management

Pain is often referred to as the fifth vital sign and must be monitored upon admission and reassessed every 1 to 2 hours. Critical care nurses are responsible for implementing and documenting appropriate interventions.

Drug Calculations

ICU nurses must be proficient in basic drug calculations and drug dilutions, which can be based on standard dosages, mcg/kg, or body weight. Accuracy in these calculations is crucial to prevent medication errors, especially in emergency situations.

Care of Patients on Ventilators

For patients on ventilators, nurses must regularly check the endotracheal (ET) tube pressure using a manometer. The patient’s bed position should generally be maintained at a 45-degree angle unless contraindicated. Nurses should be knowledgeable about ventilator modes, tidal volume (TV), fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), minute ventilation, and arterial blood gas (ABG) values.

Aewscore/gcs

ICU nurses should assess the patient’s Acute Early Warning Score (AEWS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) every shift to identify any abnormalities in vital signs and to enhance patient outcomes.

Fast Hug Bid

Nurses need to be familiar with the FAST HUG BID scoring card to prevent clinical deterioration and ensure comprehensive patient care.

Airway Management

ICU nurses should be skilled in CAB (Circulation, Airway, Breathing) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) techniques, as well as the basic steps for opening an airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift (LLF) method.

ECG Monitoring

Every ICU patient should have an ECG connected. Nurses must monitor and interpret ECG rhythms, heart rates, arrhythmias, and dysrhythmias.

Patient and Family Education

Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients and their families on various aspects of health and care to support effective management and recovery.

Venue:

AINU-Banjara Hills, Learning centre

Date: 10-08-2024 (Saturday)

Selection Criteria:

• The applicant should be a qualified with GNM/BSC Nursing
• The applicant should be registered Indian nursing Council/RN&RM
• Should have a minimum of 1 year experience as a ICU nurse