Post Anesthesia Care Unit On Nursing Class Of 2017 For Observation

The CRNA has deeper understanding of disease processes, pharmacological treatment and technological interventions when caring for patients. Advance practice comes with a high level of responsibility; furthermore, increased autonomy is why I aspire to advance my nursing practice. I want to be the nurse that eases my patient’s way through what may be the most stressful time in their life. During my anesthesia shadowing experience I witnessed the complexity and compassionate care that the CRNA provided safely and efficiently. Most importantly I observed clear communication that was vital to all involved in the care of the patient’s unique needs. My shadowing experience fueled my drive to continue to pursuing CRNA School and extend my knowledge at the

The role of the nurse anesthetist gradually developed as the demand increased for individuals who were highly and meticulously trained in anesthesia administration in an era where knowledge of germs, antisepsis and surgical interventions was emerging. During the 1800s, medical students were often responsible in the administration of anesthesia under the direct supervision of surgeons but the increased mortality rates in intraoperative patients suggested the need to reevaluate who would provide anesthesia. As a result of negative patient outcomes, surgeons turned to nurses, who served to be an adequate and reliable replacement. This trend proved to be catalytic in the movement of the nurse anesthetist.

When I arrive to the Trauma ICU 4800 unit, all of the nurses were already being followed by other students. The nurse in charge had me follow several different nurses, so I was able to observed several different patient cases. The first patient had received a triple bypass open-heart surgery. The patient had received a creatinine blood test. The patient had a dialysis machine next to them, which was used to function as the kidneys since the patient’s kidneys were not functioning correctly. Also, the patient’s body temperature was lowered from having a taken cool liquids so the nurses were keeping him warm with a bair hugger, which was a machine that helped regulate the patient's’ body temperatures.

This essay discusses and reflects upon patient care in the post anaesthetic care unit (PACU) and is linked to my experiences on placement. It discusses how my approach to patient care has been challenged and analyses how evidence based practice can create a change in the way patients are cared for. It reviews the processes of managing the perioperative environment and evaluates the implications for practice when applying a change in healthcare. Wicker and O’Neill (2010) state that “The lack of immediate medical support in the recovery room means that practitioners work in a more autonomous role than any other area of the operating department” (p.379). By reflecting upon my experiences I am able to link practical and theoretical aspects of the operating department practitioner (ODP) job role. This will provide me with a greater understanding of professional practice and it will develop my personal knowledge and self-awareness (Forrest, 2008). Using a model of reflection is important as it provides a framework that can be systematically followed and acts as a guide through the process of reflection. For this essay I have chosen to use the Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (1988) as it provides a methodical guide to reflection using a series of ordered questions that each lead to the next stage of the cycle (Forrest, 2008).

After my transition rotation this semester on V4N at St. Raphael’s hospital, I feel I have grown in my patient care abilities that I will soon utilize and continue to improve on in my professional practice as a nurse. Setting goals for each shift allowed me to find my strengths and weaknesses and consistently improve in certain areas. Three main goals that I improved on or accomplished during this clinical includes improving on my time management skills when charting and writing notes, practicing sterile technique, and providing discharge instructions to patients.

The role of PACU nurse is to monitor and care for patients during the immediate postanesthesia period. Their goal is to identify prospective problems that may arise as a result of anesthesia and surgery and to mediate applicably.

(History of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. 2010, May), (Koch, E., Downey, P., Kelly, J. W., & Wilson, W. 2001).

After shadowing a CRNA I witnessed firsthand the amount of autonomy, respect, and knowledge that a nurse anesthetist possesses; I have never been more motivated to be a part of such an elite field. I have discovered through my critical care experience, the very aspects that excite me in the work environment are those that align with the daily responsibilities of a nurse anesthetist. I thrive off the challenge and critical thinking that accompanies caring for a critically ill patient, while managing multiple drips, devices, and vent

The moderate sedation policy will be revised to require one on one nursing staff to monitor patient from admission until discharge criteria is met. Patient vital sign parameters will be included along with frequency of monitoring. All staff who assist or perform moderate sedation will complete required training as described in the policy. Annual recertification will be completed by all practitioners and registered nurses through continued education, observation, and implementation.

When your procedure is complete, these health care providers will continue to watch your condition until your medicines wear off and you are allowed to go home.

Based on the results of the six studies that were analyzed, it can be established that PACU visitation decreases stress and anxiety not only for patients and their families, but also for nursing staff. All studies concluded that, although there are overall concerns around visitation in the PACU, such as limited space, risk of infection, and potential breach of confidentiality, the benefits of visitation outweigh the concerns. All studies were in agreement, showing a drastic change in statistics among staff after being introduced to a visitation policy, leading nurses to start incorporating visitation in their plan of care for their patients. The results of this research can serve as a building block for convincing medical institutions to

The purpose of this journal is to reflect on my experience and skills gained during my clinical placement at Ben Taub Hospital. On my first clinical day, I was excited and nervous at the same time. My first placement was in the PREOP/PACU area. I was assigned to help a patient who had been in the PACU area going on 2 days. Normally, once the patient comes from surgery they are only in the PACU area for a short period of time before they are discharged home or given a bed in another area of the hospital. This particular patient still had not received an assignment for a bed. The physicians would make their rounds to come check on him daily. The patient was a 28-year-old Hispanic male, non-English speaking, he had a hemicolectomy. He had a NG tube, urinary Foley catheter, and a wound vac. My preceptor had just clocked in and she needed to check on the patient’s vitals and notes from the previous nurse. Once she introduced me to the patient and explained while I was there, she then asked me to check his vitals. (Vital signs indicate the body’s ability to regulate body temperature, maintain blood flow, and oxygenate body tissues. Vital signs are important indicators of a client’s overall health status (Hogan, 2014). I froze for a quick second. I have practiced taking vitals numerous of times and I knew I could do it correctly. I started with the temperature first, when I was quickly corrected on a major mistake I had made by my preceptor. I HAD FORGOT TO WASH MY HANDS and PUT

This Friday, September 29th, I had my second clinical observation experience in the Cardiac Cath Lab. I was there from 7:00 a.m. till noon, viewing the flow and duties of the nursing staff on the unit, learning about the procedures done on this specialized unit. Throughout most of the morning I followed Sara, an RN, who had been in the unit for eight years. It was an impressive experience that broadened my previously limited knowledge of the roles and experience of a Cath Lab nurse.

This Friday, September 15th, I had my clinical observation experience in the ED. I was there from 7:00 am till noon, viewing the flow and duties of the nursing staff on the unit, as well as practicing the skills I have thus learned in school. Throughout most of the morning, I followed Jessica, who had been a nurse in the ER for ten years. It was an insightful experience that broadened my previously limited knowledge of the roles and experience of an emergency nurse.

PACU stands for Post Anesthesia Care Unit but at SCKMC the PACU also brings the patients in from the waiting room and prepares them for the procedure. I don’t know if it is the same at other hospitals or not. I helped to bring the patient in from the waiting room to their room, gave them instructions on changing into their gown, ask them to place all their clothes, jewelry, etc. into the bag so we can put it in a locker for them, get a UA, take their vitals, ask them questions, and charting. We had to ask when they last ate or drank, if they’ve taken any medications, how they handled the colonoscopy prep, get their height and weight if it wasn’t already in the chart, read the list of meds to them to make sure it is current, etc. There were