Yesterday, I attended the ICU Skills Day. Skills Day is about teaching, demonstrating, and updating the ICU nurses about the different protocols, skills, procedures, and updates in our department in order to serve our patients well. We started the training at 7am and ended at 4 pm. It was a very intensive and fun day of learning.
The training was assigned to be discussed by each member of the staff in the department. The first topic was assigned to Keisha. She discussed hemodynamics or the commonly used drugs/ meds in the ICU, titration, indication etc..
The second speaker was Lisa. She talked about the importance of SAT/SBT, preventing delirium, sedation, and train of four, RASS, and pain management. As an ICU nurse, it is essential to know the importance of these components. I believe that proper assessment and implementation are very essential in the ICU.
After the second speaker, the group was divided into three(3)different learning stations with different topics to discuss.
It was Ryan who discussed NICOM, Pacemakers, TR band, and Sheath Removal. He emphasized the importance of instructions on how to get an accurate result for NICOM. I observed that some nurses have the tendency to switch the electrode placement and skip obtaining the baseline before proceeding to the actual test.
The different Ortho devices, its indications, and where to obtain them was discussed by Ate Clarissa. I tried one of the immobilizers for your body back part. It automatically pulls your back on proper alignment. I love to try it once more.Gigisent10 hours ago. Navroop discussed the PA lines and Catheters. I love the way it was presented. The actual presentation of the PA catheter, its label, and all the proper setup was so impressive. I really appreciate the creativity of the presentation. It’s a great learning experience.
The EVD setup, monitoring of ICP, zeroing the line, obtaining specimen using sterile technique, replacing the drainage bag etc.was discussed by Pramila. We were given the chance to do the actual playing of the EVD which excites me.
Ate Joy discussed about the massive blood transfusion protocol, how to set up the belmunt rapid infuser, how much blood components, unit in one (1) bag cooler, etc.. She also showed us the different forms that needs to be filled up for documentation. It was a very practical and quick discussion.
The overview of Code Blue, STEMI Alert and Stroke Alert were all discussed by Kuya Benny. He pointed out the differences of those 3 codes. STEMI alert should be called after 12 lead EKG has been verified by the cardiologist while in Stoke alert, it can be called anytime as long as there is a symptom of stroke appeared during assessment.
We also have a new balloon pump and we got an in-house service from the representive. There’s a big difference in terms of functionality and appearance. Our new balloon pump is lighter, transport friendly and has two (2) batteries that are both rechargeable, touch screen functions and a lot new features. They also clarify the documentation part as discussed by KP.
The last part of the training was discussed by Courtney which is about Therapeutic Hypothermia. She talked about the indication, contraindication of hypothermia, and showed how to refill the water on the device which is mostly the part we usually missed.
To sum it all up, I enjoyed and loved the skills day this year because its full of learning experiences. It is more of ICU focused, hands-on training which was enhanced more done in smaller groups, and more topics were discussed. I am looking forward and optimistic about a more innovative and enriching skillful ICU Skills Day. I hope to join a group of trainers someday.
