We are up to 90 critical care COVID pts! Ontop of the regular population. We are implementing “team nursing” where 2 ICU RNs, 2 med surg RNs & 1 PCA all work together to care for 6 ICU patients. Everyone will still operate within their own scope & comfort level to provide care Icu nurses will manage pressors, vents, sedation, ext. Floor RNs will operate to the entent they are comfortable (oral, enteral meds, non critical care drips , ext) but everyone will do a full assessment on every patient.

Time for ventilator basics for the non-ICU nurse ! This is a super basic quick reference , there are plenty more ways to learn about vents , this is the down and dirt . Also AACN has made COVID learning modules free for anyone who wants more education ! Endotracheal tube(ETT): the actual tube that’s goes down into a pt’s lungs. It has a ballon on the end that is inflated to keep it in place, but should ALWAYS be secured with an ETT holder. Document the location of the ETT (ex:24cm at the lower lip) after placement is confirmed