Main description:

A step-by-step practical guide for new graduates and nursing students assigned to critical care areas that enables nurses to provide optimal care to their patients with confidence. It will help inexperienced nurses to systematically assess their patients, plan individualized care, implement therapeutic modalities with competence, collaborate effectively and evaluate the effectiveness of nursing actions.

How and what to document for prudent practice is also included in this book.
Includes a chapter to motivate novices to excel in their areas, engage in lifelong learning, and establish their confidence and competence with certification.
A road map for a novice to become an expert in daily routines and emergencies in the critical care areas.
Designed to be read as if you are hearing directions from an experienced preceptor in the unit.

Contents:

1. Eyeballing Your Patient

2. Taking and Giving Shift Report

3. Assessing Your Patient

4. Machines, Monitors, and Meters

5. ABCs of Arterial Blood Gas

6. Graphs and Waves

7. Drugs, Drips, and Drops

8. Emergencies in the ICU

9. Procedures in the ICU

10. Planning Your Day

11. Special ICUs

12. Transporting the Critically Ill Patient

13. Documentation

14. Excellence in Practice

15. Infusions and Transfusions

16. Labs, Levels, and Labels

Index