Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Spontaneous Awakening Trial Protocol in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

This article discusses how previous SAT protocols have been implemented without reliable use because of nursing concerns about patient safety, discomfort, ventilator asynchrony, self-extubation and aggressive behaviors. Nurses did not have significant involvement in the creation of prior protocols, and it was unclear who was responsible for initiating SATs. This article outlines how a nurse-driven SAT protocol modified for the CICU population met the goal of increasing the number of SATs performed; thus, decreasing the duration of continuous sedation infusions.

Objectives

Identify three nursing concerns about performing spontaneous awakening trials (SATs) on cardiac ICU patients.
List two contraindications unique to the cardiac ICU population, to performing daily SATs.
Describe the impact of using a nurse-driven SAT protocol within a cardiac ICU.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must attend/view/read the entire activity, read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes, and complete the associated evaluation to be awarded the contact hours or CERP. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for 1.00 contact hours.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Disclosure

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

AACN programming meets the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education contact hours for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting CE to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.