Wake Me Up! It’s Time to Breathe With the ABCs

Author(s): Katie Didyoung, MSN, RN, CCRN, Laurel Lovelace, MSN, RN, ACNS, Alyssa Minnich, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CEN, TCRN

CERP A 0.50

Expires Oct 02, 2027

Topics: Pulmonary

Population: Adult

Role: Staff

This activity will NOT be recognized for ANCC and CA BRN accredited contact hours.

This activity will be recognized for Synergy CERPs hours for the education presented.

See Continuing Education Disclosure Statement for more information.

Added to Collection

Activity Summary

A lack of standardized practice for SAT and SBT in our health network often resulted in nurses discontinuing sedation only when requested by a provider, despite a daily SAT order. A review of current unit practice revealed that, due to rounds occurring about 12-1:00 p.m., SATs were performed later in the day, leaving patients intubated until later in the afternoon. In addition, chart audits revealed escalation of sedation medications with improper RASS scoring. These factors directly impact total ventilator days, ICU and hospital length of stay, and risk of VAP/VAE. During project kickoff, our CSI team educated staff about RASS and the benefits of performing daily SATs/SBTs. At daily huddles, we identified patients eligible for SAT/SBT. The project was received positively by our peers, providers and interdisciplinary team members. We achieved a 39% decrease in total ventilator days and an 85% decrease in VAP and VAE. We also experienced two unintended positive outcomes.

Objectives

  • Discuss key concepts of a direct care nurse unit change project
  • Apply tools and methods shared in their own unit

Continuing Education Recognition Points Disclosure

Providing access to an educational activity does not imply endorsement by AACN of the content or any products mentioned.

Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) are recognized by the AACN Certification Corporation to fulfill educational requirements for certification. Some state boards of nursing and other certification organizations may recognize CERPs as meeting CE Contact Hour requirements. Nurses should consult with their state board or credentialing organization before submitting CERPs to fulfill CE Contact Hour requirements.