We Are Not Mutts The Critical Care Transport RN
ome things are simply a ACLS, PALS, CCRN, CEN, TNCC,
mystery and so goes the PHTLS, ATLS and anyway - you get
perceived role and the picture.
importance that the Critical Care
Transport (CCT) RN plays in the Not to mention while other nurses
healthcare field. Other were out frolicking in the sun on
professionals seem to view us their day off; oftentimes, we sat
like mutts - a little bit of in some hot, claustrophobic
everything but certainly not a classroom in pursuit of greater
thoroughbred in anything. knowledge. In addition, extensive
training takes place before we
I once heard a co-worker describe are even allowed to come into
the job as something between a contact with a patient, with
magnified EMT and a bench warmer. classes ranging from airway
Such flattery - but what can you management, advanced life
do? support, managing portable
ventilators, pharmacology, and
Anyhow, I just wanted to set the trauma protocols.
record straight, so to speak, by
pointing out the value and As in all fields of nursing, the
importance that the CCT RN brings amount of information thrown your
to the table. way is vast and at times can be a
bit over-whelming. Of course, you
What's so ironic about the must learn it all and then be
perception is that most CCT RN's able to repeat it verbatim, back
are veteran nurses from the ICU to the instructor.
or ER with certifications that
give new meaning to the use of Of course, the rear confines of
acronyms. Many hold the ambulance is simply a mini
certifications that consist of ER. Believe me, there's no such
thing as a claustrophobic CCT RN. sending to the receiving
Standard equipment includes: IV hospital. In most instances,
pumps, pulse oximetry, monitor, patient care and outcome improves
airway equipment and a pharmacy primarily due to this 1-to-1
of drugs. Pretty much all life ratio.
saving procedures are provided
here - CCT RN's are trained to be It's an exciting and a personally
prepared for anything. rewarding profession that defines
care one patient at a time. On
Truth be told, to make it out the other hand; at times, it can
there in the real world a CCT RN be a thankless job but like our
has to be intelligent, witty and contemporary professionals we are
quick on their feet. Murphy's Law all on the same team with the
at hyper-drive is the norm and same goal - to care for the
thus a solid foundation in the patient and get them to the next
fundamentals of critical care stage of recovery as quickly as
along with extensive training possible.
prepares the CCT RN for anything
and everything. Remember, we are not mutts, so
the next time a CCT RN crosses
On the down side, regardless of your path throw us a bone in the
training and experience, you can form of respect - not a dog
never be totally prepared but the biscuit.
key, irrespective of the
circumstances is to always keep This article may be reproduced
continuity of care from the only in its entirety.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com
Kevin Erickson is an entrepreneur and writer. To peruse other articles he's written visit: Nursing Degree | Paralegal | Medical Transcriptionist
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