No significant differences found in a study comparing ICU care by nonphysician staff with physician staff. This study from Chest compared outcomes of patients in two medical ICUs - one staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants, the other by medical residents.

Implementation of a tele-ICU led to reduced mortality risk, length of hospital stay, preventable complications rates, and improvements in best practice adherence in an academic medical center.

From Consumer Reports, many teaching hospitals have high central line infection rates.

Participate in this survey about patient ventilator dyssynchrony if you are a practicing nurse who cares for mechanically ventilated patients.

Integrating Palliative Care in the ICU: The Nurse in a Leading Role
Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, March/April 2011

Integration of palliative care in the ICU is important to meet the following patient needs: relief of distressing symptoms; effective communication about goals of care; alignment of therapies with patient values, goals, and preferences; and planning for transitions to other settings.

Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Infections
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, April/June 2011

Review treatment options for resistant gram-negative infections, including carbapenems, tigecycline, polymyxin B, and polymxyin E.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Study
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, April/June 2011

Take some time to read this complex case of a patient with ARDS and the use of controversial medical therapy.

Update Your Knowledge of the Latest PALS Guidelines
Nursing2011, June 2011

Remember that the sequence of Basic Life Support has changed from ABC (airway, breathing, compressions) to CAB (compressions, airway, breathing). Brush up on the steps for Pediatric Advanced Life Support by reading this article.

The Easy Way to Liver Assay
Nursing2011 Critical Care, May 2011

Increase your understanding of the liver, its functions, and associated laboratory values. Also, access 2 handy charts that you’ll want to keep in your pocket!

New Featured Webcast

Looking for respect and advancement in your nursing career?

Reach new career heights with NursingJobsPlus.com. Visit NursingJobsPlus.com today to search our selective job listings and post your resume. Find a job that provides the advancement and respect you've been looking for.

 

  

 

CALL FOR MANUSCRIPTS

Have you ever thought about being published in a major journal? Now's your chance! Critical Care Insider is currently accepting articles. To submit an article to the journal, follow the new online submission process: http://lwwesubmissions.edmgr.com.

In Our Next Issue:

• Hospital Checklists
• Management of Hypertensive Emergency and Urgency