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How
about getting on the (I think) very good question of what makes one
(educationally/clinically, objectively) competent to do NICU transfers. It
seems the only one who thinks this is a turf battle is the people on the
inside. I was just trying to ask a legit question: Define level of
competence.
For
example if one says NICU experience...how much? at what type facility as it
varies quite a bit....and that's a start, what about
courses?
What
are essential skills?
What
are optional skills?
Robert S. "Steve" Cole
Paramedic, CCEMTP
Education
Department
Ada County Paramedics
208-375-7079
emcolers@adaweb.net
"...A mind stretched with new ideas never regains its
former shape"
What a great question. In our experience
(hospital based dedicated neonatal transport team consisting of
RN/RT) our RT's usually join the team with extensive
NICU experience but are required to take the same didactic and
skills training as the RN's. they are expected to meet all competencies
. I have found it more challenging to get the RT' s oriented
because they are respiratory specific in their expertise but it is well worth
the effort. The RT's learn to calculate drugs, and drips, start IV's
place UAC/UVC as examples. However we have yet to have an RT
on our team who was not able to perform admirably on the team. [[Our team
also functions as the ECMO team so the same RT's after orientation to
trasnport are oriented to ECMO, by this time they have gained experience
in assessing and treating the whole patient and they are successful in
this function as well. ] Our RN's and RT's truely function as a team and are
able to perform each others duties. Now to the point.
. I believe from this experience that a paramedic with extensive
NICU/peds experience or anyone with critical care
experience could function wellin this capacity
understanding that they will be going through the same training which
may [or may not] take a little longer depending or their
experience. I personally would want them to have at least 18
months oriented to the unit first as a minimum to get familiar with standards
of care and practice related to neonates first. Then enter the
orientation phase. Regardless of experience we require this
time in the our NICU for all transport team members.
What makes a good transport team member? Regardless of
initials, it is someone grounded in critical care care, with a strong
sense of dedication to the patient and the team. A person willing to
learn and practice with diligence at all times so they can preform their
duties to the best of their ability and to provide the best possible chance
for a good outcome for the patient.
IMHO
Linda Wise, RN
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