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What is eLearning ?
eLearning is a human performance improvement
initiative that employs electronic technology. By that definition, consulting an Internet-based
dictionary to find out the meaning of a word is a form of eLearning . Indeed learning is
occurring,...
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Success at Work: People Skills : Working With Your Boss
---------------------------------------------------------- Permission is granted for the below article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website, offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are...
Take It or Leave It ... But Get It
The expense was substantial. An immersion workshop with twelve participants sharing a common goal to hone their skills. With nervous eagerness like kindergarteners embracing school, we received input, critique, and suggestions about our work. Some...
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Five Leadership Secrets For Challenging Times
We consistently face new and ever growing challenges in the workplace such as reorganizing, downsizing, and “left out sizing.” We are faced with the question, “How do we lead in this storm of change?” It may seem difficult at times and the decisions...
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We Are Not Mutts - The Critical Care Transport RN
Some things are simply a mystery and so goes the perceived role
and importance that the Critical Care Transport (CCT) RN plays
in the healthcare field. Other professionals seem to view us
like mutts - a little bit of everything but certainly not a
thoroughbred in anything.
I once heard a co-worker describe the job as something between a
magnified EMT and a bench warmer. Such flattery - but what can
you do?
Anyhow, I just wanted to set the record straight, so to speak,
by pointing out the value and importance that the CCT RN brings
to the table.
What's so ironic about the perception is that most CCT RN's are
veteran nurses from the ICU or ER with certifications that give
new meaning to the use of acronyms. Many hold certifications
that consist of ACLS, PALS, CCRN, CEN, TNCC, PHTLS, ATLS and
anyway - you get the picture.
Not to mention while other nurses were out frolicking in the sun
on their day off; oftentimes, we sat in some hot, claustrophobic
classroom in pursuit of greater knowledge. In addition,
extensive training takes place before we are even allowed to
come into contact with a patient, with classes ranging from
airway management, advanced life support, managing portable
ventilators, pharmacology, and trauma protocols.
As in all fields of nursing, the amount of information thrown
your way is vast and at times can be a bit over-whelming. Of
course, you must learn it all and then be able to repeat it
verbatim, back to the instructor.
Of course, the rear confines of the ambulance is simply a mini
ER. Believe me, there's no such thing as a claustrophobic CCT
RN. Standard equipment includes:
IV pumps, pulse oximetry,
monitor, airway equipment and a pharmacy of drugs. Pretty much
all life saving procedures are provided here - CCT RN's are
trained to be prepared for anything.
Truth be told, to make it out there in the real world a CCT RN
has to be intelligent, witty and quick on their feet. Murphy's
Law at hyper-drive is the norm and thus a solid foundation in
the fundamentals of critical care along with extensive training
prepares the CCT RN for anything and everything.
On the down side, regardless of training and experience, you can
never be totally prepared but the key, irrespective of the
circumstances is to always keep continuity of care from the
sending to the receiving hospital. In most instances, patient
care and outcome improves primarily due to this 1-to-1 ratio.
It's an exciting and a personally rewarding profession that
defines care one patient at a time. On the other hand; at times,
it can be a thankless job but like our contemporary
professionals we are all on the same team with the same goal -
to care for the patient and get them to the next stage of
recovery as quickly as possible.
Remember, we are not mutts, so the next time a CCT RN crosses
your path throw us a bone in the form of respect - not a dog
biscuit.
This article may be reproduced only in its entirety.
About the author:
Kevin Erickson is an entrepreneur and writer. To peruse other
articles he's written visit: Nursing Degree | Paralegal | Medical
Transcriptionist
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