Nursing Career Search

Posts Tagged ‘Critical Care Transport’

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.

In the past, you will only see nurses working in the hospital. But because the nursing field has diversified, those who choose to enter this profession may find work in other places as well. Some examples of these are private clinics, government health care centers, residential homes, labs, private firms and schools.

One job you can get as a nurse is in pediatric home health care. Here, you are able to help parents prevent their children from getting sick by informing of them of potential threats as well as giving vaccinations. You also get to work with special children by helping them try to live a normal life even if there are hindrances.

The elderly are sometimes forgotten. The sad thing about it is that some of them are no longer able to do things on their own which is why it the youth like the nurses who are still strong may make a career caring for them.

You dont have to be a licensed nurse to work here because even a nursing assistant can do the job. Some refer to such individuals as care givers. While some stay with the patient for a few hours, others stay with them full time.

If a hospital does not have the proper facilities to treat a patient, they will have to be moved to another hospital and that is where the job of a critical care transport nurse comes in. During the journey, their job is to make sure that there are no problems during the transfer. Some hospitals transfer patients using the ambulance while those that need quicker action will have to ride a helicopter.

Nurses sometimes take blood samples from the patient. But if you work in a blood donor center, you extract blood so this can be given to others who need it. You can have a career here if you specialized in phoresis. Those who have been doing this for a long time and have taken advanced studies will no longer be the one holding the needle and instead make sure that the center is functioning smoothly.

Accidents do happen in the workplace or even in an amusement park. This is why you have nurses on hand to help the patient until the paramedics arrive. This is what is known as on-site nurses.

For those who dont want to be stuck in the hospital and want to travel at the same time, they can also make a career as a traveling nurse. Here, the person gets to work in one place on a contractual basis before working elsewhere. The best part is that you get free housing and sometimes a sign in bonus which isnt that bad because you will only spend money on personal expenses.

One study shows that this is expected to continue into 2014 and beyond as the baby boom generation will soon reach retirement age which means such individuals that will soon be moving into nursing homes will need more care. You should also consider the number of children and adults who get into accidents that will require therapy and treatment so they may soon recover.

You can make a career out of nursing as more professionals will be needed in the coming years. So look for employment opportunities in the paper or in the web and if you qualify for the job, then make the most out of it.