There are several fields in nursing and everyone has their cup of tea.I was lucky to work in different departments as a student and intern. Professionally, I have worked in several areas as well, some just in passing. In 2022, I transitioned from medical surgical nursing to Critical Care. Unlike other countries where specialist training is a prerequisite to working in Critical Care, in the UK any nurse with adult nursing training can apply to the speciality and learn on the job.
In the short time, I have learnt a lot and enjoy this speciality. To me it has been a rewarding experience. Even with high mortality rates, there is comfort in knowing that you did your best for the patient. It is not without challenges. However, today, I will focus on why I enjoy critical care nursing and why as a nurse, you should can consider the speciality
1:1 Patient Nurse Ratio
There is no greater satisfaction than being certain you have fulfilled all necessary duties for a patient. While critical care patients often have more intricate needs, the one-to-one ratio enables comprehensive care. This encompasses medical and nursing care, as well as assistance with daily activities. When I worked in a medical ward, there were times I couldn't confirm whether my patients had eaten or bathed that day. I prioritized administering prescribed treatments and medical intreventions above everything else. In critical care, all aspects of care are prioritized, including emotional and psychological well-being. Things like, teeth brushing, combing the hair, shaving the beard are part of nursing care and are equally prioritised. Can I also point out that when I was pregnant, this ratio was quite favourable.
Nursing Assessment Skills and Care
One of the first lessons in critical care is the significance of performing a comprehensive head-to-toe and system-by-system assessment. This is also among the first tasks you undertake at the beginning of your shift. Given the ever-changing conditions of patients, it is essential to actually carry out the assessment. In other departments, it might be easy to neglect assessments or adhere to the status quo. Having practiced it extensively, I believe I have refined this skill. Even when I work shifts in other departments, I find myself conducting a head-to-toe assessment for each patient. Other important skills I have developed include interpreting lab results, performing CPR, and managing patients undergoing hemodialysis, which involves setting up the machine and caring for the access ports.
Great Teamwork
In critical care, teamwork is not just a beneficial aspect; it is absolutely essential for providing high-quality patient care and ensuring the safety and well-being of those in our charge. For instance, the process of bathing a ventilated patient is a complex task that typically requires the coordinated efforts of at least three healthcare professionals. This is because safely rolling a patient while managing their ventilatory support and ensuring their comfort demands a level of collaboration and communication that cannot be achieved when working in isolation. Each team member must be aware of their specific responsibilities, whether it’s stabilizing the patient's head and neck, managing the ventilator settings, or ensuring that the necessary supplies are on hand and ready for use. This level of teamwork is crucial in preventing complications and promoting a positive experience for the patient.
In the high-stress environment of critical care, where patients often present with a multitude of complex medical issues, having a supportive team can make all the difference. For example, one nurse may need help with medication administration while another is managing a patient’s fluctuating vital signs. In such scenarios, the ability to reach out for help and the willingness to provide assistance can significantly enhance patient outcomes and improve the overall efficiency of care delivery.
Research has shown that individuals are more inclined to offer help to their colleagues if they have experienced support from those same individuals in the past. This reciprocal relationship fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual respect within the critical care team. Over time, even those who may have initially been reluctant to embrace a team-oriented approach will find that working collaboratively becomes second nature. This evolution often occurs as individuals witness the tangible benefits of teamwork, such as improved patient outcomes and reduced stress levels among staff.
Ongoing Learning
This includes not only individual learning but also team and unit-wide learning initiatives that are designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. My department organizes a variety of study sessions and dedicated learning days throughout the year, providing ample opportunities for all members to engage in focused educational activities. As I mentioned before, the learning experience is significantly enhanced through on-the-job training, where practical application of skills occurs in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback and adjustment. Additionally, there are several structured courses offered for skill enhancement and career progression. Overall, the commitment to learning within our department is robust and multifaceted, aimed at empowering each individual to reach their fullest potential while contributing to the collective success of the team.
Up to this point, my experience in critical care has been good, marked by numerous learning opportunities and moments of profound professional growth. Each day presents unique challenges, from managing acute illnesses to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, allowing me to refine my clinical skills and enhance my ability to make swift, informed decisions.
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