Who: 2 physicians (1 bronchoscopist, 1 intensivist or surgeon), 2 endo nurses (1 to assist with bronchoscopy, 1 to assist with procedure), 1 ICU nurse, 1 respiratory therapist, and ancillary staff as needed.

What: Percutaneous tracheostomy on intubated patients needing longer-term intubation. Equipment needed includes trach tray, sterile surgical tray, drapes, gowns, etc., and bronchoscopy supplies.

Where: Bedside, in intensive care units only.

Whoa: Contraindications for procedure, reasons for postponing, or rescheduling a procedure, care of bronchoscope during a procedure to prevent poking holes in the scope, complications and risks of the procedure, and what happens when things go wrong.

Wow: Advantages to a bedside procedure compared to the operating room (cost, no need to transport patient to and from surgery); no need for anesthesia services, nurse administered propofol.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the abstracts from SGNA's 33rd Annual Course, SGNA on a Mission: Exceeding Expectations. The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. In keeping with the tradition of the Annual Course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.