CPR Renewal
Online Training
New NRP Class
Transvenous Pacing
September 16, 2008
For ACLS purposes, we are primarily concerned with two basic types of pacing. The first, transcutaneous pacing, is an emergent procedure which uses 2 gel pads. One is placed at the 5th intercostal space mid-clavicular on the left side of the anterior chest wall, and the other in between the backbone and shoulder blade on the left side of the back. The electricity travels through the pads and innervates the heart. This form of pacing is temporary. It is especially uncomfortable for the patient, and therefore should only be used as a means of maintaining stability in the bradycardic patient while attempting other interventions, such as drug therapy, or preparing for a more permanent transvenous pacemaker which causes no pain.
Types of Rhythms Where Pacing Is Indicated
• Bradycardias that are unresponsive to drug therapy or are symptomatic
• 2nd degree heart block type II
• 3rd degree heart block
Clinical Note:
Atropine may be given to 2nd degree type II heart block or a narrow complex 3rd degree heart block as a trial but, when detected, the American Heart Association ACLS guidelines recommend that these dysrhythmias be managed by immediate application of the transcutaneous pacer and close observation of the patient for any signs of hemodynamic instability, e.g., shortness of breath – hypotension – altered level of consciousness – chest pain – pallor – nausea & vomiting – profuse sweating. If unstable and in 2nd degree heart block type II or 3rd degree heart block, then the pacer should be used to correct the rate only until transvenous pacing can be accomplished by a qualified person.
Remember from earlier in the reading that if a patient is bradycardic and hemodynamically unstable, as described in the previous paragraph, then transcutaneous pacing should be considered as a first line treatment.
Setting a transcutaneous pacemaker will be discussed in the electrical therapy station on day 1 of ACLS
Three Basic Rhythms
There are 3 categories of abnormal rhythms: too fast, too slow or none. Patients with any dysrhythmia may be stable, unstable or in cardiac arrest. Recognizing which type of patient you have will decide your treatment choices: medicine, electrical, and/or mechanical (BLS).
Too Fast
The first rhythm is too fast. Our goal is to slow it down. We have two methods to slow down a rhythm: electrical therapy and/or medicine. If the patient is hemodynamically stable, pharmacology should be the first line treatment. If our patient were hemodynamically unstable, synchronized cardioversion should be the first line treatment.
Too Slow
The second rhythm is too slow. Our goal is to speed it up. We have two methods of speeding up a rhythm: electrical therapy and/or medicine. If the patient is hemodynamically stable, pharmacology should be the first line treatment. If our patient were hemodynamically unstable, transcutaneous pacing should be the first line treatment.
None
Ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, pulseless electrical activity and asystole are the dysrhythmias associated with cardiac arrest. As these are lethal dysrhythmias, management must be quick and aggressive.
PICC Line Insertion Course
July 15, 2008
Course Overview
This advanced training is presented as an 8-hour course and includes theory and simulated practice on the anatomically correct Peter PICC line manikin. Successful completion allows the participant to insert this line according to healthcare facility policy*. This course is intended for the experienced Registered Nurse who wishes to stay current with the latest advancements in IV therapy. As more patients are being discharged earlier from hospitals, ways of decreasing their stay and accomplishing their therapy in alternative settings are being utilized. The use of the peripherally inserted central catheter in managing intravenous therapy in the hospital and home setting is increasing in importance. PICC lines establish venous access in patients in a safe, cost-effective and improved manner. If you want to keep current on the latest technology, register now, as the class size is limited. All classes are taught by RNs certified in PICC line insertion, who share Nursing Unlimited’s “Stress Free” approach to training. All instructors have clinical experience as well as the theoretical knowledge necessary to effectively conduct this program. This course is not affiliated with any manufacturer. We use a variety of different PICC lines and equipment to enable us to review the pros and cons of all product devices. A comprehensive reference manual is included in the course cost and will be given out on the day of the course.
Some of the Objectives Include:
- List and Describe five components of the nursing care of the PICC line.
- List complications associated with the PICC line and appropriate interventions.
- Correctly insert a PICC line in an anatomically correct manikin.
*Hospital and Home Health Agency policies on insertion of PICC lines differ. In almost all cases however, a preceptorship is established in order for the nurse to demonstrate competence. Length of preceptorship is dependent upon the facilities policies regarding PICC line insertion. This certification course is the first step for the learner wishing to master this procedure.
The course fee is $185 for 5.9 Contact Hours and includes PICC Line, Dressing Kit & course workbook for each student provided on the day of class.
Don’t see the dates you want? Call our office at (800) 852-4126 to schedule a private class around your schedule.
| Miami Gardens Nursing Unlimited Headquarters 18405 NW 2nd Ave Miami Gardens, FL (Directions) Saturday February 27 (Registration Closed) |
Boca RatonWest Boca Medical Center 21644 State Road 7 Education Center North Boca Raton, FL Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pmMarch 27 Register now October 2 Register now |
Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course
July 15, 2008
Course Overview
The Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course provides a comprehensive review of the knowledge needed to administer chemotherapy. Nursing Unlimited is proud to offer this program, which is rapidly becoming the standard by which chemotherapy practitioners are measured and accepted. Topics include: the theoretical basis for chemotherapy administration, specific chemotherapy drug classifications, safe handling, safe administration, side effect management, and patient teaching strategies. Case studies related to these concepts will also be presented.
Registered nurses who attend this program in its entirety and successfully complete the post-test (open book) and evaluation form will receive a laminated ONS Cancer Chemotherapy Card. This card validates that the participant has the theoretical foundation needed to administer chemotherapy. This is NOT a competency or certification course. The individual employer or institution should determine clinical competency. The card is valid for two years, and may be renewed by completion of an independent study.
Note: For a complete list of objectives including the new biotherapy components, please call our office.
Who Should Attend:
Participants must be licensed registered nurses who have been employed as such for a minimum of six months. The course content is appropriate for nurses who are new to chemotherapy administration, as well as for those who want a comprehensive review.
The course fee is $350 and includes all course handouts and one copy of the Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Guidelines and Recommendation for Practice, 3rd Ed. which are provided on the day of class. This course is taught by ONS Trainer, Janet Williams, ARNP, MSN, OCN.
The laminated ONS Chemotherapy Provider Card is mailed by the ONS 6-8 weeks after class along with a certificate for 13.5 Contact Hours.
ONS is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
ONS is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California State Board of Registered Nursing, Provider No. 2850.
| North Dade
Nursing Unlimited Headquarters Thursday & Friday |
Boca Raton West Boca Medical Center 21644 State Road 7 Education Center North Boca Raton, FL Thursday & Friday March 25 – 26 Register now |
| West Broward
Plantation General Hospital Thursday & Friday July 22 – 23 Register now |
Starting and Maintaining IVs – Nursing Certification
July 15, 2008
Course Overview
This highly popular 30-hour IV Certification course meets the requirements of the Florida State Board of Nursing for certification of LPNs to administer IV therapy. It also serves as a welcome update for RNs who have been out of clinical practice for a while and want to improve and enhance their IV skills. Divided into 18 home study hours followed by 12 classroom hours, the course consists of both theory and actual practice sessions.
Subjects covered include:
- fluid and electrolyte balance
- blood transfusion therapy
- hyperalimentation
- IV medication administration (including dosage calculations)
- care and use of central lines
Our emphasis is on quality of care issues, employing scrupulous aseptic procedure to prevent infection and proper insertion technique to minimize patient discomfort. There will be numerous opportunities for hands-on practice, including “live sticks” when requested. Join the thousands of LPNs and RNs that we have enabled to confidently and safely insert and maintain IVs.
Some of the Objectives Include:
- Compare and contrast the RN and LPN scope of practice for IV therapy in the state of Florida.
- Discuss the care and maintenance of three different types of central venous lines.
- Demonstrate in simulated practice the starting and maintaining of peripheral IVs.
Who Should Attend:
LPNs & RNs
The course fee is $225* for 30 Contact Hours and includes all home study material.
*Please remember to include $5.00 for shipping & handling
See our course discounts.
Meets LPN Florida State Board of Nursing Central Lines Requirement.
NEED HELP WITH CALCULATIONS? TAKE OUR PHARMACOLOGY MATH CLASS.
| North Dade
Nursing Unlimited Headquarters Thursday & Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm January 7 – 8 Register now |
South Dade
Kendall Regional Medical Center Medical Office Building Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm February 6 – 7 Register now |
| West Broward
Plantation General Hospital Thursday & Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm March 18 – 19 Register now |
Boca Raton
West Boca Medical Center Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm January 9 – 10 Register now |
| West Palm Beach
Palm Beach Staffing Tuesday & Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm February 23 – 24 Register now |
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Pharmacology Math
July 15, 2008
Course Overview
Dosage calculation is an area of nursing practice that often inspires anxiety, even in the most competent and experienced nurses. Published accounts of alarming numbers of fatal medication errors each year only emphasize the vital importance of correctly calculating dosages to ensure that patients are treated appropriately. This fast-paced, 8-hour course is a must for LPNs and RNs taking our IV therapy courses, and for new nursing grads preparing for state boards and pre-employment pharmacology tests.
Difficulties often arise when converting from one system of measurement to another and when converting standard mathematic calculations (e.g., fractions into decimals, etc.). All of these elements will be reviewed in depth, using common medications to illustrate practical applications of the information presented. Upon successful completion of this course, new nurses seeking employment will be able to navigate any medication test given in South Florida, while the currently employed nurse can proceed to confidently administer medications, assured that patients are being suitably treated.
Some of the Objectives Include:
- Comprehend basic math skills.
- Determine the value of “x” in simple equations.
- Recall from memory the metric and household approximate equivalents.
- Convert from one unit to another within the same system of measurement.
- Convert units of measurement between different systems.
- Convert all units of measurement to the same system and same size units.
- Consider the reasonable amount of the drug to be given.
- Use the formula (D/H)Q to calculate p.o. and parenteral dosages.
- Measure insulin correctly.
- Convert insulin units to milliliters.
Who Should Attend:
- All students taking IV courses
- Nurses planning a job change
- Inactive nurses wishing to return to the work force
The course fee is $90 for 5.9 Contact Hours
North Dade
Nursing Unlimited Headquarters
18405 NW 2nd Ave
Miami Gardens, Fl
Wednesday
9:00am – 5:00pm
March 31 Register now
June 2 Register now
August 4 Register now
October 6 Register now
December 1 Register now
