Journal of trauma nursing : the official journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses
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Massive transfusion in trauma presents a unique challenge to trauma center effectiveness. It requires the highest level of collaboration between multiple departments working together in a timed event and as such serves as a barometer of trauma program maturity and success. ⋯ The protocol should be revised frequently to reflect cutting edge research and continual improvements in blood banking. This article will review the status of massive transfusion in trauma, use of massive transfusion protocols and suggest quality improvement initiatives for blood use in trauma centers.
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As a result of the entire process awareness was heightened and the staff is now more sensitive to the need for warming patients in the trauma resuscitation room. A formal protocol for temperature monitoring and warming in the resuscitation room was developed and implemented. Our lack of documentation and embarrassment at our site verification lead us to be even more vigilant of those patients who arrive hypothermic, and institute methods of warming sooner rather than later. We continue to monitor temperature documentation and when there is lack of compliance, those individuals are counseled with expected improvement within the next monitoring period.
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The need for advanced practice nurses (APN) has expanded over the past several decades as a result of the changing healthcare environment. Increased patient acuity and decreased resident work hours have lead to a need for additional clinical expertise at the bedside. ⋯ To date little has been published regarding the role of the APN in Trauma Centers. This article outlines the wide variety of responsibilities and services provided by a select group of nurse practitioners who work in trauma centers throughout the United States.