I think what the OP meant by "attention to detail" covers some of these points.... here's a start:
every day, examine at least these issues with your "critical care" patient (whether it be in CCU / MICU / SICU / CT-ICU / Burn ICU, etc)
along with vitals / lab values / etc... don't forget to cover these things:
1) What needs to be done for pt to be d/c'd?
2) Pt's greatest safety risk?
3) Pulm / Ventilator Bundle to prevent nosocomial-acquired pneumonias
HOB 30+ degrees? PUD prophylaxis? DVT prophylaxis? Sedation vacation qd? Extubation trial / protocol in place?
4) Cardiac rate , rhythm / hemodynamic status
5) Volume status: net goals for 12 midnight
6) Neuro / Pain Mgmt / Sedation
7) GI / Nutrition / Blood glc / Bowel regimen / stool events
8) Mobilization /OOB
9) ID /Cx pending / Rx levels
10) Any meds to be changed? Any meds to be d/c'd?
11) Test / Procedures today?
12) Review scheduled labs / Any labs can be d/c'd?
13) Morning Labs / CXR
14) Consults?
15) Can central line or other catheter / tubes be d/c'd?
16) Attending up to date on pt status? (if outside attending as in some ICU's)
17) Family / pt up to date? Any social issues to be addressed?
18) Skin care addressed?
20) Code status addressed?
Or you can pick up a surg recall and they have a truncated version of a ICU "issues" checklist for your pt. But I tend to like to use the above list to keep track of ICU pts.
II) Also if you are bored out of your mind with CCU / etc / lack of pts, instead you can set out your goal to become REALLY PROFICIENT in reading EKG's. How many of us can really say that is true for us. Perhaps it might be wise to get a jump and pick up a really good workbook with real EKG strips with answers. I'd recommend "12-Lead Ecg: The Art of Interpretation" by Thomas B. Garcia, Neil Holtz. Great book. Has three different levels for beginnner / inter / advanced ecg reading. Check out amazon or your med library.
hope this helps 🙂
