Mechanical Ventilation Basics

Course overview

Mechanical ventilation inspires anxiety and fear for those practitioners who do not understand the basics. With improving technology and miniaturization of mechanical ventilators, this treatment option is increasing in popularity. Ventilators are finding their way out of the intensive care units and onto step-down units, Med-Surg units, long term care facilities and increasingly into the patient's own home. We, as nurses, must become more comfortable with mechanical ventilation for our patients' comfort and safety as well as our own.