Our RRT is very similar to Christain's. Our RRT consists of an ICU RN,
RT, and a House Officer and/or ICU Resident. Our facility hasn't
established any protocols yet but we are working on it. This is
probably a "bump" in the road with not having any protocols. It's
challenging when the RRT responds but aren't given tools to act on the
situation such as a protocol. The RRT does not follow-up with the
patient 12 hours later but I think this is a great idea.

Another bump you may come across is just getting the non-critical care
areas to accept the RRT and utilize them. It's building the culture so
that those who respond to the patient don't make the non-critical care
staff feel incompetent.

We also track how often the RRT is called for quality purposes. We make
a note on the code sheets we have as to whether the RRT was utilized.
This helps us look at situations that may have been prevented with the
use of a RRT.

Hope this helps.

~Jynae

christian wrote:

> In our facility, the Rapid Response Team consists of
> an ICU RN (usually the charge nurse or any ICU RN,who
> is ACLS certified), and a Respiratory Therapist. We
> are called to the floor by the patient's primary nurse
> and proceed with assessments and protocols. Under our
> protocol, we are are able to order, (if we feel the
> need for), a cat scan, CXR, ABG, blood work, etc. We
> then follow up on the patient 12 hours after the
> initiation of the RRT. It's been working out great, so
> far, (knock on wood).
> Christian
> --- nsbrez <nsbrez@... <mailto:nsbrez%40aol.com>> wrote:
>
> > Hello everyone,
> >
> > I am also new to this group, joined to pick some
> > brains and also the
> > material that is shared is very appriciated. I am
> > currently attempting
> > to start a Rapid Response Team. I was wondering if
> > any of you out
> > there have any input as to some of the bumps in the
> > road that you have
> > encounetered either starting a team, or with your
> > team already up and
> > running. Also looking for actions or guidelines
> > that various places
> > are using (standing orders/interventions). I have
> > outlined mine based
> > off current research and articles. It would be
> > greatly appreciated if
> > anyone would be willing to upload their practice
> > policy to assist and
> > use as a guide. Tryhing to get it all together and
> > hit as many areas
> > as possible to prevent kick backs and get this
> > approved, up and
> > running. Thanks for your assistance
> >
> > Nate
> >
> >
>
> test'; ">
>
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