title: Nurse-initiated extubation following cardiac surgery.
abstract: Early extubation is now advocated for most patients after cardiac surgery. This article contains an examination of changes in extubation practice and addresses the development and implementation of a protocol for nurse-led extubation for this patient group. The knowledge and experience required by nurses to undertake this role is discussed and suggestions for auditing this aspect of nursing care explained.
authors.affiliation: Cardiac Directorate, University College London Hospitals, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000451:nursing*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000451:nursing*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D018579:Patient Selection; D011182:Postoperative Care; D015300:Ventilator Weaning / Q000451:nursing*