Nurse-led weaning from ventilation and extubation in the paediatric cardiothoracic intensive care unit

An idea involving the expansion of the role of the paediatric intensive care nurse and the promotion of enhanced quality patient care is presented. A point prevalence study was conducted to investigate practices in weaning from ventilation in children after cardiac surgery. The development of a clinical protocol, audit of practice, education and training and implementation of a change in practice are discussed. Recommendations for future research are made.