Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Rotation Overview
This rotation is designed to develop the student's knowledge and clinical skills in the recognition of critical illness in children, as well as the basic strategies of initial resuscitation and management. The rotation is focused for those interested in entering a residency in pediatrics, family medicine, or emergency medicine who want to learn more about the management of common severe/critical pediatric illnesses and emergencies.
Objectives
1. To be able to recognize critical illness (shock, respiratory failure) in need of immediate resuscitation.
2. To be able to initiate basic resuscitative measures (flued bolus, supplemental oxygen, or bag-valve mask ventilation).
3. To be able to obtain a complete history and physical exam and to present this to the attending in an organized and succinct fashion.
4. To learn how to choose and utilize various forms of non-invasive and invasive monitoring.
5. To understand and appropriately utilize common diagnostic tools and labs (Echo, ECG, EEG, etc.).
6. To learn how to approach common critical care problems such as shock, respiratory distress/failure, seizures, DKA, traumatic injuries (especially head trauma), etc. This includes advancing the student's knowledge of common interventions such as inotropes/vasopressors, invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support, and management of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disturbances.
7. To observe common procedures such as intubations and central line insertions.
8. To appropriately utilize resources such as sub-specialty consultation and to observe a multidisciplinary approach to complex patient problems.
9. To gain exposure to the various ethical considerations, including end-of-life care, common to the practice of critical care medicine.
Expectations
1. The student is expected to be in the PICU during normal daytime working hours, or for the entirety of his/her/their night shifts, depending on his/her/their current assignment.
2. The student is expected to gather data of 1-2 patients per day, and to present the data on rounds in an organized, system-based fashion.
3. The student is expected to demonstrate critical thinking about the patient's illness by utilizing the objective data and physical exam to formulate a plan of care.
4. The student is expected to follow up on any interventions, lab, radiology, or pathology results to ensure that the patient's plan of care is being executed appropriately.
5. The student will be expected to prepare a presentation on an interesting patient, illness, or EBM question related to a specific patient in the PICU. This presentation will be discussion oriented, and PowerPoint will not be available.
6. The student is expected to recognize the value and expertise that various healthcare professionals (Nursing, Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, etc.) add to the care of the patient and to behave professionally at all times.
7. The student will participate in all conferences attended by pediatric residents.
Resources
1. Iowa Methodist Medical Center Health Sciences Library: Students have 24-hour access, 7 days per week to the library. A student picture UPH-DM ID is needed for after-hours entry. Internet and photocopying are available. Students may also call the Health Sciences librarians for assistance at 515-241-6490.
Contact Information
For further information about this rotation, please contact Wendi Kruger, at wendi.kruger@unitypoint.org or in the Consortium office at 515-241-4455.
Office of Student Affairs and Curriculum (OSAC) - Advanced Curriculum Resources