Critical care nurses' opinion and self-reported practice of oxygen therapy: A survey

Abstract

Background: Critical care nurses frequently and independently manage oxygen therapy. Despite the importance of oxygen therapy, there is limited evidence to inform or support critical care nurses' oxygen therapy practices. Aim: To establish if there is variability in oxygen therapy practices of critical care nurses and examine the degree of variability. Method: On-line questionnaire of ACCCN members between April and June 2010. Results: The response rate was 36% (542/1523 critical care nurses). Overall, 378 (70%) respondents practiced in metropolitan critical care units; 278 (51%) had ≥14 years of specialty practice. In response to falling SpO 2, 8.9% of nurses would never escalate oxygen the..