Treating Patients With Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP): The Challenges Of Implementing Nursing Bundles Of Care

Abstract

A ventilator is any device used to support, assist, or control respiration (inclusive of the weaning period) through the application of positive pressure to the airway when delivered via an artificial airway, specifically an oral/nasal endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. ​The Registered Nurse is in a key position to mitigate the risk of VAP due to their constant presence at the bedside and their key role in providing direct patient care. ​VAP is preventable, and application of Evidence-Based Practice (EVP) in the daily care of mechanically ventilated ICU patients is vital in decreasing infection rates. By identifying the challenges of implementing nursing bundles of care, VAP rates will decrease and the health promotion and prevention of VAP will increase. Nursing bundles of care decrease length of hospital stay and treatment costs, and increase quality of life.