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In an ICU setting, UAP may be responsible for providing direct patient care activities such as vital signs monitoring, inputting nutritions into feeding tubes and assisting with bathing patients. Depending on their level of experience and training, they may also assist nurses with administering medications or treatments such as dressing changes or IV therapy. UAP are also often given greater autonomy to respond to patient needs and report changes in patient condition.
In addition to providing direct patient care, UAP in an ICU setting may also be responsible for equipment maintenance and cleaning procedures which are essential to maintaining proper infection control protocols. They typically receive additional education regarding the use of specific equipment found in the ICU such as ventilators or monitors so that they can help set them up properly when needed. Finally, they provide support by helping families understand what is going on with their loved ones during visits by answering any questions that arise about treatment plans or testing results.
Overall, UAP working in an ICU environment have a much broader scope of duties than those working in general medical-surgical units due to the higher acuity levels and complexity of care required for these patients.