How does the ICU environment differ from a general medical-surgical unit as far as assigned responsibilities for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel?

ICUs differ from general medical-surgical units in many different ways. One of these differences is that Unlicensed Assistive Personnels (UAP) are assigned more advanced and specialized responsibilities. UAPs may perform more advanced or specialized tasks in ICUs than on general medical-surgical units.

UAPs may provide direct patient care in an ICU, such as monitoring vital signs, feeding nutrition into tubes, and bathing the patients. According to their experience, UAP may help nurses administer medications and treatments like IV therapy. UAP have greater autonomy and are able to react to the needs of patients as well as report any changes.

UAPs in ICU settings may be required to perform equipment maintenance, cleaning and disinfection procedures. These are vital to the proper implementation of infection control protocols. As part of their training, they are typically taught how to use specific ICU equipment such as monitors and ventilators. Finaly, they help families to understand the situation of their loved one during a visit by answering questions regarding treatment plans and testing results.

UAP who work in ICU environments have an overall broader range of duties than UAP in a general medical/surgical unit due to higher patient acuity and the complexity of their care.