Ventilator Series Part III: “SBT! SBT!” How to Safely Wean a Patient off a Ventilator

There is nothing an ICU nurse loves more than a vented and paralyzed patient with no family. But, research is clear about ventilators and patient outcomes. They are a lifesaving piece of equipment, but when it is time to get off of them, it is TIME! SBT! SBT! Allowing each patient an SBT (spontaneous breathing trial) every day will allow them the opportunity to GET OFF THE VENT (when appropriate)! How can we as nurses do better in weaning our patients safely off of the vent? Listen now!