What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy in nursing?

HBO 2 therapy is used to promote tissue healing and fight infection by increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the patient’s blood, which in turn improves oxygen delivery to tissue.

What does a hyperbaric nurse do?

Hyperbaric nurses are responsible for administering hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients and supervising them throughout the treatment. These nurses must work under a supervising physician trained in hyperbarics who is available during the treatment in case of emergency.

What does hyperbaric stand for?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is a type of treatment used to speed up healing of carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, stubborn wounds, and infections in which tissues are starved for oxygen.

How are nurses involved in hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Nurses provide for the safe operation of these chambers and monitor the patients inside. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves placing patients into chambers designed to fit one or more people at a time.

Do you need continuing education to become a hyperbaric nurse?

Certified hyperbaric nurses are required to maintain continuing education credits to be eligible for recertification. A BNACB process is in place for validating the requirements for each applicant taking the CHRN certification exam and for their subsequent recertification.

When was the first hyperbaric nursing textbook published?

It was sponsored by the Baromedical Department at Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. In 2002, the first Hyperbaric Nursing Textbook was published. In 1985, the specialty of hyperbaric nursing became formally recognized with the founding of the Baromedical Nurses Association.

When did Nurses start to use monoplace hyperbaric chambers?

Initially, nurses learnt their roles via on-the-job training. By the 1960’s, formal training became available and was soon an essential prerequisite. This period coincided with the introduction of monoplace hyperbaric chambers.