Khyan Waddell PA-C (10-13-22)

1. Cerebro-spinal Fluid Drain Procedure

1.1. Drain can get hung up in body

1.2. There can be continuous blood flow out of the drain hole

1.3. Lumbar drains are usually harder

1.4. Tool goes directly into the spinal cord, so it needs to super sterile

2. Biography

2.1. From North Carolina

2.2. Went to ECU for Undergrad, Duke PA School

2.3. Medical scribe during her gap year, which facilitated her switch to being a PA

3. Daily Responsibilities

3.1. Maintains day-to-day care for patients in the neuro ICU

3.2. Addresses cerebro-spinal fluid leaks and performs lumbar drains

3.3. Manages surgeries for neuro ICU patients

3.4. Supervises pain management of patients in the neuro ICU

3.5. Arranges safe discharges

3.6. Her role isn't that different at community hospitals

4. What She Appreciates

4.1. Favorite part of her job: interacting with her team in the neuro ICU. She appreciates their support

4.2. She enjoys caring for patients and being responsible for their return to normalicy

5. Patient Demographics

5.1. 50-70 Years Old on Average

5.2. 50/50 Men/Women

6. What Frustrates Her

6.1. Not enough resources to help her out

6.2. High demand for her skills with a pretty low supply

6.3. When resources are low, the first response is to stop elective OR cases. Stick only to necessary surgeries to conserve resources

6.4. Bedflow is difficult because the neuro ICU takes patients from other parts of the hospital