Timely weaning from mechanical ventilation of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) is
intriguing and difficult work. Unnecessary delay in weaning from ventilator support increases
the rate of complications such as pneumonia or airway trauma, as well as costs.1,2 The major factor
in successful weaning is resolution of the precipitating illness. Other factors include comorbid illnesses,
cause of acute respiratory failure, protocol, and the method of weaning. Current views suggest
that nurses can be the key players in reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation for patients and
can lead the extubation part of ventilatory weaning.3 Nurses’ involvement in decision making about
ventilator weaning relies on appropriate knowledge and skills in managing ventilation. The method of
weaning is an important variable because it affects the potential to intervene. Accordingly, extensive
efforts have been made to identify predictors of successful extubation or weaning.