Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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Editorial
The Game Is On and We're in the Ninth! Evolution of the Trauma Nursing Core Course, Ninth Edition.
Trauma is a global phenomenon resulting in the death of millions of people every year and affecting countless others. Foundational to excellence in trauma nursing, which contributes to optimal patient outcomes, is evidence-based education driven by best practices accompanied by a systematic approach to the assessment and care of the injured patient. ⋯ The 9th Edition, launched in July of 2023, continues to provide nurses worldwide with knowledge necessary based on current evidence-based literature and resources. A revision is an arduous process necessitating a concerted team approach involving Emergency Nurses Association member volunteers, internal and external experts, and a lot of dedication!
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Timely and reliable peripheral intravenous cannulation is an imperative skill in a pediatric emergency department. Utilization of point-of-care ultrasound guidance has proven to significantly improve first-attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation insertion rates in pediatric patients. We sought to develop, implement, and evaluate an ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous training program for emergency nurses in a tertiary care pediatric center. ⋯ We found that implementing a comprehensive ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous training program for emergency nurses in a pediatric tertiary care center led to a high first-pass success rate in attaining peripheral intravenous cannulations. It also facilitates vascular access in patients with known difficult intravenous access. Consideration should be made to implementing point-of-care ultrasound intravenous training programs to improve pediatric vascular access in the emergency department, particularly in patients with known difficult intravenous access.
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Family members acting as surrogate decision makers for severely ill patients in emergency and critical care centers face psychological burdens. This study aimed to investigate the actual situation of emergency nurses' perceptions and practices to support patients' families and its structural elements. ⋯ According to the findings of this study, emergency nurses should coordinate with other professionals and talk with family members and physicians to increase their understanding of the need to assist in surrogate decision making. In addition, emergency nurses also need to explain to patients' relatives how to support them in surrogate decision making.
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High-frequency utilizers are defined as patients who present 10 or more times to the emergency department in a rolling 12-month period. High-frequency utilizers contribute to emergency department overcrowding and misuse of resources, and reduce the efficiency of health care systems. Care guides have proven to be an effective tool in reducing high-frequency utilizers. ⋯ The use of care guides was a successful strategy in reducing emergency department visits and the cost of unreimbursed care by high-frequency utilizers by providing them with the education and resources they require to receive health care services in appropriate settings.