Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized Controlled Study in the Use of Aromatherapy for Pain Reduction and to Reduce Opioid Use in the Emergency Department.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on emergency department patients' perception of pain and its ability to reduce the use of opioids in an emergency department. ⋯ This study supported what other studies have found, indicating that aromatherapy is effective in reducing pain. A difference between the placebo effect and a true therapeutic effect was seen by using a control group apart from the sham and therapeutic groups. Despite the small effect size (0.3), implementation of aromatherapy into standard practice may be practical considering the anxiolytic effects that have been shown in other studies. Aromatherapy with essential oils should be considered as another tool to use in a multimodal approach in the treatment of pain in the emergency department setting.
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Creating meaningful and engaging learning opportunities can be challenged by budgets, time, and learning management systems with limited methods of interaction. An innovative method was necessary to meet competency evaluation and continuing education needs for emergency department staff. ⋯ Nurse educators can "escape" the monotony of passive learning by using active learning strategies including the fun of gamification to improve clinical skills and confidence.
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In the emergency department, bedside whiteboards are used to help improve communication, teamwork, and collaboration among health care providers. In addition, previous studies have shown that whiteboards aid the patient with the identification of their health care providers, plan of care, expected length of stay, and overall patient satisfaction. ⋯ Proper materials (markers and erasers) are integral to bedside whiteboard use. Continued staff education on the function of bedside whiteboards may improve proper whiteboard use.
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Triage is a process by which patients are assessed, classified, and sorted based on their presenting complaint and clinical urgency, providing assurance for timely access to emergency care. The goal is to get the right person to the right place, in the right amount of time, for the right reason, and within the context of resource availability. ⋯ This paper discusses the importance of how triage process standardization improves patient care, resource management, and benchmarking at local, national, and international levels by applying 5 internationally recognized triage systems to fictional case studies. Evaluation of similarities and differences in severity scores, with a gap analysis, occurs.
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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!