Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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The conflation of mandated screening question data collection with patient assessment at the initial triage encounter challenges the ability of the emergency nurse to identify patients at risk for deterioration rapidly and accurately. Further, inexperienced triage nurses are generally challenged in differentiating between questions that establish stability and questions that meet other requirements. The aims of the study included exploration of how triage nurses identified critical data elements to facilitate more rapid and accurate patient triage and Emergency Severity Index acuity assignment, perceptions of appropriate location of assessment elements, and identifying common triage processes. ⋯ Emergency nurses identified critical triage data necessary to assign an Emergency Severity Index level. We recommend that future research focus on evaluation of a triage process that removes screening not directly related to the triage decision in terms of nursing accuracy in assigning an Emergency Severity Index level and patient outcomes.
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Emergency departments worldwide are faced with in-hospital crowding and fast-paced admissions, creating an increasingly high workload for health care personnel. In recent years, emergency departments have also experienced an increase in emergency admissions, resulting in burdened workplaces. This has led to debates about nurses' work environment and mental well-being. This study aimed to gain knowledge on the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as insight into the factors influencing the mental well-being of the nursing staff in a Danish emergency department. ⋯ The nursing staff reported high mental strain, especially in the forms of high stress and anxiety levels. They explained that their mental health was affected by overcrowding, a pressured work environment, and lack of resources.
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Recent literature suggests pain management and sedation in ED patients after rapid sequence intubation are done inconsistently, which impacts patient outcomes negatively. The purpose of this study is to compare rates and timing of post-intubation analgesia and sedation before and after an ED pharmacy practice improvement intervention. ⋯ An educational lecture along with a novel ED post-intubation clinical guideline improved rates and timing to analgesia and sedation. This provides a unique opportunity for emergency nurses to advocate for early analgesia and sedation in mechanically ventilated patients.
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Information regarding the factors influencing the intention of family members of patients admitted to the emergency department to commit violence against health care professionals is limited. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the intention of family members of patients admitted to the emergency department to commit violence against health care professionals. ⋯ This study reveals that the strongest factors influencing the intention to commit violence among family members of patients admitted to the emergency department are the lack of information about their relative and inadequate communication.
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Health care workers experience settings that can contribute to burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early identification of health care workers at risk for burnout/post-traumatic stress disorder may allow for quicker implementation of mitigation strategies despite limited research. This pilot study explores associations between burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder with demographic and occupational factors in health care workers. ⋯ Though these results are not statistically significant, we demonstrate important associations that are clinically relevant. Non-providers under 40 showed higher disengagement, which may be related to competing responsibilities, while depression increased burnout severity across all domains. Importantly, future research with increased samples will allow relevant sub-group comparisons (ie, nurses vs other non-providers) and continued exploration of factors that influence elevated burnout in health care workers.