Geriatric nursing
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To explore perceptions about job satisfaction and the regulatory environment among certified nurse aides (CNAs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in selected nursing homes in West Texas. ⋯ Strategies are suggested to improve the survey process, address care-related stressors, promote positive communication techniques, reduce paperwork inefficiencies, and reduce staff shortages.
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Safety has not been well studied in the long-term care setting. This pilot study assesses staff attitudes regarding safety culture at one 250-bed skilled nursing facility. ⋯ Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse management/supervisors received the highest ratings for quality of collaboration and communication (range: 3.6-4.1 on a 5-point Likert scale with 1 = very low, 5 = very high), whereas nurse practitioners and physician assistants received the lowest (range: 2.5-2.9). The SAQ provided insight into employees' safety attitudes and can be used to identify opportunities for improvements in safety.
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Delirium is a mental disorder of acute onset and fluctuating course, characterized by disturbances in consciousness, orientation, memory, thought, perception, and behavior. It occurs in up to 50% of elderly hospital inpatients, many with preexisting dementia, and is associated with significant increases in functional disability, length of hospital stay, rates of death, and health care costs. ⋯ Awareness of the etiologies and risk factors of delirium should enable nurses to focus on patients at risk and to recognize delirium symptoms early. Knowledge of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for delirium will provide the nurse with an arsenal of potential interventions in the care of the delirious hospitalized elder.