The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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Spinal surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. In 2003, almost 450,000 cases were performed for problems related to lumbar herniated disks, stenosis, and degenerative changes. It has been reported that patient expectations play a role in perceived quality of life (QOL). ⋯ A sample of 57 patients completed questionnaires designed to measure perceived QOL, expectations, and optimism before lumbar spinal surgery and 3 months after surgery. The major findings of the study are as follows: (a) patients with higher degrees of optimism reported better perceived QOL; (b) increased fulfillment of expectations was associated with better postoperative QOL; and (c) both expectations and level of optimism were significant predictors of postoperative QOL. These findings will help nurses better understand how patients' expectations can affect their perceived QOL while recovering from lumbar spinal surgery.
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The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe neuroscience intensive care unit (NICU) nurses' perceptions regarding their roles and responsibilities in the decision-making process during the change in intensity of care and end-of-life care for patients. Twelve NICU nurses agreed to a private moderately structured interview. Three major themes summarize the data: (1) providing guidance, (2) being positioned in the middle of the communication process, and (3) feeling the emotions of patients and families. ⋯ This research adds to the limited body of knowledge concerning critical care nurses' experiences with end-of-life care. Providing guidance and being in the middle of the communication process can be a lonely, challenging, yet rewarding position. Results of this study provide a basis for offering emotional support to NICU nurses who care for patients at the end of life.