The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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Stroke is currently the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading cause of severe, long-term disability. With the advent of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator/alteplase, there is a treatment option for ischemic stroke. Unfortunately, only a small number of eligible patients receive this treatment. ⋯ Three major themes regarding barriers to and facilitators of stroke care emerged: (a) nurses' comfort with assessment of stroke patients, (b) feedback regarding nurse performance and patient outcomes; and (c) environmental issues such as staffing, competing priorities, and patient and family needs. Despite the various challenges facing emergency nurses, all groups verbalized a desire to provide excellent care to these patients. Further research is recommended to address these challenges and to explore potential solutions identified in this study to improve the care of stroke patients.