Clinical nurse specialist CNS
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This descriptive study of Nevada nurses (N = 539) indicates that nurses are evenly divided on the issue of physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Using hypothetical cases, the survey compares nurses' beliefs regarding withdrawal of life-support measures (92% agree, n = 489), double-effect euthanasia (85% agree, n = 447), PAS (53% agree, n = 280), and active euthanasia (44% agree, n = 235). Responses to arguments supporting or rejecting the legalization of PAS are presented. ⋯ Seventy-five percent (n = 400) of Nevada nurses indicate they personally feel PAS may be justified in selected cases. Only 46% (n = 240) would be willing to participate in PAS if it were legalized. Selected written comments from respondents are included.
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ALTHOUGH STILL CONTROVERSIAL, studies suggest that music therapy can be an effective nursing intervention in stressful situations for decreasing anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. This article (1) reviews research related to the effect of music on anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate; (2) proposes a potential physiological framework for the effects of music; and (3) suggests clinical implications for the use of music therapy in acute- and chronic-care settings by clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). ⋯ Music therapy may be useful in a wide range of clinical settings with patients experiencing health problems as diverse as hypertension/cardiovascular disease, migraine headaches, and gastrointestinal ulcers. Suggestions for development of a music therapy procedure and for areas in need of additional research are offered.
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Long-term infusions of neuromuscular blocking agents are being used with increasing frequency in critical care areas to paralyze patients for optimal ventilatory support or to reduce patient energy demands. Prolonged weakness with no sensory disturbance has been reported in some patients. ⋯ The CNS can be the change agent to assist the nursing staff in incorporating recent technological innovations and research findings in nursing clinical practice. The rational model of change serves as a guide when little resistance is anticipated or when change is perceived as rational.
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Poetry is a vehicle for the expression of intense human encounters arising from holistic nursing practice. Writing poetry is a way to develop and communicate the esthetic knowledge of the discipline. The process of writing poetry about nursing experiences provides the nurse with a method of coping and a means of personal growth. Sharing poetry about nursing affirms other nurses and educates those outside the discipline regarding the richness and complexity of human care situations and nursing practice.
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The care of the trauma patient requires highly specialized skills to meet the clinical and financial challenges that face the health care practitioner caring for this patient population. The role of the trauma case manager in a community hospital setting incorporates the roles of expert clinician, educator, consultant, researcher, and manager into daily practice utilizing a multidisciplinary care delivery process. This process provides the link between quality of care and cost-effective care. Trauma case management is an ideal role for a CNS.