Intensive & critical care nursing : the official journal of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses
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Intensive Crit Care Nurs · Jun 2009
Close relatives' experiences of caring and of the physical environment when a loved one dies in an ICU.
The aim of this study was to explore close relatives' experiences of caring and the physical environment when a loved one dies in an intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ The participants showed forbearance with the ICU-environment. Their dying loved one's serious condition and his or her dependence on the medical-technical equipment were experienced as more frightening than the equipment as such. Returning for a follow-up-visit provided an opportunity for reconciliation and relief from guilt.
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Intensive Crit Care Nurs · Jun 2009
Perceptions of registered and enrolled nurses on thirst in mechanically ventilated adult patients in intensive care units-a phenomenographic study.
Thirst is a commonly experienced source of discomfort among patients receiving mechanical ventilation during intensive care. Dehydration, endotracheal tubes, electrolyte disturbances and the use of various medicines can contribute to the feeling of thirst. At present, the knowledge of nurses' perceptions of the feelings of thirst in mechanically ventilated patients are limited. ⋯ Registered and enrolled nurses wish to reduce sources of discomfort among their patients but they do not always realise that patients feel thirst and therefore relieving it has a low priority among staff. Relieving thirst is a human need that must be recognised in nursing education and on intensive care units.
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Intensive Crit Care Nurs · Jun 2009
Dissemination of research-based knowledge in an intensive care unit-a qualitative study.
A gap exists between best evidence and best practice in intensive care units. The aim of this study was to investigate different aspects of intensive care nurses' and physicians' inter- and intraprofessional collaboration, with focus on factors associated with standardised weaning from mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Interprofessional research dissemination was perceived as important both in the creation of a common understanding and in knowledge development. Managers should make use of the valuable knowledge possessed by bedside professionals in their strategic planning. There is a need to allocate time for learning and reflection to provide a safe practice environment.
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Intensive Crit Care Nurs · Jun 2009
"Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation"-orders in ICCUs: a survey of attitudes and experiences of nurses in Norway.
A "Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation" (DNAR)-order can be ordered for a critically ill coronary patient. One question that arises is whether the patient should be informed about the DNAR-decision? The purpose of the present study was to investigate attitudes and experiences towards DNAR-orders of nurses working in Intensive Coronary Care Units (ICCUs) in Norway. ⋯ The study revealed a positive attitude among respondents to inform patients about a DNAR-order. However, one half of the respondents had experienced that this information was not given. There may be several explanations for this discrepancy. Patients are treated individually and the right to know does not mean that every patient would want to know or needs to know. The timing of the information and the opportunity to provide it can also be a problem for such critically ill patients in the ICCU.
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Intensive Crit Care Nurs · Jun 2009
Quality of practice in an intensive care unit (ICU): a mini-ethnographic case study.
Nurses' perspectives of maintaining quality practice is important in the context of today's safety and quality agenda. This study provides a snapshot of registered nurses' perspectives on practice quality in one Australian ICU. ⋯ The nurses reported satisfaction with the quality of their ICU practice, but revealed factors that could diminish quality and contribute to job dissatisfaction. Given current recruitment and retention issues and the link between satisfaction and retention, it is important to consider this these factors in advancing the knowledge base for workforce planning.