American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
-
Studies have shown an association between intensive care unit environments and symptoms of psychological distress in family members of critically ill patients. ⋯ A noticeable number of family members of critical care patients had moderate to severe cardiac anxiety during the hospitalization of their relatives.
-
The high risk and low volume of medical emergencies, combined with long periods between training sessions, on 2 progressive care units at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, established the importance of transforming how nursing staff are trained to respond to medical emergencies. ⋯ In situ mock codes significantly improve response times and increase staff confidence levels. In situ mock codes are a quick and efficient way to provide hands-on practice and allow staff to work as a team.
-
The architectural design of the pediatric intensive care unit may play a major role in optimizing the environment to promote patients' sleep while improving stress levels and the work experience of critical care nurses. ⋯ Use of single-patient rooms rather than multipatient rooms improved nurses' perceptions of the pediatric intensive care unit environment for promoting patients' sleep and the nurses' own work experience.