American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Observational Study
CORTRAK Superuser Competency Assessment and Training Recommendations.
Blind insertion of feeding tubes remains unsafe. Electromagnetic placement devices such as the CORTRAK Enteral Access System allow operators to interpret placement of feeding tubes in real time. However, pneumothoraces have been reported and inadequate user expertise is a concern. ⋯ At least 3 observations should be performed to assess initial competency; the number should be individualized to the operator. Interpretation of the insertion tracing is complex and requires multiple performance opportunities to gain competency and confidence for this high-risk skill.
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Education opportunities for night shift nurses are limited compared with those for their day-shift counterparts. However, patients remain critically ill regardless of shift and require intensive nursing care at all hours. Overnight, this care is often provided with fewer resources. These challenges can lead to disengagement and high turnover on the night shift. ⋯ The introduction of an informal educational series improved nurses' access to education and nurses' feelings of support from administrators and overall job satisfaction.