Journal of nursing management
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Comparative Study
Comparison of nurse competence in different hospital work environments.
This study examines nurses' perceptions of competence in different university hospital work environments. ⋯ Nurse competence profiles differed in both the level of and in frequency of using competencies between work environments. Context-specific knowledge of nurse competence from real work life situations provides direction on how to structure work environments and staff development interventions to provide qualified care.
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Comparative Study
Assessing patient category/dependence systems for determining the nurse/patient ratio in ICU and HDU: a review of approaches.
A huge range of patient classification systems/tools are used in critical care units to inform workforce planning, however, they are not always applied appropriately. Many of these systems/tools were not originally developed for the purposes of workforce planning and so their use in determining the nurse:patient ratio required in critical care settings raises a number of issues for the organisation and management of these services. ⋯ The implications of these findings for the organization and management of critical care services are discussed. Careful consideration of these areas is vital if a cost efficient and cost-effective critical care service is to be delivered.
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Care attendants, have long assisted nurses in the provision of care for older people in a variety of care settings in Ireland. While there has been recent interest in the provision of formal training for this grade of health care worker the majority remain untrained and unregulated. ⋯ The study indicates a positive view of training for care attendants, also highlighting the importance of role clarification. Results are particularly relevant in the present climate of demographic change, changes in nurse education and staff shortages in Ireland.