Nursing in critical care
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As a professional group, nurses, whether as academics or practitioners, are increasingly expected to contribute to the development of quality nursing care and service provision by disseminating the findings of research, sharing innovations in clinical practice or examples of best practice. Yet, many individuals find it difficult to write informatively about their practice or to translate the outputs of academic studies into accessible publications. However, in most instances, a lack of confidence remains a key obstacle as is the lack of familiarity with processes required in preparing a paper for publication. ⋯ The main body of the paper provides a detailed analysis on the importance of deciding what to write about, selecting a suitable journal, organizing the content and structure of a paper and using appropriate language to make the article more accessible to the audience. The discussion also explores the concepts of authorship order, peer-review process and how to respond to written reviewer's comments once the paper has been returned by the publishers. The paper concludes by stressing that success requires undertaking the necessary preparatory work, time, commitment and enthusiasm.
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Nursing in critical care · Mar 2005
Children visiting adults in ITU-what support is available? A descriptive survey.
Traditionally, children appear to have been discouraged from visiting in adult intensive therapy units. Various reasons have been given, mostly unsubstantiated by research. ⋯ This appears to have been the first national study specifically exploring the support for children visiting (or who may wish to visit) a critically ill adult in an intensive therapy unit. This study highlights (perhaps for the first time) not only the lack of policy and staff education but also the lack of available information for visitors, regarding visits by children so that they can make informed choices together.
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Nursing in critical care · Mar 2005
Danish parents' experiences when their new born or critically ill small child is transferred to the PICU-a qualitative study.
The aim of this study was to describe Danish parents' experiences when their newborn or small child was critically ill. Thirteen parents were interviewed. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. ⋯ Less capable and distressed nurses made the parents feel uncomfortable and insecure. Parents need help and support during their child's transfer to and from the PICU. Critical care nurses have to discuss the policy of family-centred care.