Nursing in critical care
-
Nursing in critical care · Sep 2014
Critical care nurses management of prolonged weaning: an interview study.
For most critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) weaning is uncomplicated. For the remainder, weaning is a challenge and may result in further complications and increased risk of mortality. Critical care nurses (CCNs) require substantial knowledge and experience to manage patients experiencing prolonged weaning. ⋯ Closeness to the patient and a key role in management of the mechanical ventilated patient in ICU gives the CCN unique potential to develop and create models and tools for prolonged weaning. These tools, specially designed for patients undergoing prolonged weaning, would give focus on continuous planning, collaborating, managing and evaluation in the process of liberating patients from mechanical ventilation.
-
Nursing in critical care · Sep 2014
The meaning and importance of vigilant attendance for the relatives of intensive care unit patients.
To explore the meaning of vigilant attendance for relatives of critically ill patients in Greece. ⋯ Changes in visiting policies in Greece are needed to meet the needs of relatives adequately. Recommendations for changes with minimal investment of time and funding are made.
-
Nursing in critical care · Jul 2014
Intensive care unit nurses' evaluation of simulation used for team training.
To implement a simulation-based team training programme and to investigate intensive care nurses' evaluations of simulation used for team training. ⋯ The findings may motivate and facilitate the use of simulation for team training to promote patient safety in intensive care and provide educators with support to develop and improve simulation-based training programmes.
-
Nursing in critical care · Jul 2014
Improvement of enteral nutrition in intensive care unit patients by a nurse-driven feeding protocol.
To examine whether early enteral nutrition (EN) of critically ill patients could be improved by a nurse-driven implementation of an existing feeding protocol. ⋯ Adherence to guidelines regarding early start and timely escalation of EN can be improved if ICU nursing staff is responsible for translating it into action with the help of a written algorithm.
-
Nursing in critical care · Jul 2014
Critical incidents among intensive care unit nurses and their need for support: explorative interviews.
This article aims (a) to get insight into intensive care nurses' most critical work-related incidents, (b) their reactions and coping and (c) perceived support, in a Dutch intensive care unit. ⋯ Managers should acknowledge the effects of critical incidents on intensive care nurses and take preventive measures: reducing critical incidents, improving open communication, imposing a buddy-system for collegial support, and timely evaluating the necessity of professional help.