Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
-
Moral injury may be experienced when a person perpetrates, witnesses or fails to prevent an act that conflicts with their moral values and beliefs. The concept of moral injury has its origins in the context of military personnel encountering ethically challenging decisions during armed conflict. The term has been applied to healthcare and moral injury is increasingly acknowledged to be a challenge for healthcare professionals. ⋯ The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased nurses' risk of sustaining moral injury. This article discusses the manifestations of moral injury and its associated risk factors, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also outlines various strategies that can be used to mitigate and/or prevent moral injury in nurses.
-
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected people at the end of life who are being cared for in community settings, as well as their families and the nurses who provide care. This article explores the challenges generated by the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to community end of life care in the UK and reflects on the psychological and emotional consequences for nurses, patients and families. It also discusses some of the fundamental aspects of end of life care in the community and explores how nursing interventions can be adapted to ensure that high standards of care are maintained. The pandemic may provide opportunities for transforming community end of life care and there is a need for further research into how health and social care services have adapted, which would inform future care planning and service provision.
-
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening and inserting a tube in the trachea to enable air transit from the external atmosphere to the lungs. The insertion of a tracheostomy is a common procedure used to wean patients from mechanical ventilation and to manage patients with upper respiratory tract complications. ⋯ This article outlines the indications, benefits and complications of tracheostomy insertion, as well as the various types of tracheostomy tube that may be used. It also explains the role of the nurse in caring for patients before, during and after tracheostomy insertion, including the management of tracheostomy-related complications and emergencies.
-
When a patient dies, it is important that nurses understand their role in the verification of death. This article explains the steps required to verify the death of an adult patient. Verification of death is not a mechanistic task, but one that requires sensitivity and compassion. ⋯ Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: How this article might inform your practice when verifying a patient's death. How you could use this information to educate your colleagues on the appropriate steps required when verifying a patient's death.
-
Decontamination using hand hygiene remains one of the most important and effective methods for reducing healthcare-associated infections and cross-infection between patients. In 1860, Florence Nightingale wrote that nurses should wash their hands frequently throughout the day, demonstrating an early awareness of the effectiveness of this simple procedure. ⋯ This article details the correct procedure required for effective hand hygiene and emphasises the need for nurses to keep up to date with evidence-based guidelines. The article also outlines the differences between hand decontamination using alcohol-based hand gels and soap and water, and the complex factors that can interfere with effective hand hygiene compliance.