Journal of trauma nursing : the official journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses
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Domestic violence is a nationwide public health issue. It affects people from all walks of life and every age group. Domestic violence is on the rise in Hillsborough County, Florida, up by 2.5% from 2004 to 2005. The Governor's Domestic Violence Task Force suggests that domestic violence is seriously underreported. Nursing assessments routinely require screening for domestic violence, placing nurses in a unique position to screen and report because they are often the first contacts of victims. The purpose of this study was to discover barriers nurses face in relation to mandatory reporting of domestic violence. ⋯ Nurses who have personally experienced domestic violence are more likely to report. Reporting laws are intended as guidelines for nurses. An effort should be made to have universal definitions and terms across the United States.
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Nursing documentation for trauma resuscitation has improved significantly at our level I trauma center because of the introduction of our Emergency Nurse Documentation Improvement Tool (END-IT). The END-IT system was implemented as a performance improvement model and utilizes existing computer software. ⋯ The feedback is provided in written form and uses peer mentoring to improve accountability in documentation. The program has been successful and has decreased documentation omissions and mistakes by 21%.