Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.)
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As most Canadians die in hospital, the final contact of family members with their loved ones is frequently in an unknown and uncomfortable environment. Family members are integral to the end-of-life decision-making process and are vital contributors to the comfort of dying patients. A quantitative study was conducted in three critical care areas where the stated goals were to provide not only quality care to patients, but also support to families. The researchers sought to determine levels of satisfaction with care, visitation, support, comfort and pain measures. ⋯ Consistency in nursing care and provision of information to family members may be difficult in the fast pace of an ICU, but are reasonable program objectives considering the positive influence this has on perceptions of care. Further, flexible visitation policies which maximize access between family members and both their dying loved one and health care professionals appear to have a beneficial effect on satisfaction.
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2005
Developing leadership skills in critical care nurses: a case scenario--part two.
During a recent CACCN board meeting, directors were challenged with developing an approach to a difficult case scenario. In a situation in which a group of nurses have angered some of the other nurses who work in the same unit, the directors were asked to identify core problems and suggest possible solutions and potential barriers to this problem. ⋯ A number of possible solutions and the associated strengths and weaknesses, as well as the barriers to implementing the solutions were identified. In summary, critical care nurses must continue to advocate and lead the way toward strong leadership, modeling of appropriate behaviour and effective communication--all of which contribute to stronger team development and, ultimately, result in better, safer patient care.