Articles: intensive-care-units.
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Twenty-eight articles representing 19 investigations of critical care unit stress were reviewed. Studies were chosen if the stated purpose was to explore, describe, categorize, reduce, compare, or manipulate stress experienced by nurses employed in critical care settings. types of critical care units included were the intensive care unit, coronary care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, and the neonatal intensive care unit. ⋯ Theoretical bases, implementation of interventive strategies, and evaluation of interventions were absent in all studies reviewed. Recommendations for further research directions are given, and a categorization scheme for classification of perceived stresses is offered.
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To ascertain the problems and needs of surgical ICUs, questionnaires (prepared by the author) were submitted to 50 medical directors and ICU head nurses at major hospital centers throughout the country. Is there a demand for intensive care not being met? If so, why? What is the frequency of overcrowding or need for triage? Thirty-one of the 50 questionnaires were returned, most fully completed. Demographic information about the hospital and surgical ICU itself was obtained. ⋯ The ICU nursing turnover rate was extremely variable, ranging from 50-75% per year in seven units to as low as less than 15% in six units. This survey suggests that both large and small hospitals have difficulty carrying out their surgical ICU mission because of the demand for more ICU facilities is outstripping the supply of ICU staff. The medical and nursing critical care societies must address these problems and attempt to solve them.