Nursing in the nineties: managing the uncertainty.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined qualitative data on nurses' work lives from 53 hospitals that participated in the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Outcomes Research in Nursing Administration Project (ORNA). BACKGROUND: The ORNA project examines the impact of nursing unit organizational structure on outcomes. The information reported in this article amplifies the quantitative data with qualitative data that enhances understanding of nurses' work lives. METHODS: Site coordinators at all participating hospitals were requested to send monthly journal entries for 6 months. Data were documented according to an agreed-on content outline that consisted of critical incidents and implications. Data were collected from 53 of the 65 study site coordinators (response rate 81.5%). Content analysis of all collected data was conducted by the research team. RESULTS: Study site coordinators in 53 hospitals characterize the acute care environment as turbulent and uncertain. Contributing factors include: 1) work load (fluctuating census, staff preparation, turnover); 2) loss of workplace identity (unit consolidation, hospital buy-outs, and system mergers); and 3) re-engineering (skill mix, new equipment/system changes, new documentation systems, rumored changes). CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to the growing body of literature that portrays environmental uncertainty from the narrative perspective. Although there is an ongoing need for the employment of fiscally accountable, quality enhancing organizational/management strategies, all initiatives are at risk unless personnel needs are attended to and seen as unique in each care setting. Some strategies are offered to meet this dual imperative.     

Cystic fibrosis: managing nutrition.

A crucial part of the management of patients with cystic fibrosis is ensuring that dietary requirements are met, and therefore weight gain and growth are achieved. The author outlines the nutritional problems faced by this client group and suggests how they may be overcome. She argues that optimum nutrition contributes not only to an improved standard of health, but also to the overall quality of life of patients with cystic fibrosis.     

Preventing and managing dehydration.

Sufficient body water and electrolyte homeostasis are essential for healthy physiologic functioning. Nurses are key to preventing, detecting early, and treating fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration significantly alters both physical and psychological functioning, and older adults are at increased risk. Identifying fluid disorders early can prevent complications and reduce hospital stays. Understanding the mechanisms of fluid homeostasis enables nurses to assess, prevent, and collaborate in managing isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic dehydration.     

Understanding and managing neurally mediated syncope in the adolescent.

Syncope and near-syncopal symptoms are common events in the adolescent population. Syncope is defined as the transient loss of postural tone and consciousness with spontaneous recovery. Although most syncopal events are benign, they can generate extreme anxiety in the adolescent and his or her family. The re-occurrence of these events can have a negative impact on an adolescent's participation in daily activities. Understanding the process of assessment, diagnosis, and management of these teens can enable the school nurse to augment initial assessment and to support the prescribed treatment plan. This knowledge then can be used to help allay the adolescent's anxiety and to support efforts at self-management. This article explores current literature in regards to etiology, diagnosis, and medical treatment, and advocates a self-management protocol for neurally mediated syncope in the adolescent population with support of that plan by the school nurse.     

Panic disorder. Recognizing and managing the 'real thing'.

Panic disorder is a severe anxiety disease frequently encountered in primary care. Although it is associated with potentially serious medical and psychiatric complications and is often difficult to diagnose, the condition is highly treatable. Initial pharmacotherapy may include alprazolam (Xanax), imipramine hydrochloride (Janimine, Tofranil), or phenelzine (Nardil). Correct diagnosis and treatment can alleviate much suffering and expense and promote both mental and physical health.