Evidence-based nursing: a method for nursing practice?

Evidence-based nursing is the concept of critically appraising the best evidence from research. It integrates research evidence with clinical expertise into decision making in nursing care for patients. The method is derived from the new paradigm in medicine--evidence-based medicine, developed as a learning method by epidemiologists at the McMaster University in Canada. This article states the necessity of this method for nursing. With the help of a clinical scenario (fall prevention in the elderly) the author explains how to use evidence-based nursing in practice.     

Empowerment in nursing homes: lessons for district nursing?

Empowerment in nursing homes is seldom discussed, although patient empowerment is a key policy objective in many countries. This study explored strategies nurses in nursing homes and district nursing may use in order to empower themselves and the nursing home residents. Fourteen nurses from three nursing homes in Norway were observed and interviewed. The main finding was that the nurses where striving for the best outcome for the residents, and used strategies including negotiation and raising awareness to empower residents and each other.     

Surgical nursing – mastectomy

ABSTRACT

Surgical nursing roles include anaesthetist, surgical assistant and circulating nurse. Managing theatre is often the job of the veterinary nurse and successful management of these roles are vital for patient care and good surgical outcome. The nursing management of a dog with mammary tumours admitted for a second mastectomy is discussed. Pre-operative nursing interventions including blood testing, radiographs and intravenous fluid therapy is discussed, as are pre-anaesthetic clipping and the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). SSIs are also discussed in relation to surgical attire and despite a lack of evidence for some items reducing SSIs, they are still recommended to prompt theatre discipline. The nurse’s role as a surgical assistant is discussed and the importance of good technique to ensure tissue vitality and reduced SSIs. Passive drain care is considered alone with the associated risks of ascending infection.     

What's funny about nursing?

The authors examine the topic of humour and argue that humour is needed as one of many skills within the nurse patient relationship. We advance the view that humour has been well researched as an agent of therapeutic value and as a communication tool which helps to relieve stress, but, to date is not used to its fullest potential and tends therefore to be underestimated in both general and psychiatric nursing areas. Humour has benefits for both the nurse and the patient having psychological benefits and a vast array of physiological advantages and is regarded by those who use it as a social lubricant acting as a positive in nurse patient relationships. We also argue that it is essential that nurses know when to use humour as timing and appropriateness is imperative in order for it to be most effective. Humour can be used in all areas of clinical nursing practice and may prove useful in being a reliable predictor over the course of a patient's illness. The use of humour can help improve the nurse-patient relationship by initially breaking the ice between nurse and patient. This alternative mode of delivery can then be foundational to other areas of the nurse patient relationship such as self-disclosure, the enhancement of learning and relieving stress. Furthermore, it helps to facilitate and promote mutual health and well being for both the patient and the nurse. The usage of humour in psychiatric nurse settings is discussed and the benefits to both the patients and their staff are outlined as being of immense therapeutic value. The literature perhaps tends to skirt around these benefits somewhat, as psychiatry and laughter in partnership are not really considered important discursive topics.