Designing a leadership development program for nurse managers: an evidence-driven approach

The authors describe an evidence-driven approach used in designing a leadership development program targeted for nurses in middle management positions in an academically affiliated integrated healthcare system. A qualitative study was conducted to investigate leadership development needs and experiences of nurse managers across the health system. Study findings were used to inform educational programs and organizational initiatives responsive to needs of both novice and expert nurse managers across diverse clinical settings.     

A comparative study of vesicovaginal fistulas following delivery

This survey of records from the Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital and the Los Angeles County Hospital is a comparative analysis of the incidence of vesicovaginal fistulas following delivery. Emphasis is placed on the fistula incidence as it is related to the duration of labor and the method of delivery.The value of thorough obstetrical training of physicians is stressed in addition to the desirability of lay education regarding prenatal care and early hospitalization for labor and delivery.Suggestions are made for the management of vesicovaginal fistulas which follow delivery.     

A case of conversion disorder presenting as a severe acute stroke

Conversion disorders often present with dramatic physical presentations suggestive of severe organic disease. We present the case of a young woman who presented to the Emergency Department with a dense left hemiparesis suggestive of a severe acute stroke. Emergent referral to a regional stroke center facilitated rapid medical evaluation, exclusion of organic disease, and confirmation of conversion disorder as the etiology for the symptoms. This report highlights the dramatic clinical presentations that may result from conversion disorders as well as the benefits of rapid medical evaluation by specialty stroke centers.