Strategies for Nurses to Prevent Sleep‐Related Injuries and Errors

Rehabilitation nurses work shift schedules or long hours to provide essential patient services around the clock. These demanding hours can lead to sleep difficulties, declines in performance, and increased worker errors. This article gives an overview of selected declines in cognitive performance that are associated with inadequate sleep and several factors that increase risk for fatigue‐related errors. Selected strategies for nurses and managers to reduce these risks are discussed, such as better sleep practices, improved work schedule design, naps, caffeine, exposure to light, and rest breaks. Both nurses and managers share responsibility for implementing strategies to reduce risks from inadequate sleep.     

Encouraging Men to Enter the Field of Child Care: What Can Be Done?

Child care has traditionally been viewed by society as “women's work”. However, men who work in child care programs help challenge stereotypes and allow children to view males from a different perspective. The question then becomes one of how to encourage men to enter the field of child care. This article examines a few of the obstacles that prevent men from working in child care centers and provides one man's story about how he came to work in a child care facility. This is followed by suggestions of ways men could be encouraged to enter and stay in the field of early childhood education.     

The Evolution and Status of Genetics Education in Nursing in the United States 1983–1995

Despite rapid advances in genetic diagnosis andgene therapy, only a few nurses are addressing the need for widespread dissemination of genetic information. A critical question is: How long will nurses be able to maintain high-quality care and contend with the conundrums of genopathic medicine? The purpose of this state-of-the-science paper is to trace progress in nursing education in genetics and to recommend curriculum change. A recurrent theme—the need for knowledge—is found in nursing studies and national forums in genetics. Genetic knowledge for nurses should be a priority.     

Drug testing: Medical, legal, and ethical issues

Laboratory testing for drugs is a controversial issue in America. The authors present arguments for mandatory use under specific circumstances. Physical limitations of each test are discussed in terms of applicability as well as protection of the person being tested.