Identifying nursing research priorities: a first step in program development

This study determined nursing research priorities and focused on the development of a nursing research program within a single institution. Of the 715 nurses within the Department of Nursing, 286 (40%) responded to the first round of a two-round Delphi technique, and 137 (48%) responded to the second. The following clinical priorities were determined: prevention and treatment of pressure sores, pain management, treatment of nosocomial infections, and patient education. Nonclinical priorities included staffing and its effects on turnover and patient care, job satisfaction, and factors influencing the quality of nursing care. Serendipitous findings underscored the relevance of the Department of Nursing's conceptual framework to nursing practice and research, revealed the need for dissemination of current research results, and suggested that nurses want to participate in research without assuming responsibility beyond their expertise.     

Annular erythema with eosinophilia: A subset of Wells' syndrome

We present a 52-year-old lady with a 5-year history of a persistent, widespread, annular erythema associated with lethargy, arthralgias, and an inflammatory synovitis. Skin biopsies have shown mild lichenoid change at the dermoepidermal junction; and oedema, mucin, and a diffuse lymphocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate without flame figures in the dermis. A full blood count including an eosinophil count; liver, renal and thyroid function; rheumatoid factor, ANA, ENA, dsDNA, complement studies, immunoglobulins, and serum protein elecrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis; flow cytometry of peripheral blood for lymphocyte markers; stool examination for ova, cysts and parasites; and a CT scan of the chest and abdomen have shown no significant abnormality. Hydroxychloroquine has stabilised but not cleared her condition.
Cases presenting clinically with annular erythema and histologically with eosinophilic cellulitis are difficult to classify. We discuss the classification of this case in the context of the literature.     

The effects of implementing a professional practice model.

Professional practice is a reasonable and viable alternative to the traditional nursing practice models used in many hospitals. The authors describe the implementation of a professional practice model and its effects on cost per patient day, sick time, turnover rates, and job satisfaction indicators.