ABSTRACT
The demands of today's busy health care environment, coupled with economic constraints, are challenging health organizations more than ever before. The quality of the care we deliver will be jeopardized unless we shift to a more proactive approach, in which we create change, rather than react to it. The systems that will prevail and the individuals who make up those systems will develop the necessary skills, resources, and psychological stamina to succeed in the future. This will be accomplished through attention to people, for it is through people that all change occurs. Second-generation CNSs with advanced skills in process consultation, systems diagnosis, and human relations can assist in the achievement of these goals. The success of the CNS and the benefits to the nursing organization may be strongly influenced by nurse executives who embrace the concept of organization development, choose a skilled CNS for this purpose, and adequately prepare the organization for the utilization of this invaluable resource.
Subject(s)
Efficiency, Organizational , Job Description , Nurse Clinicians , Program Development , Humans , Nurse AdministratorsABSTRACT
A descriptive study was conducted at two major medical centers in Boston to identify and categorize major concerns of persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Thirty-four subjects were interviewed using a semistructured instrument, developed by Spross and her colleagues while at the National Institutes of Health. Obtained by referral from nurses caring for them in inpatient and outpatient settings, the majority of subjects were Caucasian, homosexual males from the Boston metropolitan area. The mean age of subjects was 33.6, with 71% less than 35 years old. Subjects reported an average of 3.2 hospitalizations since the AIDS diagnosis had been made; average time since diagnosis was 8 months. Information obtained from subjects included impact of diagnosis, major concerns and sources/types of support perceived to be helpful. Five themes were identified: uncertainty of the future; desire to maintain health; social unacceptability; fatigue; and weight loss.
