ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fetal cardiology programs are evolving quickly and include multiple interdisciplinary health care professionals whose roles could benefit from clear definition. Nurses provide an essential function in this field; however, descriptions or definitions of nursing practice, education and knowledge requirements, and responsibilities are limited and vary across institutions and disciplines. PURPOSE: To conduct an integrative review summarizing the literature to determine the role of nurses in fetal cardiology programs. METHODS: We conducted an integrative review as per Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) methodology of current literature to reveal strengths and opportunities in describing nursing practice as fetal cardiology nurses. The search strategy included five electronic databases: CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed English-language articles discussing nursing practices in fetal cardiology published between 2015 and 2022 were selected. Data extraction and analysis were completed on a final sample of 26 articles. RESULTS: Four themes were identified on fetal cardiac nursing practice from nursing and medical perspectives: multidisciplinary key team member, psychosocial family support and counselor, coordinator or navigator, and role description. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: More discussion in the literature is needed to better understand and define fetal cardiac nursing practice. Although most experts agree nurses are an important member of the interdisciplinary fetal cardiology team, their roles and educational requirements are poorly described and defined. Quality metrics and benchmarks are needed to ensure safe and effective fetal cardiology care.
Subject(s)
Cardiology , Nurses , Female , Pregnancy , Humans , Health Personnel , Prenatal Care , Social BehaviorABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this concept analysis is to clarify the meaning of professional nursing values. BACKGROUND: In a time of increasing ethical dilemmas, it is essential that nurses internalize professional values to develop and maintain a professional identity. However, nursing organizations and researchers provide different conceptions of professional nursing values, leading to a lack of clarity as to the meaning and attributes of this construct. DESIGN: Walker and Avant's (2011) method was used to guide an analysis of this concept. DATA SOURCE: Resources published from 1973 to 2016 were identified via electronic databases and hand-searching of reference lists. REVIEW METHODS: A review of the literature was completed and the data were analyzed to identify uses of the concept; the defining attributes of the concept; borderline, related, contrary, and illegitimate examples; antecedents and consequences; and empirical referents. RESULTS: Professional nursing values were defined as important professional nursing principles of human dignity, integrity, altruism, and justice that serve as a framework for standards, professional practice, and evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed in the development and testing of professional nursing values theory, and the reassessment of values instruments. Core professional values that are articulated may help unify the profession and demonstrate the value of nursing to the public.
