ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Early identification of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) on electrocardiograms (ECGs) is vital to patient outcomes. Therefore, nurses need to have the knowledge to quickly recognize this lethal dysrhythmia. METHOD: The purpose of this pretest-posttest study was to increase nursing's knowledge on accurate and timely identification of an STEMI using an online educational intervention delivered via social media. RESULTS: This study included a convenience sample of 31 RNs employed in an urban hospital in the Midwest. The mean score on the pretest was 7.53 of 10 (p = .028), which improved to 9.11 of 10 (t = 6.273; p = .000) on the posttest. CONCLUSION: The use of social media to reach adult learners may be an effective means of delivering continuing education. Additional work is needed to further explore the use of educating bedside nurses on the importance of using the 12-lead ECG as a screening tool. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(10):475-480.].
Subject(s)
Clinical Competence , Curriculum , Education, Nursing, Continuing/organization & administration , Electrocardiography/methods , Nursing Staff, Hospital/education , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/nursing , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Malnutrition in hospitals is often overlooked, underdiagnosed, and untreated. Malnourished patients have increased risk for infection and pressure injuries, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, anemia, depressed cardiac and respiratory functions, and an overall higher risk for mortality. These complications contribute to longer hospital stays and higher health care costs. The benefits of early nutritional support in hospitals may be enhanced by use of a new nutrition care bundle that addresses all aspects of nutrition assessment and intervention. The bundle has 6 main components: assessment of malnutrition, initiation and maintenance of enteral nutrition, reduction of aspiration, implementation of enteral feeding protocols, avoiding the use of gastric residual volumes, and early initiation of parenteral nutrition when enteral feedings cannot be initiated. Implementing the nutrition bundle can help ensure that patients receive adequate nutrition during their hospital stay, thereby reducing adverse outcomes.
Subject(s)
Critical Care/methods , Critical Illness/therapy , Enteral Nutrition/standards , Nutrition Assessment , Nutrition Policy , Aged, 80 and over , Critical Illness/mortality , Female , Hospitalization , Humans , Length of Stay , Malnutrition/prevention & control , Nutritional Support , Prognosis , Risk Assessment , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Approximately 50% to 75% of hospital patients have hypertension. At the time of discharge, patients experience a transition of care as they move from the hospital to home. This article describes the transition of care from the hospital to home for patients with hypertension and discusses practice implications for NPs.
Subject(s)
Continuity of Patient Care/organization & administration , Home Care Services/organization & administration , Hypertension/nursing , Nurse Practitioners/education , Patient Discharge , Patient Transfer/organization & administration , Transitional Care/organization & administration , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Animals , Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use , Curriculum , Education, Nursing, Continuing , Female , Humans , Hypertension/drug therapy , Male , Middle Aged , United StatesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) has evolved significantly over time and will continue to do so. Future students, faculty, and practicing CNSs should be aware of their roots, current status, and what the future may entail. RATIONALE: An accurate understanding and reflection of the past, present, and future of this specific advanced practice nursing specialty could ensure its continued success as a predominate force in health restoration and the promotion of the health and well-being of people. DESCRIPTION: A review of the literature yielded a lack of cohesive information about the evolution of the CNS role, prompting an investigation into the historical, current, and future aspects of the CNS. OUTCOME: This article compiles information related to the evolution of the CNS role and what the future may entail. CONCLUSION: An understanding of how the CNS role evolved, where it stands currently, and future considerations may help clarify the role, improve utilization of the CNS in a variety of settings, improve standards for CNS education and certifications, and advance this nursing practice specialty.
Subject(s)
Forecasting , Nurse Clinicians/trends , Nurse's Role , HumansABSTRACT
Under newly restructured Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines, hospitals are at risk for reduction in reimbursement for patients with heart failure (HF) who are readmitted within 30 days after discharge. Patients with HF who are admitted for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) are routinely admitted with a primary diagnosis of HF. To reduce the occurrence of readmission, this article identifies the causes of 30-day readmission and recommends that patient follow-up after ICD placement should include assessment and management of HF symptoms.