Mobile Computing Devices in the Perioperative Environment: A Survey Exploring Uses and Experiences Among Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

The use of mobile computing devices (MCDs) such as smartphones, tablet computers, and laptops among Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in the clinical area may provide benefits as well as pose risks. Limited research is available on the use of MCDs in the practice of nurse anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: (1) What are the clinical and nonclinical uses of mobile computing devices among Michigan CRNAs? and (2) What are the experiences of Michigan CRNAs with regard to the impact of using these devices on patient care? A descriptive survey design was used to answer the research questions. Findings from the study reveal that CRNAs believe there are many important benefits as well as major risks associated with using MCDs while providing direct patient care. In addition, some respondents either personally experienced or witnessed incidents of distraction, performance declines, or serious anesthesia events as the result of MCD use during patient care. This study elucidates the need for the development and adoption of policies that promote safe, appropriate, patient-centered use of MCDs for the specialty of nurse anesthesia.

Accelerated second-degree nursing students: predictors of graduation and NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates.

It is important to understand and identify factors that affect students' academic performance before entry into a nursing program and as they progress through the program. The authors discuss a study, and its outcomes, that assessed accelerated second-degree nursing students' prenursing and core nursing grades that served to predict their success at completing the nursing program and passing NCLEX-RN on first attempt. Strategies were identified to help at-risk students to be successful in the program and with first-time passage of NCLEX-RN.

Nursing practice patterns: timing of insulin administration and glucose monitoring in the hospital.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe diabetes nursing practice patterns related to the timing of morning insulin administration, blood glucose monitoring, and meal intake for patients with type 2 diabetes and to report how frequently nurses were able to meet the expected standard of care. METHODS: Observations were made of 50 incidents of morning diabetes care on medical-surgical units in an acute care setting. Timeliness of rapid-acting insulin administration and glucose monitoring in relation to the morning meal were evaluated, as were the subsequent prelunch glucose levels. RESULTS: Patients did not receive rapid-acting insulin with in the standard recommended time of 10 minutes premeal/postmeal 84% of the time, nor did they receive glucose monitoring within the recommended 30 minutes premeal 57% of the time. There was no significant relationship found between timely insulin administration and glucose monitoring. There were no significant relationships found between care activities and prelunch glucose control or glucose variability. CONCLUSIONS: Coordinating insulin administration, glucose monitoring, and meal delivery within the tight time frames required for rapid-acting insulin is a significant challenge not being met. Timeliness of diabetes nursing care is not the sole determining factor to good glucose control in hospitalized patients. Standards regarding timing of these activities need to be evaluated.