Nurses caring for ENT patients in a district general hospital without a dedicated ENT ward score significantly less in a test of knowledge than nurses caring for ENT patients in a dedicated ENT ward in a comparable district general hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether there is a difference in ENT knowledge amongst nurses caring for patients on a dedicated ENT ward and nurses caring for ENT patients in a similar hospital without a dedicated ENT ward. DESIGN: A test of theoretical knowledge of ENT nursing care was devised and administered to nurses working on a dedicated ENT ward and then to nurses working on generic non-subspecialist wards regularly caring for ENT patients in a hospital without a dedicated ENT ward. The test scores were then compared. SETTING: A single specialist ENT/Maxillo-Facial/Opthalmology ward in hospital A and 3 generic surgical wards in hospital B. Both hospitals are comparable district general hospitals in the south west of England. PARTICIPANTS: Nursing staff working in hospital A and hospital B on the relevant wards were approached during the working day. 11 nurses on ward 1, 10 nurses on ward 2, 11 nurses on ward 3 and 10 nurses on ward 4 (the dedicated ENT ward). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Each individual test score was used to generate an average score per ward and these scores compared to see if there was a significant difference. RESULTS: The average score out of 10 on ward 1 was 6.8 (+/-1.6). The average score on ward two was 4.8 (+/-1.6). The average score on ward three was 5.5 (+/-2.1). The average score on ward 4, which is the dedicated ENT ward, was 9.7 (+/-0.5). The differences in average test score between the dedicated ENT ward and all of the other wards are statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Nurses working on a dedicated ENT ward have an average higher score in a test of knowledge than nurses working on generic surgical wards. This difference is statistically significant and persists despite banding or training.

Implementing the SOHN-endorsed AORN guidelines for reprocessing reusable upper airway endoscopes.

This is a companion paper to two previous publications on recommended practices for cleaning and reprocessing flexible endoscopes used in Otolaryngology (Burlingame, Arcilla, & McDermott, 2008; Adams & Baker, 2010). In this paper we capture and expand upon the audience question and answer session in which the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurse (SOHN)--endorsed the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) recommended practices were presented to the SOHN membership (Adams & Waddington, September, 2010). We include additional background information to assist readers in understanding some of the science behind the recommendations and share successful implementation strategies from Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) outpatient nurses and published references.

Recommended cleaning and processing of flexible otolaryngology endoscopes.

Uncertainty about endoscope reprocessing in the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) office setting continues today especially regarding the care and cleaning of flexible endoscopes. In an effort to answer questions concerning how, when and how long to process endoscopes in the outpatient office, the Society of Otorhinolaryngology Nurses (SOHN) has partnered with the Association of periOperative Nurses (AORN) to establish standards for all Otolaryngology nurses to adopt and utilize, ensuring a safe and effective methodology for cleaning flexible endoscopes in the outpatient ORL office. This protocol has been approved by the SOHN Board of Directors as the recommended guideline for ORL nurses to follow when performing endoscope reprocessing in the outpatient ORL office.

The personal and professional benefits of the ENT Nursing Foundation.

SOHN created the ENT Nursing Foundation at the 21st Annual Congress. This article describes the Foundation, the basics of its operation, and the benefits to SOHN and donors. The establishment of the ENT Nursing Foundation at the 21st Annual Congress of the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses (SOHN) in San Francisco marked a professional milestone for SOHN. The Foundation established a funding method for charitable activities, professional education, and research for our members, affiliated corporations, the overall community and most importantly, our patients. The Foundation's mission is to enrich the care of the ENT patient through education and research. This Foundation can provide great personal and professional benefit to all of us by enhancing the image of SOHN as an important force in the Otolaryngology community. The Mission Statement of the ENT Nursing Foundation is to enhance the care of the ear, nose, and throat patient, by advancing the art and science of nursing through education and research funded by donations from individuals, corporations, and health care providers. Establishment of the ENT Nursing Foundation signifies a commitment to our members and our constituents through the creation of a financial entity that allows members to develop a proud legacy. This permanent endowment, entrusted to the Foundation, assists and complements the work of SOHN and other health care professionals in the care of otolaryngology patients. With funding efforts permanently established, SOHN is in a better position to provide benefit to individuals and corporations as philanthropy is encouraged throughout the ENT community. Many small donations paired with larger donations and grants can make a very powerful funding source. This funding vehicle provides a service for donors with varied interests and at various levels of giving.

Poetry and the art of nursing.

This article explores the concept that nursing and poetry are art forms, demonstrates the similarities between poetry and nursing, and proposes that appreciation of each of these art forms enhances the pleasures to be found in both.