The implementation of an infection control bundle within a Total Care Burns Unit.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of the implementation of a best practice infection prevention and control bundle on healthcare associated burn wound infections in a paediatric burns unit. BACKGROUND: Burn patients are vulnerable to infection. For this patient population, infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, thereby representing a significant challenge for burns clinicians who care for them. METHODS: An interrupted time series was used to compare healthcare associated burn wound infections in paediatric burn patients before and after implementation of an infection prevention and control bundle. Prospective surveillance of healthcare associated burn wound infections was conducted from 2012 to 2014. Other potential healthcare associated infection rates were also reviewed over the study period, including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections and sepsis. An infection prevention and control bundle developed in collaboration between the paediatric burn unit and infection control clinicians was implemented in 2013 in addition to previous standard practice. RESULTS: During the study period a total of 626 patients were admitted to the paediatric burns unit. Healthcare associated burn wound infections reduced from 34 in 2012 to 0 in 2014 following the implementation of the infection prevention and control bundle. Pneumonia and sepsis also reduced to 0 in 2013 and 2014, however one upper respiratory tract infection occurred in 2013 and urinary tract infections persisted in 2013. CONCLUSION: The implementation of an infection prevention and control bundle was effective in reducing healthcare associated burn wound infections, pneumonia and sepsis within our paediatric burns unit. Urinary tract infections remain a challenge for future improvement.

What are the shared decision-making experiences of adult children in regard to their parent/s' health care in residential aged care facilities?

AIM: This scoping literature review aimed to answer the question: What are the shared decision-making experiences of adult children in regard to their parent/s' health care in residential aged care facilities? BACKGROUND: Shared decision-making has been an important patient-centred approach to nursing care since the 1990s, yet it is becoming increasingly evident that it is still not the reality in aged care facilities fifty years on. Currently, it is not well understood how adult children participate in shared decision-making and the types of decisions they are required to make. DESIGN: A review of original research papers using Kable, Pich and Maslin-Prothero 12-step systematic approach to documenting a search strategy. METHOD: The researcher screened 597 articles from four databases, published in the English language, during the period 1985-2019. The researcher used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool version 2011 to determine the methodological quality of the included studies. The Joanna Briggs Institute QARI data tool was used to appraise the seven selected articles and thematically analyse findings, respectively. RESULTS: Four themes were highlighted: communication; staffing; being involved; and staff-family relationships. Despite these themes being apparent, families have limited opportunities to participate in shared health decision-making in regard to their parents' care. CONCLUSION: The findings from this literature show how shared decision-making is affected by the RACF environment. There is a need to find out and understand what is important from a family member's point of view to optimise shared decision-making and nursing care of the family member in residential aged care settings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The limited findings specific to the SDM experiences of adult children of parents in RACFs in this review could help staff and RACFs to develop strategies and staff training to encourage and facilitate the implementation of shared health decision-making with staff and families on older people's care.

Social networking sites: Can midwives and nurses working with adolescent mothers harness their potential value?

AIM: This paper aims to discuss social networking sites as potentially salutogenic, culturally relevant extensions to maternity care provision for adolescent mothers. BACKGROUND: Studies report that online networking may enhance social capital, a concept linked to enhanced well-being, particularly for marginalized individuals. Improving outcomes for adolescent mothers is an ongoing global strategy; thus, this paper has relevance for all professionals involved in their care. DESIGN: This is a discussion paper. DATA SOURCES: This paper draws on the authors' research and is supported by literature and theory. Key terms and Boolean operators were used to identifiy English-language papers published in January 1995 to January 2019 in nine databases and Google Scholar databases. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Despite limited evidence specific to adolescent mothers, contextual studies suggest that social networking sites may enhance well-being. Nurses and midwives need to understand adolescent mothers' use of online networks to aid development of innovative, health-enhancing care strategies using adolescent-familiar modalities. CONCLUSION: This paper highlights the need for further research regarding the value of professional engagement in online networks to enhance an adolescent's transition to motherhood.

An integrative review to identify evidence of nurse practitioner-led changes to health-care delivery and the outcomes of such changes.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify evidence of nurse practitioner-led changes to health-care delivery and the outcomes of such changes. BACKGROUND: Changing health-care delivery is synonymous with the nurse practitioner role. The literature is critical of the lack of research by nurse practitioners, reporting the effects of a change to health-care delivery. DESIGN: This study used a systematic integrative review by using Torraco's approach. DATA SOURCES: Databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, Web of Science and SCOPUS were searched for peer-reviewed publications from 2000 to 2019. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic approach was used to screen and analyse the literature. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, and quality appraisal was undertaken by two reviewers. RESULTS: Eighteen articles were selected. The research projects were across the community and acute care settings. Research methodologies varied including preintervention and postintervention studies, evaluation of quality improvement projects, randomized controlled trial and descriptive studies. Multiple data collection tools were used. Two major themes were identified including evidence-based practice champions and improved patient outcomes. CONCLUSION: The nurse practitioner role is pertinent toward improving evidence-based practice in clinical settings. Positive patient outcomes and praise for clinical leadership are evident in the literature. Research by nurse practitioners to date has focused on individual services.

A survey identifying leadership and research activities among Nurse Practitioners.

Background: Nurse Practitioners are identified as the ideal conduit to transform healthcare delivery internationally. Healthcare transformation requires the application of leadership and research skills. Current literature has limited information on NPs as leaders or researchers in the nursing profession.Objectives: Determine if Nurse Practitioners identify themselves as leaders in nursing. Identify the leadership and research activities and influencing characteristics of Nurse Practitioners in Ireland and Australia. Establish similarities in leadership and research activities between Nurse Practitioners in Ireland and Australia. To identify if there is a relationship between leadership and research activities.Design: A quantitative electronic survey.Methods: A survey instrument was developed by combining two previously validated instruments. Nurse Practitioners in Ireland or Australia that had practiced within the last five years, and members of the respective professional association were included. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the findings and explore relationships in the data.Results: 14% (n = 96) of Nurse Practitioners responded to the survey. Nurse Practitioners in Ireland and Australia identified themselves as leaders of the nursing profession. Nurse Practitioners work practices, leadership and research activities are similar in Ireland and Australia. The majority (n = 55, 57%), of participants reported being research active. There was an association between perceived leadership and research activities among participants.Conclusion: Nurse Practitioners in both Ireland and Australia identify themselves as leaders of the nursing profession. There is no difference in reported work practices, leadership or research activities of Nurse Practitioners in both Ireland and Australia. There is an association between perceived leadership and research activity.Impact Statement: Nurse Practitioners in Ireland and Australia percieved themselves as leaders in nursing and this perception increases with research activity.

Facilitating an early career transition pathway to community nursing: A Delphi Policy Study.

Aim: To further develop and validate a new model of the early career transition pathway in the speciality of community nursing. Design: Delphi policy approach, guided by a previous systematic review and semi-structured interviews. Methods: Four rounds of an expert panel (N = 19). Rounds one, two and four were questionnaires consisting of a combination of closed (Likert response) and open-ended questions. Round three comprised of a focus group conducted using virtual meeting technology. Results: The final model demonstrated reliable and valid measures. There were deficiencies in "pre-entry"-where the marketing of community nursing was negligible and the support around orientation informal and minimal, mainly due to tight budgetary concerns. Community practice holds a whole new dimension for nurses transitioning from acute care as the concept of "knowing your community" took time and support-time to be accepted reciprocally and develop a sense of belonging to the community.

Using the literary folkloristic method to understand why people refuse medical interventions.

BACKGROUND: Biomedicine is the dominant model in Western medicine. This regards disease as an identifiable reality located in people's bodies and best managed through medical interventions. Biomedicine has limited recognition of the effects of societal and cultural forces on health behaviours, so those who reject medical advice are problematic. This highlights the need for a method that considers the wider range of experiences that influence health behaviours. AIM: To describe the use of the literary folkloristic method to understand why people refuse medical interventions that reduce the risk of disease. DISCUSSION: This paper describes an innovative approach that was useful in understanding why people refuse conventional medical interventions. The literary folkloristic method provided a contextualised narrative of the experiences of high-risk women who refused risk-reducing surgery. Their stories revealed how their understandings of the risks from cancer contrasted starkly with the dominant medical discourse, ultimately leading them to reject interventions that could potentially save their lives. CONCLUSION: The literary folkloristic method gave voice to those who might otherwise have been silenced by the healthcare system. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses and nurse researchers can influence policy and practice by offering alternative understandings of poorly understood phenomena, such as patients refusing medical interventions. It is important healthcare providers approach this from the viewpoints of those directly involved, since strategies to support patients may be ineffective without such understanding.

An inductive qualitative approach to explore Nurse Practitioners views on leadership and research: An international perspective.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the ways in which Irish and Australian Nurse Practitioners (NPs) implement leadership and research in their roles and whether there is a difference in how leadership and research are demonstrated between NPs in Ireland and Australia. BACKGROUND: The original concept of the NP role was to expand nursing practice in order to provide high-quality, accessible health care to patients. This placed NPs at the crux of changes to healthcare delivery. Implementing these changes requires leadership. Research demonstrates the effects of these changes to healthcare delivery and contributes to healthcare knowledge from the nursing profession. DESIGN: In the qualitative phase of a mixed methods study, an interpretative descriptive approach was used to draw on participant experiences. METHODS: Thirty-eight respondents agreed to be interviewed following an online survey. Ten interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis method. The research complied with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research, COREQ. RESULTS: Ten participants, five NPs from Ireland and five from Australia were interviewed. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (a) Innovative leadership, which included the categories of leadership activities, the work of NPs and trailblazers; (b) Optimism, incorporating pride in achievements, the future outlook for the role and continued innovation of NPs over time; (c) Research, which included the NP research role, research challenges, support and research leadership; and (d) Resilience, which included overcoming resistance, isolation and seeking positive support systems. CONCLUSION: Nurse Practitioners are clinical leaders focused on improving healthcare delivery for patient populations. There is a lack of understanding of the NP role. Nurse Practitioners lack confidence to be independently research active. Research by NPs requires support from nurses in academia. There is no difference in the role in Ireland and Australia. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurse Practitioners are engaged in healthcare transformation. Nurse Practitioners require support from research experts in academia to make a significant contribution to nursing knowledge in healthcare delivery.

Developing a community-based nursing and midwifery career pathway - A narrative systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Community nursing and midwifery is changing in response to a shift in care from hospital to home, brought about by increasing costs to care because of an aging population and increasing chronicity. Until now, community nursing positions and scope of practice has been dependent on service focus and location, which has led to the role being unclearly defined. Lack of appeal for a career in community practice and a looming workforce shortage necessitates a review into how community nursing and midwifery transition to practice is supported. METHODS: This review sought to identify, assess and summarize available evidence relating to transitioning into community nursing and midwifery practice as a speciality. A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach. A narrative synthesis was then undertaken on papers that examined community nursing and midwifery pathway perspectives which define, and enable or inhibit a contemporary pathway. Thematic analysis used a theoretical framework developed for early career and rapid transition to nursing specialty practice. RESULTS: There is a paucity of research that identifies community nursing and midwifery as a discreet scope of practice. Twelve papers were eventually included in the review. Verbatim findings were extracted from the papers and clustered into categories based on the chosen theoretical framework. Major themes were 'the self' (professional and personal); 'transition processes'; and, a 'sense of belonging'. Sub themes included narrative identifying inhibitors and enablers in each theme. DISCUSSION: No definition of community practice or pathway was identified in nursing, although midwifery was clearly defined. Community nursing practice was described as generalist in nature although specialist knowledge is required. Being part of the community in the professional sense and personal sense was considered important. The importance of transition was identified where pre-entry exposure to community practice was seen as important. Stages in transition to practice were recognised as pre-entry; incomer; insider; and, a sense of belonging. The process of transition should be planned and individualised acknowledging past experience whilst acknowledging the specialist nature of community-based practice.

A Web-Based Recovery Program (ICUTogether) for Intensive Care Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Those who experience a critical illness or condition requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) frequently experience physical and psychological complications as a direct result of their critical illness or condition and ICU experience. Complications, if left untreated, can affect the quality of life of survivors and impact health care resources. Explorations of potential interventions to reduce the negative impact of an ICU experience have failed to establish an evidence-based intervention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a Web-based intensive care recovery program on the mental well-being of intensive care survivors and to determine if it is a cost-effective approach. METHODS: In total, 162 patients that survived an ICU experience will be recruited and randomized into 1 of 2 groups. The intervention group will receive access to the Web-based intensive care recovery program, ICUTogether, 2 weeks after discharge (n=81), and the control group will receive usual care (n=81). Mental well-being will be measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, The Impact of Events Scale-Revised and the 5-level 5-dimension EuroQoL at 3 time points (2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post discharge). Family support will be measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support at 3 time points. Analysis will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis using regression modeling. Covariates will include baseline outcome measures, study allocation (intervention or control), age, gender, length of ICU stay, APACHE III score, level of family support, and hospital readmissions. Participants' evaluation of the mobile website will be sought at 12 months postdischarge. A cost utility analysis conducted at 12 months from a societal perspective will consider costs incurred by individuals as well as health care providers. RESULTS: Participant recruitment is currently underway. Recruitment is anticipated to be completed by December 2020. CONCLUSIONS: This study will evaluate a novel intervention in a group of ICU survivors. The findings from this study will inform a larger study and wider debate about an appropriate intervention in this population. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/10935.

Leadership and registered nurses (RNs) working after-hours in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs): A structured literature review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this literature review is to synthesise and analyse the literature pertinent to the RN's competence and confidence to undertake the leadership role when working in residential aged care facilities after-hours and to determine any association of leadership with quality resident outcomes. BACKGROUND: Registered nurses (RNs) working in Residential Aged Care Facilities are required to undertake complex management tasks including leading nursing care teams, supervising non-nursing staff and allocating workloads according to residents' care needs, staff skills and experience. Registered nurses plan, assess, manage medication, evaluate each resident's care, liaise with doctors and allied health professionals and are responsible for evidence-based practice in accordance with the Nursing Standards for Practice (2016). Researchers have commented that effective nurse leadership can improve quality of care, improved resident outcomes and reduce adverse events. DESIGN: A review of original research papers based on the structured methodology described by Kable, Pich, and Maslin-Prothero (Nurse Education Today, 32, 2012, 878-886). METHODS: The review was conducted according to the 12-step structured framework by Kable et al. (Nurse Education Today, 32, 2012, 878-886). The search included peer-reviewed papers published between 2002-2017 on RN leadership after-hours, factors contributing to or with relationships to nursing leadership. Nineteen papers were found that researched the impact of leadership in aged care settings. RESULTS: The literature review concluded that nursing leadership has been linked to the quality of care and clinical outcomes in the aged care setting. However, RNs in the aged care setting have limited opportunities to develop key leadership competencies and confidence in order to meet the many challenges found in this environment due to lack of access to aged-care-specific leadership education. Minimal publications address the importance of the leadership of after-hours RNs. Results from this literature review will inform future research in this area. CONCLUSION: Nineteen papers identified the leadership required of RNs in aged care settings. However, limited research investigating the association between nursing leadership and clinical outcomes was found. The findings from this literature review suggest that leadership in the aged care setting may be facilitated through specific educational activities such as RN shadowing shifts, continuing professional development, working with peers and by demonstrating and practising leadership competencies. Based on the literature reviewed, a need for more research in this area is required. In a specific manner, research into RN leadership, competence and confidence in aged care facilities after-hours is needed. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Registered nurses working in the aged care setting after-hours need access to leadership education. Better quality of care, improved resident outcomes and reduced adverse events are associated with sound leadership.

Social networking sites (SNS) as a tool for midwives to enhance social capital for adolescent mothers.

OBJECTIVE: to explore ways in which midwives can enhance the support provided by social networking sites for adolescent mothers. DESIGN: a narrative approach was employed to guide the research design and processes. Approval was obtained from Edith Cowan University human ethics department. SETTING: focus groups and interviews were undertaken with adolescent mothers and midwives in Western Australia. FINDINGS: the four key themes identified across both groups were validation by midwives, importance of ownership, enhanced community connections and the importance of guideline development. CONCLUSIONS: findings suggest both mothers and midwives consider there are a variety of ways in which healthcare professionals could enhance the support afforded to adolescent mothers by their use of SNS. Midwives were more likely to consider the need for guideline development, but the underlying value of accessible, professionally mediated online support and information was consistent across the two groups. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Midwives would benefit from acknowledging the role played by SNS in providing support to adolescent mothers and by considering ways in which this technology can be used to lend further support to this group of mothers.

Surviving ICU: Stories of recovery.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate stories of recovery through the lens of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. BACKGROUND: Survival from ICUs is increasing, as are associated physical and psychological complications. Despite the significant impact on survivors, there is inadequate support provision in Australia and world-wide for this population. DESIGN: An interpretive biographical approach of intensive care survivors' experiences of recovery. METHODS: Data were collected during 2014-2015 from diaries, face to face interviews, memos and field notes. Six participants diarized for 3 months commencing 2 months after hospital discharge. At 5 months, participants were interviewed about the content of their diaries and symbols and signifiers in them to create a shared meaning. Analysis of diaries and interviews were undertaken using two frameworks to identify themes throughout participants' stories and provides a unique portrait of recovery through their individual lens. FINDINGS: Participants considered their lives had irreparably changed and yet felt unsupported by a healthcare system that had "saved" them. This view through their lens identified turmoil, which existed between their surface and inner worlds as they struggled to conform to what recovery "should be". CONCLUSION: The novel biographical methods provided a safe and creative way to reveal survivors' inner thoughts and feelings. Participants' considered creating their stories supported their recovery process and in particular enabled them to reflect on their progress. Findings from this study may lead to increased awareness among health care providers about problems survivors face and improved support services more broadly, based on frameworks appropriate for this population.

Using narrative inquiry to listen to the voices of adolescent mothers in relation to their use of social networking sites (SNS).

AIM: This article presents a discussion highlighting the relevance and strengths of using narrative inquiry to explore experiences of social networking site (SNS) use by adolescent mothers. BACKGROUND: Narrative inquiry as a method reveals truths about holistic human experience. Knowledge gleaned from personal narratives informs nursing knowledge and clinical practice. This approach gives voice to adolescent mothers in relation to their experiences with SNS as a means of providing social support. DESIGN: Discussion paper. DATA SOURCES: This paper draws and reflects on the author's experiences using narrative inquiry and is supported by literature and theory. The following databases were searched: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus, ERIC, ProQuest, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Health Collection (Informit). Key terms and Boolean search operators were used to broaden the search criteria. Search terms included: adolescent mother, teenage mother, "social networking sites", online, social media, Facebook, social support, social capital and information. Dates for the search were limited to January 1995-June 2017. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE/RESEARCH: Narrative research inherently values the individual "story" of experience. This approach facilitates rapport building and methodological flexibility with an often difficult to engage sample group, adolescents. CONCLUSION: Narrative inquiry reveals a deep level of insight into social networking site use by adolescent mothers. The flexibility afforded by use of a narrative approach allows for fluidity and reflexivity in the research process.

Social networking site (SNS) use by adolescent mothers: Can social support and social capital be enhanced by online social networks? - A structured review of the literature.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: to critically appraise the available literature and summarise the evidence relating to adolescent mothers' use of social networking sites in terms of any social support and social capital they may provide and to identify areas for future exploration. BACKGROUND: social networking sites have been demonstrated to provide social support to marginalised individuals and provide psycho-social benefits to members of such groups. Adolescent mothers are at risk of; social marginalisation; anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms; and poorer health and educational outcomes for their children. Social support has been shown to benefit adolescent mothers thus online mechanisms require consideration. DESIGN: a review of original research articles METHOD: key terms and Boolean operators identified research reports across a 20-year timeframe pertaining to the area of enquiry in: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus, ERIC, ProQuest, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Health Collection (Informit) and Google Scholar databases. Eight original research articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. FINDINGS: studies demonstrate that adolescent mothers actively search for health information using the Internet and social networking sites, and that social support and social capital can be attributed to their use of specifically created online groups from within targeted health interventions. Use of a message board forum for pregnant and parenting adolescents also demonstrates elements of social support. There are no studies to date pertaining to adolescent mothers' use of globally accessible social networking sites in terms of social support provision and related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: further investigation is warranted to explore the potential benefits of adolescent mothers' use of globally accessible social networking sites in terms of any social support provision and social capital they may provide.

Implications for research and practice of the biographic approach for storytelling.

Background Intensive care unit survivors face many physical and psychological difficulties during their recovery following discharge from hospital. These difficulties can significantly affect their quality of life. Healthcare providers and survivors' families often do not understand what recovery means in this population, which may affect the support provided. Aim To consider the potential of the biographical method in helping to create stories that illustrate recovery in intensive care survivors and other populations. Discussion This paper identifies how the biographical approach has provided survivors with a way to uncover the hidden parts of their lives through diaries and interviews, and reveal the hidden stories of intensive care survivorship and recovery. Conclusion The application of the biographical method enabled stories to be created that identified the disruption survivors encounter as they struggle to appear recovered. Implications for practice The biographical method can illuminate experiences uncaptured by other methods. This insight into recovery journeys can help healthcare practitioners and family members to understand and recognise the need for support during recovery.

Applying heuristic inquiry to nurse migration from the UK to Australia.

Background Heuristic inquiry is a research approach that improves understanding of the essence of an experience. This qualitative method relies on researchers' ability to discover and interpret their own experience while exploring those of others. Aim To present a discussion of heuristic inquiry's methodology and its application to the experience of nurse migration. Discussion The researcher's commitment to the research is central to heuristic inquiry. It is immersive, reflective, reiterative and a personally-affecting method of gathering knowledge. Researchers are acknowledged as the only people who can validate the findings of the research by exploring their own experiences while also examining those of others with the same experiences to truly understand the phenomena being researched. This paper presents the ways in which the heuristic process guides this discovery in relation to traditional research steps. Conclusion Heuristic inquiry is an appropriate method for exploring nurses' experiences of migration because nurse researchers can tell their own stories and it brings understanding of themselves and the phenomenon as experienced by others. Implications for practice Although not a popular method in nursing research, heuristic inquiry offers a depth of exploration and understanding that may not be revealed by other methods.

Never ending stories: visual diarizing to recreate autobiographical memory of intensive care unit survivors.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the potential use of visual diarizing to enable intensive care unit (ICU) survivors to create their story of recovery. BACKGROUND: An ICU experience can have deleterious psychological and physical effects on survivors leading to reductions in quality of life which for some may be of significant duration. Although there has been exploration of many interventions to support recovery in this group, service provision for survivors remains inconsistent and inadequate. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A qualitative interpretive biographical exploration of the ICU experience and recovery phase of ICU survivors using visual diarizing as method. This paper is a component of a larger study and presents an analyses of one participant's visual diary in detail. METHODS: Data collection was twofold. The participant was supplied with visual diary materials at 2 months post-hospital discharge and depicted his story in words and pictures for a 3-month period, after which he was interviewed. The interview enabled the participant and researcher to interpret the visual diary and create a biographical account of his ICU stay and recovery journey. FINDINGS: The analysis of one participant's visual diary yielded a wealth of information about his recovery trajectory articulated through the images he chose to symbolize his story. The participant confirmed feelings of persecution whilst in ICU and was unprepared for the physical and psychological disability which ensued following his discharge from hospital. However, his story was one of hope for the future and a determination that good would come out of his experience. He considered using the visual diary enhanced his recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The participant perceived that visual diarizing enhanced his recovery trajectory by enabling him to recreate his story using visual imagery in a prospective diary. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Prospective visual diarizing with ICU survivors may have potential as an aid to recovery.

Residential aged care nurses: portraits of resilience.

AIM: To explore residential aged care nurses working in interim, rehabilitation and residential aged care perceptions of resilience. DESIGN: Qualitative Portraiture methodology. Inclusion criteria were that all participants were English speaking, registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Authority and had more than five years' experience working in an aged care environment. Three participants were interviewed and employed within a metropolitan interim, rehabilitation and aged care setting. RESULTS: Eight themes were identified: valuing social support; leadership, managing 'self'; 'paying it forward'; passion for the profession; focusing on the positive and the taking on of challenge. CONCLUSIONS: This paper focuses on the impact of aged care nursing work on nurses and in particular how the nurses remain resilient in their work environment. Resilience can be developed through education and can sustain professional longevity. Workload stress can be alleviated through the provision of resilience training.