Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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No matter what the size or location of your emergency department it is time to critically evaluate the patient care issue and impact of a delayed admission. Our case study centered on a trauma patient and the need for trauma protocols and trained staff. ⋯ Similar protocols should be developed for critically ill patients. While our number 1 goal is to improve patient care and patient satisfaction, the financial bottom line of your facility will be impacted by the negative effects of this issue.
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Few data describe the role of registered nurses working in emergency departments in caring for ventilated patients, yet these patients may remain in the emergency department for prolonged durations because of the unavailability of intensive care unit beds. Our objective was to examine the exposure of emergency nurses to patients requiring mechanical ventilation, as well as their responsibilities and education on ventilation received. ⋯ Emergency nurses had variable exposure to ventilated patients. Responsibility for ventilator management was influenced by RT availability. Low nurse-patient ratios; inconsistent availability of education; lack of competency assessment; and infrequent use of guidelines, protocols, or pre-printed order sets pose potential concerns for patient safety while ventilated in the emergency department.
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Recommendations by the ENA and other professional organizations have not resulted in widespread adoption of routine assessment for family violence such as child abuse and intimate partner violence. The aim of this qualitative study was to use a theory-driven approach to explore the salient beliefs and attitudes of nurses and physicians related to routine assessment of child abuse and intimate partner violence in the pediatric emergency department. ⋯ Participants viewed child abuse and intimate partner violence as an event in a child's life that affects the child's health. Participants valued the benefits of routine family violence assessment; however, translating these value beliefs into practice remains elusive. A theoretical framework may provide insight into yet unidentified aspects of known barriers and facilitators.