The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
-
Observational Study
Assessment of satisfaction with care among family members of survivors in a neuroscience intensive care unit.
Many prior nursing studies regarding family members specifically of neuroscience intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) patients have focused on identifying their primary needs. A concept related to identifying these needs and assessing whether they have been met is determining whether families explicitly report satisfaction with the care that both they and their loved ones have received. The objective of this study was to explore family satisfaction with care in an academic neuro-ICU and compare results with concurrent data from the same hospital's medical ICU (MICU). ⋯ Parents of patients were more likely than other relatives to feel very included and supported in the decision-making process. Future studies may focus on evaluating strategies for neuro-ICU nurses and physicians to provide better decision-making support and to implement more frequent family meetings even for those patients who may not seem medically or socially complicated to the team. Determining satisfaction with care for those families whose loved ones passed away during their neuro-ICU admission is another potential avenue for future investigation.
-
Clinical Trial
Effects of different musical stimuli in vital signs and facial expressions in patients with cerebral damage: a pilot study.
Along history, music has been used in a variety of ways for therapeutic purposes and has long been recognized for its physiological and psychological effects. Music listening can be an effective nursing intervention, to enhance relaxation, provide distraction, and reduce pain. ⋯ The results of the study suggest that the application of musical stimuli such as CRM and RMNS can be used to provide a state of relaxation in patients with severe cerebral damage.
-
The contributions and perceptions of staff regarding nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in neuroscience intensive care units (ICUs) throughout the country are not well known. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of neuroscience NPs and PAs and assess demographics of ICUs. ⋯ Additional responsibility of NPs and PAs has strong potential to improve staff, patient, and family satisfaction and safety and prevent neurological deterioration. Thus, NPs and PAs should be utilized to the full extent of their role.
-
The advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) began in the 1960s as an alternative provider to meet the demands of an escalating healthcare resource deficit. As the role evolved and ARNPs demonstrated safe and effective care, these providers began to appear in critical care settings. It is believed that in the specialty of Neurocritical Care, about half the providers are ARNPs. ⋯ The program contains a roadmap for knowledge base and skill acquisition as well as competency training and maintenance. Experience with appropriate hiring and screening standards, internally developed training tools, and identification of necessary advanced classes are discussed. This model may be used as a guideline for Neurocritical Care ARNP training as well as adapted for all other critical care settings.