Collegian
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This paper reports on research that set out to identify and describe the experiences of the registered nurse caring for the resident dying of cancer in a nursing home. The research method used was a qualitative single case study involving five registered nurses in one nursing home. Thematic analysis of data from unstructured interviews and reflective journals was used to explicate the nurses' experiences. ⋯ All aspects of the relationships were unique and profound. However, the emotional involvement with the resident, multiple death losses, confrontation of personal losses, limited workplace support such as counselling, potentially places these registered nurses at emotional risk from burnout and complicated bereavement. The implications of these findings for nursing practice, education and research are discussed.
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This paper reports on the findings of a naturalistic inquiry study that explored the scope and boundaries of nursing practice. Findings from interview and observation data suggest that nurses negotiate and adjust professional boundaries on an individual, case-by-case basis, thereby managing the scope of their practice as they see it in that circumstance. The strategies they used are presented in four major categories: 1) maintaining a comfort zone, 2) expanding into safe territory, 3) moving into the grey zone and 4) stepping over the line. ⋯ Clarifying the grey zone (or overlapping territory) is an essential task for the profession in determining the boundaries of nursing practice. The data revealed that, partly due to the ambiguity of the grey zone, nurses may step over the line into medical decision-making and outside the legal sanctions for the professional nursing role. The implications of this study highlight the need for nursing to define its scope of practice and in so doing stabilise professional boundaries.
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Perceptions about what constitutes depression contribute to poor know edge of the condition amongst non-psychiatric medica and nurs ng staff. Stereotypes about ageing and depression go some way to explaining why depression remains under-recognised and under addressed in older people. ⋯ It also makes explicit some of the issues surrounding diagnosis and management of the disorder. The importance of a good health history and an appreciation of the adverse effects of drugs are identified as important in assisting to diagnose this treatable condition.