Journal of trauma nursing : the official journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses
-
The purpose of this study was to implement a multidisciplinary daily quality checklist in a trauma intensive care setting to determine adherence to infection prevention protocols as well as the impact on infection and complications. ⋯ Initiation of a multidisciplinary daily quality checklist is correlated with decreased infection rates in a trauma intensive care setting.
-
There are many different roles in which acute care nurse practitioners can function. At our institution, the trauma nurse practitioners work in partnership with the trauma attendings to lead the plan of care. The nurse practitioners' holistic approach, emphasis on communication, attention to detail, flexibility and availability has had a substantial impact on patient outcomes as well as staff satisfaction. In this article, we provide an overview of our unique role and the impact on quality of care.
-
The Emergency Preparedness Committee in the emergency department at a Level I Trauma Center identified a knowledge gap related to hazardous materials and items (Hazmat) incidents and their associated decontamination procedures. This led to the development of a "user-friendly" resource guide for key staff, specifically charge nurses, to utilize during Hazmat situations. Implementing this reference book has significantly increased the number of identified Hazmat incidents. The staff members involved have utilized the reference book to effectively guide them through the Hazmat incidents.
-
Health care reform and legislation of restricted resident work hours lead to the evaluation and the changes in health care delivery. In the early 1990s, the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner role evolved to fill the care gaps created by these changes. ⋯ With few role models, the responsibility of integration is left in the hands of novice NPs, hospital administrators, or physician colleagues. The purpose of this article was to outline orientation, implementation, and evaluation strategies to optimize the transition of trauma NP into the inpatient setting.