ORL-head and neck nursing : official journal of the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses
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This article explores the concept that nursing and poetry are art forms, demonstrates the similarities between poetry and nursing, and proposes that appreciation of each of these art forms enhances the pleasures to be found in both.
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Evidence based practice demonstrates using clippers immediately before surgery, when perioperative hair removal is necessary, results in the fewest surgical site infections (Kjonniksen, Andersen, Sondenaa, & Segadal, 2002). In addition, one of The Joint Commission's national patient safety goals for 2008 is "to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections" (The Joint Commission, 2008, Goal 7). Therefore, a project was undertaken to change perioperative nursing care in a large teaching hospital from using razors for hair removal in the perioperative setting to using clippers. ⋯ Changing practice to utilizing clippers for hair removal is an extrinsic factor of SSIs that can be easily modified. Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) patients that require hair removal before surgery (i.e., acoustic neuroma, cranial-facial resections, and head and neck reconstruction) may benefit from this change in practice. Perioperative nurses are in a prime position to reduce the incidence of SSIs in ORL patients.
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This paper describes quality improvement projects by three different multidisciplinary groups. The combined work from these groups addresses the staff's ability to provide safe, efficient, and expedient airway care during transport away from their home-base inpatient unit for patients who have a tracheostomy or a laryngectomy. The convened multidisciplinary project groups developed airway management algorithms, a "Go Kit," tracheostomy supply caddies, and a transportation communication check list. This paper further describes associated staff education with revised policies and procedures (DHMC Clinical Operations Policy Library 2005; 2006; 2007).
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Nurses caring for patients who have otorhinolaryngic conditions undergoing medical and surgical treatments find that their patient populations are becoming older and sicker. These patients are more likely to develop delirium, often superimposed on depression or dementia. ⋯ This paper reviews the evaluation and management of delirium, dementia, and depression in hospitalized elders, focusing on a new resource, the evidence-based Mental Health Toolkit, developed by the National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners (NCGNP). The paper further provides material for a structured journal club activity, including a common ORL clinical scenario and learning objectives, as well as discussion questions and answers.
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Editorial Biography Historical Article
The history of ORL-Head and Neck Nursing.