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Supporting staff who are second victims after adverse healthcare events
Healthcare delivery is challenging and complex, At some point, most healthcare professionals, including nurses, will be directly or indirectly involved in adverse events, such as medication errors, patient safety incidents, witnessing adverse events and near misses. While the patient is considered t...
Updated: 1 November 2023 -
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Ethical issues arising from the assisted dying debate
The assisted dying debate is complex, with confusion over definitions and the stance taken by professional bodies. It can also be challenging to make sense of the claims made by those who support changes in the law regarding assisted dying. End of life care is an important aspect of a nurse’s role a...
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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Early diagnosis and effective management of sepsis
Sepsis is a complex condition defined as one or more life-threatening organ dysfunctions caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Nurses have a vital role in the early identification of those with or at risk of developing sepsis. Prompt early treatment delivered using care bundles such a...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Care of patients undergoing the removal of an indwelling urinary catheter
An indwelling urinary (Foley) catheter may be used in the management of various urological conditions, such as intractable incontinence and urinary retention, or as part of treatment regimens such as chemotherapy. Although some catheters may be required for long-term use, healthcare practitioners sh...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Understanding and applying personality types in healthcare communication
Understanding personality types can assist nurses in enhancing their understanding of themselves and their colleagues, which in turn can support effective communication. This article outlines the principles of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – a personality inventory that aims to improve the ...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Responding to people who are experiencing spiritual pain
This article explores the spiritual pain that patients may experience, which is often hidden or overlooked in healthcare settings that tend to focus on managing physical manifestations of pain. As part of their role in responding to patients’ needs, nurses need to be willing to engage with spiritual...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Optimising professional communication with patients
Communication between a nurse and a patient may seem intuitive. However, communicating effectively with patients while applying the principles of person-centred care can be challenging. Patients’ perceptions of suboptimal care and healthcare services may be influenced by how nurses communicate with ...
Updated: 1 November 2023 -
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Using Benner’s model of clinical competency to promote nursing leadership
This article explores the concept of leadership in health and social care. All nurses have an important leadership role, which is reflected in the principles of the NHS Leadership Academy and in the new curriculum for nursing students. By critically applying the ‘novice to expert’ model of clinical ...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Importance of reflection in revalidation
Reflection is a hallmark of professional practice and an important element of the Nursing and Midwifery Council revalidation process. Following two previous continuing professional development articles, on reflection and professional learning and on reflection and personal learning, this article wil...
Updated: 1 November 2023 -
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Effective communication with older people
Effective communication with older people is an important aspect of nursing practice. Ineffective communication can lead to older people feeling inadequate, disempowered and helpless. Nurses have a duty to ensure that older people think they are being listened to and that their concerns are being va...
Updated: 1 November 2023