British journal of perioperative nursing : the journal of the National Association of Theatre Nurses最新文献

Current trends in the NHS promote patient rights including the right to accept or refuse surgery. Valid consent when the patient appears to have fluctuating competence can place theatre nurses in a difficult position. This article explores the legal framework in which the Department of Health consent forms work and looks at the NMC's Code of Professional Conduct for standards of practice.

Nurses frequently have to make decisions which require moral judgements, influenced by the ethical standards expected of the profession. They have a duty of care, promoting good, and minimising harm, whilst acting in the patients' best interests. In complicated situations it is not uncommon to wonder whether further ethical consideration is pertinent before a decision or action is made.

Digital image technology has advanced considerably in recent years and it has never been simpler to capture digital images or send them around the world. This new technology can bring tremendous benefits to healthcare but, if used inappropriately, will compromise patient confidentiality and increase the risk of litigation to the health providers. It is now time to assess the risks and agree safeguards which will promote the safe use of digital technology in the healthcare environment.

Unwanted fibres found in the operative site during phacoemulsification of cataract surgery may lead to infection, endophthalmitis, blindness and even loss of an eye. This article describes a study to identify the source of these unwanted fibres using scientific investigations. Recommendations for practice are made, based upon the findings.

Laser and electrocautery devices used during surgery produce smoky emissions that may contain vapours and particulate aerosols, which can have a chemical and biological impact on those exposed. A group of theatre staff and specialist nurses at Rotherham District General Hospital got together to draw up a risk assessment into the possible occupational exposure of theatre staff, with a view to eliminating or controlling these hazards as far as possible.

As a result of the demise of the two-tier system of clinical teacher and lecturer, all teachers were assigned to clinical areas in which they facilitate the development of an educational milieu to support student learning in practice. This article highlights the role of the link lecturer within the perioperative environment. It focuses on how this multi-faceted position can assist students to link theory and practice, and addresses key issues relating to mentorship, clinical credibility and educational audit.

As the date for national roll-out and the implementation for Agenda for Change draws near, many of you will be involved in the job matching process. This is designed to measure your job against a national job profile, thus establishing which pay band you will be placed in and so determining your salary.

The notion of'intelligence and humane choice' is addressed in this article. The only way nursing can be influential in the world of healthcare is questioned by looking at a commitment to learning, development and research. The article aims to challenge issues about nurse education and explore ways in which the nursing profession can move debates about the values underpinning the preparation of undergraduate nurses.

Ethical decision-making, and the choice of whether or not to be truthful, is an important part of everybody's life. For nurses, decisions such as these are made every day and affect not just themselves, but also the lives of others. This article will examine the ethics of truth-telling from the point of view of a theatre nurse dealing with a seriously ill patient.