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Tensions have been simmering among clinicians about the role of physician associates (PAs), with the British Medical Association (BMA) warning that patients are being put at risk by the way non-medically qualified staff are being deployed in place of doctors. There are signs advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) role is getting dragged into the debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To learn about general nurses’ experiences of caring for patients who misuse substances • To understand what the role of addiction clinical nurse specialist (ACNS) entails and its benefits • To recognise the potential barriers to implementing the ACNS role in hospital settings. Background: The role of an addiction clinical nurse specialist (ACNS) is focused on individuals who misuse drugs and alcohol, and several benefits of the role have been identified in the literature. When people who misuse substances are admitted to acute general hospitals, there is an opportunity to engage with them and ensure they access support services to facilitate their recovery. Aim: To determine general nurses’ experience of caring for patients who misuse substances, and to gauge nurses’ views on the implementation of an ACNS role in an acute general hospital. Method: This study used a qualitative design involving online interviews with 11 hospital nurses. Findings: Many participants felt that an ACNS could provide them with education and support around substance misuse, while also advocating for patients who misuse substances, reducing stigma and enhancing patient care. Conclusion: Participants indicated several benefits to implementing an ACNS role in their hospital, such as ensuring that patients who misuse substances experienced continuity of care which began at admission, was followed-up during inpatient stays and was maintained in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise that being open to the reality of death as part of life can assist nurses in being more attuned to the needs of those in their care who are dying • To appreciate the importance of considering each individual’s symptoms and concerns through the lens of compassion when providing end of life care • To understand that attending to one’s own needs is a core component of compassionate care and may strengthen nurses’ ability to care for others. The reality of death and dying is a central facet of life, often surrounded by feelings of sadness, fear and uncertainty. Nurses have an essential role in caring for people who are approaching the end of life and their families, while being mindful of the current demands and challenges in health and social care services. In this article, the author suggests that being more open to the reality of death as part of life may assist nurses in being more attuned to the personal needs of those who are dying. The article emphasises the importance of considering each person’s symptoms and concerns through the lens of compassion to address pain, fear and distress. While the focus is on caring for people who are approaching the end of life, the author asserts that there is much that nurses can learn from those they care for about the beauty of life and the naturalness of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of the most common healthcare-associated infections and major sources of contamination • To consider how effective decontamination forms a vital aspect of infection prevention and control • To update your understanding of the benefits of applying human factors to nursing procedures to reduce human error. Effective decontamination is a vital aspect of infection prevention and control, and has a crucial role in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Various decontamination methods can be used in healthcare settings to ensure that medical devices, equipment and the clinical environment are safe. It is essential for nurses and other healthcare staff to have adequate knowledge of the decontamination methods and infection prevention and control practices required to prevent HCAIs. This article discusses the most common HCAIs, decontamination methods that can be used, and relevant UK legislation, policies and guidance. It also outlines nurses’ responsibilities in relation to infection prevention and control and the importance of education and training in this area, with a particular focus on integrating human factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the factors that may be affecting communication within your team • To be aware of how interpersonal relationships and organisational culture can affect team communication and performance • To consider strategies that you could use in your practice to enhance communication with your colleagues. Effective communication within nursing and multiprofessional healthcare teams is essential to promote patient safety. However, communication is a complex concept comprising various elements and variables that affect how messages are delivered, received and interpreted. In this article, the author explores communication within healthcare teams and provides some insight into the factors that affect team communication, such as interpersonal relationships. The author also explores organisational culture and cultural sensitivity, and discusses some evidence-based approaches to enhancing communication within healthcare teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the potential benefits of using online spaces in the control of communicable diseases • To consider how to address challenges such as the spread of health misinformation online • To learn about a framework and resources you could use in your practice to navigate online spaces effectively. The digital revolution has significantly altered healthcare, including communicable disease control, with online spaces emerging as vital tools in preventing, identifying and controlling the spread of diseases. However, healthcare professionals, including nurses, need to find a balance between harnessing the benefits of mass communication and mitigating the potentially harmful effects of online misinformation. This article explores the benefits and challenges of using online spaces such as social media platforms in the control of communicable diseases and discusses the potential use of telehealth in reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance. The author also describes a framework that nurses can use to explore potential roles and practice in the context of communicable disease control in online spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the effects of climate change on children and young people’s physical and mental health • To understand the importance of involving children and young people in climate change discussions • To identify some practical actions that nurses could take to support children and young people in the context of climate change. The effects of climate change, such as air pollution and extreme heat events, can adversely affect the physical and mental health of children and young people at all ages. This article explores the effects of climate change on children and young people’s development and explains the effects of air pollution and heatwaves on their health. The article also discusses how children and young people are knowledgeable and concerned about the effects of climate change and can offer new perspectives on addressing these effects. Finally, the authors consider the role of nurses in raising awareness of the adverse effects of climate change on children’s health, incorporating climate change in their practice and promoting opportunities for children’s involvement in healthcare decision-making, strategies and policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of health inequalities and the social determinants of health • To recognise the barriers to nurses implementing effective health promotion • To consider how you and your colleagues could reconfigure the approach to health promotion taken in your area of practice. Inequalities in people’s health due to economic or social circumstances remain a persistent challenge in the UK, with people from disadvantaged communities disproportionately likely to die earlier and experience more health issues than the general population. Health promotion has a vital role in reversing health inequalities and requires a focus on structural and political-level determinants of health, rather than individuals’ lifestyle choices. However, while health promotion is a significant aspect of nurse education curricula, individual nurses may experience role confusion regarding the application of health promotion in their practice. Therefore, a shift is required in nurse education and training on health promotion, as well as its practical implementation. This article suggests some approaches that could be taken to reconfigure the role of nurses in health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When ‘spiritual’ issues are mentioned as part of a patient’s care there could be an outdated perception that this relates exclusively to religion, or that the final hours of life are approaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the importance of developing specific competencies for specialist roles • To learn about rheumatology nurse specialists’ views and experiences of a competency framework • To consider the potential benefits and areas for improvement in competency frameworks for nurses. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) competency framework for rheumatology nurses was developed in 2020. As part of the framework proposal, a service evaluation was planned following the framework’s roll-out to determine its usefulness and acceptability. The aim of this evaluation was to explore rheumatology nurse specialists’ answers to the research question: ‘What was your experience of using the RCN’s rheumatology competency framework?’ A total of 14 rheumatology nurse specialists were interviewed and shared their opinions regarding the competency framework. Five themes were identified: personal usage; benefits to managers; inequalities and inequity in nursing; ideas for improvement; and general properties. The findings of this evaluation demonstrated the value of the framework, which enabled rheumatology nurse specialists to document the competency level they were working at and to identify their future training needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of the classification and assigned schedules of controlled drugs • To understand the legal framework that underpins the prescribing of medicines • To be aware of the areas that need to be considered when prescribing controlled drugs. There are multiple acts of law and case law that govern UK prescribing practice. This article examines three important topics for nurses: the classification and prescribing of controlled drugs, including the meaning of medicine classes and schedules; the prescribing of unlicensed medicines, including the difference between unlicensed and off-license medicines; and negligence in prescribing practice. The article outlines the acts of law that are relevant to each topic and provides examples of significant case law or other legal rulings to demonstrate how the law is relevant to nurses’ clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To gain insight into the challenges, for nurses, of preventing and addressing adult abuse • To understand where you can access further support, advice and training on adult safeguarding • To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers). Safeguarding adults at risk of abuse presents complex ethical challenges. By knowing what counts as adult abuse, recognising the signs of adult abuse and appropriately addressing suspected adult abuse, nurses contribute to protecting patients’ safety, well-being, autonomy and dignity. This article discusses categories and indicators of adult abuse, relevant legislation and standards, the principles of adult safeguarding and the key elements of a nursing assessment of suspected adult abuse. The author highlights that nurses need to approach safeguarding concerns sensitively and strike a balance between acting to safeguard the person and preserving their right to autonomy. There is a need for ongoing education and training to enhance nurses’ understanding of safeguarding practices, legislation, policies and standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of the physiological principles of gas exchange • To enhance your understanding of the use of different types of oxygen delivery devices • To recognise the need to support patients using oxygen delivery devices. Many nurses will care for a patient who requires oxygen therapy, either to treat an acute respiratory condition, such as a lung infection, or a chronic condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This article discusses the physiology of gaseous exchange and provides an overview of some of the main respiratory conditions that may result in the need for oxygen therapy. The author also describes the oxygen delivery devices commonly used in clinical practice, such as simple face masks and nasal cannulas, to assist nurses in selecting the most appropriate device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Care World: WE - YOU - I: Shaping, Creating, Engaging, and Celebrating Nursing Policy" deals with the reflection of nursing students on the question "What is nursing?" and their engagement with political discourses. The students reflect on their everyday, profession-specific, and scientific experiences in connection with the values and beliefs of the International Council of Nurses. The article emphasizes the importance of a shared nursing identity and a unified understanding of education. Furthermore, the role of culture in nursing practice is highlighted, and the necessity of responding to the needs of others and building strong interpersonal relationships is emphasized. [Extracted from the article]

Race inequalities were thrown into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, with disproportionate numbers of people from minority ethnic backgrounds in the UK, including nurses and other healthcare staff, dying from the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Could increasing opportunities for nurses to work from home some or all of the time be an effective strategy to improve nurse retention? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To increase your knowledge of the physical and psychological effects of anorexia nervosa • To recognise the challenges of providing care to patients with anorexia nervosa in acute hospital settings • To enhance your ability to deliver psychologically informed care to patients with anorexia nervosa Anorexia nervosa is a challenging and highly distressing illness associated with significant and often debilitating symptoms that affect the person's physical and mental well-being, as well as their wider social networks. Although some patients can make important steps in their recovery in the community, many will become significantly unwell and require medical stabilisation and refeeding in an acute medical ward as a result of significant weight loss. This article describes some of the challenges experienced by adult nurses when caring for patients with anorexia nervosa on acute medical wards and explores how the patient's distress may manifest and complicate the recovery process. The article also discusses the principles of psychologically informed care and therapeutic interactions that nurses can use to promote recovery and ensure optimal practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of co-occurring mental health issues and autism • To recognise the challenges that autistic adults may experience in receiving appropriate care • To understand the role of the nurse in supporting autistic people with mental health issues Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterised by features such as persistent differences in social interaction and communication, specialised interests and sensory processing issues. It has been identified that autistic people are increasingly likely to experience various mental health issues, and often encounter challenges in accessing appropriate healthcare and a lack of understanding from healthcare professionals. This article explores the co-occurrence of autism and mental health issues in adults, and explains the role of nurses in providing care and support for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a backdrop of last year’s nurse strikes and the cost-of-living crisis, the government is exploring whether a separate Agenda for Change (AfC) pay spine for the profession could help address frustrations about career progression and dissatisfaction over pay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Touch is an important part of compassionate care – whether it is performing a clinical or caring task, holding a patient’s hand, or even giving them a hug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public speaking is part of nursing and can be required at any stage of a nurse’s career. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic cough is a common respiratory illness and experienced by up to 10% of people in the UK, according to the British Thoracic Society (BTS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NHS nurses in England will begin being issued with new uniforms this summer – a move that is aimed at cutting confusion and could even save time in emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On her first nursing placement two decades ago, Caroline Whitton met a patient on a surgical ward who had cystic fibrosis. She cared for him again on her emergency department placement, and then on the respiratory ward. She later cared for the man as an outpatient in her capacity as cystic fibrosis nurse at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust until he died. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed discharges are a persistent problem in UK hospitals. One in eight hospital beds in England is occupied by patients who are medically fit to leave, but cannot be discharged, data from NHS England show. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palliative care offers person-centred support to people living with a terminal illness, addressing the physical, emotional and practical needs of patients at any point after a terminal diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ISupport works with children, parents and healthcare professionals to ensure a child's emotional and psychological well-being is central to all key decisions about care and procedures. The team represents a collaboration between 50 multidisciplinary professionals from 16 countries, inspired by Katie Dixon, who experienced multiple traumatic procedures as a child and has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the antisocial hours and pressures that come with being a nurse, the stresses and strains of the job can be hard to understand for someone outside of the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise some of the issues and inequalities related to men's health • To enhance your knowledge of the factors that may affect men's health • To consider approaches that you could use in your practice to improve the provision of men's healthcare As part of a project to review the delivery of healthcare services in Torbay and South Devon, England, the author undertook a literature review focusing on the specialty of men's health. Men have a shorter life expectancy than women and this discrepancy is particularly pronounced in areas of social deprivation such as those found in the coastal and rural communities of the author's locality. The concept of men's health is complex, and this literature review identified five main themes that can have a significant influence on the delivery of healthcare services for men: masculinity, ethnicity, mental health, relevance of place, and access to services. In this article, the author discusses these themes and considers approaches that could be used to improve the provision of men's healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bielefeld University and St. Pölten have decided to offer a joint course on the nursing diagnostic process and practice in Germany and Austria as an online format. The peer education project allows students from both universities to deepen their specialized knowledge and learn about the roles and responsibilities of nurses in both countries. The project is based on the nursing process as a theoretical framework and uses teaching and learning principles such as case-based learning, collaborative learning, and peer learning. The collaboration took place in virtual, international small groups, supported by instructors as mentors. The evaluation resulted in positive ratings regarding the content and organization of the course, as well as the digital skills of the students. Another event is planned for the year 2023. [Extracted from the article]

To be a nurse is to build up a back catalogue of patient encounters – some sad and challenging, some joyful, and many somewhere in between. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To familiarise yourself with the basic principles of person-centred care • To enhance your knowledge of the benefits and barriers to providing person-centred care at the end of life • To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Providing person-centred care that takes into account each patient's individual needs and priorities is crucial at the end of life. Nurses need to be aware of the main aspects of person-centred care, such as supporting shared decision-making, developing therapeutic nurse-patient relationships, and considering the patient's physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. This article discusses the concept of person-centred care in the context of providing end of life care to patients and their families. It explains the benefits and barriers to providing person-centred end of life care, and outlines some of the areas that nurses and other healthcare professionals need to consider to promote effective care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the factors that can increase the risk of suicide among healthcare staff • To be aware of the actions that nurses can take with their colleagues to reduce the risk of suicide • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Reducing the number of deaths by suicide is an important area in public health. Several factors, including excessive workload demands and burnout, mean that healthcare staff such as nurses are at higher risk of death by suicide compared with people working in other occupations. This article explores the contributory factors involved in suicide among healthcare professionals and outlines some of the methods that nurses can use to enquire about suicide risk with their colleagues. It also details appropriate interventions that nurses can use to reduce the risk of suicide among their colleagues. The authors aim to increase nurses' understanding of their role in suicide prevention in the healthcare workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feelings of professional guilt affect nurses at all levels, say those involved in delivering psychological or emotional support to healthcare workers, and the current climate is exacerbating them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To increase your awareness of the pathophysiology of, and risk factors for, skin tears • To enhance your knowledge of the initial treatment and ongoing management of skin tears • To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Skin tears are acute wounds caused by mechanical forces resulting in the separation of the skin's outer layers. Skin tears are more likely to occur in vulnerable people such as older people and people with neurodegenerative conditions. Rising life expectancy means that the number of patients with skin tears is expected to increase. This article describes the characteristics of skin tears, details the risk factors for skin tears and explains the importance of using a holistic, evidence-based and person-centred approach to skin tear prevention, assessment and treatment. The article outlines the crucial role of nurses as part of the multidisciplinary team in the management of skin tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of the causes of, and risk factors for, development of surgical site infections • To be aware of a range of strategies to prevent the development of surgical site infections • To recognise the importance of adopting a holistic approach to prevention and management of surgical site infections Surgical site infections (SSIs) are commonly reported healthcare-acquired infections that can have a detrimental effect on patient outcomes and quality of life. SSIs are associated with longer periods of hospitalisation and increased patient morbidity and mortality. A rigorous approach is required to identify and manage the risk of infection across the preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative phases of care. This article describes the causes of, risk factors for development and signs and symptoms of SSIs. The author emphasises the importance of a collaborative, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the prevention and management of SSIs, which involves the nurse and other healthcare professionals working in partnership with the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To increase your knowledge of issues related to gender and gender diversity • To appreciate that gender-diverse people experience health inequities • To learn about ways to improve the healthcare experiences of gender-diverse young people Gender-diverse individuals will need to access healthcare services for various reasons, with most of this care provided outside of specialist gender services. Nurses have an important role in advocating for the specific needs of gender-diverse individuals and providing person-centred care. Therefore, they have a responsibility to ensure their knowledge of appropriate terminology and gender-affirming interventions is up to date. This article provides information about gender diversity to enhance nurses' understanding of this area to enable them to care for gender-diverse people effectively and sensitively. While the focus of this article is on gender-diverse young people, the same principles can be applied across all age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the role of nurses in the prevention of non-communicable diseases • To enhance your ability to initiate and engage in effective healthy conversations with service users • To be aware that training can provide nurses with the knowledge, skills and confidence to discuss health with service users, and that it is available to all NHS staff Nurses in all settings have an important role in preventing non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes mellitus. They have multiple daily opportunities in their practice to discuss health with people, with the aim of supporting behaviour changes that reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and the associated health-related and economic challenges. Incorporating the principles of healthy conversations into all daily interactions provides opportunities for nurses collectively to promote health on an individual basis to millions of people. However, many nurses have not received training in such behaviour change interventions. This article explains the principles and potential benefits of healthy conversations, and emphasises the importance of training to promote nurses' knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation to engage in such conversations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult social care is a vitally important sector, employing more people than the NHS and delivering much-needed care and support to millions of people each year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost one million people in the UK are living with heart failure and the numbers are rising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Custody healthcare practitioners are specialist nurses and paramedics who provide expert clinical and forensic care to people detained in police stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many internationally educated nurses work at senior levels in their home countries, their experience and expertise is unlikely to be recognised when they first arrive in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing recognition that adults with complex long-term conditions require care that is shaped and delivered with an integrated health and social care perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front-line nurses say the public would be horrified if it knew the extent to which staff are being replaced by less qualified support workers, in some cases to care for patients with complex conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare often involves strong emotions and difficult situations, making staying calm when things are starting to escalate a vital skill for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With high nurse vacancy rates in the NHS and social care, the use of agency staff is increasing. But what is life like for those who do the shifts others do not want to or cannot fill? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the potential benefits and challenges related to the nursing associate role • To learn about the experiences of the nursing associate role among clinical staff • To consider how the implementation of the nursing associate role could be improved in practice The nursing associate role was introduced as a 'bridge' between healthcare assistants and nurses to support patient care. However, the role has involved many challenges in terms of its implementation in established nursing teams. This article details a service evaluation that explored the experiences of the nursing associate role among clinical staff in one community NHS trust using an online questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Three themes were identified from the data: nursing associate training and support; the nursing associate role in development; and nursing associate role recognition and prospects. Overall, the findings showed that trainee nursing associates enjoyed the academic aspects of their training, but support was variable. Additionally, the nursing associate role was viewed as being 'in development' and, while wider recognition of nursing associates is required, the nursing associate role offers a unique career opportunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-awaited NHS workforce plan, which has now been published, years after it was promised, has been met with scepticism over how its commitments will be delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of the various types of bruises in children and their potential causes • To recognise the circumstances where bruising might be suspicious and potentially a result of child physical abuse • To understand the actions that nurses need to take if they encounter bruising in a child Bruises are commonly seen in children and are usually easily explained by play or accidents. However, bruises are also common in children who have been physically abused. For this reason, nurses must determine if the reasons for bruising that are given by parents or carers provide a suitable explanation. This will in part depend on the veracity of the reasons given, as well as the type of bruising, its location and any pattern to the bruising. This article explains how nurses can identify various types of bruises and how these should be documented. The author also details how nurses should raise any suspicion of child physical abuse with the child, parents or carers, and how nurses can escalate any concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the pathophysiology and classification of heart failure • To better understand the pharmacological treatment options for patients with chronic heart failure • To increase your awareness of the need to support patients with chronic heart failure to self-manage Heart failure (HF) is associated with high morbidity and mortality and is a significant public health concern. Globally, the prevalence of HF is increasing and prognosis remains suboptimal for people with the condition. HF has significant effects on patients, their families and healthcare services. People with HF can present with acute or chronic signs and symptoms. This article provides an overview of HF including its prevalence, pathophysiology, causes, diagnosis and management. It details the pharmacological treatments that may be used and the nurse's role in caring for patients with the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]