Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing Pressure Injury Prevention Practices: A Descriptive Survey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore neonatal nursing practices for neonatal pressure injury (PI) risk assessment, pressure redistribution surface use, and moisture management. DESIGN: A descriptive survey. SUBJECT/SETTINGS: A sample of 252 neonatal nurses mainly from the United States responded to a survey distributed electronically through the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, the Academy of Neonatal Nurses, and on the Wound Source Web site. METHODS: Nurses responded to questions that explored what neonatal nurses used to assess PI risk, types of pressure redistribution surfaces used for neonates, and what moisture management strategies were used to prevent PIs. Descriptive statistics were used to describe nurses' practices. RESULTS: When assessing risk, 78% (n = 197/252) reported using a risk assessment scale: the 2 most common scales were the Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale and the Braden Q Scale. Sixty-nine percent (n = 174/252) reported using a rolled blanket or small soft object as pressure redistribution surfaces. In addition, 15% (n = 39) reported the use of different types of positioners such as a fluidized positioner as pressure redistribution surfaces; however, these are marketed as a positioning devices. It appears that these interventions were considered redistribution surfaces by the nurses. For moisture management, petrolatum-based products (6.7%; n = 17/252) and ostomy powders (6%; n = 16/252) were most frequently used. CONCLUSIONS: Practices for PI prevention are different for neonatal patients due to their gestational age, size, and level of illness. Findings from this study create a beginning knowledge of and an opportunity for further research to determine how these practices affect outcomes such as PI incidence and prevalence.

Student Nurses' Perceptions of Mercy: A Qualitative Study.

Mercy is a valued nursing attribute. It often identifies faith-based educational institutions, clinics, and hospitals and has been a quality valued and taught by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy through nursing's history. This qualitative study explored the meaning of mercy as expressed by undergraduate nursing students attending a faith-based nursing school. This article presents the findings of a question posed to students: What does mercy mean to me? Nursing practice and education implications are also presented.

A Peer-led Diabetes Education Program in a Homeless Community to Improve Diabetes Knowledge and Empowerment.

Peer-led diabetes education has been shown to be as effective, or more effective, than traditional education in improving glycemic control and diabetes self-care measures. A 4-week peer-led diabetes education program was conducted in a homeless community in Grand Rapids, Michigan to increase diabetes knowledge and empowerment. Knowledge scores increased significantly during sessions covering signs, symptoms, and complications of diabetes and diabetes medications (ps <.05). Empowerment scores after attending the 4-week program were significantly increased when compared to scores prior to the first session (p = .027). Field notes and postimplementation focus group support increased empowerment and knowledge among participants.

Supporting Self-management of Asthma Care.

Asthma is a major public health concern, with an estimated 18.8 million adults in the United States having the disease. Asthma can be controlled with a variety of effective treatment options; however, only half the people with asthma report their asthma is well controlled. Uncontrolled asthma leads to high direct and indirect costs as well as decreased quality of life. The pathophysiology of asthma, current asthma practice guidelines, and common barriers to self-management will be discussed. Through use of motivational interviewing techniques and knowledge of available self-management tools, the home care clinician is poised to help increase self-management of asthma, decrease hospitalizations, and improve quality of life.