Determining AACN's research priorities for the 90s.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses completed a three-phased process of priority identification for critical care nursing research. In phase 1, a 78-item survey was generated following a comprehensive review of potential research topics. In phase 2, approximately 1000 critical care nurses rated each item on the survey for importance to critical care nursing. Based on these results, the AACN Research Committee formulated a clinical and a nonclinical (contextual) list of research topics. Each list contained 25 topics. In phase 3, topics were given final rankings at a 1-day Consensus Conference on Research Priorities. Both Likert-type and magnitude estimation scaling were used to determine priority ranking of items on each list. As a result, both clinical and contextual research priorities were established for AACN.

Social skills training and cognitive restructuring for adolescents on hemodialysis.

The purpose of this study was to test a social skills and cognitive restructuring intervention designed for adolescents undergoing hemodialysis. A single-case experimental design with multiple baselines across subjects was used. Cognitive restructuring and assertive skills training were incorporated into eight weekly instructional modules. A convenience sample of 6 adolescents entered the program; 3 subjects completed the program. Data were analyzed using visual analysis. Although no striking changes could be seen between pre- and post-intervention phases for self-efficacy and self-report of assertive behaviors, there was a trend toward growth in overall social skills for 2 subjects. Another subject made some obvious increases in all areas of self-efficacy in comparison to other subjects. This study points out the merit of identifying depression as a factor in cognitive impairment and the exercise of personal efficacy.

Intramuscular injection practices of pediatric nurses: site selection.

A survey of staff nurses in childrens' hospitals revealed some gross deficits in nursing practice related to intramuscular injections for children. The authors review relevant literature and discuss study findings related to site description, boundaries, site selection, and complications. Implications for nurse educators are presented.

Possible complications of intramuscular injections on the pediatric unit.

Six hundred thirty-nine pediatric nurses were surveyed regarding intramuscular injection complications observed from their practice. The results indicated the need for a change in practice for pediatric nurses when giving intramuscular injections to children.

Peripheral intravenous lock irrigation in children: current practice.

Current practice for irrigation of peripheral intravenous (IV) locks in children was determined from responses to a questionnaire sent to selected children's hospitals nationwide. Although considerable variation in practice exists, the most common practice is to irrigate peripheral IV locks with 1 milliliter (ml) of a solution containing 10 units of heparin per ml of normal saline every 8 hours. These results are based on a response rate of 74.4% (N = 32).