RESUMEN
The purpose of this study was to examine nurses' perceptions about the usefulness and barriers to the use of laboratory tests. An investigator-developed questionnaire was given to participants in 20 continuing education workshops. The sample consisted of 536 registered nurses and 40 licensed vocational nurses. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were performed. No significant differences existed in the nurses' reported uses or barriers to using laboratory data by area of practice or length of time since graduation. A significant difference (Fisher's exact P = 0.02) found was the educational level in the reported major usefulness of laboratory data.
Asunto(s)
Técnicas de Laboratorio Clínico/estadística & datos numéricos , Personal de Enfermería en Hospital/psicología , Percepción , Educación Continua en Enfermería , Escolaridad , Humanos , Personal de Enfermería en Hospital/educación , Enfermería Práctica/educación , Valores de Referencia , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Orthopedic nurses need to know the clinical significance of their clients' laboratory test because critical analysis of the results is essential for clinical decision making. Nurses are expected to use the results in their own plan of care. Client education about diagnostic tests is also an important role of the orthopedic nurse.