Current issues
- 2. ISSUES IN NURSING needs/problems/ challenges in a profession that needs to be addressed by it’s practicing members.
- 3. Nursing Shortage National problem which is growing Critical shortage in specialty areas Average age of nurse is 45
- 4. Patient Satisfaction A consumer’s evaluation of the care received that indicates the extent to which their needs and wants are met Influenced by patient attitudes, values, and expectations Examples of Measurement Instruments : - Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) - Press-Gainey Survey
- 5. Change Change provides opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- 6. CRITICAL THINKING People who work in health care are required to develop excellent critical thinking skills .
- 7. GREEN HEALTH CARE Green health care—the incorporation of environmentally friendly practices into health care delivery . Take an active role in protecting the environment from pollution.
- 8. Accidental needle sticks are of extreme concern. Musculoskeletal injuries, overexposure to radiation, latex allergies, exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis, TB, drug- resistant bacteria and viruses. OCCUPATIONAL RISKS
- 9. CHEMICALLY IMPAIRED NURSES Alarming number of nurses are illegally using prescription and nonprescription drugs, using illegal drugs and abusing alcohol.
- 10. COMPUTERS IN HEALTH CARE Computers already provide the technology for voice-activated charting, customized nursing care plans, assessment of acuity levels, and reminders to staff of treatment and medication schedules.
- 11. Studies show that about 50% of people older than 85 need assistance with some activities of daily living and that about 15.4% live in nursing homes. It is fairly easy to conclude that there will be a tremendous increase in the need for a wide variety of health care services for the elderly. LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
- 12. CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND THE NURSING TEAM The increasing diversity of the nursing team because of age, race, gender, disability, and religion, creates the potential for issues and concerns among co-workers.
- 13. It is illegal to use age, race, color, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, membership in organizations, or qualified handicaps to deny employment and promotion. DISCRIMINATION
- 14. ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES Aromatherapy, basic neuromuscular integration, foot reflexology, hypnotherapy , massage, therapeutic touch, meditation, dietary supplement.
- 15. Terrorism/Bioterrorism The 9-11 terrorist attacks have heightened attention to the growing threats of terrorism Nurses need to be aware to the health consequences of terrorism and use of biological agents
- 16. END-OF-LIFE ISSUES Reaching the end of life because of a serious illness is difficult for patients as well as for their families and significant others. Palliative care is the term used to describe care that is intended to provide comfort during this time.