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Critical Care Newsline — December 3, 2009

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Critical Care Newsline, the electronic newsletter from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, contains information selected just for you by our clinical practice experts. In each issue, you’ll find links to resources, research abstracts (individual sites may require registration and a fee to access complete articles) and Web sites that will keep you informed on issues affecting nurses and the nursing profession.

Dec. 3, 2009

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1. NEWS AACN launches FREE Web-based HWE Team Assessment
2. EVIDENCE Case studies detail critical care experience with H1N1
3. NEWS AACN offers FREE online, self-paced course, “Best Practices for Elder Care”
4. GUIDELINE Best evidence statement for pediatric patients available
5. EVIDENCE Statins reduce neurological deficits, mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage
6. CALL TO ACTION CDC invites comments to proposed guideline revisions
7. CLINICAL PRACTICE RESOURCES
8. AACN RESOURCES

1. NEWS AACN launches FREE Web-based HWE Team Assessment
Access the new AACN Healthy Work Environment Team Assessment, a FREE Web-based tool that helps nurse managers and leaders align hospital unit performance with the AACN Standards for Establishing and Sustaining Healthy Work Environments (HWE). This online tool -- developed with VitalSmarts, a provider of corporate training and organizational performance products and services in Provo, Utah -- aligns the performance of any clinical environment, from single hospital units to entire healthcare organizations, with the six HWE standards. They include skilled communication, true collaboration, effective decision-making, appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition and authentic leadership.

2. EVIDENCE Case studies detail critical care experience with H1N1
Four case studies detail critical care admissions with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza in November’s Anaesthesia report. The authors’ experience gives useful lessons for planning for the pandemic.

3. NEWS AACN offers FREE online, self-paced course, “Best Practices for Elder Care”
Visit the AACN Web site to access “Best Practices for Elder Care,” a FREE online, self-paced course that addresses complex issues specific to older patients and promotes a healthy work environment. This self-sustaining Web-based resource includes four units each of instructional content and interactive case studies and a 17-question self-assessment unit. AACN members earn four FREE hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) for completing this program. Nonmembers pay a nominal charge for the four CNE hours.

4. GUIDELINE Best evidence statement for pediatric patients available
Access a best evidence statement for nasogastric tube placement in pediatric patients.

5. EVIDENCE Statins reduce neurological deficits, mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Randomized clinical trials show that statins reduce delayed ischemic neurological deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage and mortality. Methodology variations and inconclusive observational studies suggest that statins shouldn’t be used as the standard of care, according to the meta-analysis published Nov. 17 by Neurocritical Care.

6. CALL TO ACTION CDC invites comments to proposed guideline revisions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga., invites public comments to proposed guideline revisions to prevent intravascular catheter-related infections. To comment, visit here.

7. CLINICAL PRACTICE RESOURCES

PATIENT SAFETY
According to a Nov. 19 statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Md., Powerheart and CardioVive automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by Cardiac Science Corp., Bothell, Wash., may not deliver electric shocks or detect defects before use. The FDA recommends using other AEDs in place of these models, which may deliver the needed shock if no other AED is available. See model numbers and information.

EDUCATION
Access a continuing education article on shock in the critically ill neonate from The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.

8. AACN RESOURCES

The CCRN Adult Self-Assessment Exam (SAE) for candidates planning to test after Jan. 13, 2010, can be purchased for $50. The newly revised SAE, based on the new CCRN Adult Test Plan, provides automatic rationale for correct and incorrect answers. Candidates can access the program 90 days from the date of purchase. The 60-item CCRN SAE may be used one time by CCRNs renewing with a passing score of 70 percent or more on Category A Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs). Candidates may earn CERPs but not CE credit. Technical requirements include a computer with Internet access, a Web browser (version 4.0 or greater), cookies enabled and a current e-mail account.


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