http://www.nursingtimes.net http://www.nursingtimes.net http://www.nursingtimes.net/magazine/graphics/logo.png http://www.nursingtimes.net http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-be-on-hand-to-help-police-in-dealing-with-mental-health-offenders/5058758.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-be-on-hand-to-help-police-in-dealing-with-mental-health-offenders/5058758.blog Article: Nurses to aid police with mental health offenders 16 May, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-opening-windows-reduce-infection-rates/5058539.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-opening-windows-reduce-infection-rates/5058539.blog We reported this week that the chance of infection in wards varies dramatically depending on whether nursing staff leave the windows open. A study by the University of Leeds and Bradford Teaching Foundation Trust looked at airflow in a disused “Nightingale” ward using tracer gases to simulate the spread of airborne infections. 13 May, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-undertake-study-in-their-own-time/5058264.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-undertake-study-in-their-own-time/5058264.blog Nursing is described as a profession, but terms such as “vocation” and “calling” are also used to describe the principles that attract people into nursing. What do you think? Should nurses undertake study in their own time? 3 May, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/is-it-safe-to-care-for-patients-in-hospital-hotels/5058041.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/is-it-safe-to-care-for-patients-in-hospital-hotels/5058041.blog  Ministers ponder ‘hospital hotels’ 29 April, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/should-patients-be-involved-in-nurses-appraisals/5057703.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/should-patients-be-involved-in-nurses-appraisals/5057703.blog 19 April, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-accept-education-funding/grants-from-the-drugs-industry/5057392.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-accept-education-funding/grants-from-the-drugs-industry/5057392.blog NHS and private healthcare staff received £40m from drugs companies in one year 12 April, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-treat-abusive-patients/5057078.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-treat-abusive-patients/5057078.blog What do you think?How do we define abusive behaviour?How do we measure abusive behaviour?Should it be tolerated if it is associated with patients’ health problems?Do NHS staff receive enough training to managing conflict with patients and relatives? 5 April, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/should-directors-of-nursing-have-a-clinical-role/5056848.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/should-directors-of-nursing-have-a-clinical-role/5056848.blog What do you think?Is it important for DONs to be clinically credible?Should DONs be clinical experts?Is it possible DONs to manage a nursing service if they are not directly involved in clinical practice? 28 March, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-hand-hygiene-technique-matter/5056492.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-hand-hygiene-technique-matter/5056492.blog Bailey J (2012) From Ward to Whitehall. The disaster at Mid Staffs Hospital. Cure the NHS: Stafford 21 March, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/why-is-the-nhs-failing-people-with-dementia/5056089.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/why-is-the-nhs-failing-people-with-dementia/5056089.blog 13 March, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/will-the-proposal-to-introduce-registered-older-peoples-nurses-improve-care/5055837.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/will-the-proposal-to-introduce-registered-older-peoples-nurses-improve-care/5055837.blog 6 March, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-patients-who-take-pain-killers-regularly-worry-about-dependency/5055660.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-patients-who-take-pain-killers-regularly-worry-about-dependency/5055660.blog 1 March, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-safe-sex-messages-effective-in-reducing-stis/5055143.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-safe-sex-messages-effective-in-reducing-stis/5055143.blog 19 February, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/do-ward-sisters-spend-too-much-time-on-paper-work/5054888.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/do-ward-sisters-spend-too-much-time-on-paper-work/5054888.blog 12 February, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/will-the-francis-report-recommendation-to-introduce-key-nurses-improve-patient-care/5054702.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/will-the-francis-report-recommendation-to-introduce-key-nurses-improve-patient-care/5054702.blog 7 February, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-lack-of-compassion-result-from-the-draining-nature-of-nursing/5054341.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-lack-of-compassion-result-from-the-draining-nature-of-nursing/5054341.blog 30 January, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-be-allowed-to-use-social-media-sites-at-work/5053974.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-be-allowed-to-use-social-media-sites-at-work/5053974.blog 24 January, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/what-should-you-tell-care-home-residents-when-a-fellow-resident-dies/5053779.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/what-should-you-tell-care-home-residents-when-a-fellow-resident-dies/5053779.blog 17 January, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/can-experienced-nurses-learn-from-newly-qualified-colleagues/5053484.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/can-experienced-nurses-learn-from-newly-qualified-colleagues/5053484.blog 10 January, 2013 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-drug-administration-involve-two-nurses/5052928.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-drug-administration-involve-two-nurses/5052928.blog In our practice comment this week Jennifer Kelly states that hospitalised patients with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are three times more likely to suffer medicine administration errors (MAEs) than patients without dysphagia. Of greater concern is that the errors found were not minor.She suggested that single-handed drug administration means that nurses are often unaware that they have made errors and so they are unable to correct or report them. 13 December, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-you-buying-your-manager-a-christmas-present-this-year/5052925.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-you-buying-your-manager-a-christmas-present-this-year/5052925.blog Dean Royles the director of the NHS Employers recently suggested,  “Hardly anyone supports and encourages NHS managers, or shows any recognition or appreciation of the context they work in or the difficult, sometimes intractable challenges they face”.Do you think this comment is justified? 13 December, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/how-are-you-celebrating-christmas-on-your-ward-this-year/5052672.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/how-are-you-celebrating-christmas-on-your-ward-this-year/5052672.blog When I was a student nurse we put up the ward decorations a week before Christmas, and brewed mulled wine in the ward kitchens. We wore our capes inside out, showing the red lining, as we walked from the nurses’ home on Christmas morning.This year we want to know how you celebrate Christmas with your patients. 6 December, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/do-we-normalise-frailty-and-disability-in-older-people/5052428.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/do-we-normalise-frailty-and-disability-in-older-people/5052428.blog 29 November, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/why-are-newly-qualified-bme-nurses-disadvantaged-when-applying-for-nursing-jobs/5052150.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/why-are-newly-qualified-bme-nurses-disadvantaged-when-applying-for-nursing-jobs/5052150.blog Why are newly qualified nurses from minority ethnic groups “disadvantaged” when applying for nursing jobs? 22 November, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/are-obese-nurses-poor-role-models-for-patients/5051897.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/are-obese-nurses-poor-role-models-for-patients/5051897.blog 15 November, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/do-rotation-schemes-for-newly-qualified-nurses-produce-multi-skilled-professionals/5051644.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/do-rotation-schemes-for-newly-qualified-nurses-produce-multi-skilled-professionals/5051644.blog 9 November, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/would-you-share-crockery-and-cutlery-with-your-patients/5051332.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/would-you-share-crockery-and-cutlery-with-your-patients/5051332.blog Would you share crockery and cutlery with your patients? 1 November, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/is-there-an-informal-age-limit-on-surgical-interventions/5051083.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/is-there-an-informal-age-limit-on-surgical-interventions/5051083.blog Is there an “informal” age limit on surgical interventions? 25 October, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/nutrition/will-new-dh-standards-for-hospital-food-improve-patient-nutrition/5050800.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/nutrition/will-new-dh-standards-for-hospital-food-improve-patient-nutrition/5050800.blog Will new DH standards for hospital food improve patient nutrition? 18 October, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/how-can-we-use-technology-to-improve-patient-care/5050516.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/how-can-we-use-technology-to-improve-patient-care/5050516.blog How can we use technology to improve patient care? 11 October, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-a-nurse-always-be-present-on-a-doctors-ward-round/5050266.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-a-nurse-always-be-present-on-a-doctors-ward-round/5050266.blog Should a nurse always be present on a doctors’ ward round? 5 October, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/when-are-you-most-at-risk-of-needle-stick-injury/5049983.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/when-are-you-most-at-risk-of-needle-stick-injury/5049983.blog When are you most at risk of needle stick injury? 28 September, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/medicine-management/should-herbal-medicines-sit-alongside-conventional-medicines/5049666.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/medicine-management/should-herbal-medicines-sit-alongside-conventional-medicines/5049666.blog Should herbal medicines sit alongside conventional medicines? 21 September, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/educators/how-can-nurses-compassion-and-values-be-measured-at-interview/5049415.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/educators/how-can-nurses-compassion-and-values-be-measured-at-interview/5049415.blog How can nurses’ compassion and values be measured at interview? 14 September, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/assessment-skills/should-all-nursing-documentation-be-standardised-across-the-nhs/5049068.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/assessment-skills/should-all-nursing-documentation-be-standardised-across-the-nhs/5049068.blog Should all nursing documentation be standardised across the NHS? 7 September, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/mental-health/do-people-with-mental-health-problems-miss-out-on-essential-care/5048829.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/mental-health/do-people-with-mental-health-problems-miss-out-on-essential-care/5048829.blog Do people with mental health problems miss out on essential care? 31 August, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/wound-care/do-nurses-know-enough-about-wound-care/5048672.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/wound-care/do-nurses-know-enough-about-wound-care/5048672.blog Do nurses know enough about wound care? 24 August, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/what-is-the-ideal-nursing-skill-mix/5048414.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/what-is-the-ideal-nursing-skill-mix/5048414.blog What is the ideal nursing skill mix? 17 August, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-directors-of-nursing/chief-nurses-wear-uniform/5048148.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-directors-of-nursing/chief-nurses-wear-uniform/5048148.blog Should directors of nursing/chief nurses wear uniform?Opinion is divided on whether or not directors of nursing should wear uniform - both among directors themselves and other nurses.As board directors, should they wear smart business clothes?Or does this make them invisible to the nurses they lead, and to patients and their families?What do you think?  10 August, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/substance-misuse/do-we-underestimate-substance-misuse-among-older-adults/5047894.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/substance-misuse/do-we-underestimate-substance-misuse-among-older-adults/5047894.blog Do we underestimate substance misuse among older adults? 3 August, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/immunology/should-all-children-be-vaccinated-against-flu/5047624.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/immunology/should-all-children-be-vaccinated-against-flu/5047624.blog Should all children be vaccinated against flu? 27 July, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/do-we-need-a-national-screening-programme-for-diabetes/5047333.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/do-we-need-a-national-screening-programme-for-diabetes/5047333.blog Do we need a national screening programme for diabetes? 20 July, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/when-should-you-use-the-liverpool-care-pathway-in-practice/5047074.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/when-should-you-use-the-liverpool-care-pathway-in-practice/5047074.blog When should you use the Liverpool care pathway in practice?A group of doctors have suggested the LCP is being used to ease the pressure on resources.The Department of Health said the decision to use the pathway should involve patients and family members, and a patient’s condition should be closely monitored.Sometimes patients improve and they are taken off the LCP and given whatever treatments best suit their new needs. 13 July, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-oral-fluids-be-prescribed-to-at-risk-patients-in-hospital/5046793.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-oral-fluids-be-prescribed-to-at-risk-patients-in-hospital/5046793.blog Should oral fluids be prescribed to at risk patients in hospital? 6 July, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/is-the-title-ward-sister-outdated/5046535.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/is-the-title-ward-sister-outdated/5046535.blog Is the title Ward sister outdated? 29 June, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/can-nurses-reduce-health-inequality/5046310.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/can-nurses-reduce-health-inequality/5046310.blog Can nurses reduce health inequality? 25 June, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-discharging-a-patient-with-an-iv-cannula-in-situ-be-designated-as-a-never-event/5046155.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-discharging-a-patient-with-an-iv-cannula-in-situ-be-designated-as-a-never-event/5046155.blog Should discharging a patient with an IV cannula in situ be designated as a never event? 20 June, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/do-nurses-have-time-for-reflective-practice/5045792.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/do-nurses-have-time-for-reflective-practice/5045792.blog Do nurses have time for reflective practice? 8 June, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-ward-sisters/charge-nurses-have-a-first-class-honours-degree/5045564.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-ward-sisters/charge-nurses-have-a-first-class-honours-degree/5045564.blog Should ward sisters/charge nurses have a first class honours degree? 31 May, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/why-do-we-under-treat-pain-caused-by-advanced-disease/5045392.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/why-do-we-under-treat-pain-caused-by-advanced-disease/5045392.blog Why do we under-treat pain caused by advanced disease? 28 May, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/prescribing/why-are-medicine-administration-error-rates-higher-in-patients-with-dysphagia/5045063.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/prescribing/why-are-medicine-administration-error-rates-higher-in-patients-with-dysphagia/5045063.blog Why are medicine administration error rates higher in patients with dysphagia? 18 May, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/public-health/is-it-derogatory-to-refer-to-overweight-patients-as-obese/5044722.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/public-health/is-it-derogatory-to-refer-to-overweight-patients-as-obese/5044722.blog Is it derogatory to refer to overweight patients as obese? 11 May, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/is-older-peoples-nursing-a-specialism/5044534.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/is-older-peoples-nursing-a-specialism/5044534.blog Is older people’s nursing a specialism? What do you think? 4 May, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/do-you-need-to-wash-your-hands-after-removal-of-gloves/5044363.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/do-you-need-to-wash-your-hands-after-removal-of-gloves/5044363.blog Do you need to wash your hands after removal of gloves? What do you think? 30 April, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/how-do-you-check-the-position-of-a-naso-gastric-tube/5043979.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/how-do-you-check-the-position-of-a-naso-gastric-tube/5043979.blog How do you check the position of a naso-gastric tube? What do you think? 19 April, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/what-syringe-should-you-use-to-administer-drugs-via-an-enteral-feeding-tube/5043737.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/what-syringe-should-you-use-to-administer-drugs-via-an-enteral-feeding-tube/5043737.blog What syringe should you use to administer drugs via an enteral feeding tube? What do you think? 12 April, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/should-nurses-cut-patients-toe-nails/5043659.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/should-nurses-cut-patients-toe-nails/5043659.blog Should nurses cut patients’ toe nails? What do you think? 10 April, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-theatre-staff-wear-surgical-face-masks/5042571.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-theatre-staff-wear-surgical-face-masks/5042571.blog Should theatre staff wear surgical face masks? What do you think?A Cochrane review published in 2011 looked at three trials, involving a total of 2113 participants.No statistically significant difference in infection rates between the masked and unmasked group was identified.The authors of the review suggest more research is needed.  12 March, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/what-is-the-best-time-of-day-to-remove-a-urinary-catheter/5042165.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/what-is-the-best-time-of-day-to-remove-a-urinary-catheter/5042165.blog What is the best time of day to remove a urinary catheter? What do you think? 1 March, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/how-should-nurses-address-patients/5042164.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/how-should-nurses-address-patients/5042164.blog How should nurses address patients and is it appropriate to ask to use first names? What do you think? 1 March, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-cbt-really-help-patients/5041589.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-cbt-really-help-patients/5041589.blog Does CBT really help patients? What do you think? 16 February, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/what-makes-the-best-bedside-manner/5041588.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/what-makes-the-best-bedside-manner/5041588.blog What makes the best bedside manner? What do you think? 16 February, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/how-do-you-define-a-safe-staffing-level/5041577.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/how-do-you-define-a-safe-staffing-level/5041577.blog How do you define a safe staffing level? What do you think? 16 February, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/do-red-trays-improve-food-intake/5041575.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/do-red-trays-improve-food-intake/5041575.blog Do red trays improve food intake? What do you think? 16 February, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-there-any-circumstances-where-covert-administration-of-drugs-is-acceptable/5041302.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-there-any-circumstances-where-covert-administration-of-drugs-is-acceptable/5041302.blog Are there any circumstances where covert administration of drugs is acceptable? What do you think? 9 February, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-telehealth-threaten-the-nurse/patient-relationship/5040996.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/does-telehealth-threaten-the-nurse/patient-relationship/5040996.blog Does telehealth threaten the nurse/patient relationship? What do you think? 2 February, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-drug-admin-be-delegated-to-hcas/5040704.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-drug-admin-be-delegated-to-hcas/5040704.blog Should drug administration be delegated to HCAs? What do you think? 26 January, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/is-home-the-best-place-to-die/5040589.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/is-home-the-best-place-to-die/5040589.blog Is home the best place to die? What do you think? 24 January, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/is-epidural-analgesia-the-best-way-to-manage-post-operative-pain/5040198.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/is-epidural-analgesia-the-best-way-to-manage-post-operative-pain/5040198.blog Is epidural analgesia the best way to manage post-operative pain? What do you think? 13 January, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-be-taught-how-to-make-beds/5039974.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-nurses-be-taught-how-to-make-beds/5039974.blog Should nurses be taught how to make beds? What do you think?In a recent discussion on twitter the topic of bed making came up. Comments were made about pleating sheets at the end of the bed, use of bed cradles and turning the open end of pillow cases away from the door.Are these out dated practices or do they have a role in patient care? What do you think? 9 January, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-bedside-handovers-the-best-way-of-communicating-with-staff-on-the-next-shift/5039785.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-bedside-handovers-the-best-way-of-communicating-with-staff-on-the-next-shift/5039785.blog Are bedside handovers the best way of communicating with staff on the next shift?  What do you think?‘Shift-to-shift handover: are we clear on what is it designed to achieve?’ 4 January, 2012 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-consultants-carve-the-turkey-on-wards-on-christmas-day/5039477.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-consultants-carve-the-turkey-on-wards-on-christmas-day/5039477.blog 19 December, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/do-christmas-decorations-pose-an-infection-risk/5039133.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/do-christmas-decorations-pose-an-infection-risk/5039133.blog Do Christmas decorations pose an infection risk? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 9 December, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/are-care-plans-the-best-way-of-documenting-care/5038683.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/are-care-plans-the-best-way-of-documenting-care/5038683.blog Are care plans the best way of documenting care? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 1 December, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/is-it-acceptable-to-refer-to-patients-as-bed-blockers/5038410.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/is-it-acceptable-to-refer-to-patients-as-bed-blockers/5038410.blog Is it acceptable to refer to patients as bed blockers? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 25 November, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-hospital-wards-have-open-visiting-hours/5038129.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/should-hospital-wards-have-open-visiting-hours/5038129.blog EXPERT COMMENT 18 November, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/should-nurses-use-an-automated-external-defibrillator-without-training/5037776.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/should-nurses-use-an-automated-external-defibrillator-without-training/5037776.blog Should nurses use an automated external defibrillator without training? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 10 November, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/immunology/can-the-flu-jab-give-you-the-flu/5037559.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/immunology/can-the-flu-jab-give-you-the-flu/5037559.blog Can the flu jab give you the flu? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 4 November, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/prescribing/is-it-necessary-to-record-the-batch-numbers-for-iv-fluids-on-prescription-sheets/5037180.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/prescribing/is-it-necessary-to-record-the-batch-numbers-for-iv-fluids-on-prescription-sheets/5037180.blog Is it necessary to record the batch numbers for IV fluids on prescription sheets?EXPERT COMMENTRecording batch numbers for IV fluids is an outdated procedure. The burden of risk of giving an IV fluid is no greater than any other IV medicine where batch numbers are not recorded.Martin Shepherd is head of medicines management, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.  27 October, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/infection-control/should-cooling-methods-such-as-fanning-and-tepid-sponging-be-used-to-manage-pyrexia/5036901.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/infection-control/should-cooling-methods-such-as-fanning-and-tepid-sponging-be-used-to-manage-pyrexia/5036901.blog Should cooling methods such as fanning and tepid sponging be used to manage pyrexia? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 21 October, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/dermatology/does-massage-help-to-prevent-pressure-ulcers/5036642.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/dermatology/does-massage-help-to-prevent-pressure-ulcers/5036642.blog Does massage help to prevent pressure ulcers? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 17 October, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/gastroenterology/does-increasing-fluids-really-help-constipation/5036275.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/gastroenterology/does-increasing-fluids-really-help-constipation/5036275.blog Does increasing fluids really help constipation? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 10 October, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/should-you-always-change-plastic-aprons-between-patients/5035936.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/should-you-always-change-plastic-aprons-between-patients/5035936.blog Should you always change plastic aprons between patients? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 3 October, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/respiratory/should-you-routinely-record-respiratory-rate/5035425.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/respiratory/should-you-routinely-record-respiratory-rate/5035425.blog Should you routinely record respiratory rate? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 22 September, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/continence/does-it-matter-which-way-up-a-rectal-suppository-is-inserted/5034903.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/continence/does-it-matter-which-way-up-a-rectal-suppository-is-inserted/5034903.blog Does it matter which way up a rectal suppository is inserted? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 13 September, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/respiratory/should-hospital-nebuliser-masks-be-single-use-items/5034568.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/respiratory/should-hospital-nebuliser-masks-be-single-use-items/5034568.blog Should hospital nebuliser masks be single-use items? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 5 September, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/can-nurses-assess-patients-with-suspected-swallowing-problems-or-do-they-need-a-speech-expert/5034338.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/can-nurses-assess-patients-with-suspected-swallowing-problems-or-do-they-need-a-speech-expert/5034338.blog Can nurses assess patients with suspected swallowing problems or do they have to be referred to a speech and language therapist? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 30 August, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/midwifery-and-neonatal-nursing-/do-partners-of-expectant-mothers-need-to-wear-full-scrubs-during-child-birth/5034020.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/midwifery-and-neonatal-nursing-/do-partners-of-expectant-mothers-need-to-wear-full-scrubs-during-child-birth/5034020.blog Do partners of expectant mothers need to wear full scrubs during child birth? What do you think?Expert comment 22 August, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/respiratory/are-nasal-cannulas-the-best-way-to-deliver-oxygen-to-patients-with-copd/5033783.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/respiratory/are-nasal-cannulas-the-best-way-to-deliver-oxygen-to-patients-with-copd/5033783.blog Are nasal cannulas the best way to deliver oxygen to patients with COPD? What do you think?Expert comment 15 August, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/wound-care/should-tap-water-be-used-to-cleanse-wounds/5033505.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/wound-care/should-tap-water-be-used-to-cleanse-wounds/5033505.blog Should tap water be used to cleanse wounds? What do you think?EXPERT COMMENT 8 August, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/should-patients-be-woken-up-to-monitor-vital-signs/5033344.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/should-patients-be-woken-up-to-monitor-vital-signs/5033344.blog Should patients requiring vital signs monitoring every four hours be woken at 2am to have their observations recorded? What do you think?Expert comment 2 August, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/prescribing/should-hospital-patients-routinely-administer-their-own-medicines/5033018.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/prescribing/should-hospital-patients-routinely-administer-their-own-medicines/5033018.blog Would hospital patients benefit if those who were able were allowed to administer their own medicines? What do you think?Expert comment 25 July, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/educators/should-nurses-always-be-bare-below-the-elbows/5032685.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/educators/should-nurses-always-be-bare-below-the-elbows/5032685.blog Should healthcare professionals always be ‘bare below the elbows’? Are long sleeves an infection risk? 18 July, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/wound-care/is-wound-swabbing-evidence-based/5032459.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/wound-care/is-wound-swabbing-evidence-based/5032459.blog It’s the most common sampling method in the UK, but does it have clinical value? Does moistening the swab increase bacteria survival in the wound? Is routine swabbing helpful? 12 July, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/perioperative-care/do-patients-really-need-to-fast-before-surgery/5032120.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/perioperative-care/do-patients-really-need-to-fast-before-surgery/5032120.blog Patients have long been told not to eat or drink for hours before surgery because of the risk of pulmonary aspiration, but is this really necessary?Some studies have suggested that light meals and liquids are not harmful before surgery, and that fasting can sometimes cause adverse effects, but many guidelines continue to insist on complete fasting.What do you think? 5 July, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/perioperative-care/why-do-we-wear-face-masks-in-theatre/5031754.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/perioperative-care/why-do-we-wear-face-masks-in-theatre/5031754.blog Is wearing face masks in theatre a necessity, or is it just something we do? Do they protect patients and practitioners, or do they offer little benefit, as some studies have suggested?What do you think? 27 June, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-we-return-to-hourly-rounds/5031462.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/should-we-return-to-hourly-rounds/5031462.blog The Kings Fund Point of Care programme is currently working with nurses to introduce hourly intentional rounding. An unnecessary ritual or a useful tool to help nurses plan care effectively?What do you think? 21 June, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-wheelchairs-overused-in-hospitals/5031110.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-wheelchairs-overused-in-hospitals/5031110.blog Why are wheelchairs used to move patients who are capable of walking? Are wheelchairs used too much?What do you think? 14 June, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/why-do-we-have-split-back-gowns/5030774.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/why-do-we-have-split-back-gowns/5030774.blog Should split back gowns be a thing of the past? Why are they necessary and what do they achieve?What do you think? 6 June, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-drug-rounds-necessary/5030323.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/are-drug-rounds-necessary/5030323.blog Why do we do drug rounds? Are they really the safest system for administering medications, or should drugs be given at the same time as other elements of care?What do you think? 26 May, 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/to-glove-or-not-to-glove/5030269.blog http://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/behind-the-rituals/to-glove-or-not-to-glove/5030269.blog Are gloves overused in healthcare settings? Is there evidence to support their frequent use?When do you think gloves should be worn, and when do you think it’s not necessary?Let’s get a discussion started - post your thoughts below.Behind the RitualsIs there another nursing ritual you’d like us to discuss here? Email your idea to nursingtimescomments@emap.com 25 May, 2011