http://www.nursingtimes.net http://www.nursingtimes.net http://www.nursingtimes.net/magazine/graphics/logo.png http://www.nursingtimes.net http://www.nursingtimes.net/why-did-no-alarms-ring-when-children-caught-measles/5058787.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/why-did-no-alarms-ring-when-children-caught-measles/5058787.article If your kitchen smoke detector starts to shriek, do you: (a) cover your ears and assume the din will eventually stop, or (b) act immediately to keep you and your loved ones safe? Fri, 17 May 2013 11:26 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/educators/student-plan-based-on-an-alternative-recommendation/5058533.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/educators/student-plan-based-on-an-alternative-recommendation/5058533.article The loudest “noise” in the nursing profession following the Francis report and the government response has been around the proposal that prospective student nurses should spend a year working as a healthcare assistant before starting a nursing degree. Mon, 13 May 2013 11:07 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/genetics/i-have-lipoedema-so-please-dont-blame-me-or-call-me-fat/5058258.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/genetics/i-have-lipoedema-so-please-dont-blame-me-or-call-me-fat/5058258.article If I am fat, then it must be my fault, right? This is what I believed too until, after a lifetime of failed diet and exercise regimens, I was diagnosed with lipoedema, a genetic condition countless doctors, nurses, diet experts and physical trainers I consulted seemed not to have heard of. Thin as a child, at 15 my legs got fatter than those of the other girls at school, even though some of them had tummies clearly tubbier than my still skinny waist. My thighs rubbed together and red r Fri, 3 May 2013 11:44 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/create-the-right-conditions-for-staff-to-deliver-quality-care/5057959.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/create-the-right-conditions-for-staff-to-deliver-quality-care/5057959.article The Francis report has got the nation talking of the need to reintroduce compassion into healthcare - but where did it go in the first place? Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:40 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/nurses-must-get-involved-in-national-debates-to-be-heard/5057669.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/nurses-must-get-involved-in-national-debates-to-be-heard/5057669.article I qualified as a nurse more than 17 years ago and, as a result of that, I have seen three governments run the NHS, continuous changes and a whole host of health-service scandals that have ended in increased scrutiny and criticism by the media and by society. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:01 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/true-commitment-is-needed-to-prevent-pressure-ulcers/5057389.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/true-commitment-is-needed-to-prevent-pressure-ulcers/5057389.article While much effort has been put into developing core concepts such as the SSKIN Bundles and the Stop the Pressure initiative, implementation of these can only be successful with local adoption and adaption.Many areas have generated a sense of local ownership using the Safety Cross to identify the size of the pressure ulcer problem at ward or clinic level. This allows them to map how many days they are pressure ulcer free in their own area (de Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:01 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/put-nurses-at-the-bedside-then-work-out-how-many-are-needed/5057076.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/put-nurses-at-the-bedside-then-work-out-how-many-are-needed/5057076.article We have become obsessed with nursing numbers and ratios. Tweets and blogs regularly call for more nurses. The debate regarding the right nursing numbers and skill mix to properly care for the UK population in acute settings has been going on for years.A number of nationally accredited tools are available that look at clinical acuity and functional dependency. These tools are being used to undertake skill-mix reviews in hospitals up and down the country. However, it is rare that the fin Fri, 5 Apr 2013 11:38 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/an-honest-culture-is-enough-to-protect-both-patients-and-staff/5056829.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/an-honest-culture-is-enough-to-protect-both-patients-and-staff/5056829.article The discovery and investigation of patient abuse in Mid Staffordshire has made this a critical time for the NHS. Action is needed to prevent this from happening again. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:36 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/paperwork-is-important-but-some-of-it-must-be-culled/5056521.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/paperwork-is-important-but-some-of-it-must-be-culled/5056521.article The Francis report (2013) has sent the message loud and clear that “statistics, benchmarks and action plans are tools, not ends in themselves; they should not come before patients and their experiences” Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:15 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/healthcare-it/information-systems-are-now-a-fundamental-part-of-care/5056276.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/healthcare-it/information-systems-are-now-a-fundamental-part-of-care/5056276.article Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for health, gave a speech in January in which he challenged the NHS to go paperless by 2018 to save billions, improve services and help meet the challenges of an ageing population. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:14 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/most-children-with-type-1-diabetes-get-inadequate-care/5055899.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/most-children-with-type-1-diabetes-get-inadequate-care/5055899.article Being a child and being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes means having to make huge adjustments to everyday life, and diagnosis sends shockwaves through the entire family. Thu, 7 Mar 2013 11:15 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/does-the-mcdonalds-business-model-suit-modern-healthcare/5055705.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/does-the-mcdonalds-business-model-suit-modern-healthcare/5055705.article The Francis report into appalling standards of care in Mid Staffordshire calls nursing to reflect on history. Mon, 4 Mar 2013 09:43 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/professionalism-is-the-best-regulator-of-nursing-care/5055309.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/leadership/professionalism-is-the-best-regulator-of-nursing-care/5055309.article No professional nurse reading the Francis Report could fail to be concerned by the estimated number of unnecessary patient deaths in a place the public probably regarded as safe - and with nurses they thought they could trust. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/practice-nursing/counter-the-scapegoating-and-show-the-public-you-still-care/5054842.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/practice-nursing/counter-the-scapegoating-and-show-the-public-you-still-care/5054842.article Hardly a day goes by without nurses being put in the line of fire for their lack of care and compassion. The release of the Francis report will inevitably intensify the focus. Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:04 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/francis-report/we-have-allowed-the-nursing-role-to-be-denigrated/5054568.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/francis-report/we-have-allowed-the-nursing-role-to-be-denigrated/5054568.article Like many, I am concerned about nursing. In my view nurses have become too defensive which inhibits our capacity to care. Tue, 5 Feb 2013 14:22 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/career-development/rotational-schemes-boost-skill-development-and-job-retention/5054410.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/career-development/rotational-schemes-boost-skill-development-and-job-retention/5054410.article There is much evidence to show the high numbers of nurses who leave the profession within a short time of qualifying. Fri, 1 Feb 2013 17:52 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/continence/ensuring-dignity-in-hospital-care-is-not-rocket-science/5053984.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/continence/ensuring-dignity-in-hospital-care-is-not-rocket-science/5053984.article The 2009 report of the closed Mid Staffordshire inquiry identified privacy and dignity as particular issues at the trust. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:18 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/care-makers-aim-to-get-people-excited-about-nursing-again/5053724.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/care-makers-aim-to-get-people-excited-about-nursing-again/5053724.article Care, Compassion, Communication, Competence, Commitment and Courage - the 6Cs. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:20 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/all-of-us-need-to-embed-the-6cs-in-everything-we-do/5053479.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/all-of-us-need-to-embed-the-6cs-in-everything-we-do/5053479.article Our new three-year plan, Compassion in Practice, sets out our values underpinning excellence for nurses, midwives and care staff as the 6Cs. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:08 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/a-methodical-approach-can-help-manage-difficult-patients/5052649.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/a-methodical-approach-can-help-manage-difficult-patients/5052649.article We all encounter and dread “difficult” patients. Behaviour that is intimidating, abusive or time consuming can make us feel uncertain, manipulated, frustrated and angry. Thu, 6 Dec 2012 12:23 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/caring-is-a-fundamental-part-of-the-job-not-an-optional-extra/5052425.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/caring-is-a-fundamental-part-of-the-job-not-an-optional-extra/5052425.article My father was in hospital after having had a severe stroke. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:12 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/inability-to-swallow-tablets-is-common-and-cause-for-concern/5052145.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/inability-to-swallow-tablets-is-common-and-cause-for-concern/5052145.article We naturally chew food before swallowing, but tablets and capsules require a complicated, conscious mechanism to over-ride the need to chew and the gag reflex, designed to eject foodstuffs that are not adequately chewed. Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:29 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/setting-up-great-stroke-units-may-need-painful-decisions-/5051892.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/setting-up-great-stroke-units-may-need-painful-decisions-/5051892.article The launch of the National Stroke Strategy in 2007 enabled those of us working in stroke care to start making changes to improve stroke care and stroke services. The follow-up Progress in Improving Stroke Care report published in 2010, showed that while we were improving nationally there was still so much more that we could do. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:09 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/practice-nursing/be-brave-to-get-the-technology-to-help-you-give-better-care/5051628.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/practice-nursing/be-brave-to-get-the-technology-to-help-you-give-better-care/5051628.article In the past two years, I have had the fantastic opportunity of talking to many nurses, midwives and health visitors about information technology and how it can enable practice. Thu, 8 Nov 2012 17:23 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/be-bold-and-take-action-to-improve-the-care-we-provide/5051327.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/be-bold-and-take-action-to-improve-the-care-we-provide/5051327.article A nursing and midwifery career gives us incredible experiences and privileges. Thu, 1 Nov 2012 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/ensure-you-meet-the-end-of-life-needs-of-lgbt-people/5051066.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/ensure-you-meet-the-end-of-life-needs-of-lgbt-people/5051066.article Well planned and delivered end-of-life care is shaped by the patient’s life and personality. Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/managing-diabetes-in-older-people-needs-special-care/5050818.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/managing-diabetes-in-older-people-needs-special-care/5050818.article People are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes as they age. Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:29 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/understanding-the-liverpool-care-pathway-is-essential/5050495.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/understanding-the-liverpool-care-pathway-is-essential/5050495.article More than 20 organisations, including the Royal College of Nursing, recently signed a statement seeking to rectify misconceptions and inaccurate information about the Liverpool Care Pathway for dying patients. Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/many-children-avoid-school-toilets-because-they-are-dirty/5050265.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/many-children-avoid-school-toilets-because-they-are-dirty/5050265.article New figures have shown that bedwetting costs families an extra £716 per year. For a lot of families, an extra £700 could buy a holiday or two months’ worth of food shopping. Fri, 5 Oct 2012 14:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/humanity-respect-and-dignity-are-the-foundations-of-practice/5049955.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/humanity-respect-and-dignity-are-the-foundations-of-practice/5049955.article Focusing care on what is important to individuals as human beings enables us to understand and more fully appreciate a person’s personal experience of ill health, enabling us to have a better understanding of how to support them. Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/the-stage-1-mentor-role-for-new-nurses-needs-questioning/5049646.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/the-stage-1-mentor-role-for-new-nurses-needs-questioning/5049646.article I began my nursing career in the late 1970s as a healthcare assistant (or auxiliary nurse as I was called back then), and was fortunate to be supported by a sister who saw the “nurse” in me and encouraged me to enter nurse training. Fri, 21 Sep 2012 14:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/moving-patients-is-far-more-than-just-inconvenient/5049423.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/moving-patients-is-far-more-than-just-inconvenient/5049423.article Moving patients from ward to ward and bay to bay is a common activity in the NHS. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/learning-disability/you-can-nurse-with-dyscalculia-but-know-your-limitations/5049120.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/learning-disability/you-can-nurse-with-dyscalculia-but-know-your-limitations/5049120.article Whether it’s Florence Nightingale or Hattie Jacques, we all have an image in our heads of what a nurse is and what they look like. Fri, 7 Sep 2012 18:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/expand-hca-role-to-focus-on-older-peoples-rehabilitation/5048850.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/expand-hca-role-to-focus-on-older-peoples-rehabilitation/5048850.article The NHS could transform the way we manage the rehabilitation of older patients by changing the way we educate and prepare healthcare assistants. Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/prescribing/controlled-drug-prescription-power-is-a-vote-of-confidence/5048646.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/prescribing/controlled-drug-prescription-power-is-a-vote-of-confidence/5048646.article Changes in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 that came into force this year have enabled appropriately qualified nurses to independently prescribe controlled drugs (CDs), mix controlled drugs with another medicine, and use CDs in patient group directions. Fri, 24 Aug 2012 13:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/infection-control/standardise-intravenous-line-care-to-reduce-infection-risk/5048407.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/home/clinical-zones/infection-control/standardise-intravenous-line-care-to-reduce-infection-risk/5048407.article In the last 10 years there has been a huge expansion in research, literature, expert opinion, new technology and government strategies aimed at reducing complications associated with invasive biomedical devices. Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:30 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/adopt-ambulatory-emergency-care-to-cut-hospital-admissions/5048151.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/adopt-ambulatory-emergency-care-to-cut-hospital-admissions/5048151.article Ambulatory emergency care (AEC), or same-day emergency care, is an evolving approach in which appropriate adult emergency patients can be diagnosed, treated and discharged from hospital on the same day. Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/celebrate-the-pioneering-move-to-raise-education-status/5047929.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/celebrate-the-pioneering-move-to-raise-education-status/5047929.article Can nurses provide better care if they have a degree? Fri, 3 Aug 2012 17:30 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/nurses-must-lead-on-delivering-and-celebrating-excellent-care/5047598.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/nurses-must-lead-on-delivering-and-celebrating-excellent-care/5047598.article We live in an environment of “deficit journalism” - the focus is rarely on what is going right in the world. Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/how-news-stories-encourage-people-to-learn-resuscitation/5047340.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/how-news-stories-encourage-people-to-learn-resuscitation/5047340.article The collapse and successful resuscitation of footballer Fabrice Muamba thrust out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) into the media spotlight. Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:12 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/dermatology/many-issues-and-beliefs-affect-individual-sun-safety-advice/5047057.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/dermatology/many-issues-and-beliefs-affect-individual-sun-safety-advice/5047057.article Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with more than 100,000 new cases recorded every year. Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/palliative-care-can-sustain-and-support-mental-health-clients/5046800.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/palliative-care-can-sustain-and-support-mental-health-clients/5046800.article Palliative care is widely accepted as best practice end-of-life care and is concerned with promoting and maintaining the best possible quality of life. Fri, 6 Jul 2012 15:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/without-time-to-think-the-fire-of-innovation-dies-out/5046487.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/without-time-to-think-the-fire-of-innovation-dies-out/5046487.article Over the last six months, I have been privileged to meet and work with around 300 senior nurses from across England. Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:50 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/system-leaves-junior-staff-overseeing-the-most-acutely-ill/5046286.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/system-leaves-junior-staff-overseeing-the-most-acutely-ill/5046286.article The importance of the recent report on the management of in-hospital cardiac arrest by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death should not be underestimated. Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:42 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/district-and-community-nursing/lack-of-community-support-puts-strain-on-family-carers/5045978.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/district-and-community-nursing/lack-of-community-support-puts-strain-on-family-carers/5045978.article My father, who has dementia, has just passed another major milestone, his 85th birthday. Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:10 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/embrace-the-opportunities-that-advanced-practice-offers/5045777.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/embrace-the-opportunities-that-advanced-practice-offers/5045777.article Recently I sat with a group of worried doctors who after two years of aggressive recruitment for junior medical staff had not had a single applicant. Fri, 8 Jun 2012 17:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/policy-and-practice-must-align-to-enable-safe-discharge-at-night/5045559.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/policy-and-practice-must-align-to-enable-safe-discharge-at-night/5045559.article We need national guidance on out-of-hours care to ensure people who are deemed fit for discharge are able to go home, argue Liz Lees and Philip Dyer. Thu, 31 May 2012 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/research-is-on-the-right-topics-if-combined-with-clinical-role/5045378.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/research-is-on-the-right-topics-if-combined-with-clinical-role/5045378.article For the last 25 years, I have been working in the field of wound healing and more recently in lymphoedema. Fri, 25 May 2012 06:14 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/see-the-big-picture-and-stay-vigilant-over-patient-safety/5045059.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/see-the-big-picture-and-stay-vigilant-over-patient-safety/5045059.article In 2004, a child died after being fed through a nasogastric tube that had been misplaced in her lungs. Fri, 18 May 2012 15:18 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/if-the-cap-fits-does-nursing-need-to-rebrand-its-image/5044744.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/if-the-cap-fits-does-nursing-need-to-rebrand-its-image/5044744.article Only the most ardent retro fan would seriously entertain a return to the days of the nursing cap. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:58 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/can-kindness-and-compassion-really-be-measured/5044539.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/can-kindness-and-compassion-really-be-measured/5044539.article Evaluation through measurement is key to improving quality but how ready are we to be transparent about nursing performance, asks Anne Cooper. Fri, 4 May 2012 16:04 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/continence/age-should-not-be-a-barrier-to-high-quality-continence-care/5044289.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/continence/age-should-not-be-a-barrier-to-high-quality-continence-care/5044289.article Despite working in continence care for more than 10 years, I still get a huge kick out of the thanks I receive from patients when I help them resolve bladder problems. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:21 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/school-nursing/school-nurses-need-the-tools-to-meet-government-vision/5043991.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/school-nursing/school-nurses-need-the-tools-to-meet-government-vision/5043991.article Despite school nurses’ remarkable contribution to the health of young people, we are facing a shortage of these vital practitioners - and increasing demands for their services. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/simple-actions-can-help-a-lot-at-incredibly-difficult-times/5043745.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/simple-actions-can-help-a-lot-at-incredibly-difficult-times/5043745.article Good communication, openness, honesty and support are key to making palliative care manageable for relatives and carers Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/ensure-diabetes-is-not-misdiagnosed-in-children/5043652.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/ensure-diabetes-is-not-misdiagnosed-in-children/5043652.article Nurses are in a prime position to educate and raise awareness on the typical and atypical hyperglycaemic-related symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:25 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/public-health/what-would-you-do-if-asked-for-health-advice-on-twitter/5043308.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/public-health/what-would-you-do-if-asked-for-health-advice-on-twitter/5043308.article The potential that social media has to reach out to patients and the public is enormous, and healthcare professionals are just starting to act on this. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/neurology/we-can-all-do-our-bit-so-people-with-dementia-feel-included/5043101.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/neurology/we-can-all-do-our-bit-so-people-with-dementia-feel-included/5043101.article I work with people with dementia and their loved ones, helping them access information on essential matters such as support services and living with dementia. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/staff-and-resident-storytelling-can-help-improve-care-homes/5042764.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/staff-and-resident-storytelling-can-help-improve-care-homes/5042764.article Much can be learnt from capturing experiences about both the negative and positive aspects of care homes Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/the-tide-of-endless-emails-and-sticky-notes-must-be-tackled/5042402.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/the-tide-of-endless-emails-and-sticky-notes-must-be-tackled/5042402.article Running different communication systems in parallel is a recipe for disaster Fri, 9 Mar 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/why-dont-we-ask-patients-what-they-thought-of-their-care/5042138.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/why-dont-we-ask-patients-what-they-thought-of-their-care/5042138.article Entering into a dialogue with patients about the care we give would result in meaningful feedback Fri, 2 Mar 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/clinicians-must-not-bottle-out-of-advising-on-formula-feeds/5041842.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/clinicians-must-not-bottle-out-of-advising-on-formula-feeds/5041842.article There is a need to look at how information on formula feeds can be made available to health professionals Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/systems-such-as-red-trays-erode-essential-nursing-skills/5041549.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/systems-such-as-red-trays-erode-essential-nursing-skills/5041549.article Nurses need to be allowed to provide holistic care that is individual to the needs of their patients Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/nurses-could-help-stop-sepsis-killing-four-patients-an-hour/5041259.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/nurses-could-help-stop-sepsis-killing-four-patients-an-hour/5041259.article Sepsis – a systemic inflammatory response to a new infection – is a hidden killer. Unchecked, organ failure, shock and death ensue. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/people-with-rare-cancers-get-a-raw-deal-in-research-and-care/5040958.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/people-with-rare-cancers-get-a-raw-deal-in-research-and-care/5040958.article People with rarer cancers deserve the same support and information as those with more common cancers Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/beware-the-implications-for-nurses-of-assisted-dying-law/5040696.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/beware-the-implications-for-nurses-of-assisted-dying-law/5040696.article While imminent changes to the law are unlikely, the issue of assisted dying is not going to go away Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/if-data-isnt-used-it-just-takes-nurses-away-from-the-bedside/5040372.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/if-data-isnt-used-it-just-takes-nurses-away-from-the-bedside/5040372.article Nurses need to find a balance between form filling and delivering care, and ensure that any data gathered on pressure ulcers is used to improve care Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/focus-on-the-values-of-nursing-to-boost-care-not-checklists/5040127.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/focus-on-the-values-of-nursing-to-boost-care-not-checklists/5040127.article Nurses must ensure that ward rounds do not become tick-box exercises Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/technology-can-transform-the-quality-of-clinical-practice/5039787.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/technology-can-transform-the-quality-of-clinical-practice/5039787.article Nurses must embrace technology as part of ensuring high-quality care Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/at-christmas-making-a-stand-against-routine-can-be-enough/5039031.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/at-christmas-making-a-stand-against-routine-can-be-enough/5039031.article The value of nursing lies in the opportunity to affect individual lives and the personal rewards that this brings - especially at Christmas Fri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/we-need-to-do-research-and-shout-about-it-or-fall-behind/5038663.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/we-need-to-do-research-and-shout-about-it-or-fall-behind/5038663.article Nurses need to demonstrate their contribution to care by describing, measuring and comparing what they do at an international level Fri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/wound-care/compulsory-training-would-help-every-hca-spot-moisture-lesions/5038332.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/wound-care/compulsory-training-would-help-every-hca-spot-moisture-lesions/5038332.article Healthcare assistants need more training to distinguish between moisture lesions and pressure ulcers Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/why-do-nurses-believe-they-are-management-material/5037983.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/why-do-nurses-believe-they-are-management-material/5037983.article Should nurses focus on nursing and leave management to the managers? Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/continence/extending-choice-will-let-us-set-standards-for-children/5037981.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/continence/extending-choice-will-let-us-set-standards-for-children/5037981.article The new any qualified provider system aims to extend choice in continence services Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:48 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/bowel-screening-should-be-made-part-of-mainstream-care/5037745.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/bowel-screening-should-be-made-part-of-mainstream-care/5037745.article Health professionals must support the bowel cancer screening programme for it to succeed Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/occupational-health/we-must-look-at-our-practices-and-attitudes-about-shift-work/5037488.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/occupational-health/we-must-look-at-our-practices-and-attitudes-about-shift-work/5037488.article Nurses need to look at how they can reduce the toll that night shifts can take on their health and wellbeing Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/nurses-should-defy-the-deeply-embedded-doctor-nurse-game/5037123.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/nurses-should-defy-the-deeply-embedded-doctor-nurse-game/5037123.article Nurses still need to push for equality with doctors Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/public-health/a-top-gear-approach-to-flu-clinics-must-be-quashed/5036850.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/public-health/a-top-gear-approach-to-flu-clinics-must-be-quashed/5036850.article It’s that time of year again, to try and catch, bin and kill any chance of a day off over the next few weeks. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/long-term-conditions/all-nurses-need-to-know-about-inherited-blood-disorders/5036608.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/long-term-conditions/all-nurses-need-to-know-about-inherited-blood-disorders/5036608.article This year, the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme celebrated its 10th anniversary. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/the-other-side-of-the-sheets-part-three-sunday-morning/5035601.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/the-other-side-of-the-sheets-part-three-sunday-morning/5035601.article I spent the night in EAU. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/practice-nurses-should-know-about-diabetes-in-pregnancy/5036203.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/diabetes/practice-nurses-should-know-about-diabetes-in-pregnancy/5036203.article Obesity in the UK is rising to epidemic levels, with reports suggesting that, by 2025, four out of 10 people in the UK will be obese. Rising obesity is linked with an increase in adults with type 2 diabetes. Sat, 8 Oct 2011 12:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/how-it-was-fifty-years-ago/5036187.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/critical-care/how-it-was-fifty-years-ago/5036187.article Watching some episodes of Melvyn Bragg’s series ‘Reel History’ on BBC television recently about the start of the NHS and the opening of the M1 Motorway, I was reminded of the time I was driven by ambulance on the newly constructed M1 Motorway from London to Birmingham when I was working as a staff nurse at the Bedford General Hospital in 1959. Sat, 8 Oct 2011 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/whats-new-in-nursing/news-topics/ethics-and-law-in-nursing/if-assisted-suicide-is-legalised-are-nurses-best-placed-to-do-it/5036186.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/whats-new-in-nursing/news-topics/ethics-and-law-in-nursing/if-assisted-suicide-is-legalised-are-nurses-best-placed-to-do-it/5036186.article We have a strange relationship with death. Fri, 7 Oct 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/the-other-side-of-the-sheets-part-two-saturday/5035600.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/the-other-side-of-the-sheets-part-two-saturday/5035600.article I arrive in A&E. Mon, 3 Oct 2011 00:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/patient-stories-give-another-view-of-the-world-we-work-in/5035830.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/patient-stories-give-another-view-of-the-world-we-work-in/5035830.article Recently, I had the misfortuneof becoming a patient. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/the-other-side-of-the-sheets-part-one/5035598.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/the-other-side-of-the-sheets-part-one/5035598.article The first in a three part series about what happens to a nurse the other side of the sheets. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:36 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/nutrition/pre-operative-fasting-guides-can-still-fall-short-of-the-mark/5035492.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/nutrition/pre-operative-fasting-guides-can-still-fall-short-of-the-mark/5035492.article Mr Jones is on the surgical ward following an elective hemicolectomy. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/nhs-evidence-and-the-principles-of-nursing-practice-getting-to-grips-with-evidence-based-practice/5035102.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/nhs-evidence-and-the-principles-of-nursing-practice-getting-to-grips-with-evidence-based-practice/5035102.article Dr Jenny Gordon, Programme Manager for Evidence into practice - Royal College of Nursing (RCN) believes NHS Evidence provides an excellent resource for nurses to use in supporting ‘Principle F’ of the RCN Principles of Nursing. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:34 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/in-the-middle-of-a-maelstrom-good-nursing-is-everything/5035065.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/in-the-middle-of-a-maelstrom-good-nursing-is-everything/5035065.article I am no stranger to trauma and, having practised for over 20 years, I’m no stranger to nursing either. I thought I knew what good care meant and how to make a difference – now I really do. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/staff-need-key-competencies-in-infection-prevention-and-control/5034769.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/infection-control/staff-need-key-competencies-in-infection-prevention-and-control/5034769.article Infection prevention and control (IPC) is vital in quality improvement and patient safety agendas. Fri, 9 Sep 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/practice-nursing/too-much-information-can-be-dangerous-not-empowering/5034503.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/practice-nursing/too-much-information-can-be-dangerous-not-empowering/5034503.article Patients now self-diagnose at the click of a mouse. Fri, 2 Sep 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/upskill-support-workers-to-meet-older-peoples-needs/5034251.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/older-people/upskill-support-workers-to-meet-older-peoples-needs/5034251.article In the 1980s, in response to demographic changes, older people were moved from the acute setting into an expanding private care home sector. Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/members-of-the-public-can-help-reduce-cancer-mortality/5033844.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/cancer/members-of-the-public-can-help-reduce-cancer-mortality/5033844.article Empowering the community and the general public is the most effective way to reduce cancer mortality, and improve health and wellbeing. Sat, 20 Aug 2011 12:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/learning-disability/person-centred-care-is-led-by-learning-disability-nurses/5033716.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/learning-disability/person-centred-care-is-led-by-learning-disability-nurses/5033716.article No one who watched the Panorama documentary on the Winterbourne care home for people with learning disabilities could have felt anything but extreme distress and anger. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/immunology/those-with-a-rare-disease-often-know-more-about-it-than-we-do/5033465.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/immunology/those-with-a-rare-disease-often-know-more-about-it-than-we-do/5033465.article It may seem an obvious thing to say but the problem with a rare disease is that it is rare. Sat, 6 Aug 2011 12:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/respiratory/respiratory-strategy-must-be-acted-on-if-care-is-to-improve/5033218.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/respiratory/respiratory-strategy-must-be-acted-on-if-care-is-to-improve/5033218.article The Department of Health’s publication of An Outcomes Strategy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) and Asthma in England last month is the culmination of several years’ persistent lobbying from health professionals and patient groups. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/childrens-nursing/we-can-consign-this-nasty-infection-to-the-history-books/5032928.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/childrens-nursing/we-can-consign-this-nasty-infection-to-the-history-books/5032928.article The news that MMR uptake rates have improved, with 90% of two-year-olds in the UK having their first dose, is encouraging. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/nutrition/a-half-empty-glass-does-not-prove-your-patient-can-drink/5032611.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/nutrition/a-half-empty-glass-does-not-prove-your-patient-can-drink/5032611.article “Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink,” wrote Coleridge in his epic poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/practice-nursing/a-plethora-of-job-titles-just-serve-to-confuse-our-patients/5032309.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/practice-nursing/a-plethora-of-job-titles-just-serve-to-confuse-our-patients/5032309.article The burgeoning number of titles and roles for nurses and others in primary care may encourage choice and uphold the principles of skill mix, but can spell confusion for patients. Fri, 8 Jul 2011 12:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/neurology/depression-after-stroke-may-be-missed-nurses-can-spot-it/5032072.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/neurology/depression-after-stroke-may-be-missed-nurses-can-spot-it/5032072.article Stroke is the single largest cause of neurological disability in the UK. For some, the physical disability may not be as devastating as the emotional aspects Mon, 4 Jul 2011 13:00 GMT http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/educators/we-can-read-nightingale-as-a-credo-for-compassion-today/5031670.article?referrer=RSS http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/educators/we-can-read-nightingale-as-a-credo-for-compassion-today/5031670.article Compassion, or the lack of it, has been at the heart of nursing reform. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:00 GMT