It’s time to start looking after nurses to boost careNursing Times
March 2012
View all stories from this issue.
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#NurChat - Bring back the enrolled nurse?
Did you miss the latest #NurChat twitter debate about the enrolled nurse? Let us sum it up for you … -
#NurChat - What is most important to a patient? Getting home!
Did you miss the latest #NurChat twitter debate about discharging patients effectively? Let us sum it up for you … -
#NURSESHIFT: we discuss mentors
On Wednesday 14 March 2012, nurses from around the country came together to discuss issues surrounding student nurses and nursing mentors. -
#NURSESHIFT: we discuss organ donation
On Monday 20 February 2012 nurses, patients and healthcare professionals alike came together to talk about the hugely emotive subject of Organ Donation #OD. -
#NURSESHIFT: what is Nurseshift?
Nurseshift is an open online tweeting community that holds regular chats concerning hot topics in the world of healthcare. -
1.2m European Union people will die from cancer: study
More than 1.2 million cancer patients will die from the disease in European Union (EU) countries this year, new research has claimed. -
900 nurses in Virgin community services deal
Community services, including provision of nursing care at eight community hospitals, have been transferred to the private sector in a deal worth £500m. -
Age link to cancer diagnosis time
A lack of awareness of breast cancer symptoms among older women could be to blame for the fact they are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, research suggests. -
Alcohol consumption knowledge 'lacking' amongst younger people, says study
Most younger people lack the “knowledge and skills” required to drink in accordance with government guidelines, according to study published in the Drug and Alcohol Review. -
All-metal hips need more corrective surgery
“Experts are calling for controversial metal-on-metal hip implants to be banned,” according to The Guardian. -
Antibiotic resistance: we must act now, says WHO
“Human resistance to antibiotics could bring ‘the end of modern medicine as we know it’,” according to The Daily Telegraph. -
Aspirin: cancer-fighting benefits uncertain
“Taking a low dose of aspirin every day can prevent and possibly even treat cancer,” BBC News reported. -
Baby feeding times and IQ: link uncertain
“Babies fed on demand do better at school,” reported The Guardian, adding that those who “are fed when they are hungry achieve higher test scores” but that the experience takes its toll on their mothers. -
Better data needed on knee replacement
The effectiveness of knee replacement surgery has been in the news, with the BBC and Independent reporting that more evidence is needed on the long-term safety of knee implants. -
'Better flu jab education needed for healthcare staff'
Healthcare professionals are driven to get the flu jab if they believe it works, over and above a concern to protect patients from infection. -
Bill amendment on HCA regulation withdrawn
Baroness Emerton has withdrawn an amendment to the health bill, which would have brought in statutory regulation for healthcare assistants, to the disappointment of nursing unions. -
Blood pressure readings 'should be taken from both arms'
There is increasing evidence that measuring blood pressure in both arms should become a routine part of monitoring patients with hypertension, according to UK researchers. -
Bucks wins children's nurse training contract
A university has won a regional contract to provide children’s nursing training in the south of England. -
Budget round-up: Osborne heralds tax cuts and local pay rates
Chancellor George Osborne has hinted that local pay rates will be introduced for some public sector workers. -
Can exercise change your DNA?
“Just a few minutes of relatively strenuous exercise can dramatically change a person’s DNA,” according to the Daily Mail. -
Can fruit and veg improve your skin?
Fruit and vegetables are not only nutritious but could also make you “cuter”, according to the Daily Mail. -
Cancer nurse to carry Olympic torch
An oncology nurse from Sussex will carry the London 2012 Olympic Games torch as part of its journey round the country. -
Carter and Lansley in row over RCN support for bill
The Royal College of Nursing and health secretary Andrew Lansley entered a fresh war of words over the health bill this week. -
Census confirms NHS nursing workforce has shrunk
The number of registered nurses working in the NHS fell by 3,000 last year, according to latest workforce figures. -
Child back pain 'linked to school bags'
One in four children have back problems because of heavy school bags, according to The Daily Telegraph. -
Chronic heart failure gets EMA approval
A drug has been approved for the treatment of chronic heart failure by the European Medicines Agency. -
COPD linked with increased heart failure risk
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is strongly and independently linked with an increased risk of heart failure, according to a study in the European Journal of Heart Failure. -
CQC finds gaps in nursing home DNR policy and training
Nearly a third of nursing homes do not have a “do not attempt resuscitation” policy, according to a review by the Care Quality Commission. -
Dealing with dementia
Dealing with dementia is frustrating for the person with the condition, but also for family carers. -
Death anxiety 'may be impeding nurses'
Oncology nurses may personally experience death anxiety through observing the experiences of their patients, which may impede discussions about death-related concerns, according to US study. -
DH moves to avoid CCG board nurses being token gesture
Clinical commissioning groups have been told by the Department of Health to appoint experienced nurse leaders to their boards in an apparent attempt to head off attempts by GPs to view the position as a token gesture. -
Diabetes patients 'get more healthy living advice than they think'
Clinicians believe they provide more healthy living advice to diabetes patients than patients think they get, according to study by Newcastle University. -
Diabetes patients 'misunderstand' self test readings
Type 2 diabetes patients who self-monitor blood glucose levels at home often misunderstand the significance of high readings and how to react to them, warn researchers in Scotland. -
District nurse decline risks 'tragedy' for patient care
The community and district nursing workforce fell sharply last year, latest figures reveal, sparking fears of a “creeping tragedy” for patient care. -
Doctors to take on coalition MPs at next election
A group of NHS doctors plan to field candidates against high-profile coalition MPs at the next general election in protest at controversial government health reforms. -
Drop in number of NHS staff who recommend a job in the health service
The proportion of NHS staff who would recommend their organisation as a place to work is steadily dropping, latest survey results reveal. -
Drug recommended by NICE for stroke prevention
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended the oral anticoagulant dabigatran (Pradaxa) as an option for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. -
Drug 'reduces early surgical abortion complications'
Cervical preparation with misoprostol (Cytotec) significantly reduces major complications of early surgical abortion, according to World Health Organization research in The Lancet. -
Drugs tested on advanced Alzheimer's
“Thousands of patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease could benefit from drugs,” according to BBC News. -
'Electric shock' depression therapy unravelled
Scientists have discovered how electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) works in people with severe depression, The Independent has reported. -
Face up to doing the dreaded appraisals
Well-designed discussions about performance benefit care and can be positive and constructive experiences. -
Film offers guide to child protection conferences
Health visitors have been given a new video guide to help them prepare families for child protection conferences. -
Former healthcare worker faces 'nurse' probe charges
Police looking into reports that more than 1,000 people were treated over four years by a woman posing as a registered nurse who was not qualified have charged a former healthcare worker. -
Glucose gives pain relief to infants undergoing immunisation
A dose of glucose solution given to young children immediately before vaccination reduces pain, according to a study by nurses at the University of Sydney and Jordan University of Science and Technology. -
GP groups must prove they have nursing role
The government’s new GP-led commissioning groups will have to prove they have a nurse on their governing body before taking on their duties, according to documents seen by Nursing Times. -
Greece and England top nurse 'burn out' league table
Nurses in England have lower levels of job satisfaction and are at higher risk of “burnout” than their counterparts in most other European countries, a major nursing study has revealed. -
'Health promotion is swimming against a tide of greasy kebabs'
There are – and I consider myself an expert in this area – many different ways of not knowing things. -
Health study of pensioners in poverty
Newcastle University is to study whether helping pensioners in poverty to claim their rightful benefits is good for their health. -
Health workers set for Westminster demo
The government faces further pressure over its controversial health reforms as thousands of nurses and other healthcare professionals prepare to protest in Westminster. -
Heart attack prediction test? Not yet
“Heart attacks could be predicted in advance,” The Daily Telegraph has reported, while the Daily Mail assures readers that a “simple and inexpensive test that can spot a heart attack waiting to happen could be available next year”. -
Heart risk higher for women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study by University Hospitals of Leicester Trust and Leicester University. -
Heart-related collapses like Muamba's 'are rare'
The mid-game collapse of footballer Fabrice Muamba has received massive press attention this week, as the 23-year-old was left in a critical condition after his heart stopped beating. -
How to get to grips with record keeping
Keeping accurate records is vital to patient care … -
How to turn your dream job into a reality
Follow a few simple tips to show a prospective employer why you are the best person for the job, says Sarah Snow. -
HPV test approach 'boosts cervical screening'
Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing followed by a smear test if patients prove to be HPV positive is the most effective approach to cervical screening, according to new research. -
HRT protects against breast cancer after treatment ends
Women who undergo oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) enjoy protection against breast cancer long after treatment is stopped. -
'Illegal abortions for wrong sex babies'
There have been several reports in the media suggesting that some doctors in British clinics are agreeing to abortions solely because of the foetus’ gender. -
Immigration cap would 'halve' UK's migrant nurse workforce
The Royal College of Nursing says it has “grave concerns” that a shake up of UK immigration policy could lead to thousands of overseas nurses being forced to leave the UK. -
Inhalers 'linked to child health problems'
Asthma inhalers may be linked to birth defects, the Daily Mail has today reported. -
Is ice cream really 'addictive like drugs'?
“Ice cream ‘could be as addictive as cocaine’,” reported the Daily Mail. -
'Is it necessary for all nurses to be mentors?'
Anyone who doesn’t see the benefit of Twitter, and thinks it’s merely a means of conducting a social life without ever needing to get out of your pyjamas should check out #Nurseshift and #Nurchat. -
'It has always been my dream to nurse in a developing country...'
Caring for people with dengue fever, cobra bites and tuberculosis with few resources is all in a day’s work for James Cook. -
'It’s easier to moonwalk than be a student nurse these days'
My daughter has reached that stage in life when she asks really good questions. -
Lansley praises Lib Dems for strengthening bill
The Liberal Democrats were fundamental in helping to make controversial reforms of the NHS “stronger”, the secretary of state for health has said. -
Lansley unveils scheme to boost nurse research
More nurses will be encouraged to access training in clinical research under plans unveiled by the government yesterday. -
London hospitals make plans for the Olympics
Hospitals in London are considering reorganising surgery timetables, changing shift patterns and moving delivery times to accommodate the Olympics this summer. -
London nurse appointed 'honorary nurse' to the Queen
Jane Carey-Harris, a former theatre nurse, has been given the title in recognition of her contribution to military nursing. -
'Make sure you get support for the emotional labour you undertake every working day'
We talk to Yvonne Sawbridge, senior fellow at the University of Birmingham Health Services Management Centre, who has been a nurse for 30 years. -
'Make your job as interesting and rewarding as possible - if you can’t, move on'
We talk to Daniel Kelly, Royal College of Nursing professor of nursing research at Cardiff University, who has worked in nursing practice, education and research for over 33 years. -
Managers 'hiding behind' NMC referrals
Managers have been accused of referring nurses to the regulator for performance issues that they should be sorting them out themselves. -
Mandatory staffing ratios aid recruitment and retention
Setting minimum staff to patient ratios could create a more stable nursing workforce that is less dependent on agency cover, while improving safety, according to the latest academic review. -
Mentally ill 'often victims of violence'
Mentally ill people are four times more likely to be victims of violence, the BBC has today reported. -
Metal hip patients 'need annual checks'
Patients with a common type of metal hip implant should have annual health checks for as long as they have the implant, according to the UK body for regulating medical devices. -
Midwives lose abortion argument
Two anti-abortion midwives who claimed that being involved in termination procedures violated their human rights have lost their legal case. -
Midwives 'must consider' needs of lesbian couples
Midwives need to consider the different “needs and roles” of lesbian couples during pregnancy and birth, according to Norwegian researchers from Akershus University College. -
Minister pressured to respond to NT story on district nurses
Health minister Simon Burns has pledged to write to MPs about the current state of the district nurse workforce following concerns highlighted in Nursing Times. -
Mouse 'fat gene' gives clues on weight gain
“The secret to staying slim may be all in your genes,” the Daily Mail has reported, adding that scientists have uncovered a “greedy gene that makes you eat more even when you are full”. -
New clues to fighting baby muscle disease?
“It could be possible to reverse the muscle damage seen in children with a form of motor neurone disease,” according to BBC News. -
New CNO seeks to 'demonstrate good work' of profession
England’s next chief nursing officer has told Nursing Times she is anxious to “demonstrate the good work that nursing and midwifery does”. -
New drug approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has approved tocilizumab (RoActemra) for treating rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have “responded inadequately” to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. -
New England chief nursing officer named
The NHS Commissioning Board has appointed Jane Cummings as its chief nursing officer. Ms Cummings is currently the nursing director for NHS North of England, and previously for NHS North West. -
New implant 'could help tackle type 2 diabetes and obesity'
A diabetic teenager from Hampshire has become the first in the world to be fitted with an implant designed to improve the resistance to insulin and aid weight loss. -
New Morecambe Bay chair reports gulf between clinicians and managers
The newly-installed chairman of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay this week said he had found a “massive gulf” between clinicians and managers at the troubled foundation trust. -
NICE publishes peripheral arterial disease treatment guidance
Draft guidance has been published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to reduce “considerable uncertainty and variations in practice” in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). -
NMC and other regulators face legal overhaul
Provisional plans have been drawn up that would give the Nursing and Midwifery Council and other professional regulators increased flexibility to use their powers while also making them more accountable. -
NMC strengthens opposition to HCA regulation
The Nursing and Midwifery Council has made its strongest statement yet against statutory regulation for healthcare assistants. -
Nurse appointed to senior role at orthopaedics trust
Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Val Doyle as its new director of operations. -
Nurse education cuts pose threat to 'quality of patient care'
The Royal College of Nursing and the Council of Deans of Health have issued a joint statement warning of the threat to the profession posed by significant cuts in the commissioning of pre-registration education of adult nurses. -
Nursing professor seeks volunteers for pain study
A nurse researcher is seeking patients to talk about their experience of chronic pain as part of new study on the subject. -
Osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment website launched
A website offering “clear and straight-forward information” to help manage the diagnosis and treatment of patients with osteoporosis has been launched by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the National Osteoporosis Society. -
Our tweetly round-up...
We scour the twittersphere in order to bring you our top tweets from this week. Did you make it in? -
Our tweetly round-up...
We scour the twittersphere in order to bring you our top tweets from this week. Did you make it in? -
Parents 'wrongly told twins are identical'
Antenatal staff often misinform parents expecting same-sex twins based on evidence from ultrasound scans, a new study suggests. -
Patient safety pilot shows improved results
A tool for measuring four key areas of nursing appears to increase the likelihood of older patients receiving “harm free” care, according to a report seen by Nursing Times. -
Pay review body backs £250 pay rise for lower paid NHS staff
NHS staff earning £21,000 or less a year should receive a pay rise of £250 from April, the NHS pay review body has recommended. -
PNs face tighter checks on registration
GPs are to be told to check their practice nurses are on the nursing register in response to fears unqualified staff are posing as registrants. -
Premature births 'fell 10% after smoking ban'
Scotland’s premature birth rate has fallen by 10% since the public smoking ban came into force in 2006, BBC News reported. -
Prostate cancer drug deemed 'too expensive'
Health chiefs in Scotland, England and Wales have said they will not back a drug that is said to help prostrate cancer suffers live longer because it is too expensive. -
Pupils to book nurse appointments by text
Pupils will be able to book appointments with school nurses by text messages and emails, it was announced today. -
Quiz yourself ... What is your learning style?
How do you learn? Are you use your ears or your common sense? Find out … -
Red meat intake 'linked to death risk'
“Small quantities of processed meat such as bacon, sausages or salami can increase the likelihood of dying early by a fifth,” The Daily Telegraph reported today. -
'Remember your role in protecting patients'
We talk to Tom Quinn, professor of clinical practice at the University of Surrey, who has been a nurse for 33 years. -
Rheumatoid arthritis patients 'at higher risk of irregular heart rhythm'
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at a greater risk of atrial fibrillation than the general population, according to a Copenhagen University study in the BMJ. -
Rice 'diabetes risk' overstated
New research has found that “eating white rice could raise your risk of type 2 diabetes” according to the Daily Mail. -
RUH launches 'accelerated' introduction of ward rounds
All wards at Royal United Hospital Bath will have commenced comfort rounds by the end of April 2012 in light of the prime minister’s recent announcement that nurses should conduct hourly rounds. -
'Scheme to boost nurse research will aid care'
I am going to mention the name “Lansley” and the word “positive” in the same sentence. -
Scottish nurse decline slowing as numbers reach new low
The number of nurses working in the NHS in Scotland has now reached its lowest level for six years but the rate of decline appears to be slowing, according to latest data. -
Second Caesarean health benefits claim
Pregnant women who opt for a second Caesarean delivery have babies who are less likely to suffer serious health problems, research suggests. -
'Show the public what nursing is getting right'
Nursing has felt like it’s been under siege of late. -
Sleeping pills linked to death risk
Sleeping pills are linked to a raised risk of death, according to several high-profile news reports in newspapers. -
Smartphone aids diabetes management
A leading pharmaceutical company is claiming it has made a breakthrough in the management of diabetes, in the shape of a device which attaches to a smartphone. -
Stem cells may boost kidney transplants
“Stem cells beat kidney rejection,” says BBC News. -
Stop people feeling like the odd one out
Inclusive leadership skills can result in staff feeling valued and fulfilling their potential. -
Study tests new IVF device
A new way of processing embryos during IVF treatment can improve the chances of pregnancy by more than a quarter, The Daily Telegraph today reported. -
Surgical site infections are the 'next HCAI challenge'
Surgical site infections are the next infection control “challenge” facing the NHS, a leading nurse consultant has warned. -
'Swaddling' of babies 'to be avoided'
The return to popularity of a previously almost eradicated practice of tightly wrapping babies in blankets is causing a rise in hip problems, a surgeon has warned. -
Syphilis test kits 'gave false results', say HPA
A small number of people tested for syphilis in England and Scotland have been given inaccurate results, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said. -
TB guidance published by RCN
Guidance on the care of patients with tuberculosis has been published by the Royal College of Nursing. -
Tell me about 'bonkers' bureaucracy, says DH nurse
The Department of Health’s new deputy nursing director has called on the profession to help him identify examples of over the top bureaucracy that need to be changed. -
'The best students are willing to challenge conventional ideas and ask questions'
We speak Philip Keeley, director of undergraduate education at the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at The University of Manchester. -
'The last few months before qualification can be difficult to handle'
New Year has come and gone, and I am continuing my second to last placement. -
'There is no need for a warning label when it comes to education'
I faced a moral dilemma this week. -
Tool developed to help predict mental illness in new mothers
A new online training tool has been developed to help midwives neonatal nurses in Wales identify and treat new mothers at risk of severe mental illness in the postnatal period. -
Treasury hints at winners and losers under local pay
Local pay bargaining could raise salaries in some English “hotspots” but parts of the West Midlands and Yorkshire, Strathclyde and Wales may lose out, Treasury documents suggest. -
Trip to the LSD archives for alcoholism research
LSD “helps alcoholics to give up drinking”, BBC News has today reported. -
Twitter goes 'behind the scenes' at maternity unit
A Midlands hospital is conducting the UK’s first “tweetathon” from a maternity unit today. -
Union turns table on CQC with 'inspection' of its own
Staff working for the Care Quality Commission are demoralised and fear making a mistake because of impossible workloads, a union survey has found. -
Unions fight to keep national pay deal
A move to local pay for NHS staff would lead to damaging competition between trusts for workers, entrench low pay in certain areas and further erode morale, health unions warned last week. -
Unions to consider detailed final pensions offer
Pensions talks between unions and the government have ended with the announcement of a detailed final offer from ministers. -
Unique new flu virus found in bats
“We’ve had bird flu and swine flu - now scientists have found BAT FLU,” says the Daily Mail. -
Unison and RCM to consult members on NHS pension deal
Unison is to ballot its 450,000 members who work in the health sector on the government’s proposals to change the NHS pension scheme. -
'Unrealistic' breastfeeding advice criticised
New mothers can feel set up to fail by “unhelpful” advice telling them to breastfeed for six months, researchers have said. -
Vitamin E: bone thinning link uncertain
“Vitamin E supplements intended to reduce risk of heart disease could also cause thinning of bones,” The Daily Mail reported. -
'We are getting more skilled at the whole portfolio of sexual health and contraception'
Julie Raine is proud of the nurses who lead combined sexual and contraceptive services. -
'What makes me proudest of all is supporting people who wish to die at home'
Candice Pellett has held national roles but is most proud of supporting people who wish to die at home. -
What type of nursing shall I study?
Which of the four disciplines are you going to go for? Adult, children’s, mental health or learning disabilities? Let us help you decide … -
Wii fitness games 'no health boost'
“Playing active video games won’t help you stay fit,” the Daily Mail has reported. -
Women 'carry egg-making stem cells'
The discovery of stem cells in human ovaries means “it may one day be possible to produce an ‘unlimited’ supply of eggs,” according to the Daily Mail.
