How valuable is an international cultural visit?

Incorporation of chlorhexidine in alcohol skin swabs is not without risks of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis

To investigate cases of suspected allergy to chlorhexidine, we routinely measure specific IgE antibodies to chlorhexidine and perform skin tests (Figure 1). Our local laboratory records for the past 2...

Strategies to promote the emotional health of nurses and other NHS staff

One year ago, NHS Employers launched its ‘How are you feeling today NHS?’ initiative (NHS Employers, 2019). This easy-to-use resource was designed and developed with the help of NHS staff to promote...

Patient safety reports and crisis events round up

I have said before in my BJN column that the NHS is no sloth when it comes to developing patient safety initiatives, policies and reports. The problem is that these so often seem to falter at the...

From staff nurse to nurse consultant: Survival Guide part 9: Combining parenthood and work

I know of one person who employed a live-in nanny; she sorted out the children in the morning, took them to school, did the washing and ironing and prepared a meal for when people came home. Sounds...

Understanding complaints

‘Our role is to set the standards in the Code, but these are not just our standards. They are the standards that patients and members of the public tell us they expect from health professionals....

Overstretched and struggling

A privilege to provide palliative care

The specialist dermatology nurse: providing expert care to patients

Dermatology has long been described as a ‘Cinderella’ specialty (Linn, 1956; Bunker, 2013), a term used to describe any under-appreciated, under-funded or under-discussed specialty, including care of...

The evolution of advanced practice for nurses working in skin cancer care

The NHS is facing an uncertain future, crippled by increasing financial constraints and population demands (The King's Fund, 2015). An ageing population is of particular concern for dermatology...

Using play as a distraction technique for children undergoing medical procedures

Play therapy is a communication tool used to alleviate chronic, mild and moderate psychological and emotional conditions in children (Play Therapy UK, 2017). The focus for this article is the role...

The diagnosis and management of a patient with acute pyelonephritis

Acute pyelonephritis, known in clinical practice as an upper urinary tract infection (UTI), is defined as a tubulointerstitial disorder characterised by inflammation of the renal parenchyma caused by...

Investigating intercultural effectiveness of paediatric nurses in a Turkish hospital

‘The term ‘culture’ is used to signify the full spectrum of values, behaviors, customs, language, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, and other...

Preoperative peripheral and core temperature: an observational study at a day-surgery unit

The aim was to study day-surgery patients' peripheral and core temperatures during the preoperative phase. The hypothesis was that the temperature would decrease..

Parallels between seminars and problem-based learning