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Care of the critically ill patient with a tracheostomy
Tracheostomy insertion and management is increasingly common in critical care units and general wards. Therefore, it is important that nurses are equipped with the appropriate knowledge and skills to meet the individual needs of patients with a tracheostomy safely and competently. This article aims to enhance nurses’ understanding of the potential challenges that patients with a tracheostomy may experience, and to guide nurses in providing effective care and support to these patients. It outlines the care that should be provided for patients with a tracheostomy who are critically ill, including methods of humidification and endotracheal suctioning. This article also discusses the effects that a tracheostomy may have on a patient’s communication and psychological well-being, and explains the actions that nurses should take in an emergency and if complications occur.
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Managing challenging conversations by telephone with people living with cancer
Nurses working in cancer care can often find themselves engaged in challenging conversations with patients and their family members or carers. These conversations can cover a range of emotive subjects due to the negative effects of cancer on people and those close to them. Such conversations have become more challenging due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because increasingly they have had to be conducted over the telephone.This article examines some of the psychological effects of cancer and considers some ways in which nurses can engage in challenging telephone conversations with patients with cancer, including the use of mnemonic frameworks. The article also explores the importance of nurses’ self-care and how this can underpin safe practice.
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Delivering personalised cancer care to enhance patients’ quality of life
Many people with cancer experience long-term physical and emotional challenges resulting from the disease and its treatment. Personalised care enables people to exercise choice and control over how their care is planned and delivered. The principles of personalised care are based on healthcare professionals focusing on what matters to people living with cancer. Personalised care enables people to use their individual strengths to ensure that they can have an active role in decisions about their care if they so choose. This article explores personalised nursing care in the context of people living with and beyond cancer. The author examines how nurses can adopt a personalised care model and how this supports improved quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer. Additionally, the author explores how personalised care interventions have been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and how these might be delivered virtually.
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CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Fair Pay Agreement Process in Adult Social Care
RCN response to the Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) consultation on the fair pay agreement process in adult social care.
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Breeze your way through revalidation
What it is, why it matters, and how to make the process less stressful
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Corporate Partnerships
Helping your organisation to reach nursing professionals.
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Celebrating progress: steps in the right direction
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger celebrates International Women’s Day, hard-won progress on nursing career progression and Overseas NHS Workers’ Day.
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Physical and verbal abuse against nursing staff rising, RCN London Director warns health committee
RCN London Director, Lisa Elliott, speaks at Health Committee meeting on the rise of physical and verbal abuse against nursing staff.
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Bowel Care
Bowel care is a fundamental area of patient care that is frequently overlooked, yet it is of paramount importance for the quality of life of patients. This edition includes updates on best practice and provides guidance for all nursing staff. It incorporates knowledge of bowel function and the essentials of assessment, treatment and management of lower bowel dysfunction. The publication promotes a positive and proactive approach to care delivery for the essential and fundamental needs of bowel function and management of bowel disorders.
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The transformative power of pursuing what you love
Senior staff nurse Delyth Jones, who discovered powerlifting in her 40s, shares how the sport transformed her confidence, wellbeing and career, ultimately taking her from burnout to becoming a Commonwealth Champion.
