Evidence and Practice
Supporting neurodivergent nursing students in their practice placements
Obsessive compulsive disorder: overview of the condition and its nursing management
How relational leadership can enhance nurses’ well-being and productivity
Clinical
Obsessive compulsive disorder: overview of the condition and its nursing management
Why you should read this article: • To recognise the aetiology and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) • To remember that in some people OCD can involve significant suicidal ideation • To familiarise yourself with the available treatments for OCD, including cognitive behavioural therapy and pharmacological options Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex condition characterised by intrusive and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions). The symptoms of OCD cause significant distress and anxiety and can have a debilitating effect on a person’s daily functioning. This article gives an overview of OCD, including its prevalence, aetiology, symptoms and treatment strategies, with the aim of enhancing nurses’ understanding of the condition and its adverse effects on a person’s life. The author also discusses some of the ways in which nurses in any setting can support a person with OCD.
How relational leadership can enhance nurses’ well-being and productivity
Recognise the benefits and challenges of implementing this type of leadership in nursing
Nutritional and hydration interventions for people with dysphagia
How nurses can support patients to minimise the effects of the condition
Using the NEWS2 and ABCDE assessment to identify early signs of clinical deterioration
Understand the early physiological signs to ensure timely escalation of patient care
Peripheral neuropathic pain: supporting patients with self-management
Recognise non-pharmacological interventions and how to provide information and advice
The role of decontamination in reducing healthcare-associated infections
Recognise the most common HCAIs, decontamination methods, and legislation and guidance
CPD articles
Supporting neurodivergent nursing students in their practice placements
Why you should read this article: • To recognise the strengths that neurodivergent nursing students can bring to practice • To understand how practice assessors and supervisors can develop neuro-inclusive learning environments • To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Neurodivergent conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and Tourette’s syndrome are common, and it is highly likely that practice assessors and supervisors will be asked to support neurodivergent nursing students in their practice learning environments. This article details the strengths that neurodivergent students can bring to nursing, as well as some of the challenges they may experience in practice settings. It outlines how practice assessors and supervisors can develop neuro-inclusive learning environments where neurodivergent students can thrive, as well as how to support them if they are not meeting their required proficiencies. The authors also discuss how appropriate reasonable adjustments can be implemented by using a collaborative approach with students.
Safeguarding adults at risk of abuse
How to recognise the signs and what action to take if abuse is suspected
Recognising and managing migraine
Identify migraine triggers, ‘red flag’ symptoms and various management strategies
Managing common neurological complications following cardiac surgery
Risk factors, assessment and treatment of delirium and post-operative cognitive decline
Reducing the risk of suicide among healthcare staff
Explore the contributory factors involved in suicide, and appropriate interventions
Promoting person-centred care at the end of life
Enhance your knowledge of the benefits and barriers to providing this type of care
How to
How to write an action plan with a nurse or nursing student
Objectives should be SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound
How to interpret arterial blood gas results
The steps involved when evaluating respiration and circulation in deteriorating patients
How to undertake effective mouth care and oral assessments
Learn ways to promote oral health and comfort, and prevent or treat disease
How to change a suprapubic catheter effectively
Recognise the potential complications and how to avoid them
How to safely collect and deliver blood components for transfusion
Learn methods to minimise the risk of adverse events, including handling and storage errors