Biomedical subjects

Patricia Hynes

Publications and source records attributed to Patricia Hynes.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Dealing with aggressive behavior within the health care team: a leadership challenge.

During an interdisciplinary Canadian leadership forum [ (click on the Conferences icon)], participants were challenged to develop an approach to a difficult leadership/management situation. In a scenario involving aggressive behavior among health care providers, participants identified that, before responding, an appropriate leader should collect additional information to identify the core problem(s) causing such behavior. Possibilities include stress; lack of clear roles, responsibilities, and standard operating procedures; and, finally, lack of training on important leadership/management skills. As a result of these core problems, several potential solutions are possible, all with potential obstacles to implementation. Additional education around communication and team interaction was felt to be a priority. In summary, clinical leaders probably have a great deal to gain from augmenting their leadership/management skills.

Aggression↗

PubMed2005

Developing leadership skills in critical care nurses: a case scenario--part one.

During a recent CACCN board meeting, directors were challenged with developing an approach to a difficult case scenario. In a situation where inappropriate communication toward a new nurse was observed and reported directly to the charge nurse, participants identified that before responding, the charge nurse should seek out additional information to identify the problems causing the behaviour. Possible core problems included lack of clarity around the roles and responsibilities, plus the lack of training on preceptorship and the principles of effective communication. Solutions are proposed, along with associated strengths, weaknesses and barriers to implementation. In summary, nurses have much to gain from augmenting their leadership skills.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed2004

Analgesic and sedative pharmacology in the intensive care unit.

Sedation and analgesia are central elements in the care of critically ill, mechanically-ventilated patients. The goal of analgesic therapy is to provide relief from pain and physical discomfort which may lead to poor sleep, agitation, or a stress response. Opioids, such as morphine, fentanyl, and hydromorphone, are considered first-line agents for treating pain. All of these agents are equally effective at equipotent doses and the choice of an agent depends on both drug and patient characteristics. Sedatives with amnestic properties are desirable to prevent or relieve anxiety and agitation. The benzodiazepines and propofol are the primary sedative agents used in the intensive care unit (ICU). Agents such as clonidine and haloperidol may have a role in the ICU when used concomitantly with sedatives and analgesics. An understanding of the pharmacotherapy of sedation and analgesia in the ICU will help support appropriate usage of these agents and improve patient care.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed2004

About critical thinking.

Although a universally accepted definition of critical thinking has yet to be determined, there is much discussion in the literature about its meaning and, in particular, how it can be expressed in professional nursing practice. The simultaneous use of related terms such as reflective thinking, problem solving and clinical decision-making contributes to the lack of clarity around exactly what critical thinking is and, subsequently, how it can be taught and evaluated in the clinical setting. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various components of critical thinking and to discuss barriers, facilitators and strategies that can enhance nurses' attainment of this core competency. Few would argue that registered nurses today must be able to think critically in order to effectively communicate a nursing perspective that reflects a meaningful clinical grasp and preparedness to act.

Critical Care↗