Abstract: The aim of this dissertation is to assess the preventability or reduction of adverse events in the intensive care unit (ICU) through a literature review. Research shows the ICU is at high risk for errors, nevertheless there is a huge gap between knowing something should be done and applying this knowledge to practice. That being the case, this dissertation identifies and discusses several proven and transferable quality improvement proposals. These include: instituting anonymous error reporting; documentation of a daily goal-of-care; a nurse as ICU team co-ordinator; conflict resolution processes and communication training for all ICU staff. NThe author concludes that nurse-doctor collaboration requires the support of medicine, with recognition of the unique contribution nurses make to patient safety.

Abstract: Explores the impact of simulation education on nurses' perception and experiences of raising the option of tissue donation with families of deceased patients in an intensive care unit. Conducts semi-structured interviews with 5 of 21 nurses participating in simulated education sessions involving family conversations about donation. Identifies four themes: rehearsal, confidence, nurse-family relationship, and sharing.

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to outline a study firstly, assessing ICU nurses' ability in articulating respiratory physiology to provide rationale for their clinical decision-making and secondly, the barriers that limit the articulation of this knowledge. Using an evaluation methodology, multiple methods were employed to collect data from 27 ICU nurses who had completed an ICU education programme and were working in one of two tertiary ICUs in New Zealand. Quantitative analysis showed that nurses articulated a low to medium level of knowledge of respiratory physiology. Thematic analysis identified the barriers limiting this use of respiratory physiology as being inadequate coverage of concepts in some ICU programmes; limited discussion of concepts in clinical practice; lack of clinical support; lack of individual professional responsibility; nurses' high reliance on intuitive knowledge; lack of collaborative practice; availability of medical expertise; and the limitations of clinical guidelines and protocols. These issues need to be addressed if nurses' articulation of respiratory physiology to provide rationale for their clinical decision-making is to be improved.

Abstract: This article looks at the research on the benefits of massage for alleviating the anxiety of patients in critical care. The author draws on her own experiences with cardiac patients and affirms the lasting psychological benefit of massage. She provides advice on which parts of the body to massage on patients in critical care, which to avoid and how to know when it is contraindicated.

Abstract: Distributes a self-administered questionnaire to Dunedin Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses to investigate: the site of administration, comparing peripheral intravenous line (PIV) or umbilical venous catheter (UVC); and which dose of gentamicin would be used in two clinical scenarios describing babies of 24 and 32-weeks' gestation. Simulates gentamycin delivery and notes clinical variability.

Abstract: The aim of this research is to provide an analysis of the scope of nursing practice and inter-professional role responsibility for ventilatory decision-making in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units (ICU). Self-administered questionnaires were sent to nurse managers of eligible ICUs within Australia and New Zealand. Survey responses were available from 54/180 ICUs. The majority (71%) were located within metropolitan areas and categorised as a tertiary level ICU (50%). The mean number of nurses employed per ICU bed was 4.7 in Australia and 4.2 in New Zealand, with 69% (IQR: 47-80%) of nurses holding a postgraduate specialty qualification. All units reported a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio for ventilated patients with 71% reporting a 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratio for non- ventilated patients. Key ventilator decisions, including assessment of weaning and extubation readiness, were reported as predominantly made by nurses and doctors in collaboration. Overall, nurses described high levels of autonomy and influence in ventilator decision-making. Decisions to change ventilator settings, including FiO(2) (91%, 95% CI: 80-97), ventilator rate (65%, 95% CI: 51-77) and pressure support adjustment (57%, 95% CI: 43-71), were made independently by nurses. The authors conclude that the results of the survey suggest that, within the Australian and New Zealand context, nurses participate actively in ventilation and weaning decisions. In addition, they suggest, the results support an association between the education profile and skill-mix of nurses and the level of collaborative practice in ICU.