Critical Care Nursing

by

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Outline of the Study1

Background of the Research1

Problem Statement2

Aims and Objectives2

Research Question3

Electronic data base searches3

Inclusion and exclusion criteria3

Layout of the Study4

Search rationale4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW6

Critical Care Nursing6

Roles of Critical Care Nurses7

Palliative Care8

Experiences of Critical Care Nurses in End of Life Care10

Conclusion14

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY16

Research strategy17

Systematic Review17

Research Approach18

Search Strategy19

Data Extraction Strategy19

Qualitative Data Analysis20

Data Synthesis21

Literature Search21

Validity21

Inclusion Criteria23

Exclusion Criteria23

REFERENCES24

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Nursing is one of the most important departments in a medical institutions and a health care organization. It plays a significant role in rendering health improvement and betterment services for the patients. These days, the profession of nursing has improved a great deal due to the introduction of modern technology and advanced services. Latest equipments and new medicines have provided cure and care services for the extremely ill people as well.

Outline of the Study

The thesis based on the proposal discusses the concept of critical care nurses. For the purpose of providing a proper structure and a layout to the study, the exploration is guided through the use of research methodologies, the collection of data through the process of systematic review and later, the entire research is discussed in the discussion and analysis section of this study. The investigation undertakes to perform research on the subject of exploring the experiences of critical care nurses concerning the end of life care for patients. The research report further elaborates upon a well-designed and well-formulated training and development plan.

Background of the Research

Due to the rise in the mortality rates as a result of terminal illnesses and life limiting diseases such as cancer, AIDS etc, there is a need for research about the views and opinions of end of life care among specialist palliative care nurses in order to improve palliative care. Cancer is the leading cause of death around the world. The WHO estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention. In 2007, there were 7.9 million deaths.

The research study at hand presents a detailed review of the exploration regarding the experiences of critical care nursing in context of rendering services to the patients at the final stage of their illness. The report further facilitates the reader to have a clear idea and an in-depth insight to the functions, performances and experiences obtained by the nurses in their entire professional lives. A proper research, beneficial to the study, is carried out and illustrated in a legible manner.

The field of critical care nursing has now been one of the oldest in the aspect of medicines and clinical practices. It refers to giving a proper focus and extreme care and attention to the patients with unstable health and critically ill condition. The nurses involved in the occupation of critical care can be seen providing services to the nation in various types of environment and specialties, which include, for instance, intensive care units of hospitals and emergency departments.

Problem Statement

The review is concerned with exploring the experience and professional aspects of the critical care nursing in the ...