No abstract

An important process in any profession is the development of professional identity. Understanding how students experience professionalism is important to provide appropriate educational experiences to foster this aspect of professional socialization. Therefore, this study investigated baccalaureate student nurses' perspectives of what it means to be professional. This qualitative study was based on Pollio, Henley, and Thompson's interpretive framework, an existential-phenomenological approach. The purpose of the interpretation was to recognize patterns or themes in an experience. Figurai experiences in one's life emerge against a backdrop, or ground. Sixtynine baccalaureate nursing students at different educational levels participated. They described specific experiences in which they felt professional. The student experience of being professional was one grounded in a world of self and others. Three interrelated themes emerged from this ground- belonging, knowing, and affirmation. The ground of self and others provides the backdrop of the experience. It is through self and others that the figurai themes are experienced. The themes are inherently interrelated. For example, the experiences of belonging and knowing were affirming to students, and affirmation enhanced their sense of knowing and belonging. Implications of the findings are explored.

UNPLANNED HYPOTHERMIA is commonly encountered in the perioperative period. Nursing has contributed to the literature on hypothermia with studies on shivering and treatment modalities; however, the direct physiological consequences of postoperative hypothermia have been reported mainly in the medical literature. RESEARCH ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of postoperative hypothermia offers nurses further evidence to support interventions for temperature correction in patients with hypothermia. Evidence indicates that forced‐air warming is the most effective method for warming hypothermic patients. THE ROY ADAPTATION MODEL is explained as a framework for nursing care of patients with hypothermia. Clinical practice guidelines for unplanned perioperative hypothermia also are provided. AORN J 83 (May 2006) 1055–1066.

Credibility for advanced practice will be established across disciplines as nurses demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate practices. Alternative therapies are accepted and used by many patients today. While magnet therapy is popular, the scientific evidence to support its use is limited, at best. Advanced practice nurses have more effective treatment modalities in their repertoire and are advised to avoid practices for which efficacy is unsupported.

No abstract