There is a growing body of evidence to support that specialization in nursing leads to improved outcomes for patients, including increased QOL, improved symptom management, and fewer hospital admissions. Oncology nurses face several challenges in pursuing specialization, due to individual and system issues such as limited time and resources. To address these challenges, de Souza Institute launched a province-wide study group for nurses in Ontario who planned to write the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Oncology Certification Exam. The study group was led by educators from de Souza and Princess Margaret Hospital and drew expertise from nursing leaders across Ontario who shared the same vision of oncology nursing excellence. The study group was innovative by embracing telemedicine and web-based technology, which enabled flexibility for nurses' work schedules, learning styles, physical location and practice experience. The study group utilized several theoretical perspectives and frameworks to guide the curriculum: Adult Learning Theories, Cooperative Learning, Generational Learning Styles, CANO standards for practice and the CNA exam competencies. This approach enabled 107 oncology nurses across the province in 17 different sites to connect, as a group, study interactively and fully engage in their learning. A detailed evaluation method was utilized to assess baseline knowledge, learning needs, cooperative group process, exam success rates, and document unexpected outcomes. Ninety-four per cent of participants passed the CNA Oncology Exam. Lessons learned and future implications are discussed. The commitment remains to enable thriving through generating new possibilities, building communities of practice, mentoring nurses and fostering excellence in oncology practice.
Karima Velji, former president and chair of the board of directors of the Canadian Nurses Association (2014)(2015)(2016), recently addressed the newly inducted fellows of the Canadian Academy of Nursing, sharing her observations on the current state of the Canadian healthcare system and the critical role nurses can play in supporting patients and building the system of tomorrow.
Introduction. Wounds are increasing in number and complexity within the hospital inpatient system, and coordinated and dedicated wound care along with the use of emerging technologies can result in improved patient outcomes. Objective. This prospective implementation study at 2 hospital inpatient sites examines the effect of bedside fluorescence imaging of wounds in the detection of elevated bacterial loads and its location in/around the wound on the inpatient wound population. Materials and Methods. Clinical assessment and fluorescence imaging assessments were performed on 26 wounds in 21 patients. Treatment plans were recorded after the clinical assessment and again after fluorescence imaging, and any alterations made to the treatment plans after imaging were noted. Results. Prior to fluorescence imaging, antimicrobial use in this patient population was common. An antimicrobial dressing, a topical antibiotic, or an oral antibiotic was prescribed in 23 wounds (88% of assessments), with antimicrobial dressings prescribed 73% of the time. Based on clinical assessment, more than half of the treated wounds were deemed negative for suspected infection. In 12 of 26 wounds, the fluorescence imaging information on bacterial presence had the potential to prompt a change in whether an antimicrobial dressing was prescribed. Five of these 12 wounds were fluorescence imaging-positive and an antimicrobial drug was not prescribed, whereas 7 of the 12 wounds were negative upon fluorescence imaging and clinical assessment but antimicrobial dressing was prescribed. Overall, fluorescence imaging detected 70% more wounds, with bacterial fluorescence indicating elevated bacterial loads, compared with clinical assessment alone, and use of imaging resulted in altered treatment plans in 35% of cases. Conclusions. Fluorescence imaging can aid in antimicrobial stewardship goals by supporting evidence-based decision-making at the point of care. In addition, use of such imaging resulted in increased communication, enhanced efficiency, and improved continuity of care between wound care providers and hospital sites.
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