Purpose/Objectives:
The objective of this study was to demonstrate an educational tool devised by the nursing staff of a correctional nursing unit.
Significance:
Rhabdomyolysis is a disease with a national annual prevalence of 26,000. Because of the dynamics of the young male population, prisoners are at particular risk for this condition. Rhabdomyolysis carries a mortality rate of up to 8%, with acute renal failure occurring in 4% to 33% of the cases.
Design/Background/Rationale:
Because of the perceived increase in numbers of identified cases, the nursing staff of the corrections nursing unit at The Ohio State University searched for a method to educate the inmates on the risk factors related to "exertional" rhabdomyolysis. At the same time, the correction system expressed an interest in communicating this information in greater detail to the infirmary nursing staff of the 32 Ohio correctional institutions. The nursing staff of the Ohio State Corrections Unit developed a poster to be displayed in the various corrections gymnasiums throughout the state of Ohio.
Methods/Description:
The information on the poster was developed to communicate the risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and ramifications of excessive muscle-lengthening contractions, that is, 1,200 repetitive squats. It also communicates the focus of treatment when exertional rhabdomyolysis does occur. A corresponding factoid sheet was distributed to the infirmary staffs of the same institutions to provide a more detailed communication of the risks, detection, and treatment of rhabdomyolysis.
Findings/Outcomes:
A poster, created to demonstrate these educational tools, was displayed at the October conference of the National Association of Correctional Health Care in Nashville, Tennessee, and at the American Correctional Health Care Association conference in London, Ohio.
Conclusions:
Ohio State nursing staff on the inpatient correctional unit affected the health education of their population in the community. Patients welcomed the education as did the infirmary staffs.
Implications for Practice:
Further study to investigate other educational opportunities for this population should be conducted.
Section Description
The 2009 NACNS National Conference will be held in St Louis, Missouri, on March 5 to 7. More than 350 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), graduate faculty, nurse administrators, nurse researchers, and graduate students are registered. This year's theme, "Clinical Nurse Specialists: Vision, Value, Voice," demonstrates the essential leadership skills of the CNS as well as the CNS role in implementing evidence-based practice.
Seventy abstracts were selected for either podium or poster presentations. Again, this year, there is a CNS student poster session. The abstracts addressed CNS practice in 3 practice domains (spheres of influence), emphasizing patient safety and quality care outcomes, leadership, evidence-based practice, and new ways to shape CNS practice. Topics include CNS work activities incorporated into 3 spheres of influence-patients, nursing practice, organization/system-including the development of clinical inquiry skills among staff nurses, use of simulation technology, strategies to maintain clinical excellence, CNS practice in end-of-life care decisions, and many new and thoughtful ideas to support CNS education, practice, and research. Collectively, the abstracts represent the breadth, depth, and richness of the CNSs' contribution to the well-being of individuals, families, communities, as well as to the advancement of the nursing profession.
The conference abstracts were published here to facilitate sharing this emerging new knowledge with those who were unable to attend the conference. As you read each abstract, appreciate the intellectual talent and clinical scholarship of your CNS colleagues who are advancing the practice of nursing and contributing to the health of society through improved outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations. We encourage you to contact individual presenters to network, collaborate, consult, or share your thoughts and ideas on the conference topics. Watch out for next year's call for abstracts and consider submitting for presentation at NACNS' next annual conference in Portland, Oregon, on March 4 to 6, 2010.