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Practice patterns of heart failure nurses
Marilyn A Prasun1, Jesse Casida, Jill Howie-Esquivel
1School of Nursing, Millikin University, Decatur, IL 62522, USA. mprasun@millikin.edu
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|March 20, 2012
Summary
This study surveyed nurses in heart failure (HF) care, finding they frequently provide HF education and physical assessments. Understanding these practice patterns is crucial for advancing HF nursing.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nursing Practice
- Healthcare Professionals
Background:
- Limited understanding of practice patterns among nurses specializing in heart failure (HF).
- HF nursing encompasses diverse settings from intensive care to rehabilitation.
- Need to characterize the current practices of HF nurses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the current practice patterns of nurses who are members of the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN).
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to nurses attending the 2010 Annual Meeting of the AAHFN.
- The survey focused on identifying current practice patterns in HF nursing.
Main Results:
- The surveyed nurses had a mean age of 48 years, with most being white (85%) and female (98%).
- Nearly half (48%) held a Master's degree, and the average nursing experience was 23 years, with 11 years specializing in HF.
- Frequent provision of heart failure education and physical assessments was reported.
Conclusions:
- The survey offers valuable insights into the practice patterns of HF nurses.
- Ongoing monitoring of this nursing role is recommended.
- Findings can aid the AAHFN in advancing HF knowledge and skills.
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