Defining vascular nursing: a survey of vascular nurses

For the purpose of defining the specialty of vascular nursing, a survey was sent to the nursing membership of the Society for Vascular Nursing. Nurses in all geographic locations were included, and the survey was accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. A total of 873 nurses were surveyed. Respondents were encouraged to give the survey to other vascular nurses who were not members of the Society for Vascular Nursing. The initial mailing resulted in 276 responses. A second mailing provided an additional 224 responses for a total response of 500. Fifty-six of the 500 respondents (11.2%) were nonmembers. Response rate of members was 50.9% (444 of 873). Demographic information was obtained regarding age, years in nursing and vascular nursing, sex, employment type, and location. In addition to demographic information, the survey asked the respondent to identify a definition or definitions of vascular nursing. There was no restriction on space or content. In a small pilot study, "defining the specialty" was the only question asked. However, on the basis of responses to the pilot, the form was refined to request a description of the skills necessary to be a vascular nurse. A total of 73 definitions were identified on the basis of coded responses. The range in number of definitions given on any survey was 0 to 13. Essential skills listed by any one respondent ranged in number from 0 to 14. A total of 90 skills were identified. The purpose of this study is to identify the definitions of vascular nursing given by vascular nurses. In addition, the skills identified as necessary will be elaborated on.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)