The role of the mentor in supporting new students to integrate into the practice setting and establish effective working relationships within the inter-professional team is key to nursing practice as students need to be supported in a way that will help them to flourish and reach their full potential. In this article, a winner of the JCN writing Awards, Mary Goode critically analyses the role of the mentor and explores how such a role can ‘make or break’ a student’s placement.
Mary Louise Goode, Community Nurse, Elstree Way Clinic, Borehamwood, Herts.
Urinary catheterisation is one of the most common procedures undertaken in both primary and secondary care. However, the process carries a number of inherent risks, such as the potential for trauma and the introduction of infection. In addition, the inappropriate use of a catheter can cause long-term damage. This article outlines the indications for their use and the type to be used according to patient requirements.
Frank Booth RGN, DN Cert. Freelance Continence Specialist
Melanie Clarkson RGN Dip. He. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Continence Service for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust
Article accepted for publication: March 2012
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive and non-curable disease of the lungs, which is known to be on the increase. Unlike cancer, end-stage COPD is more difficult to recognise and to determine a prognosis. Symptom control, open discussions with patients and their families along with advanced care planning are germaine to delivering good care. This article outlines how to recognise end-stage COPD and discusses the issues in planning end-of-life care and management to facilitate a comfortable and peaceful death.
Margaret Barnett RGN, MSc in Nursing Studies, Diploma COPD & Asthma, COPD Nurse Specialist
Article accepted for publication: February 2012
Psoriasis is a common, recurring inflammatory condition that affects the skin, scalp and joints. It can have a profound effect on an individual’s self-image, self-esteem, and sense of well-being and can negatively affect all aspects of life.
This paper will outline the physiological and psychological impact of psoriasis on the individual and discuss its subsequent impact on adherence to treatment. It will also examine the benefits of self-management of long-term conditions, such as psoriasis and look at the role nurses can play in helping to support self-management.
Susan Maguire, RN, BA (Hons), Professional Officer, British Dermatological Nursing Group, 88 Kingsway, London WC2B 6AA
Article accepted for publication: February 2012
The importance of a well trained workforce to support the needs of those approaching the end of their life and the needs of their carers is readily acknowledged, yet relatively few healthcare professionals are specifically trained to manage palliative and end of life care. Access to suitable education is often patchy and many health and social care providers have difficulty accessing relevant education and training. This paper reflects on a Palliative and End of Life project for assistant practitioners being delivered in the North West of England.
Joanne Smith BA Hons, MSc, PGCE, Programme Leader, Foundation Degree, Health and Social Care, University of Bolton
Trish Brown RGN, PGDPNS, MA Gerontology Work Based Education Facilitator, UHSM Academy
Article accepted for publication: February 2012
