Newsroom
New anti-strike code of practice approved by MPs, despite human rights concerns
UK-trained nurse numbers hits record high but red-list recruitment remains a concern
Rise in nurses hits 50,000 target but too many posts still unfilled, say critics
News
New anti-strike code of practice approved by MPs, despite human rights concerns
Government anti-strike measures called ‘a brazen attack on the right to strike’
UK-trained nurse numbers hits record high but red-list recruitment remains a concern
NMC records a rise of almost 20,000 registrants in six months
Rise in nurses hits 50,000 target but too many posts still unfilled, say critics
‘Political target’ met but nurses still having to care for too many patients, says RCN
NHS pay deal: reopen talks with nurses, union leader urges government
Consultants’ better deal exposes injustice our female-dominated profession faces – RCN
Focus on curbing exploitation of foreign staff, not immigration levels, minister told
Union and care providers call on government to take action against unethical employers
Nurses may see shorter working week if AfC recommendations approved
Scottish Government also considering pay changes and protected learning time
Analysis
Can a new training programme help fix the learning disability nurse shortage?
An innovative approach used in Plymouth could help pave the way to attracting new recruits
Preventing aspiration pneumonia in people with learning disabilities
Delayed diagnosis and treatment, and lack of effective preventive action, may increase risk
Fundamental care: is competence being eroded in essential areas of practice?
Nurses voice concerns about routine bowel and wound care being missed
Gender-based violence: how to protect and support women with learning disabilities
A new strategy aims to improve support for women who are particularly vulnerable to abuse
What can be learned from NHS England’s safe and well-being reviews?
The reviews can be used to improve inpatient services for people with learning disabilities
Could new career pathways kick-start learning disability nursing?
It is a pressing need to find new ways of attracting more people to the specialty
Clinical update
Wound care: what the framework for standardised treatment means for your patients
Guidance focuses on individualised care for pressure ulcers, lower limbs and surgical wounds
Long-COVID: what it means and how to manage the longer-term effects
Advice from NICE on how to care for patients with ongoing symptoms of the virus
Managing aerosol generating procedures in school for children with complex medical needs
Updated guidance covers children with a tracheostomy or respiratory difficulties
Menopause symptoms and period pain: identify women’s health conditions with confidence
Updated RCN resource also includes information on pregnancy, continence and sexual health
Diabetes care: how a coin-sized device can monitor blood glucose levels continuously
Up to 3,000 people with learning disabilities set to benefit from ‘life-changing’ device
Preparing to Prescribe toolkit: becoming a non-medical prescriber
Updated online resource is a step-by-step guide for nurses considering a prescribing course
Policy briefing
COVID-19: how to make PPE less daunting for people with learning disabilities
Public Health England has issued guidance for staff in care homes
COVID-19: when you can refuse to treat a patient due to inadequate PPE
The implications for nurses of RCN guidance on care provision and inadequate PPE
Putting person-centred care at the heart of learning disability services
Ireland targets services for those with learning disabilities and their families and carers
Helping nurses to ‘defuse’ after difficult situations
The RCN has issued guidance on how to discuss and reflect on challenging incidents at work
Correct use of gloves and how to protect your skin
RCN Glove Awareness week stresses correct use of gloves and how nurses can protect their skin
Identifying the needs of older people with learning disabilities
People with learning disabilities are living longer but will have specific health needs
Research news
Beware diagnosis of ASD based on stereotype behaviour
People with learning disability and sensory impairments can be wrongly diagnosed as autistic
Exploring anxiety in young people with autism spectrum disorder
Autistic children anxious over sensory experiences, phobias, unpredictability and change
Lifestyle gains linked to positive behaviour support
Study shows lifestyle benefits of PBS-based approaches and need to capitalise on these gains
Nurses need more exposure to children with learning disabilities
In interviews, nurses on acute paediatric ward stress need to be adaptable and flexible
Parent peer support is important for families with children who have LDs
Parent peer support provides practical, social and emotional help
Social media risks for people who have learning disabilities
Use of social media presents opportunities, but also risks of cyberbullying and exploitation
Journal scan
Scottish survey reveals the scale of social isolation and loneliness
More than 70% of young adults with learning disabilities reported feeling lonely ‘a lot of the time’, according to a campaigning organisation
Long-term conditions management
Systematic review finds that people with learning disabilities were less likely to access health screening and preventive healthcare such as immunisations
Secure settings: what makes for a good outcome when people move on from inpatient...
Study finds need to establish specialist forensic support teams to ensure best possible outcomes for offenders who have behaviours that challenge
Blood plasma test could lead to earlier diagnosis of autism
A pioneering test has revealed a link between autism and damage to proteins in blood plasma that could lead to earlier diagnosis of the condition, scientists say
Study raises questions about clinical outcomes associated with positive behaviour...
Of services where staff underwent training only 30% produced positive behaviour support plans that included all essential components
Psychotropic medication often given in the absence of multidisciplinary assessments
Research raises concerns about a lack of guidelines and review of prescriptions
Podcast
Author’s tale of pandemic journey – and what he owes to nurses
Michael Rosen reflects in our podcast on intensive care and his admiration for nurses
Raising concerns: helping you to speak up without fear of repercussions
Our podcast guest tells us how she's striving to help nurses speak up with confidence
Is work causing you to burn out? How to spot the warning signs
Our podcast explores causes of burnout, including long shifts, and what to do about it
How to call out rudeness (politely) at work
Taking appropriate action can protect yourself, your team’s and your patients’ well-being
Don’t let perimenopause get you down: advice on how to get support in your workplace
Symptoms of perimenopause can be distressing – but they don’t need to be career-ending
Latest NHS strike ballot and why a better pay deal is still worth fighting for
Podcast special: Pat Cullen calls on ministers to get back to the negotiating table
Sponsored
Sponsored: Mölnlycke’s clinical consensus statement ‘Healthy skin, safe patients'
This article explores Mölnlycke’s clinical consensus statement and the fight against healthcare-associated infections
Sponsored: When is a swelling not an allergy?
This sponsored article describes emergency care for people with hereditary angioedema
Sponsored: How to improve leg ulcer practice and patient outcomes
This webinar, sponsored by HARTMANN, seeks to address variation in practice and outcomes for lower limb wounds
Sponsored: High ‘face fit test’ pass rate on smaller face shapes with FFP3 respirator
UK-made respiratory protection for healthcare helps reduce environmental impact
Sponsored: Wales offers a great quality of life for the newly qualified nurse
Newly qualified Mental Health Nurse Luke Pybus, from Somerset, is delighted he made the career move to work in Wales.
Sponsored: Working in Wales can really take you places in your career
Sian Thomas, a Consultant Nurse for Child Health in South Wales, and Nurse of the Year 2016, talks about why everyone looking for a rewarding nursing career should put Wales at the top of their list.
