International Journal of Nursing

Competencies of Nurses in Crisis Response
Glezzeelyne Pascual Pascua

Abstract
Nurses are always prompted in crisis situations that need to be acted upon. Clinical decision making and assessment skills are pillars of rapid response afferent limb. The ability of the nurse to recognize signs of clinical deterioration and to arrive with sound clinical judgement promptly is considered cornerstone to activate RRT (rapid response team) and attain positive patient outcome. This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative method. The data generated in this study suggest that senior nurses have showed confidence and ability to detect signs of clinical deterioration that empower them to activate RRT when needed. Whereas junior nurses usually confirm clinical assessments with senior nurses before deciding to activate RRT and intervening. Nurses in the study used both intuitive and analytical decision-making model. Nurses‟ clinical acumen, emotional responses, and impact and influence of RRT are the identified themes. Knowledge of the criteria is considered as one of the triggers to act and activate RRT.Albeit clear institutional guidelines and well-defined criteria abridge process of decision making and determine immediate action; hence, increases positive patient outcome. Enhanced RRT pathway combines patient relative participation, incorporation of MEWS in the activation criteria, and curtailing the pathway of reaching the responsible physician.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v8n2a2