Siebens K, Moons P, De Geest S, Miljoen H, Drew BJ, Vrints C. The Role of Nurses in a Chest Pain Unit.
Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2016;
6:265-72. [PMID:
17349824 DOI:
10.1016/j.ejcnurse.2007.01.095]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2006] [Revised: 01/23/2007] [Accepted: 01/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The chest pain unit (CPU) provides a service for patients at moderate-to-low risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although the number of CPUs has continued to grow worldwide, little has been written on the specific role and contribution of nursing in CPUs. The stay of patients in the CPU can be divided into six stages: triage, diagnosis, treatment, observation/monitoring, discharge, and follow-up. CPU nurses are in a unique position to promote evidence-based practice during all of these stages. Deeper insight into the unique role of nurses in CPUs will promote understanding of what type of knowledge, skills, and attitudes are required to provide the services that will contribute to improved quality of care for chest pain patients.
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