COMPARISON OF THE FEAR LEVELS AND SLEEP PROBLEMS OF NURSES WORKING IN WARDS WHERE PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT COVID-19 ARE HOSPITALIZED: A STUDY FROM TURKEY

Background: This study was carried out to compare the fear levels and sleep problems of nurses working in wards where patients with COVID-19 are hospitalized and nurses working in wards without COVID-19 patients. Subjects and methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional research was conducted on 211 nurses using a web-based online survey in Turkey (including 104 nurses working in wards where patients with COVID-19/107 nurses working in wards where patients without COVID-19). Results: When the COVID-19 Fear Scale mean scores of the nurses working in wards where patients with/without COVID-19 were compared, it was determined that the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). When the sleep problems experienced were compared according to the Post-Sleep Inventory, it was determined that the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was a moderately significant and positive correlation between the nurses\u27 mean scores for the COVID-19 Fear Scale and Post-Sleep Inventory. Conclusions: It was determined that as the fear levels of nurses increased, they experienced more sleep problems

COMPARISON OF THE FEAR LEVELS AND SLEEP PROBLEMS OF NURSES WORKING IN WARDS WHERE PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT COVID-19 ARE HOSPITALIZED: A STUDY FROM TURKEY

Background: This study was carried out to compare the fear levels and sleep problems of nurses working in wards where patients with COVID-19 are hospitalized and nurses working in wards without COVID-19 patients. Subjects and methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional research was conducted on 211 nurses using a web-based online survey in Turkey (including 104 nurses working in wards where patients with COVID-19/107 nurses working in wards where patients without COVID-19). Results: When the COVID-19 Fear Scale mean scores of the nurses working in wards where patients with/without COVID-19 were compared, it was determined that the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). When the sleep problems experienced were compared according to the Post-Sleep Inventory, it was determined that the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was a moderately significant and positive correlation between the nurses\u27 mean scores for the COVID-19 Fear Scale and Post-Sleep Inventory. Conclusions: It was determined that as the fear levels of nurses increased, they experienced more sleep problems

Prevention of microbial colonization of feeding tubes in the intensive care unit

Background Various microorganisms which increase the mortality rate in the intensive care unit (ICU) cause microbial colonization of the nasogastric tube (NGT) and use the NGT as a reservoir. Aim To detect the colonization on the NGT and to determine the effect that training regarding hand hygiene, NGT management, and enteral feeding (EF) provided to ICU nurses and auxiliary service staff (ASS) has on the level of NGT colonization. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control design was used in this study. Microbial samples were taken from the outer and inner parts of NGT. The microorganisms were categorized as: group 1, no risk; group 2, low risk pathogenic; group 3, high-risk pathogenic group. The training was given to nurses (n = 15) and ASS (n = 7). Hand hygiene, NGT, and EF care training are provided to nurses and ASS by researchers. A total of three training sessions were scheduled to be held in 3 weeks so that all health care staff members were trained. Each session lasted 2 h in total. Patients were assigned to a group if one of the microorganisms presented on the outer surface of the patient's feeding tube and/or on the hub. The hand hygiene compliance was evaluated by direct observation according to the World Health Organization hand hygiene indications. Results The study was conducted with 46 patients. Evaluating the patients for the presence of microorganisms before education revealed that 4.3% were in group 1, 21.8% were in group 2, and 73.9% were in group 3. After the education, evaluating the samples for the presence of microorganisms revealed that 39.1% were in group 1, 13% were in group 2, and 47.8% were in group 3. A statistically significant difference was found between the number of samples included in the groups after the participants had received training (H = 8.186; p = .017). Conclusions An NGT could act as a reservoir of microbial colonization and high-risk microorganisms could be on the tube. Providing training not only to nurses but also to ASS will help reduce the risk of colonization. Relevance to Clinical Practice Eliminating such colonization with effective hand hygiene during NGT feeding is a cost-effective method. Providing training not only to nurses but also to ASS will help obtain the optimum benefit from patient care