Perceptions of an Intensive Care Unit Mentorship Program

Critical care nursing necessitates specialized knowledge and skill acquisition. Because of this, intensive care units have historically hired competent acute care nurses. Due to the current nursing shortage, critical care units are now hiring new graduate nurses. In light of this trend, one way to provide effective teaching to the tasks and critical thinking involved with ICU nursing is by assigning new graduate nurses a mentor. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of mentees and mentors in a structured mentorship program. These perceptions were gleaned through a qualitative study using focus group methodology and a convenience sample of five mentees and six mentors. Results of this study revealed the following shared perceptions from the mentees and mentors: (1) availability, (2) sense of community, and (3) support and knowledge. Furthermore, this study supports mentorship programs as a means of professional development, education, and overall organizational commitment

Reduction of Healthcare-Associated Infections by Exceeding High Compliance with Hand Hygiene Practices

Improving hand hygiene from high to very high compliance has not been documented to decrease healthcare-associated infections. We conducted longitudinal analyses during 2013–2015 in an 853-bed hospital and observed a significantly increased hand hygiene compliance rate (p<0.001) and a significantly decreased healthcare-associated infection rate (p = 0.0066)

Reduction of Healthcare-Associated Infections by Exceeding High Compliance with Hand Hygiene Practices

Improving hand hygiene from high to very high compliance has not been documented to decrease healthcare-associated infections. We conducted longitudinal analyses during 2013–2015 in an 853-bed hospital and observed a significantly increased hand hygiene compliance rate (p<0.001) and a significantly decreased healthcare-associated infection rate (p = 0.0066)

The Year in Review: Economics at the Antitrust Division, 2005–2006

This paper covers the activities of the Economic Analysis Group (EAG) of the Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, during 2005–2006. It describes the economic analysis undertaken by EAG in several important investigations, appellate matters, and other activities as an advocate for competition. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2006antitrust, cartels, mergers, prisoner’s dilemma,