The consultant nurse - expert practitioner and much more.

The consultant nurse (CN) role is usually described in terms of four domains devised by the Department of Health - clinical practice, education and training, leadership, and research and service development. This study set out to explicate the diversity and complexity of CN roles in an NHS trust; to describe aspects of extraordinary practice and to identify perceived differences between this role and other advanced practice roles. Accounts were written by six CNs and subjected to concept mapping to facilitate identification of extraordinary practice.

Management of complications in early pregnancy.

This article examines complications in early pregnancy and outlines their management in an early pregnancy unit. It includes a description of early fetal development. The use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool and the psychological impact of early pregnancy loss are discussed.