A qualitative, exploratory study of nurses' decision-making when interrupted during medication administration within the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Objective: In the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), medication administration is challenging. Empirical studies demonstrate that interruptions occur frequently and that nurses are fundamental in the delivery of medication. However, little is known about nurse's decision making when interrupted during medication administration.

Research essentials.

A RESEARCHER needs to select a methodology and methods that fit the purpose of the study and will be able to answer the questions it poses. Clarifying viewpoints about epistemology (the philosophical theory of knowledge) and ontology (the nature of reality) is also important because these perspectives can affect the choice of study design. Consideration must also be given to any specific criteria in the research proposal bid criteria.

Ad hoc planning leads to a sense of frustration for patients and families.

This valuable study gives a detailed insight into the issues that these young people and their families experienced during transition.

Developing careers in neonatal nursing to meet service demands.

This article explores the innovative, responsive and collaborative development of a neonatal route through the pre-registration nursing programme at the University of Worcester. The change was initiated and developed in partnership with the Southern West Midlands Newborn Network, in response to local and national workforce requirements.