The Conversation Project: A Reminder for Critical Care Nurses.

For the past several years, there has been much talk and published about "The Conversation Project." This is an effort to inform people about their options and wishes toward end of life. In this article, a brief review of this project will be presented, as well as tips to get started and my experience in caring for 4 aging parents and determining their desires for end-of-life care.

Lead Poisoning in Children and Adults.

Lead poisoning is receiving much attention and increased awareness lately owing to the tainted water supply crisis in Flint, Michigan. This article provides an important review about lead poisoning in both children and adults, potential causes, signs and symptoms, long-term effects, prevention, and recommendations for nursing practice. This article is not an in-depth examination of the topic, but rather a quick review.

The Belmont Report: The Triple Crown of Research Ethics.

The Belmont Report is a critical document for those involved in research. However, the report is also applicable to clinical practice. The primary purpose of the Belmont Report is to protect the rights of all research subjects or participants.

Suggestions for handling anger in the workplace.

Unfortunately, anger is pervasive in our society. You can find anger anywhere--homes, schools, roadways, wars, media, and even in the workplace. This brief article will provide some tips on handling anger in the workplace as well as identify types, causes, and signs of anger.

A personal reflection: what you need to know before getting involved in a clinical trial.

This brief article explains what you should know before agreeing to become a subject or participant in a clinical trial. Many people are asked every year to become involved in a clinical trial or research study. Of course, in almost all studies, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form after the study has been described to you in a satisfactory manner.

The rights and responsibilities of patients and nurses.

This is a brief reminder of the rights and responsibilities of patients and nurses. An overview of these topics is presented.

Vulnerable populations in research.

Clinical research studies, both nursing and medical, occur in many critical care units. As with any clinical study, it is necessary to obtain informed consent from any person participating in the study. Although many patients are able to agree or refuse to participate in the study, many are unable to do so for a variety of reasons.

Coronary artery disease in women: the myth still exists, unfortunately.

There is a large media effort available in an effort to increase awareness of coronary artery disease in women. Despite this, there is still a misconception among some people and, unfortunately, some health care providers that heart disease is a man's disease. This article reviews some of the information about women as related to coronary artery disease; a short review of the literature, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment pertinent to women; and action nurses can take to help educate the public, and other health care providers, about this deadly threat.

Compassionate use in research.

Critical care nurses may be involved in clinical trials involving medications, devices, or treatments. Occasionally, there may be a patient who does not meet the inclusion criteria for the clinical trial and has a condition that is not responding to approval therapies. In these cases, compassionate use may be necessary.