The meaning and importance of vigilant attendance for the relatives of intensive care unit patients.

Aim: To explore the meaning of vigilant attendance for relatives of critically ill patients in Greece.

Background: A plethora of international research has identified proximity to the patient to be a major concern for relatives of critically ill patients. Greece however follows a strict visiting policy in intensive care units (ICUs) so Greek relatives spend great amounts of time just outside the ICUs.

Comparative analysis of two venipuncture learning methods on nursing students.

Introduction: Venus cannulation is one of the main nursing actions. For the safety of patients and nurses, this skill is important to be performed in a proper and responsible way. Thus, the need for adequate education on this skill is essential.

The increase in illegal private duty nurses in public Greek hospitals.

Aim: To consider key aspects of the increasing substitution of legal private duty nurses by an illegal immigrant health-care workforce.

Background: Inadequate nursing care infrastructure and an oversupply of illegal immigrants, coupled with the current economic climate, favours the growth of an unofficial economy in hospital care.

Evaluation: Information gathered from literature, governmental and ministerial records, the media and the press are evaluated.