| 2008 ~ Triage First Newsletter ~ Issue 2 | |
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Triage Specialist Course
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Hey there! That's what we often say in the South. However, I'm finding myself saying "Hello" a lot more these days. After all, I would like to teach my young son proper grammar. Age can change some informal habits in favor of more refined ones (or something like that), but so can plain old good sense. Still, there's no point going overboard on this. I don't need to hear, "I beg your pardon, Mommy Dearest," if my son spills his milk. A simple, "I'm sorry, Mom," will do just fine. It's all a question of balance, isn't it? We live much of life in pursuit of balance. And so it is in writing for publication, whether for a peer-reviewed journal or lecture notes, a course workbook, or even a small company newsletter such as this - there has to be balance. And sometimes that means not letting a small criticism get in the way of a larger point. So let me pen just a few words with regard to the limitations of "paper scenarios" - even before you read the one in this newsletter. It is very difficult to provide a clinical scenario in print, one that includes all the variables that we might see in a real-life patient presentation. It is possible to do so, of course, given enough writing space and time. However, it is not always prudent to include every little detail if one is attempting to make a particular point and the details given are sufficient for the point to be made. An example would be if the author was attempting to show how our intuition may be prejudiced or biased and cause us to make an incorrect triage decision regardless of the acuity scale we use, our expertise at using that scale, or the depth of our clinical knowledge. In that case, it would not be necessary or wise to spend a lot of time focusing on clinical details when the point is not about the clinical details. So when reading case presentations, first try to find the author's intent in presenting a specific scenario. Try to learn the lesson. Of course, it is always valuable to challenge the finer points of any clinical presentation, especially decision points such as interventions, disposition, and acuity, but don't do that at the expense of the main point. The finer points present an opportunity for professional discourse and growth, but such growth is best measured after the overall points made by the author are understood. Yours for ever better patient care - and balance,
In each issue we feature a patient presentation that has significance for the nurse at triage. Ready to test your triage skills? Check out this month's case presentation. Read more...
 Ask the Experts This column provides answers to questions we receive from emergency nurses regarding both the clinical and practical aspects of triage and emergency nursing. This month's article addresses questions about the concept of immediate bedding. Read more... Literature & Research The goal of this column is to keep you up to date with the latest literature and research relevant to emergency nursing. This month's column addresses two topics: "Frequent Flyers" and Intimate Partner Violence. Read more...
Becoming a Champion Triage Specialist Course graduates share insights gained through taking our week-long course and becoming Triage First Educators. Read more...
An Emergency Nursing Star Welcome to a new feature in our newsletter. In some issues we will share a visit with someone we've met who we believe embodies the heart of nursing, someone who has made an impact on us and our faculty. Read more...
What's New at Triage First Triage Specialist Course Our Triage First trained-triage educators are all over the United States teaching our Comprehensive ED Triage Course - from West to East and North to South. They are represented in many systems, some in community alliances (one of our license options), and several in single facilities. Their course evaluations have been positive, and we are very proud of the job they are doing. Our next Triage Specialist Course is scheduled for this July 21-25, and it is fully booked up. We have one TSC remaining this year, in September, and it is nearly full, as well. If you want to send someone, you'd better sign up now!
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