Abstract
M.Cur. (Intensive General Nursing)
Tegnological and scientific progress
inevitable. The nurse working in a
present, had to obtain the knowledge and
to work in her area of specialization.
makes specialization
specialized unit at
skill that she needed
It is expected of a general nurse, working in a postacute care
unit, to co-ordinate, implement, interpret and evaluate the
different and divergent aspects of terapeutic care prescribed
by a specialist. The nurse as generalist needs the additio~al
support of a Clinical Nurse Specialist with advanced knowledge
and nursing skills. The Clinical Nurse Specialist must be able
to assist the general nurse in giving effective and quality
nursing care.
A exploratory and descriptive survey was undertaken by means of
a interview, questionnaires and a patient acuity classification
system. Data was obtained from Senior Nursing Service
Managers, Nursing Service Managers, Chief Professional Nurses,
senior and junior registered nurses.
The purpose of the study was to determine the desirability of
and functions of a Clinical Nurse Specialist in a postacute
care unit.
Analysis of the data obtained indicated that there is a need
for. a Clinical Nurse Specialist to assist with specialized
nursing care and to assure continuity of care when a patient is
moved from a critical care unit to a postacute care unit.