Authors

  1. Peden-McAlpine, Cynthia PhD, APRN, BC
  2. Clark, Nanette MS, RN

Abstract

Early recognition of client status changes prevents or minimizes complications and reduces client morbidity, yet little is known about this phenomenon in nursing. Using a qualitative interpretive approach, this study investigated how expert critical care nurses are able to recognize and intervene in the early stages of client problems. The findings revealed a temporal unity in critical care nurses' thinking that informs their early recognition experiences.