The perception of ward-based nurses seconded into an Outreach Service.

A group of ward nurses were seconded into an Outreach Service for a 2-week period. Following this, the group took part in an evaluation of the placement using a focus group methodology. The aim of this project was to explore the perceptions of a ward-based nurse recruited into the Outreach Service so that they could function effectively and efficiently in that role. The intended outcomes of the project were: --to explore the needs of the new Outreach nurse who was recruited from the ward environment --to enable the participants of the project to have a better understanding of the role of the Outreach team --to enable the participants to develop their skills in assessing critically ill patients --to make recommendations to the Kent Critical Care Network regarding the recruitment of ward staff to Outreach.