Nursing Handover Research Project - Wintec Research Archive

shares “values, norms and rules of behaviour” and this forms the culture (Schein, 2010,
p.320).
Within any culture or group there are different positions that are held and handover is no
different. The text constructs expert nurses holding power over novice nurses in their ability
to understand and utilise handover information (Meibner et al., 2007). Also nursing students
find handover complicated and hard to comprehend as visitors to the process (Meibner et al.).
“The use of technical language during handover denotes an experienced nurse” (Scovell,
2010, p.36).
Jargon used in handover constructs the group. Jargon excludes those that do not understand it
and validates those that do (Rowe, 2001). The text talks of common general language in use
during handover but also jargon is sprinkled throughout (Fenton, 2006; Radka, 2003). The
use of acronyms and abbreviations makes nursing handover language puzzling to those not
privy to nursing’s professional world (Fenton; Meibner et al. 2007; Strople & Ottani, 2006).
The use of jargon (Fenton) such as STEMI (ST elevation myocardial infarction), CABG
(Cardiac artery bypass graft), HONK (Hyper-osmolar non-ketotic acidosis) are types of
examples that could be commonly heard in handover. Parker and Wiltshire (2004) called this
the ‘nursing gaze’ or ‘savoir’, and the use of language highlights the ever present medical and
scientific discourse.
Anxious nurse identity
“In order to remain responsive to individual patients and deliver humanising care, within
what are increasingly dehumanising environments, it is important nurses have the
opportunity to process aspects of their work that are emotionally disturbing and which they
feel unable to disclose to family or friends” (Parker, 2004, p.137).
The construction of anxiety linked to nursing practice is evident in the text. Handover
facilitates the ‘off loading’ of this professional anxiety. The handover process also acts a
form of anxiety containment (Sexton et al., 2004) or abjection containment (Wiltshire &
Parker, 1996). Evans et al., (2008) suggest that anxiety may happen in handover in order to
organise nurses’ practice. Being part of this group and culture is supportive and helps process
the experience of a difficult duty. Caring for people puts emotional demands on nurses that
others may not understand. Handover allows the nurse a place to discuss confidential matters
that they cannot discuss anywhere else (Parker, 2004) thus maintaining professionalism
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