Enf.ª Catarina Oliveira

Nurse Specialist in
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Inpatient Surgery

Safety in hemodynamic monitoring of critical patients

HPA Magazine 23 // 2025

As part of the 1st Master's course in Medical-Surgical Nursing in the Area of Nursing for People in Critical Situations at the Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa de Lisboa (ESSCVP – Lisbon), I was tasked with preparing an internship report highlighting my theoretical and practical trajectory, as well as reflecting on the acquisition of common and specific skills as a nurse specialist in medical-surgical nursing and a master in nursing. I chose to focus on the topic "Safety in hemodynamic monitoring of critically ill patients" due to my keen interest in patient safety and the significant impact this topic has on healthcare, particularly in the care of critically ill patients.

Ensuring patient safety in hemodynamic monitoring is crucial in the treatment of critical patients, as it involves the correct placement and maintenance of medical devices to prevent harm and safeguard patient well-being. 
Patient safety is a paramount concern in health care, regardless of the hospital setting, and is a shared responsibility among all healthcare professionals. However, it is widely recognized in the literature as a core competency of specialist nurses due to the specialized skills conferred by the Order of Nurses in this field. Patient safety is a critical concept in healthcare systems worldwide, essential for delivering quality care centred on the patient and their family while minimizing harm associated with healthcare interventions.
Conducting this work involved a comprehensive literature review, consultation of relevant legislation, and the implementation of professional intervention projects during each internship placement to acquire the necessary skills as a nurse specialist in medical-surgical nursing and a master in nursing.
 

In the 21st century, patient safety is a key focus care institution, necessitating the provision of safe and high-quality care by healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. The complexity of patients in hospital settings requires nurses to possess up-to-date theoretical knowledge based on scientific evidence to deliver individualized, complex care tailored to patient needs and family preferences. 
During my internships, I focused on infection prevention and control measures based on national guidelines, as well as emergency preparedness training to respond effectively to unforeseen events. The academic training provided by ESSCVP-Lisbon was instrumental in equipping me with the knowledge and skills required to perform complex nursing procedures in diverse clinical settings.
Specialization in nursing enhances nurses' ability to deliver safe, quality care, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Studies have shown that specialist nurses, particularly in critical care, contribute to reduced mortality and morbidity rates compared to general care nurses, highlighting the importance of specialized nursing expertise in improving patient care. 
Being a specialist nurse is a challenging yet rewarding responsibility, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to meet evolving healthcare demands and provide the best possible care to patients and their families.