[Role of nurses in managing complex instruments].

Over the last years, the nursing profession has witnessed major changes because of the new regulations that apply to this healthcare field. In order to outline the role of nurses in managing the sophisticated equipment for critically ill patients hospitalized in a coronary care unit, these new regulations should be taken into consideration. At present, the current deontological code defines the reference criteria for defining nurse's competence, responsibilities and actions, and for which education and updating are necessary. According to these criteria, nurses are responsible for and act autonomously in managing problems of healthcare assistance and in putting into practice diagnostic-therapeutic prescriptions. These goals are achieved by means of an assistance plan. Nowadays, coronary care units are equipped with complex diagnostic and therapeutic tools, such as mechanical ventilation, intra-aortic counterpulsation and continuous hemodialfiltration, which requires specific clinical nursing competence. The high-level clinical nursing competence necessary to use these complex devices appropriately can only be achieved by dedicated training programs and professional experience, including education programs for new and experienced nurse staff.