Intuition is widely used in clinical decision making yet its use is underestimated compared to scientific decision-making methods. Information processing is used within scientific decision making and is methodical and analytical, whereas intuition relies more on a practitioner's perception. Intuition is an unconscious process and may be referred to as a 'sixth sense', 'hunch' or 'gut feeling'. It is not underpinned by valid and reliable measures. Expert health professionals use a rapid, automatic process to recognise familiar problems instantly. Intuition could therefore involve pattern recognition, where experts draw on experiences, so could be perceived as a cognitive skill rather than a perception or knowing without knowing how. The NHS places great importance on evidence-based practice but intuition is seemingly becoming an acceptable way of thinking and knowing in clinical decision making. Recognising nursing as an art allows intuition to be used and the environment or situation to be interpreted to help inform decision making. Intuition can be used in conjunction with evidence-based practice and to achieve good outcomes and deserves to be acknowledged within clinical practice.

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The aim of this study was to understand children's cancer nurses experiences of providing palliative care in the acute hospital setting. Palliative care for children with cancer is rarely hospital- centred and predominately care is provided in the community or hospice setting. Vast research has looked at the experiences of children's nurses providing palliative care within the child's home environment or the hospice. This research has suggested that nurses need adequate support to avoid stress and burnout. Parental views focus on the nurses attributes as opposed to the clinical skills which are required. This research study wanted to ascertain whether specific educational preparation or support is needed to prepare children's cancer nurses in providing palliative care in the acute hospital setting. The research study used a qualitative approach with semi-structured in-depth interviews across three primary treatment centers within the United Kingdom that provide cancer care to children. Data were collected and analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected between October 2011 and February 2012. Interviews took place in the participants preferred location and lasted between 45 and 60 min. Data were analyzed using the Strauss and Corbin method. Five themes emerged which were "lack of a plan", "managing the symptoms", 'family", and "experience". Categories within these themes were devised from participant narratives. The findings of this research study suggest nurses need specific palliative care education not only at pre-registration level but also continuing professional development.

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