Nursing Practice Today

Nursing residency program: A solution for overcoming transition challenges for newly graduated nurses

Mahdi Nabi Foodani, Kimya Amouei, Reza Negarandeh — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:09:59 +0000

The Article Abstract is not available.

Patient education and follow-up units in Iran: A quality improvement project

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:20:58 +0000

Background & Aim: The rising prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases, presents significant challenges to health systems. This study aims to empower patients and their families by establishing patient education and follow-up units, thereby improving readmission rates, reducing unplanned referrals to emergency departments, and enhancing patient satisfaction, which are key nursing-sensitive indicators.

Methods & Materials: This perspective article presents a quality improvement project utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle model. Initially, the problem of non-compliance among discharged patients and the resulting adverse consequences were identified. Consequently, a program for patient and family education and follow-up post-discharge was proposed. In the second step, patient education and follow-up units were implemented across three universities of medical sciences, and the results were analyzed in the third step. Upon confirming the achievement of the expected outcomes, the fourth step involved the national dissemination of implementation guidelines.

Results: The established units in hospitals demonstrated significant improvements in NSIs. The percentage of readmission among follow-up patients decreased from 14.3% in the first half of 2023 to 6.6% in the first half of 2024. The indicator of unplanned referrals dropped from 8.93% to 6.1% over the same period. Additionally, patient satisfaction increased from 91% to 93%.

Conclusion: The experience of establishing patient education and follow-up units highlights that this strategy during the transition to home is an effective, affordable, and sustainable solution that can improve NSIs. This approach, facilitated by nurses, can play a crucial role in managing non-communicable and chronic diseases.

The effectiveness of dance interventions on the cognitive functioning of people with dementia or cognitive impairment: A systematic review

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:25:29 +0000

Background & Aim: Dementia significantly impair cognitive abilities, well-being, and the functioning of daily life, but there is no cure yet. In the search for non-pharmacological interventions, dance has emerged as a potential complementary therapy to support people with dementia or cognitive impairment. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of various dance interventions on the cognitive performance of people with dementia or cognitive impairment.

Methods & Materials: In accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in six databases (APA-PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane)from 2002 to 2023. The quality of the studies was rigorously assessed using the JBI tool. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarize the findings. Effects of the interventions were presented either as Standardized Mean Difference (SMD), Weighted Mean Difference (WMD), or Mean Difference (MD). An effect size of < 0.1 is considered trivial, 0.1-0.3 is small while > 0.5 is interpreted as a large effect.

Results: The systematic results showed significant improvements in global cognition (SMD= 0.54 to 6.10), memory (SMD= 0.24 to 0.56), attention (SMD= 0.38), and language and fluency (SMD=0.61) in different dance genres such as ballroom, Latin and aerobics. However, different effects were observed in executive and visuospatial functions.

Conclusion: This systematic review shows the effectiveness of dance interventions in improving several cognitive functions in people with dementia, including memory, attention, language, and fluency. This study supports the use of dance as an effective non-pharmacological approach in dementia care and merits its consideration in treatment strategies and further research studies.

Global health diplomacy in nursing, reinforcing challenges and benefits: A scoping review

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background & Aim: Global health diplomacy has become increasingly relevant in nursing, enabling nurses to address complex international health challenges. This literature review examines the challenges and benefits of nurses’ involvement in global health diplomacy, focusing on their unique contributions to international healthcare.

Methods & Materials: A scoping review was conducted in November 2024 using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and LILACS. Two independent researchers selected and analyzed studies, consolidating existing literature on nursing and global health diplomacy. The review highlights the field's complexities, opportunities, and nurses’ roles in advancing global health.

Results: From 9 selected articles, findings were categorized into three themes: 1) integrating nursing education with global health, 2) professional skill enhancement and engagement in diplomacy, and 3) ethical practices and cultural sensitivity. Nurses face challenges such as navigating complex healthcare systems, cultural differences, and language barriers. However, their contributions significantly influence global health policies, improve healthcare access in underserved regions, and advocate for vulnerable populations. Engaging in global health diplomacy expands nurses’ professional scope, enriches cultural understanding, and fosters leadership development. Limitations include the qualitative nature of available data and the evolving dynamics of global health diplomacy.

Conclusion: Nurses involved in global health diplomacy play a pivotal role in strengthening healthcare systems and advancing health equity. Despite existing challenges, their contributions yield substantial benefits. Future research should explore the impact of global health diplomacy on nursing practices, considering healthcare systems' contextual and local nuances.

Designing a competency model for the succession of nursing managers, using the Fuzzy Inference System

Marzieh Khorasani-Gerdehkouhi, Seyed Mahmoud Taheri, Mohammad Ali Cheraghi — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:47:47 +0000

Background & Aim: Identifying competencies is fundamental for effective succession planning. Studies show that achieving a suitable succession planning model for mid-level nursing managers/supervisors can be helpful in achieving the desired goals of top-level nursing managers/matrons. Thus, this study aimed to design a competency model for the succession of mid-level nursing managers from the perspective of top-level nursing managers using the Fuzzy Inference System.

Methods & Materials: This health services management research was conducted during 2020-2021. Participants in this study included top-level nursing managers/matrons working in the hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. A census sampling method was used in this study with 14 matrons participating as experts. A three-level Fuzzy Inference System was designed by a competency model for mid-level nursing managers/supervisors, using the previous study. Input and output variables were defined, and fuzzy questionnaires were designed using pair-wise comparison matrices to gather expert opinions on fuzzy rules. These rules were analyzed using MATLAB (R 2019 b) software to compare the effect of each criterion on other levels.

Results: The results showed that managerial experience, equipment management, emotional intelligence, influence and impact on others, self-confidence, and strategic thinking in the first Fuzzy Inference System level, as well as management abilities, influencing skills, and leading management development in the second level, were more influential. In the third- level, the perceptual, relational, and technical variables had higher priorities, respectively.

Conclusion: Senior managers could use the proposed model as a checklist/questionnaire to make strategic planning for the succession of nursing managers.

Exploring the relationship between nursing professional values and job satisfaction in Vietnam

Thi-Phuong-Thao Pham, Mei-Chih Huang — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:50:07 +0000

Background & Aim: Nursing professional values and job satisfaction are two significant concepts that are influenced by culture and working conditions, and therefore their evaluation in different societies may provide different results. This study explores the relationship between five factors of nursing professional values (i,e, caring, activism, trust, professional, and justice) and job satisfaction among nurses in Vietnam a developing country.

Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional survey is conducted with a total of 669 Vietnamese nurses through the Vietnamese Nursing Association network by purposive convenience sampling. The main questionnaire with 32 items was used to measure nurses' professional values and job satisfaction. The data is analyzed by using IBM SPSS 26 and Smart PLS 3 software. A structural equation model of partial least squares (SEM-PLS) was utilized.

Results: Among five factors of professional value, activism is the most influential factor on job satisfaction, followed by justice. Caring, professionalism, and justice did not show significant influence, which could be explained by the structure and organization of healthcare systems in Vietnam context characterized by hierarchical structures, resource constraints, high patient-to-nurse ratios, limited professional development opportunities, and cultural factors.

Conclusion: This study explores the relationship between nursing professional values and job satisfaction among Vietnamese nurses, revealing that activism and justice significantly influence job satisfaction.

Care-seeking in the presence of signs of sexually transmitted infections in Moroccan women: A comparison between the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic era

Nezha Nacer, Nadia Ouzennou, Samia Rkha — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:52:29 +0000

Background & Aim: The emergence of COVID-19 has had significant effects on access to screening services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on care-seeking in the presence of signs of STIs among women of childbearing age in the Essaouira province of Morocco between April and June 2020.

Materials & Methods: A comparative and cross-sectional approach was used for the objectives of the study. It was a comparative analysis of the programmatic data from April, May, and June 2019 and from April, May, and June 2020. In addition, data were collected from women of childbearing age in 2021 via a questionnaire.

Results: Among the 1,100 selected women, 425 who reported having experienced symptoms of STIs during the COVID-19 pandemic were interviewed. 72.2% reported seeking health care from a qualified professional. The study revealed a relationship between women's healthcare seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.05) and factors such as place of residence, education, marital status, socioeconomic status, and distance from healthcare facilities. The analysis of the distribution of data regarding syndromic reporting of STIs, between 2019 and 2020, revealed a difference of 17.2%.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic hindered the search for treatments for signs of STIs in women of childbearing age, with a 17.2% decrease in cases in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. However, the role of healthcare professionals remains crucial for maintaining awareness, screening, and treatment of these infections.

Shielding our angels: Tackling workplace bullying against nurses working in community environments

Mohammed Qutishat — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:53:43 +0000

Background & Aim: Community health nursing plays a vital role in promoting health across diverse settings but faces challenges such as workplace bullying, which significantly impacts nurses' well-being and job satisfaction. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure safer working environments and improved care quality in Oman and globally. This study aims to examine the prevalence and experiences of workplace bullying against community nurses in Oman.

Methods & Materials: This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design with convenience sampling, involving 197 community nurses who completed the questionnaires. That consists of demographics and the adopted form of the Experience of Bullying during Clinical Placement questionnaire, The survey was distributed via online link from September to October 2023.

Results: The author distributed 230 questionnaires, and 197 participants replied, giving an 85.65 % response rate. Out of them, seventy-one percent experienced community-based bullying, primarily verbal (35.7%) and emotional (33.6%) abuse, mostly from Occupation/institution employees (33.6%). While 71.1% were aware of the reporting system, underreporting was common due to perceived inaction and unclear procedures (65%). Alarmingly, 71.1% intended to leave their jobs, underscoring the urgent need for stronger measures against workplace bullying among nurses in Oman.

Conclusion: The research found that 71.1% of community nurses in Oman experience recurring workplace bullying driven by employment and social factors. Nurses face mistreatment and are dissatisfied with reporting and organizational responses. Alarmingly, 71.1% want to leave, risking healthcare quality. Comprehensive measures are needed to improve safety, reporting, training, and coordination to protect these frontline workers.

The effects of kangaroo care on delirium management in neonates under non-invasive mechanical ventilation: A randomized control trial

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:57:32 +0000

Background & Aims: Little is known about managing delirium in neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units. The current study investigated whether kangaroo mother care can affect neonates' delirium under non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

Materials & Methods: In this randomized control trial, a total of 50 term neonates who were under non-invasive mechanical ventilation were allocated to intervention and control groups (n=25 in each group) using block randomization. Utilizing “Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium”, and “ACoRN respiratory sequence protocol”, the data were gathered at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours after. The intervention group received 30 minutes of kangaroo mother care daily.

Results: There was a statistical delirium mean scores difference between the two groups on day 2 (p < 0.045) but not on other days. Repeated measures modeling (linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models) indicated significant differences in change curves for both Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium scores and the incidence of delirium.

Conclusion: Implementing kangaroo mother care for a 30-minute duration each day for neonates under non-invasive mechanical ventilation may markedly decrease delirium occurrence.

Types of perception of work-life balance among MZ generation nurses: A Q methodology approach

Hwa-Mi Yang, Byung Jun Park, Young Eun Jang, Sun-Jung Park — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Background & Aims: Research on the types of work-life balance perceptions among MZ generation nurses is essential for improving collaboration and communication within organizations. The study aimed to identify the types of role perceptions regarding work-life balance (WLB) among MZ generation nurses.

Materials & Methods: The Q methodology was applied, selecting 36 Q samples from a population of 190, which were extracted from literature and in-depth clinical interviews with preceptors, new nurses, and nursing managers. The P sample consisted of 40 MZ generation nurses who had experience as preceptors regarding work-life balance. The Q samples were classified into a quasi-normal distribution frame and measured on a nine-point scale. Data were analyzed using the PQ Method program.

Results: Q factor analysis of the subjective perceptions of MZ generation nurses regarding WLB revealed four types: 'Organizational-Culture-Oriented,' 'Personal-Goal-Oriented,' 'Organizational-Culture-Dissatisfied,' and 'Emotional -Stability-Oriented.' These four types explained 54.1% of the total variance.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that MZ generation nurses prioritize mental satisfaction and quality of life over economic compensation. Therefore, organizations can improve job satisfaction and organizational commitment among nurses by providing multidimensional support that reflects their diverse needs.