Cohort Of Nurses Research Articles

Patterns of Mental Health and Resilience among Nurses and Physicians throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Three-Year Longitudinal Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increased difficulties in emotional wellbeing among healthcare workers. The current investigation assesses how changes in depression and anxiety symptoms fluctuate relative to resilience across three time points: baseline, one-year, and two-year follow up among a cohort of physicians and nurses (N = 728). Generalized linear mixed modeling for repeated measures was used to assess the association between resilience and mental health symptoms using validated measures for all variables. The odds of probable anxiety were reduced by 81% for each one-unit increase in resilience (OR = 0.19, 95% CI [0.14, 0.26]). The odds of probable depression were reduced by 88% for each one-unit increase in BRS (OR = 0.12, 95% CI [0.07, 0.2]). Results highlight the importance of developing and implementing interventions that foster resilience among healthcare workers.

Comparable achievement of workplace performance of student and graduate nurses: A quantitative cohort evaluation

AimThis study explored the achievement of workplace capabilities synonymous with nursing practice. It investigated progressive development of workplace performance, against requisite standards of practice, of corresponding cohorts of student nurses during their final year placement and registered nurses during their graduate year, in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. BackgroundA capable nursing workforce is vital for the provision of safe, quality health care. Internationally, the literature discusses the breadth of capacities required for the practice of nursing. A perennial challenge is comprehensive pre-registration education that ensures new graduate nurses meet standards for practice to provide comprehensive care. MethodsA quantitative evaluation design was used to assess the progressive development of workplace performance of both student nurses across their final year placement (n=214) and graduate nurses in their first nine months (n=197). Capabilities of both cohorts were assessed using the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool (ANSAT), based on Australian registered nurses’ standards for practice that has demonstrated utility and validity for both students and graduates. ResultsA total of 642 student assessments and 409 graduate nurse assessments were used for analysis. Findings revealed congruence in weaknesses in workplace performance for both students and graduates. Students and graduates consistently rated lowest in capabilities pertaining to high cognitive tasks that involved analysing data and modifying plans. Of interest, completing comprehensive, systematic assessments was stronger in students than in graduates. ConclusionThis is the first comparable quantitative study exploring the progressive development of students and graduate nurses’ workplace performance aligned to nursing practice standards. Questions of limitations throughout educational learning experiences during industry placement are raised in these findings. Furthermore, it is proposed that educational approaches be organised to address areas identified as weakest on graduation as these are most evident in initial employment. This research explicates a largely undefined area of nursing practice that can inform undergraduate learning priorities.

Ethical issues in palliative care: nursing and quality of life

BackgroundNurses occupy a pivotal role in the provision of palliative care, acting as frontline providers who address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients. The complexities inherent in palliative care frequently give rise to ethical dilemmas that significantly impact nurses’ decision-making and patient interactions. It is therefore essential to gain an understanding of nurses’ perceptions of ethical issues, quality of life, and adherence to patient rights in order to enhance the care delivered in these settings.AimThis study aims to assess the ethical issues encountered by nurses in palliative care, evaluate their quality of life, and measure their understanding and adherence to patient rights.MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among a sample of 85 nurses working in palliative care settings, specifically within the Oncology Department and Pain Clinic at a Specialized Hospital in Egypt. A stratified random sampling technique was employed. The data were collected using standardised questionnaires, including the Ethical Issues Scale (EIS), the Nursing Quality of Life Scale (NQOLS), and the Patient Rights Questionnaire (PRQ). The validity and reliability of these instruments were established prior to the commencement of the study. The collected data were subjected to mean and standard deviation (SD) calculations. Statistical analyses, including the calculation of Pearson correlation coefficients, were conducted.ResultsThe study sample comprised a diverse cohort of nurses, with a mean age of 40 years. The ethical issues were evaluated, yielding a mean score of 4.03 (SD = 0.74) on the EIS, with the highest score for “Patient Care” (M = 4.2, SD = 0.7). The overall quality of life mean score was 6.75, with the working dimension exhibiting the highest mean score at 7.1. The PRQ results indicated a high level of awareness regarding patient rights, with a total mean score of 49.5 (SD = 6.8). The results of the correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive correlation between ethical issues and patient rights (r = 0.52, p < 0.01), and ethical issues and quality of life (r = 0.45, p < 0.01). Conversely, a weaker correlation was found between quality of life and patient rights (r = 0.40, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings elucidate the ethical challenges confronted by nurses in palliative care and their ramifications for the quality of life and adherence to patient rights. It is imperative that nurses engaged in palliative care undergo continuous education and training in order to enhance their ethical decision-making abilities and thereby improve the quality of care they provide.RecommendationsIt is imperative that strategies be developed to support nurses in addressing ethical dilemmas, to promote awareness of patient rights, and to enhance their overall quality of life through targeted interventions and resources.Clinical trialNo clinical Trial.

First-year Health Sciences Students’ Perspectives on Indigenous Knowledge and Medical Practices

South Africa boasts a variety of herbal medicines based on the availability of medicinal plants utilised by diverse communities for healing. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Health Sciences students at a South African university, including cohorts of future doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists and occupational therapists, towards the use of herbal medicines as alternative medicine. A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 144 students in their first year of study. The results revealed that all student cohorts had knowledge of herbal medicines with three cohorts expressing reservations about self-treatment. Although most cohorts reported personal use of herbal medicines, they relied on their experiences or colleagues’ recommendations for self-treatment. The cohorts acknowledged the use of herbal products by the industry but perceived limited availability in shopping outlets. Most physiotherapy, nursing and pharmacy students viewed traditional healers as a last resort and were uncertain about choosing a pharmacist or orthodox doctor over a traditional healer who would provide natural remedies such as herbal medicines. Notably, the students emphasised the need for scientific inquiry to validate the use of herbal medicines. Using the three pillars of sustainable development, the findings indicate that the vast majority of all cohorts in this study are aware of the cultural and social contribution that herbal medicines make to sustainable healthcare. A sizeable majority of all cohorts apart from the nursing students appreciate the environmental contribution to sustainable healthcare, but only a minority of all cohorts acknowledge the economic contribution herbal medication can make to sustainable healthcare. The current Health Sciences curriculum does not explicitly include content on the use of indigenous medicines including herbal medicines. Since most of South Africa’s population relies on herbal medicines, it is essential to incorporate these topics into the Health Sciences curriculum, equipping future doctors and allied health professionals with better knowledge and communication skills.

Comparison of the Achieved and Expected Competence Level of New Graduate Nurses: Two Cross-Sectional Studies.

To explore and compare the self-perceived competence level of new graduate nurses with the expected competence level that nurse managers believe new graduate nurses should have in general. Two cross-sectional empirical studies. Two independent cross-sectional studies were carried out in 12 tertiary hospitals in September 2020 and November 2021, respectively. Participants were 1017 new graduate nurses with less than 2 years of work experience and 306 nurse managers who completed an online survey. The score of self-perceived nursing competence of new graduate nurses was 74.77 ± 14.35, and the expectation of nurse managers was 74.21 ± 15.04. The values of 18 items were significantly different between the two of them (p < 0.05), and there were only three items showed higher expectations of nurse managers than the self-rated values of new graduate nurses. Results of latent profile analysis revealed that this cohort of new graduate nurses could be divided into three subgroups, named risky competent (11.1%), medium competent (46.0%) and advanced competent (42.9%). When comparing, the nurse managers' expected competence level was between the value of 'medium competent' group and 'advanced competent' group. Our study adopted a dual perspective comparison of nurse managers and new graduate nurses, which broke through the limitations of the previous single perspective study of new graduate nurses' nursing competence. This study highlights the importance of the consistency in new graduate nurses' nursing competence from the perspectives of new graduate nurses and nurse managers. This study showed a generally good match of actual nursing competence level of new graduate nurses and the expected level from nurse managers. While there was significant individual heterogeneity in the competence score of new graduate nurses, three subgroups were identified through the individual-centred analysis of latent profile analysis. Therefore, Nurse managers need to systematically adjust the standardized training programs and teaching methods for new graduate nurses according to the population characteristics and take precise interventions to improve nursing competence of new graduate nurses. We adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution.

A survey on the relationship between mental health literacy and beliefs toward mental illness among nurses in general hospitals in Turkey

AimThe study aimed to determine the relationship between general nurses' mental health literacy and beliefs toward mental illness. MethodThe study involved 285 nurses aged 23 to 47 from three hospitals in western Turkey, who completed the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and the Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale (BMIS) between December 2023 and March 2024. ResultsThose who received training on mental illnesses as students (t = 2.115, p = 0.018), those who had moderate knowledge about mental illnesses (F = 8.177, p < 0.001), those who were willing to receive training on mental illnesses (t = 1.673, p = 0.048), those who encounter individuals with mental illness in their work units (F = 11.233, p < 0.001) and those who care for individuals with mental illness in their work units (t = 1.808, p = 0.036) have higher mental health literacy levels. There was a negative relationship between nurses' negative beliefs toward mental illness levels and their mental health literacymental health literacy levels (r = −0.432, p < 0.001). ConclusionMental health literacy is a crucial element in reducing general nurses' negative beliefs about mental illnesses. Thıus, psychiatric mental health nurses can actively prevent negative beliefs and increase awareness by providing mental health education to general nurses. Awareness programs should be accorded greater emphasize on individuals who are not trained in mental disorders when they are students, those who have low knowledge about mental disorders, those who are reluctant to receive training on mental disorders, and cohorts of nurses who are likely to encounter patients with mental disorders in their respective work units.

Sexual Orientation-Related Disparities in Neonatal Outcomes.

To evaluate whether disparities exist in adverse neonatal outcomes among the offspring of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexually minoritized (LGB+) birthing people. We used longitudinal data from 1995 to 2017 from the Nurses' Health Study II, a cohort of nurses across the United States. We restricted analyses to those who reported live births (N=70,642) in the 2001 or 2009 lifetime pregnancy questionnaires. Participants were asked about sexual orientation identity (current and past) and same-sex attractions and partners. We examined preterm birth, low birth weight, and macrosomia among 1) completely heterosexual; 2) heterosexual with past same-sex attractions, partners, or identity; 3) mostly heterosexual; 4) bisexual; and 5) lesbian or gay participants. We used log-binomial models to estimate risk ratios for each outcome and weighted generalized estimating equations to account for multiple pregnancies per person over time and informative cluster sizes. Compared with completely heterosexual participants, offspring born to parents in all LGB+ groups combined (groups 2-5) had higher estimated risks of preterm birth (risk ratio 1.22, 95% CI, 1.15-1.30) and low birth weight (1.27, 95% CI, 1.15-1.40) but not macrosomia (0.98, 95% CI, 0.94-1.02). In the subgroup analysis, risk ratios were statistically significant for heterosexual participants with past same-sex attractions, partners, or identity (preterm birth 1.25, 95% CI, 1.13-1.37; low birth weight 1.32, 95% CI, 1.18-1.47). Risk ratios were elevated but not statistically significant for lesbian or gay participants (preterm birth 1.37, 95% CI, 0.98-1.93; low birth weight 1.46, 95% CI, 0.96-2.21) and bisexual participants (preterm birth 1.29, 95% CI, 0.85-1.93; low birth weight 1.24, 95% CI, 0.74-2.08). The offspring of LGB+ birthing people experience adverse neonatal outcomes, specifically preterm birth and low birth weight. These findings highlight the need to better understand health risks, social inequities, and health care experiences that drive these adverse outcomes.

Long-term nighttime aircraft noise exposure and risk of hypertension in a prospective cohort of female nurses

There is growing interest in cardiometabolic outcomes associated with nighttime noise, given that noise can disturb sleep and sleep disturbance can increase cardiometabolic risk such as hypertension. However, there is little empirical research evaluating the association between nighttime aircraft noise and hypertension risk. In this study, we expand on previous work to evaluate associations between nighttime aircraft noise exposure and self-reported hypertension incidence in the Nurses' Health Studies (NHS/NHSII), two US-wide cohorts of female nurses. Annual nighttime average aircraft sound levels (Lnight) surrounding 90 airports for 1995–2015 (in 5-year intervals) were modeled using the Aviation Environmental Design Tool and assigned to participants’ geocoded addresses over time. Hypertension risk was estimated for each cohort using time-varying Cox proportional-hazards models for Lnight dichotomized at 45 dB (dB), adjusting for individual-level hypertension risk factors, area-level socioeconomic status, region, and air pollution. Random effects meta-analysis was used to combine cohort results. Among 63,229 NHS and 98,880 NHSII participants free of hypertension at study baseline (1994/1995), we observed 33,190 and 28,255 new hypertension cases by 2014/2013, respectively. Although ∼1% of participants were exposed to Lnight ≥45 dB, we observed an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.10 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.27) in NHS and adjusted HR of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.28) in NHSII, comparing exposure to Lnight ≥45 versus <45 dB(A). In meta-analysis, we observed an adjusted HR of 1.11 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.23). These results were attenuated with adjustment for additional variables such as body mass index. Our findings support a modest positive association between nighttime aircraft noise and hypertension risk across NHS/NHSII, which may reinforce the concept that sleep disturbance contributes to noise-related disease burden.

Environmental mixtures and body mass index in two prospective US-based cohorts of female nurses

We estimated the joint effect of particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), seasonal temperature, noise, greenness, light at night, and neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) on body mass index (BMI) in a mixture context among 194,966 participants from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII) over 30 years. BMI was calculated from self-reported weight and height. Single- and multi-exposure generalized estimating equations models were used to estimate the difference in BMI per interquartile range (IQR) increase of environmental factors, and quantile g-computation methods were used to estimate joint associations. In both cohorts, we consistently observed positive associations of BMI with PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations as well as negative associations with light at night and NSES regardless modeling approach. A positive association with noise was only observed in NHS. Negative associations with greenness and winter temperature were only observed in NHSII. Overall, the changes in BMI per quintile increase in all eight exposures were −0.11 (−0.13, −0.08) in NHS and −0.39 (−0.41, −0.37) in NHSII, which were largely driven by air pollution and nighttime noise (18–45 %) in the positive direction and NSES (>70 %) in the negative direction. Future intervention on environmental factors, especially reducing PM2.5, NO2 and noise or improving the NSES, might be helpful to lower BMI.

Associations of night shift work with weight gain among female nurses in The Netherlands: results of a prospective cohort study.

This study aimed to prospectively investigate associations of working night shifts with weight gain in the Nightingale Study, a large cohort of female nurses. This study included 36 273 registered nurses, who completed questionnaires in 2011 and 2017. Cumulative number of nights, mean number of nights/month and consecutive number of nights/month in 2007-2011 were assessed. We used Poisson regression to estimate multivariable-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) of >5% weight gain from 2011 to 2017 among all participants and assess risk of development of overweight/obesity (BMI≥25 kg/m2) among women with healthy baseline body mass index. The reference group consisted of women who never worked nights. Overall, working night shifts in 2007-2011 was associated with >5% weight gain [IRR 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.13]. Associations differed by menopausal status in 2011, with an increased risk of gaining >5% weight limited to postmenopausal women who worked nights (IRR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10-1.38). Postmenopausal women had an increased risk of >5% weight gain when they worked on average ≥4 nights/month (4-5: IRR 1.29, 95% CI 1.09-1.52, ≥6: IRR 1.27, 95% CI 1.11-1.47) or ≥4 consecutive nights/month (IRR 1.37, 95% CI 1.19-1.58), compared to postmenopausal women who never worked nights. For postmenopausal women with healthy weight at baseline, night shift work was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity at follow-up (IRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03-1.50). Working night shifts was associated with a slightly increased risk of weight gain and overweight/obesity development among women who were postmenopausal at study inclusion. Our findings emphasize the importance of health promotion to maintain a healthy weight among (postmenopausal) night workers.

Long-term exposure to air pollution and lung cancer incidence in the Danish Nurse Cohort

Long-term exposure to air pollution and lung cancer incidence in the Danish Nurse Cohort

Long-term exposure to air pollution and lung cancer survival in the Danish Nurse Cohort

Long-term exposure to air pollution and lung cancer survival in the Danish Nurse Cohort

Effectiveness of a pediatric critical care pilot preceptor program: Improved confidence and competency outcomes among a cohort of professional nurses in Blantyre, Malawi

BackgroundAvailability of high-level pediatric training for nurses in Malawi is limited. To address this gap, a novel pediatric critical care nurse preceptor program was developed and implemented by pediatric nurse specialists. AimEvaluate the effectiveness of a pediatric critical care nurse preceptor program, via change in nurses' knowledge, skills, confidence, and precepting competence. DesignA 12-month pediatric critical care nurse preceptor program with assessments at baseline, end of intensive (3 months), and end of program (6 months). SettingBlantyre, Malawi. ParticipantsNurses with two or more years of pediatric nursing experience (N = 20) nominated by unit managers. MethodsQuantitative data were collected throughout program implementation. Assessments included: (1) multiple choice knowledge test, (2) Objective Structured Clinical Examinations in two areas (vital signs and airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure assessments; and blood gas and electrolyte analysis), (3) group simulations (cardiopulmonary resuscitation or respiratory distress), (4) Likert-scale clinical confidence survey, and (5) Likert-scale precepting competence survey. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with pairwise comparisons. For Likert-scale surveys, median confidence scores were compared using a Friedman test with post hoc pairwise comparisons using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. ResultsParticipants demonstrated significant improvement in clinical knowledge (p < .001), vital signs and airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure assessment (p = .001), blood gas and electrolyte analysis (p = .001), CPR (p < .001) and respiratory distress (p < .001) simulations, clinical confidence (p = .002), and precepting competence (p = .041). ConclusionThis pediatric critical care nurse preceptor program was effective in improving participants' confidence and competence (knowledge and skills) in pediatric critical care nursing and precepting. Results suggest the program's potential to address the shortage of highly trained pediatric critical care nurses in Malawi. This lays groundwork for refining and expanding preceptorship, ultimately improving pediatric critical care nursing education in resource-limited settings.

Examining the knowledge level of nurses regarding aseptic non touch technique in nurses: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are important indicators of healthcare quality. The aseptic non touch technique (ANTT), a standardised aseptic technique, is a crucial preventative measure against HAIs. However, there is insufficient evidence currently available regarding ANTT awareness and proficiency among nurses. This study aimed to investigate the status of ANTT proficiency in a cohort of nurses and analyse the associated risk factors, with the ultimate goal of providing a reference for promoting the application of ANTT in clinical practice.MethodsThe study population was sampled from nurses working in a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province, China, in January 2024. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire to assess ANTT knowledge. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to analyse the risk factors influencing ANTT knowledge in nurses.ResultsA total of 458 nurses were included in this study. The cohort had an overall score of 49.7% correct responses on the ANTT knowledge questionnaire, with a mean score of 12.4 ± 2.4 out of 25, and 30.1% of the nurses felt that they did not need training related to ANTT. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that professional title, educational level, and the need for ANTT training were independently associated with ANTT knowledge in nurses. Nurses with Master’s degrees and associated chief nurses were observed to have higher levels of ANTT knowledge compared to the rest.ConclusionsANTT knowledge is insufficient among nurses in China, and its importance is not widely recognised. Continuous efforts are required to strengthen this knowledge. Constructing sustained, multiform, and stratified training programmes may represent an effective method to strengthen ANTT knowledge among nurses and promote its clinical use.

Multiple Environmental Exposures and the Development of Hypertension in a Prospective US-Based Cohort of Female Nurses: A Mixture Analysis.

We investigated the independent and joint associations between multiple environmental exposures and incident hypertension in a US nationwide prospective cohort of women: the Nurses' Health Study II. We followed 107,532 nonhypertensive participants from 1989 to diagnosis of hypertension, loss to follow-up, death, or end of follow-up in June 2019. We applied Cox proportional hazards models to assess associations of incident hypertension with time-varying residential exposure to air pollution, noise, surrounding greenness, temperature, and neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), adjusting for potential confounders and coexposures. We evaluated the joint association of simultaneous exposure using quantile g-computation. We observed 38,175 hypertension cases over 2,062,109 person-years. Increased hypertension incidence was consistently associated with lower nSES and higher levels of fine particles (PM2.5) and nighttime noise exposures: hazard ratio (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 1.06 (1.04, 1.08), 1.04 (1.01, 1.07), and 1.01 (1.00, 1.03), respectively, per interquartile range change. Joint HR for a one-quartile change in simultaneous exposure to the mixture was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.09), assuming additivity, or 1.13 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.20), considering potential interactions within the mixture. Hypertension prevention should focus on enhancing nSES and reducing PM2.5 and noise levels, recognizing that reducing the overall exposures may yield additional benefits.

Positive Impact on Critical Care Knowledge Acquisition and Skills of VietnameseNurses through an Online Standardized Training Program

Background Improved access to healthcare, increasing elderly population, growing incidence of chronic diseases, combined with the high prevalence of accidents and infectious diseases are driving the demand for critical care services in acute hospitals. However, low and middle-income countries not only have a shortage of critical care nurses, but there are also gaps in their graduate, post-graduate, and specialized training as well as in their continuing education to support them in their role. Methods This quality improvement project aimed to assess the effect of a web-based group study program on knowledge acquisition and skills and competency development of critical care nurses at seven private,not-for-profit hospital sites within a hospital system in Vietnam. The Essentials of Critical Care Orientation 4.0 course from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses was delivered to two cohorts of ICU nurses who worked in critical care. Course content was translated in Vietnamese. The program leveraged a preceptor-facilitator-learner model that depended on group discussions and self-learning. Program effectiveness was evaluated using quantitative pre- and post-test design, combined with a post-program survey. ResultsAverage post-test scores of the first cohort increased by 34.0% over pre-test while those of the second cohort increased by an average 41.0%.Post-program survey revealed that all learners were satisfied with the quality of content, the web-based delivery system, content translation and the overall teaching methodology. Learners also demonstrated greater confidence in delivering safe, proactive patient care. Conclusion The utilization of an online, standardizedwestern education program, translated to Vietnamese,delivered through a facilitator-group learning model is successful in increasing the knowledge level of Vietnamize critical care nurses.

Over-commitment positively predicts hair cortisol concentrations only in nurses with high need for recovery.

In the contemporary workplace, enduring fatigue has become a standard for employees. This investigation assesses whether such working conditions exacerbate the depletion of employees' personal resources. The need for recovery serves as an indicator of the necessity to mitigate post-work fatigue. A high need for recovery signifies that employees must commence a new workday while already fatigued. This research recruited two cohorts of nurses, categorized by a high need for recovery and a low need for recovery, to examine the correlation between work effort and hair cortisol concentrations in each group. Hair cortisol concentrations serve as a biological marker of cumulative cortisol secretion over a specific time frame, reflecting overall personal resource expenditure during this interval. Findings revealed a notable positive correlation between intrinsic work effort (over-commitment) and hair cortisol levels exclusively among nurses with a high need for recovery. These outcomes imply that active effort amidst fatigue may lead to excessive strain. This insight enriches the classic 'effort-recovery' model by illustrating how an employee' s personal volition can influence the accumulation of fatigue.

Experiences of Irish Advanced Nurse Practitioners Delivering Nursing Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The objective of this research was to explore ANP's experience in the delivery of advanced nursing care to patients and how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the day-to-day work of ANPs as well as gaining an understanding of ANPs’ perceptions of how the pandemic has influenced the delivery of care to patients and the personal impact of working as an ANP during the Covid-19 pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affects healthcare staff and patients worldwide. Many studies have looked at the experiences of nursing staff during the pandemic but very few have examined the experiences of ANPs. Study design and methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted examining the experiences of Irish ANPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 ANP participants. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was performed using a Castleberry and Nolan’s (2008) five-step thematic analysis. Results: Three themes and four sub-themes were found through thematic interview analysis. These themes were, 1. Adapting to COVID with subthemes fear and anxiety of covid, feeling supported, the advent of telehealth, 2. Impact of redeployment with subtheme not prepared for redeployment, 3. Primary Care and General Practitioners. Conclusion: The identified themes provided insight into the experiences of Irish advanced nurse practitioners caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each theme shed a personal light on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the professional working lives of nurses working at an advanced level within Ireland. The finding of this study adds to a growing body of literature on the impact COVID-19 had on nursing. Advanced nurse practitioners are a cohort of nurses who had to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19 which impacted their professional and their personal lives. Implications for research, policy, and practice: Understanding how ANPs experienced the COVID-19 pandemic as a group of healthcare professionals allows for better planning for future pandemics or crises using the skills of these professionals to better serve their patient populations as well as planning healthcare workforce more effectively. What is already known about the topic? • COVID-19 has had a great impact on nursing in both positive and negative ways. • Nurses have had to adapt to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. What this paper adds • An insight into how COVID-19 impacted advanced nurse practitioners within Ireland. Keywords: Nurse practitioner; Nurse; COVID-19; Qualitative Research; Ireland Objective

Compassion Fatigue in a Cohort of South Italian Nurses and Hospital-Based Clinical Social Workers Following COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background/Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the workloads of healthcare workers (HCWs). The fear of contracting the new virus with the frequent medical consequences has affected their mental health. As a result, they are at high risk of compassion fatigue (CF). In this multicentric study, as a primary objective, we evaluate the incidence and/or prevalence of CF in a cohort of Italian nurses and HCWs (hospital-based clinical social workers of neurological patients) who have contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our secondary aim is to evaluate the difference in experiencing CF between subjects with and without long-term COVID. Methods: In this study, 101 HCWs attending three different neurorehabilitation settings (the Neurorehabilitation Unit of the "Bonino Pulejo" Neurolesi Center of Messina, the Neurorehabilitation Department of Crotone, and the Psychiatric Unit of the University Hospital of Messina) were enrolled from May 2021 to May 2023. Data were collected through self-administered semi-structured interviews. Results: We observed high percentages of CF difficulties in both nurses and HCWs, related to mood alteration in 57.7%, headaches in 44.4%, and fatigue in 62%. Higher percentages were found in individuals with long-term COVID-19, including mood alteration in 93.9%, headache in 88.6%, and memory-related problems in 98.5%. Conclusions: The complexity of a patient's care pathway, especially in chronic disease situations, requires an enormous commitment that can lead to burnout and CF, which should be considered to initiate preventive interventions aimed at helping "those who help", for the well-being of patients, healthcare teams, and healthcare organizations.

New graduate nurses’ readiness for practice, transition and integration into the workplace: A longitudinal study with mixed methods research

AimTo examine the readiness of new graduate nurses for practice and evaluate factors influencing their transition into the workplace. BackgroundThis is new research in Bahrain. Understanding readiness for practice is important during a time when there is a national initiative to promote nursing as a career among the indigenous Bahraini population. The worldwide nursing shortages and aging workforce require new and innovative recruitment and retention measures. There is change, increased demand and complexity, in nursing and healthcare needs with accompanying healthcare specialization. In such a health care environment, the transitioning and readiness of newly qualified nurses is an increasing challenge. DesignA longitudinal design, with a triangulated, mixed methods, research approach was used. MethodsThe study population consisted of 50 newly graduated nurses. Data were collected over one year through self-administered questionnaires, reflective diaries and focus groups. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and qualitative data using thematic analysis with adherence to GRAMMS reporting guidelines. ResultsIn Bahrain, there are actions to recruit young Arabic students to nursing including schools and community presentations by trained nurse ambassadors, social media activities and career exhibitions, however there is a lack of objective information on the perspective of cohorts of nurses who have successfully completed graduate nursing registration programmes and transitioned into practice. International literature suggests that the transition of newly graduated nurses can be stressful and challenging. On entry to practice, the respondents positively perceived their characteristics and attributes; however, their confidence was affected by challenges in the workplace. The transitioning of the new graduate nurses was affected by the availability of support and leadership, induction programmes and the new complex work environment. ConclusionUnderstanding work readiness and the emotional needs of new graduate nurses, accompanied by improved support, will enhance the transition of newly qualified nurses into the workplace and reduce attrition. Study RegistrationKHUH/Research/No.279/2019