Nursing Commons^™

Are You Sure They're A Nurse? Public Perceptions Of Australian School Nursing, Anita Moyes, Brent A. Hayward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Nurses work in schools in every state and territory of Australia but have limited visibility in the public discourse. Knowledge and perceptions of school nursing work can significantly influence policy, funding, and program implementation, yet public perceptions of nursing work in Australian schools have never been investigated. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine public perceptions of the work of nurses in Australian schools using data collected from a thread on the social media platform Reddit. Study objectives included exploring respondents’ source of knowledge, perceptions of the presence and distribution of school nurses, and understanding of the …

Observing Nursing Assistant Companions Supporting Older Adults In Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study, Rosemary Saunders, Kate Crookes, Tania Leach, Seng Giap Marcus Ang, Caroline Bulsara, Beverly Ewens, Michelle Gay, Karla Seaman, Paige Watkins, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Olivia Gallagher

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Hospital environments may cause or exacerbate behavioural and psychological symptoms of older adults with cognitive impairment. Many hospitals in Australia employ staff as companions to provide constant observation and additional support for those with cognitive impairment and/or at risk of falls; however, little is known about the activities of this role. Aim: To examine the activities of assistant in nursing companions allocated to older patients in hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study design using an observation tool was conducted at an acute metropolitan hospital in Western Australia. A nonparticipant nurse conducted the observations. Descriptive statistical analysis explored the data and …

Moderate-To-Late Preterm Infants Benefit From The Early Collaborative Intervention: Primary Outcomes Of An Rct, Ulrika Birberg Thornberg, Felix Sebastian Koch, Charlotte Sahlén Helmer, Jonna Tell, Ellinore Nyberg, Thomas Abrahamsson, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: This study aimed to determine the longitudinal impact of the EArly Collaborative Intervention (EACI), a three-session early intervention designed to enhance parent-infant interaction, on the developmental outcomes of preterm infants born between 30 + 0 and 35 + 6 weeks of gestation. Methods: This randomised controlled blinded study recruited families in two neonatal intensive care units in Sweden. In this one-year follow-up, 87 infants (standard care = 37, standard care with EACI = 50) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The primary study outcomes were cognition, receptive and expressive communication, and fine and gross motor development measured with the …

The Accidental School Nurse: How Australian Registered Nurses Enter School Nursing, Anita Moyes, Susan Karemba

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Australia has a long history of school nursing and a strong orientation to formal educational pathways for nursing specialization. Despite this, pathways for becoming a school nurse are lacking, and how Australian nurses became a school nurse is unclear. The aim of this study was to gain insight into this issue. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 Australian school nurses. Data was analyzed using inductive content analysis. Findings identified that Australian school nurses typically became a school nurse by accident, not design. They entered school nursing having already had a long and diverse clinical career and were drawn to school …

Game-Based Learning Contributions To Clinical Leadership In Times Of Resource Scarcity, Scott James Andrews, Olivia Gallagher, Alecka Miles, Carol Crevacore, Jessica Watson, Sean Cashman, Wyatt De Souza, Martin Masek, Julie Boston, Lisa Holmes, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Early progression of Registered Nurses into leadership roles is commonplace in clinical settings. Student nurses can prepare for leadership by gaining exposure through simulation-based learning. A novel and expanding modality are Game-based learning (GBL) simulation.

Aim: To understand if a GBL simulation is useful in preparing student nurses for leadership roles during times of resource scarcity, student nurses were asked to evaluate a novel GBL simulation requiring learners to manage patient triage and hospital resources during a pandemic.

Methods: The study design leveraged Kirkpatrick's Training Evaluation Model. Nursing students (n = 74) from one university in Perth, Western Australia, …

Intrapartum Hydration Assessment And Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Australian And New Zealand Maternity Units, Brianne G. Mcintyre, Debbie Massey, Nigel Lee, Lauren Kearney

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Hydration assessment and management during labour play an important role in maternal and newborn outcomes. Studies indicate that clinical practice is inconsistent, with limited consensus evident in clinical guidelines. Current practices in fluid management across public and private maternity units within Australia and New Zealand remain unknown. Respondents highlighted the importance of maternal hydration assessment and management to well-being. However, inconsistencies were noted in the documentation, medication use and adherence to clinical protocols. Aim: Our study aimed to investigate unit-level clinical practice regarding intrapartum hydration assessment and management across Australian and New Zealand private and public hospitals. The scope …

A Brief History Of Antenatal Colostrum Expression, And Where To From Here, Therese A. O’Sullivan, Connie N. Ihlein

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The practice of antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), or the extraction of colostrum from the breasts during pregnancy, has an interesting history and continues to evolve. This narrative review aims to describe how perception and practices of ACE have changed over time, summarise the evidence on ACE in maternal and infant care, and highlight areas for future research. The literature demonstrates that ACE is safe for low-risk women when done from around 36 weeks’ gestation. Women should be reassured that the skill of hand expressing is a valuable tool post-birth, regardless of whether they are able to collect colostrum antenatally or …

The Work Of Midwives: The Socio-Institutional Theory Of The Meaning Of Midwives’ Work-Life Balance, Kate Buchanan, Kate Dawson, Jacqueline Taylor, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Globally, midwifery is facing a potential workforce crisis. A significant number of midwives intending to leave the profession often cite burnout as contributing to this decision. While it has been reported that work-life balance is a key element in deciding to stay in midwifery, little is known about what constitutes work-life balance and the barriers to achieving this. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore what work-life balance means to Australian midwives, and to determine its crucial features. Methods: Qualitative Description methodology was used for this study. Data were collected from 31 midwives in Australia working in …

Through The Looking Glass; Midwifery Students' Experience Of Ethical Issues: A Feminist Explanatory Case Study, D. Bygraves, K. Wissemann, K. Buchanan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The ethical component in midwifery education is governed by international professional values, codes, and ethical principles. The aim of midwifery education is to encourage students to develop a lifelong commitment to ethical practice within their midwifery role and scope. However, little evidence is available on the experiences of midwifery students and how they navigate ethical issues in maternity systems. Aim: To present a case study from a midwifery students' perspective that demonstrates observed ethical issues and to provide analysis of the ethical issues identified. Design: A Single explanatory case study design with a feminist lens applied. Explanatory case studies …

Weight Stigma Amongst Nurses And Nursing Students: A Scoping Review Of Direct And Comparative Evidence, Mahshid Fonoudi, Beverley Ewens, Amanda Towell-Barnard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To map both direct and comparative research on weight stigma amongst nurses and nursing students by identifying the extent, range and nature of studies and identify the gaps in this area. Design: Scoping review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. Data Sources: Seven databases including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library, in addition to Google Scholar and Open Access Theses and Dissertations were systematically searched in August 2023. Methods: Inclusion criteria comprised nurses or nursing students as participants, weight stigma as the concept and any context. After uploading all search results into EndNote …

Evaluating Empathy And Understanding In Caregivers: Pre And Post Dementia Simulation Participation, Lukas Wenz

Research Honors

Abstract Background: The prevalence of dementia is rising globally. Individuals with dementia rely on informal caregivers for long-term support. Research supports that empathy enhances caregiver well-being. Significance: Caregiver burden can lead to burnout, negatively affecting care quality. Enhanced cognitive empathy reduces burnout and improves caregiver relationships. Investigating interventions that enhance caregivers’ empathy is essential. Purpose: This study evaluates the Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT), an immersive simulation program, in increasing empathy and understanding among dementia caregivers. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were recruited via online advertisements and word of mouth. Participants completed a demographic survey and the Empathy …

The Efficacy Of Physical Activity Or Exercise Among Individuals With Cerebral Palsy: An Umbrella Review Of Systematic Reviews, Majed M. Alhumaid, Faris Yahya I. Asiri, Mohamed A. Said, Justin A. Haegele

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disability, affecting 1.5-3 per 1000 live births. Physical exercises have been shown to improve muscle and limb outcomes in CP. This systematic review critically appraises existing systematic reviews on the effects of physical activity and exercise on physical, functional, and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with CP compared to those without.

Methods

Using a PICO framework, the question was: In patients with CP, do physical activity and exercise improve muscle- and limb-related outcomes compared to no intervention or usual care? PubMed, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science, and Embase were searched for systematic …

The Effect Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On Prosocial Behavior And Emotional Regulation In Autistic Children With Varying Verbal Abilities: A Pilot Study, Michele Kilmer, Minju Hong, Victor Kwaku Akakpo, Terria Haley, Danielle Randolph, Sarah Huetter, Allison Reichel, Madelyn Bowden

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background The use of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has increased in the pediatric autism population. However, studies detailing differences in human-animal interaction between autistic children and animals along with the longevity of reported outcomes associated with AAT need further exploration. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate these factors. Methods A quantitative research design with convenience sampling was used to categorize pediatric participants into two groups (nonverbal or verbal) based on their verbality. Two human-animal ethogram and two questionnaires were utilized to assess behavior during and apart from AAT sessions. A total of 2,281 interactions and behaviors occurring during …

Family Members’ Experiences Of Post-Cardiac Surgery Delirium In The Intensive Care Unit: A Narrative Inquiry, Amber Coral Mclean

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Aim: This study explores delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) following cardiac surgery from the perspective of family members.

Background: Delirium is a common complication affecting 28-52% of people following cardiac surgery in the ICU, which can lead to distress for both the person and their family members. While research has been conducted on clinical outcomes of family involvement in delirium care, there is a lack of understanding of how delirium impacts the family members themselves. This study seeks to provide detailed narrative accounts of families’ experience of witnessing delirium in their loved one following cardiac surgery in the …

The Role Of Game-Based Learning Simulation To Enhance Leadership In Pandemic Preparedness For Nursing Students, Scott James Andrews

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses around the world suffered with the impact of resource scarcity on the provision of quality nursing care to patients. Nursing staff were at higher risk of infection than all other healthcare workers, with working conditions during the pandemic resulting in significant staffing pressures. The challenges faced by staff during the pandemic inevitably influenced the quality and delivery of clinical education, highlighting the need for innovative solutions such as digital learning to address emerging training needs. Further, the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on clinical education has highlighted the benefits of digital learning environments as alternatives to …

“Everybody Has A Soul”: People With Dementia And Nursing Students Co-Creating Life Stories, Beth Mastel-Smith, Michelle Kimzey, Amy Ahlbrand Robinson, Melinda Hermanns

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

Lack of meaning and purpose in life can increase disability, stress, mortality, and the risk of cognitive impairment. Finding meaning and purpose helps people with dementia adjust to the diagnosis and can be accomplished via expressions of identity such as life review, a formal process of systematically reviewing and reflecting on one’s lived life. Digital storytelling involves telling a story using computer technology to record and share an individual’s narrative. The purpose of this study was to understand the perceived benefits of nursing students and people with dementia (the mentors) described after digitally co-creating the mentors’ life story. Allport’s Intergroup …

Decreasing Antibiotic Turnaround Time In The Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project, Kacie Wright

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: This QI project aimed to increase the percentage of first-dose antibiotics administered within one hour of order placement to 80% in the ICU by 12/31/24.

Background: Antibiotic Turnaround Time (ATT) is the time between antibiotic order placement and administration. Prolonged ATT can cause adverse outcomes by delaying treatment. In 2023, only 54% of first-dose antibiotics were given within the EBP standard of one-hour in our 36-bed Medical ICU.

Methodology: The Six Sigma DMAIC model identified barriers and interventions to achieving target ATT using stakeholder input, process mapping, and root cause analysis. Multidisciplinary Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were created to evaluate …

Factors Associated With Healthcare Students’ Cognitive Levels Measured By The Classroom Test Of Scientific Reasoning., Alberto J. De Armendi, Amir L. Butt, Kathryn M.L Konrad, Mohanad Shukry, Edmund A. Marek Ii

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Introduction: Healthcare student acceptance into graduate and professional school is based on Grade Point Average (GPA), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, interviews, and letters of recommendation, but not on cognition levels. However, educators need to understand students’ cognitive levels to facilitate constructivist learning theory and inquiry-based learning. The aim of this study is to understand the influence of cognition in healthcare students through the administration of the Classroom Test of Scientific Reasoning (CTSR).

Methods: Medical and baccalaureate nursing students were enrolled to answer demographic questions and complete the CTSR. The CTSR rubric score were used to define four operational cognitive …

Investigation Of The Relationship Between Nursing Students’ Ethical Sensitivities And Care Behaviors, Pınar Yel, Neriman Zengin, Aysenur Çetin Üçeriz

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Care encompassing ethical and legal aspects is essential for nursing and involves actions that aim to improve individual well-being. In this study, we assessed the relationship between nursing students’ ethical sensitivity and care behaviors.

Methods: This descriptive study included 191 students enrolled at a foundation university who consented to participate. Relevant data were gathered by using the Descriptive Information Form, Ethical Sensitivity Scale Adapted for Nursing Students, and Caring Behaviors Scale-24. Surveys were conducted face-to-face with the attending students and via Google Forms for the non-attending students.

Results: The mean total score of the ethical sensitivity …

The Association Between Sleep Quality, Depression, Anxiety, And Job-Related Stress Among Nurses In Saudi Arabia, Romeo Jr Patague Mostoles

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study examined the mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between depression, anxiety, and job-related stress among nurses in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Sociodemographic information, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, depression, anxiety, and work-related stress were evaluated in 851 nurses. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the mediation effect of sleep quality on mental health and job stress in nurses.

Results: High rates of anxiety (65.9% severe, 34.1% moderate), depression (37.2% moderate to severe), and poor sleep (51.4%) were found. Sex, marital status, education, nationality, and smoking status significantly influenced mental health outcomes. For example, …