Registered nurses' psychological capital: A scoping review

Aims

The aim was to examine the extent and scope of empirical research concerning registered nurses' psychological capital.

Background

In a time of global nursing shortage, identifying variables that could positively contribute to the retention of the nursing workforce is essential. Prior research has shown that psychological capital correlates positively with employees' better performance and well-being.

Design

A scoping review.

Data sources

A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus covering the period from 1 January 2005 to 7 May 2023.

Review methods

The JBI methodological guidance for scoping reviews was followed. The results were summarized narratively.

Results

A total of 111 studies reported in 114 peer-reviewed articles were included. Studies were carried out across 20 countries, with the majority from China (45), Australia (nine), Pakistan (nine), Canada (eight), South Korea (eight) and the United States (eight). A positive correlation was found between registered nurses' psychological capital and desirable work-related outcomes, such as work engagement, commitment and retention intention.

Conclusion

A comprehensive overview of research evidence suggests that psychological capital is associated with many positive work-related outcomes and might therefore be a valuable resource for reducing nurse turnover.     

From traditional counselling to health-promoting conversations? Registered nurses' experiences of providing health counselling to people living with severe mental ill-health in supported housing

People with severe mental ill-health have lower life expectancies than the rest of the population, partly due to unhealthy lifestyles. Counselling to help these people improve their health can also be complex, and registered nurses are key to its success. The aim of this study was to elucidate registered nurses' experiences of providing health counselling to people living with severe mental ill-health in supported housing. We conducted eight individual semi-structured interviews with registered nurses working in this context and subjected the responses to qualitative content analysis. The results show that registered nurses who counsel people with severe mental ill-health feel dispirited, but they defend their often fruitless endeavours and strive, through health counselling, to help these people meet healthier lifestyle goals. Shifting the focus from traditional health counselling to person-centred care using health-promoting conversations could strengthen registered nurses in their efforts towards improving lifestyles among people living with severe mental ill-health in supported housing. Therefore, to facilitate healthier lifestyles among this population, we recommend that community healthcare support registered nurses working in supported housing by educating them in the use of health-promoting conversations, including teach-back techniques.     

Topical Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R® ointment alleviates skin aging: An exploratory trial

Background

The skin is of vital importance for health and well-being. As people age, the skin undergoes visual and morphological changes such as wrinkling, loss of elasticity, increased pigmentation, and decreased cell turnover. This is not only visually unappealing to many but can also pose health issues.

Aim

In this study, a probiotic ointment (PO) containing live lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R®) was investigated for its ability to alleviate symptoms of skin aging in an exploratory clinical trial.

Methods

The PO was applied twice daily for 56 days by 21 subjects. Anti-aging efficacy was evaluated by skin ultrasonography, skin biomechanical properties, skin hydration, and clinical evaluations at day 0, 28, and 56.

Results

Sub-epidermal low echogenic band thickness decreased (0.261 ± 0.069 mm to 0.247 ± 0.055 mm) after 56 days. Dermal density increased (324.689 ± 57.506 pixel/mm² to 367.831 ± 75.790 pixel/mm²). Skin hydration increased (34.1 ± 6.9 to 51.3 ± 10.0 AU). Additionally, skin firmness increased, as shown by decreasing values (0.264 ± 0.038 to 0.228 ± 0.037 mm). Skin elasticity increased (0.578 ± 0.045 to 0.618 ± 0.044). Trans-epidermal water loss decreased (9.1 ± 2.0 g/h/m² to 8.5 ± 1.3). All clinical evaluations, Crow's feet, spot score, smoothness score, and complexion radiance, were improved.

Conclusion

The PO improved all measured parameters with statistical significance after 56 days of application, clearly demonstrating the potential of the PO as an anti-aging agent and reaffirming the potential of topical probiotic LAB. Future studies need to elucidate the mode of action of anti-aging effects by probiotics, but at present time, this study paves the way for the use of probiotic LAB topically to alleviate aging of the skin.