Predictors of retention among undergraduate students attending associate-degree nursing programs in Illinois

The purpose of the study was to determine what the relationship is between emotional intelligence, motivation, demographic variables, and retention. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire and the Assessing Emotions Scale garnered data submitted from 390 first-year students attending nine associate-degree nursing schools in Illinois. Statistically significant differences in the mean scores for several motivation subscales were noted. Age, race/ethnic background, and school were predictors with retention. Emotional intelligence was not predictive with retention.     

The diffusion of human patient simulation into an associate degree in nursing curriculum

The diffusion of human patient simulation (HPS) within a nursing curriculum is challenging. This article describes an exemplar that presents a 3-year process guided by the Diffusion of Innovations theory to plan, implement, and evaluate HPS in an associate degree in nursing program curriculum.Without funding for a major renovation or construction of new simulation laboratories, existing campus laboratories were converted into simulation laboratories including space dedicated to maternal–child simulation and a remediation simulation laboratory.     

Periprocedure Stroke: Are You Prepared?

Acute stroke assessment and treatment occurs most often in the emergency department setting. However, patients who have been admitted for other medical conditions or procedures may have a heightened risk of stroke. Education and development of protocols to direct the actions of nurses and health care providers are helpful to expedite notification of the stroke team and diagnostic evaluation. Timely recognition and involvement of the stroke team can lead to improved outcomes.     

Undergraduate nursing education reform in France: from vocational to academic programmes

DEBOUT C., CHEVALLIER‐DARCHEN F., PETIT DIT DARIEL O. & ROTHAN‐TONDEUR M. (2012) Undergraduate nursing education reform in France: from vocational to academic programmes. International Nursing Review Background: France is currently implementing a number of reforms to the healthcare and education systems. Within this context, a comprehensive reform of undergraduate nurse education was launched in 2009, bringing nurse education closer to the higher education environment. It is likely in future to move from being vocational towards becoming an academic educational programme. Aim: In this paper, the 2009 reform of the French pre‐registration nursing curriculum will be analysed in light of the European framework. Process: The pedagogical approach, methods and content of nursing education in France are undergoing an in‐depth reorganization. The main innovation that the reforms introduce is a competency‐based approach. France is joining the group of countries that require first degree‐level entry to the nursing profession. Conclusion: There are still many unanswered questions regarding the competencies and qualifications required by both the academic and clinical educators many of whom have not been previously involved in research or publications. The future status of nursing science is unclear, as is the way in which the nursing profession will be able to retain control over its educational mechanisms.     

A Multivariate Validation of the Defining Characteristics of Fatigue

PURPOSE. To validate the nursing diagnosis fatigue by providing evidence to identify, confirm, and consolidate the defining characteristics.
METHODS. The Revised Piper Fatigue Scale and the Schwartz Measurement of Fatigue scales were used to collect data from four groups of healthy women (N = 182). Data were analyzed by maximum-likelihood factor analysis with varimax rotation, and major and minor defining characteristics were identified and clustered.
FINDINGS. The identified defining characteristics tended to group into the dimensions identified in prior fatigue studies. Although the majority of the NANDA defining characteristics were validated, differences were found.
CONCLUSIONS. atigue is a multidimensional construct. Replication of the study with a variety of samples from different geographic locations and a variety of patient populations will further cross-validate the defining characteristics of fatigue.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Fatigue is a commonly experienced phenomenon in both health and illness. As the knowledge base about fatigue builds, so will the accuracy of nursing assessments and the effectiveness of nursing interventions.     

The nurse expert witness

An emerging role for nurses is that of expert witness for medical liability cases that involve nursing care. Medical liability cases require that the trier of evidence (judge or jury) have an understanding of the facts and the relevant standards of the case for equitable resolution. The attorney, judge, or jury member may not possess the information necessary to understand the issues. Someone with the requisite knowledge and skills to review the information, interpret facts, offer an opinion about whether or not the standard of care was met, and explain this to the appropriate people is crucial for the legal system to work. If nursing care is at issue, that expert is a nurse with the appropriate knowledge, experience, and education. This report explores the role, qualifications, and expectations for nurses who serve as expert witnesses. Personal insights from the authors will provide practical information for nurses who are interested in the role. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company