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Objective The literature reports nursing academics avoid manikin-based simulation because they feel intimidated by the technology. With that in mind we sought to design a manikin-based simulation learning experience for nursing students, with low technological burden for those nursing academics expected to work with the technology. Setting A multi-campus Australian regional university school of nursing. Subjects Nursing academics with little or no experience in manikin-based simulation. Primary argument Nursing academics are encouraged to use manikins in their clinical teaching but little has been done to address their fears and concerns around the technology. We argue that taking simple steps to decrease the technological burden will help to encourage nursing academics uptake of manikin-based simulations, as a favoured pedagogy in clinical teaching. Conclusion The technological burden around manikin-based simulation was reduced by: (1) choosing medium level fidelity simulations, (2) designing simulations where students operate the equipment, (3) preparing participants for the SLE with a pre-brief video and instruction handouts, (4) offering academics roles as observers, and (5) providing on-site technological support. Nursing academics were encouraged by the process and more inclined to engage with manikin simulations. Designing simulations that address nursing academics' fears and concerns around simulation technology encourages simulation uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article aims to address knowledge gaps and misconceptions among healthcare professionals regarding needle selection (specifically the length and gauge/size chosen) for intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) injections. It investigates the impact of needle selection on injection efficacy and adverse effects, considering factors, such as, needle length, size, patient characteristics, and medication requirements. It also aims to evaluate current injection guidelines against research findings from the past two decades, identifying areas requiring revision or updating. Methods: The discussion paper employs a literature review, including an analysis of past research that employs imaging techniques, such as, CT and ultrasound to examine tissue depth in both IM and SC injection practices; the author's extensive experience across various clinical settings, including immunisation, primary care, and acute care settings. The author's roles as academic staff and a clinical facilitator allow for the identification of gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation in injection practices. These insights contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Results: The study reveals significant discrepancies in needle selection practices, with traditional methods often diverging from evidence-based recommendations. Challenges noted include reliance on needle hub colour coding for IM and SC injections and insufficient understanding regarding the rationale behind these injection methods. Another additional barrier is interpreting needle packaging information to identify the actual needle length for injection. Staff training and education is essential to improving accuracy and safety in injection practices. Further, patient characteristics, such as, weight, BMI, gender, and injection sites were found to impact needle selection, highlighting the need for tailored approaches. The article suggests that inconsistent and outdated guidelines from various agencies in injection practices and techniques often lack robust scientific rationale. Implications for research, policy, and practice: The findings and recommendations have significant implications for healthcare policies and guidelines. They highlight the need to incorporate research findings to update current guidelines, ensuring safe and effective injection practices across all clinical settings. An algorithmic flow chart could be developed to reflect the above concerns. What is already known about the topic? * Nursing textbooks often differ in IM and SC procedures, with some based on non-evidence-based recommendations. * Unsafe injections have severe consequences, including increased morbidity and mortality, along with substantial medical costs. * Complications like muscle fibrosis, abscesses, gangrene, and nerve injury may arise. Inappropriate injections can result in subtherapeutic absorption and reduced medication efficacy. What this paper adds: * This article highlights the overreliance on traditional practices in injection procedures and advocates for nurses to embrace evidence-based approaches in their injection techniques. * It also emphasises the importance of proper needle selection, including the correct identification of length and gauge/size (rather than relying solely on the needle colour hub for IM/SC injections), to ensure medication efficacy and patient safety. * This shift towards best practice is anticipated to enhance nursing proficiency in intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine impact of undertaking an international educational program during a nurse's or midwife's pre-registration program on subsequent practice, focusing on how nurses and midwives were transformed personally through participation in such programs. Background: Participation in international educational programs has been reported to enhance nursing and midwifery students' personal and professional development, however long-term impacts remain unclear. This paper presents findings drawn from a larger grounded theory study. Study design and Methods: Charmaz's grounded theory methodology was used to elicit experiences from 13 general nurses, two mental health nurses, three midwives and four dual qualified nurse/midwives across eight different countries. Data analysis led to the creation of three categories, with this paper reporting on the category of Developing as a Person. Findings: Participation in international educational programs can be transformative for nurses and midwives with long-lasting impacts, contributing positively to their personal growth and development. Discussion: The study findings underscore significant long-term impacts of international educational programs for nurses and midwives. These outcomes highlight the importance of incorporating international experiences into healthcare education. Conclusion: By providing opportunities for healthcare professionals to engage with diverse settings and populations, organisations and educational institutions can foster the development of well-rounded and globally competent practitioners. Implications for research, policy, and practice: The study's findings hold significant implications for research, policy, and practice in healthcare education. To deepen our understandings, additional longitudinal research across diverse countries is warranted. Policymakers have an opportunity to acknowledge the positive impact of these programs on the personal growth and development of nurses and midwives, potentially leading to the integration of global competency requirements into licensure programs. In order to provide comprehensive education, educational institutions should consider the inclusion of study abroad opportunities, cultural exchanges, and global clinical placements within nursing and midwifery curricula. What is already known about the topic? • International educational programs are widely used as a way of developing nursing and midwifery students' cultural understandings. • Previous studies have reported on short-term impacts of international educational programs. What this paper adds: • Long-term impacts of participation in an international educational program on nurses and midwives are described. • Personal development and subsequent transformations occur for nurses and midwives as a result of participation in international educational programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore advanced practice nurses' experiences and perceptions of running nurse-led clinics in the Australian context. Background: Advanced practice nurses consult with patients through nurse-led clinics to address ever-growing clinical demands and healthcare workforce shortages. Their experiences and perceptions of running nurse-led clinics are vital, but studies offering insights into this area are scarce. Study design and methods: This study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Using purposive and snowball sampling methods, ten semi-structured individual virtual interviews were conducted with advanced practice nurses who run nurse-led clinics in Australia. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Reporting of this study adhered to Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Results: Three themes were constructed: 1) the genesis of nurse-led clinics; 2) perceived positive outcomes of nurse-led clinics; and 3) contextual determinants influencing nurse-led clinics. Findings show that nurses establish, manage, and expand nurse-led clinics to fulfil health service demands and patients' care needs. Though advanced practice nurses reported positive outcomes, there were several barriers that need to be addressed at all levels. Discussion: Advanced practice nurses are required to have wide-ranging knowledge and skills across the validated domains of patient care, support of systems, education, research, and professional leadership to be able to provide evidence-based holistic care. Advanced practice nurses face obstacles in running nurse-led clinics with overwhelming workloads and insufficient support. Regular communication with healthcare organisational leadership and collaboration with other healthcare workers is crucial to gain recognition and support. Conclusion: Nurse-led clinics are a valuable service that should be promoted and recognised. It is the responsibility of healthcare organisations to review current policies and provide necessary support to advanced practice nurses to enable effective and efficient nurse-led services. It is also incumbent upon governments to support funding that enables nurse-led care models across policy, funding, and healthcare levels, spanning macro-, meso-, and micro-levels. Implications for research, policy, and practice: Advanced practice nurses as participants shared experiences in establishing, running, and expanding nurse-led clinics, that can provide a framework to other nurses wanting to start nurse-led services. Advanced practice nurses are encouraged to promote their work to gain recognition and create awareness of the role of nurses in the provision of nurse-led services. More studies are needed at the global level to understand advanced practice nurses' experiences and the challenges they encounter which will assist in developing the strategies to address these barriers. What is already known about the topic? * Nurse-led clinics were introduced to mitigate the shortage of healthcare resources, accommodate increasing clinical demands, and enhance patients' experiences. * Nurse-led clinics achieve positive outcomes, however, advanced practice nurses face barriers in running nurse-led clinics. * Studies offering insights into Australian advanced practice nurses' experiences and perceptions of running nurse-led clinics are lacking. What this paper adds? * Advanced practice nurses shared experiences in establishing, running, and expanding nurse-led services which can be adopted to guide nurses new to nurse-led services. * Advanced practice nurses strived to overcome obstacles encountered in running nurse-led clinics. They need support at all levels to implement nurseled services successfully. * As this is the first study of its kind in Australia, more research is needed to promote and improve the awareness of nurse-led clinics both in Australia and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine whether personal psychological resources safeguard hospital nurses against adverse workplace consequences, particularly job burnout and the desire to leave the profession. Background: Nursing research has extensively documented the adverse effects of job burnout and staff turnover. With the current nursing shortage, it is imperative to identify resources and strategies that can mitigate adverse workplace outcomes. However, the role of personal psychological resources, or psychological capital, in aiding nurses to perform effectively in their work environment remains relatively unexplored. Study design and methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The survey assessed nurses' experienced burnout (MBI-HSS), psychological capital (PCQ-24), and intentions to leave nursing. Hospital nurses (n= 258) from six states of Australia responded to an online anonymous survey between June and November 2022. Results: Respondents indicated a high degree of experienced burnout: 68.6% experienced high emotional exhaustion, 31.8% had high depersonalisation, and 31.8% had low personal accomplishment. Additionally, 38.8% had high intentions to leave the profession. Emotional exhaustion (p<.001, b=.56) and personal accomplishment (p=.006, b=-.15) were significant predictors of turnover intentions. Higher psychological capital was significantly associated with lower emotional exhaustion (p<.001, b=-.42), lower depersonalisation (p<.001, b=-.29), higher personal accomplishment (p<.001, b=.60), and lower turnover intentions (p<.001, b=.44). Discussion: Much of the nursing burnout and intent to leave literature focuses on negative rather than positive aspects of the work environment. Positive responses to workplace stimuli promote positive attitudes such as empowerment, job satisfaction, and organisational commitment that have a tangible impact on personal and occupational wellbeing. This may explain why nurses with stronger personal psychological resources experienced less burnout and voiced fewer intentions to leave the profession. Conclusion: The health and wellbeing of nurses should be a priority for healthcare organisations; the working conditions nurses face in Australian hospitals cause many to be negatively impacted by work stress. Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice: Nurses would benefit from initiatives to enhance their psychological resources. Targeted interventions to develop psychological capital should be examined in a nursing population. This can change policy, thereby benefitting the healthcare system. What is already known about the topic? • Australia is currently facing a shortage of qualified nurses. • Hospital nurses often experience job burnout and high levels of turnover due to the challenging nature of their work environment. • Personal psychological resources have been linked to positive workplace outcomes, such as job satisfaction and organisational commitment, in various settings. What this paper adds: • It demonstrates that nurses possessing greater personal psychological resources experience lower levels of burnout and are less likely to consider leaving the profession. • The paper suggests that implementing targeted interventions designed to enhance nurses' personal psychological resources could be a viable approach for mitigating burnout and turnover intentions (TI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This review aimed to better understand barriers to and facilitators of the professional integration of internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) in Australia. Background: Nursing shortages are a critical global issue, including developed countries such as Australia, where about 20% of the nursing workforce has been trained overseas. IQNs face many challenges associated with the migration process itself; and their professional integration is crucial in retaining them in the workforce and in maintaining the quality of nursing care in Australia. Study design and methods: This review followed the JBI methodology for mixed methods systematic review. Web of Sciences, Scopus, Informit, ProQuest, Ovid, and Cinahl databases were searched from inception. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods original studies, published in English, were considered. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. The assessment of methodological quality used the JBI Qualitative Checklist and Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional studies, and the data were extracted using the JBI data extraction tool. Disagreements were resolved by a third researcher and the synthesis used a convergent integrated approach. Results: From an initial 110 studies, eight studies were included. Individual and social factors emerged as the main themes. The first theme was analysed in terms of two sub-themes: psychological adaptation plus communication and language. Social factors were analysed in terms of three sub-themes: a) cultural differences in the nursing role; b) support, mentoring and appreciation and c) discrimination and racism. Discussion: psychological adaptation and language proficiency are linked to personal factors. Cultural differences in the nursing role should be addressed with strong support and mentoring programs. Recognition of previous experience and appreciation of pre-existing skills are important facilitators. Discriminatory and racist behaviours continue in the work setting, yet are rarely reported. Conclusion: Discrimination and racism from colleagues, co-workers, and patients should be addressed with a more direct approach than is currently in place. Training of locally and internationally qualified nurses in intraprofessional cultural competence may improve interaction and communication, reduce racism and discriminatory practices, and increase quality of care. Implications for research, policy, and practice: This research may be of interest to policy makers, healthcare educators, healthcare workforce planners and healthcare institutions. This study contributes to our understanding of the phenomena of nurse migration, retention, and professional integration, especially in high income countries. It is also a call to address the persistence of discriminatory and racist practices in the Australian context, as well as the education in intraprofessional cultural competence of some local nurses who work with IQNs. What is already known about the topic? • High-income countries like Australia rely on the attraction and retention of IQNs to meet their health outcomes. • Personal characteristics, language proficiency, support and mentoring programs are strong facilitators for IQNs' professional integration. • The persistence of discriminatory and racist practices are barriers to integration of IQNs in Australia. What this paper adds: • In Australia discrimination and racism continue to be dominant barriers to IQNs' professional integration. • It is crucial to improve the reporting of situations involving discrimination and racism and discuss further consequences for patients, visitors, and co-workers. • It is essential to promote training programs in intraprofessional cultural competence, and to focus on working with IQNs, as well as caring for patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify self-reported influences and drawbacks for early career nurses to work in a rural location. Background: The international shortage of rural nursing workforce is increasing. As a result, evidence that focuses on mechanisms to recruit early career nurses to these areas is important. This research focuses on the influences and drawbacks for early career nurses to undertake a rural graduate nursing program, aimed at providing evidence that can inform the design of rural nurse recruitment programs. Study design and methods: Manifest content analysis of open-ended questions in a cross- sectional survey that was administered in two rural Local Health Districts (LHDs) in New South Wales, Australia. Early career nurses commencing employment in either of the research locations in 2019 and 2020 were eligible to complete the survey. In two open-text questions, respondents were asked to respectively describe what the most influential factor was in their decision to commence employment in their location, and what were the drawbacks of this location, if any. Results: Of the 175 early career nurses invited to complete the survey, 165 (94.29%) returned a completed survey. Four themes were identified as influencing rural early career nurse employment; proximity to social and/or familial ties, being attracted to rural clinical practice, taking advantage of a job offer in a limited market, and wanting a rural lifestyle. Where drawbacks were described, themes referred to distance from social and/or familial ties, rural lifestyle factors, resource challenges, and a perception of less professional opportunity. Discussion: There may be an opportunity to attract and retain rural nurses through targeted social initiatives and creating community ties, particularly among those early career nurses who have no close friends and family nearby. This reflects other literature and the growing understanding of the importance of social connection, familial ties and life course in early career nurse decision making. Conclusion: The results of this research demonstrate that proximity to social and/or familial ties is both the biggest influence and drawback for early career nurses to accept employment in a rural location. Implications for research, policy, and practice: Strategies that capitalise on practical ways to integrate social connection and life course approaches in early career nurse onboarding in rural areas should be explored in future research with a view to creating guidance for rural health organisations and policy makers. What is already known about the topic? • Australia is facing a significant and growing deficit in the number of nurses choosing to practice rurally. • Rural origin and rural placements influence rural practice intention. • Early career nurse programs are an initiative aimed to support the transition of nurses into practice from undergraduate study and can act as a pathway for nurses to enter rural careers. What this paper adds: • Family and social ties are the most influential reasons for choosing a rural location for early career nurses. • Commensurate with this is the greatest drawback for choosing a rural location for early career employment was being away from family and/or friends. • Future research should explore practical strategies that capitalise on the importance of social connections, familial ties, and life course for rural nurse career decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To present and discuss options for upskilling registered nurse supervisors to ultimately improve the quality and consistency of nursing student placements. Background: Many studies have examined clinical learning in nursing, with evidence that student learning and registered nurse clinical supervision experiences can be improved. An independent review of nursing education in Australia confirmed gaps in the preparation and support of supervising registered nurses that may negatively impact students' learning. Study design and methods: This paper discusses contemporary insights around 1) the current situation in Australian nursing student clinical placements regarding learning, 2) registered nurse clinical supervisor experiences and 3) professional options for recognising role excellence, offered by Australian and international nursing and healthcare specialities. Discussion: Nursing students' placement experiences are at times sub-optimal. One way to improve learning experiences could be to offer clinical supervisors professional development programs. Now is the time to consider a certification process to recognise excellence in registered nurses' education capabilities and to better support students' clinical learning. Conclusion: Upskilling registered nurses for clinical supervision may be assisted through formal and informal education programs specific to the professional nursing context in Australia. Implications for research policy and practice: Upskilling registered nurse clinical supervisors should be a priority on the national agenda of improving students' clinical learning experiences. This commentary provides contemporary insights to the current situation regarding Australian students' clinical placement and supervisor experiences. The ways that some nursing specialities recognise excellence in practice are discussed as options for improving clinical supervision. What is already known about the topic * Nursing students' clinical placements need improvement; students continue to report less than optimal experiences. * There are no requirements in Australia for registered nurse clinical supervisors to undertake assessment of capability for the role. * National and international processes exist to recognise supervisor capabilities and role excellence. What this paper adds * Options for recognising capability and practice excellence in nursing clinical supervision. * A discussion around clinical supervisors engaging with formal and informal education and processes that recognise excellence in role capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread impacts on the community and has demanded a rapid response from the aged care sector. System changes for infection control have been required including the use of personal protective equipment, lockdowns, visitor restrictions and changes to activities within aged care facilities. Even prior to COVID-19, the high physical and emotional demands of aged care work were recognised. Objective: This study sought to understand aged care workers' experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using a pragmatic paradigm qualitative data about work experiences during COVID-19 was collected from people employed in different aged care organisations in a range of aged care roles and settings from multiple Australian states. Data was collected using focus groups and interviews conducted online between August-October 2020. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes in the data. results: Participants included 15 people working across a range of aged care roles including clinical, care and management staff and across both residential and community settings. Five themes were identified which characterised aged care workers thoughts about their jobs during the pandemic. These included intensified procedures and emotional demands, feeling undervalued and detached from the frontline, exposure of existing system deficiencies, recognising teamwork and increased confidence in technology. conclusion: Reflecting on aged care workers' experiences of COVID-19 highlights the need to better support workers and acknowledge their important role in caring for older Australians. This includes at an organisational level by providing supportive environments and access to online resources as well as at the community and policy level by recognising aged care workers as frontline workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted existing systemic issues in the aged care sector that need to be addressed for the provision of quality aged care in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future. What is already known about the topic? * While the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the global community, it is disproportionately impacting the aged care sector with higher rates of severe illness and death and wide-ranging system changes to prevent and control the spread of the virus. * Prior to COVID-19, aged care work was associated with high job demands and lack of access to resources to support aged care workers in their role. * Survey data on the Australian RACF workforce found workers felt prepared for the pandemic with a wide range of measures to control the spread of COVID-19 but they faced several challenges associated with their additional roles and restrictions. What this paper adds * This paper provides qualitative and descriptive insights into the challenges experienced by the Australian aged care workforce during COVID-19 including increased workloads and intensified emotional demands of their roles while at the same time feeling undervalued by the wider community. * This study has highlighted the need to better support and acknowledge aged care workers in the community through their portrayal in the media and within their organisations by facilitating supportive team environments and providing access to online resources and training. * This paper discusses existing systemic issues that have been highlighted by COVID-19 and the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and need to be addressed for the wellbeing of workers and the provision of quality aged care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the perspectives of Australian nursing educators on the preparation of Bachelor of Nursing students for the care of older people's oral health. Background: The Australian population is ageing. Older people with poor oral health are at increased risk of worsening health and chronic disease conditions. Nurses can and need to take a leadership role in improving and maintaining older Australians' oral health in community, hospital, and residential care settings. Thus, it is important to investigate the perspectives of nursing educators on the preparation of nursing students for the care of older people's oral health. Study design and methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants, including course coordinators, lecturers, directors, and researchers at 10 universities delivering accredited Bachelor of Nursing programs across seven different states in Australia. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Four themes were identified in nursing educators' perspectives: (1) the education of nursing students in providing oral healthcare is important, (2) there are notable gaps in nursing students' oral health education, (3) there are both internal and external barriers to strengthening oral health education across nursing programs, and (4) there is a need to develop and promote a shared oral health curriculum that includes interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Inherent in these themes was the need for a clear definition of the role of nurses in oral healthcare. Discussion and Conclusion: It is recommended that administrators and policymakers develop nursing accreditation standards that specify the role of nurses in oral health education, and the scope of this education including interprofessional and collaborative practice, for the oral healthcare of older people. Infusing such standards in nursing curricula will better educate and prepare nursing students for effective practice and leadership in gerontological care. What is already known about the topic? * Older people frequently have oral diseases that adversely affect chronic health conditions and increase the risk of poorer general health. * Even though oral healthcare is an essential part of nursing for older people, the provision of such care is implied rather than stated specifically in Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) standards. What this paper adds: * The education and preparation of students to provide oral healthcare appears to be expected rather than required in Australian nursing curricula. Based on the perspectives of nursing educators, this paper suggests that many nursing students may not be well prepared to provide evidence-based oral care and lead oral health initiatives. The paper identifies ways these issues can be addressed. * The paper discusses the importance of developing and promoting a clear oral health curriculum that includes interprofessional collaborative practice to strengthen nursing students' education and prepare them to provide effective oral healthcare for older people. * The paper outlines a needed definition of the role of nurses in providing oral healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study investigated how senior residential aged care staff perceived the purpose, function, impact and challenges of implementing a new role in their organisation for an unregistered care worker with a Bachelor of Dementia Care: the Dementia Care Support Worker. The role was piloted over two years in an Australian organisation with three aged care facilities to examine its potential to address gaps in service provision for people with dementia. Background: The residential aged care workforce is under pressure to care for residents with increasingly complex health conditions and where most care is provided by care workers. Presently no formal leadership role exists for care workers with specialised dementia knowledge in the aged care setting. Study design and methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was taken to explore senior staff members' perceptions of the role at two time points. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews held in July-August 2017 (n = 12), soon after role commencement, and in February-March 2019 (n = 11) were thematically analysed. Results: Three themes reflected senior staff members' expectations of the role: enhancing staff and management knowledge about dementia and dementia care practices; facilitating changes to improve care for residents living with dementia; and educating and supporting residents' families. Eighteen months later, participants felt the role was helping meet the need for improved care of residents with dementia, and staff understanding of dementia. They suggested communication and support structures to improve role effectiveness. Discussion: Staff were receptive to the establishment of the Dementia Care Support Worker role and felt it resulted in improvement in dementia care. Success was contingent on strong organisational support and resourcing. Conclusion: Improving dementia knowledge of care staff is an essential first step in driving care quality improvements. The Dementia Care Support Worker role for care workers has the potential to address knowledge needs and support improved care practices. Implications for research, policy, and practice: This research models how a new role might be configured for unregistered care workers with specialist dementia knowledge. Further research is needed to explore the establishment of such a role more widely in other organisations, to investigate whether it could provide a new career development pathway for care workers and improve the skills and capacity of the aged care workforce. Substantial policy changes would also be required to support role viability, such as around increased salary. Research which examines the impact of such roles on care outcomes would complement the findings. What is already known about the topic? • While dementia is common in residential aged care, knowledge of dementia is typically low among the care staff. • Consequently, care staff are not equipped to meet the complex needs of residents with dementia and their families. • New roles for unregistered care workers with specialised dementia knowledge have been proposed, but not tested. What this paper adds • This research models how a new role might be configured for care workers with specialist dementia knowledge. • Aged care facility leaders support a role for care workers with formal specialist dementia knowledge and skills, and perceive the role helps improve the quality of resident care and develop stakeholders' dementia knowledge. • Appropriate communication and support structures are required for the effective establishment of the role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We conducted a survey to understand the challenges faced by the staff of residential aged care facilities (RACF), during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: In the current pandemic, the RACF workforce has been required to work under stressful conditions, with immense mental and physical pressures, resulting in anxiety and stress felt towards their jobs. Study design and methods: We electronically surveyed both clinical and non-clinical staff at public and private RACFs in Australia in June and August 2020. The survey asked a mix of openended and closed questions about preparedness for the pandemic, information flow, experience with personal protective equipment (PPE), management of suspected COVID cases, restrictions on visitors, and impact on RACF staff personal and home life. Quantitative data were analysed in SPSS; qualitative data using content analysis. Results: We received 371 responses: 198 from clinical staff and 168 from non-clinical staff. Respondents were between 20--71 years old, and 87% were female most commonly from Victoria (28%) or New South Wales (28%). The majority (80%) felt that Australian RACFs were well-prepared for the pandemic and 87% agreed that relevant healthcare authorities were contactable for information needed. A total of 37% reported challenges in estimating and ordering appropriate quantities of protective equipment. Ninety percent of facilities reported screening residents for possible symptoms and 77% introduced precautions or quarantine measures to protect residents. Most participants (98%) reported their RACF implemented restrictions on visitor access and 43% reported unfair or abusive treatment by family or friends of the residents. Commonly reported personal impacts included: workload increase, stress, emotional toll, family issues and fatigue. Support from colleagues as well as training, de-brief sessions and frequent meetings were identified as helpful facilitators during this time. Conclusion: We identified a wide range of practices and coping strategies among Australian RACFs. Whilst a majority of respondents reported coping well, a large proportion reported struggling both mentally and physically. Factors reported as helpful by the respondents may assist RACFs in planning for future pandemics. Implications for research, policy and practice: Understanding the challenges faced by all levels of staff within RACFs may aid decision-makers on a range of different levels -- researchers, aged care providers, local/regional/state health departments and national leaders within government to help inform the development of interventions that may help the sector to recover, as well as prepare for potential future outbreaks. Of particular importance, are interventions or initiatives that focus on supporting the physical and mental health of staff i.e. those that prevent or minimise worker fatigue, emotional burnout and stress. What is already known about the topic? • Nursing staff in Australian RACFs did not feel prepared for the COVID outbreak in their workplace. • Early in 2020, RACF nurses experienced a greater overall workload and some had their staff hours reduced by their employers due to financial constraints caused by the outbreak. What this paper adds • This paper offers a comprehensive insight into how RACF staff coped both individually and as part of the facility overall during the COVID crisis. • It identified that a commonly reported source of stress was first-hand verbal abuse from family or friends of residents in response to visitor and lockdown restrictions implemented by the authorities. • The paper highlighted that whilst the majority of respondents felt that RACFs were well prepared for managing residents during the pandemic, some facilities experienced significant problems with workloads, PPE and human resourcing. • Furthermore, the survey showed that on an individual level, some staff experienced significant mental and physical stress during the outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate nurses' satisfaction and experiences of redeployment during COVID-19. Background: Redeployment to an unfamiliar environment can be challenging; however, it can also present an opportunity for staff to learn new skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to redeploy health professionals, particularly nurses, increased dramatically. Evaluating nurses' satisfaction and experiences related to redeployment during the pandemic is essential for future surge planning. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey consisting of single-choice and open-ended questions was conducted on a purposive sample of nurses (n=106) working in an acute hospital in New South Wales, Australia, from July to August 2020. Nurses who were redeployed to wards different from their regular workplaces were invited to participate in the survey. Areas of redeployment include various medical and surgical wards, intensive care units and the emergency department. Nurses' satisfaction was obtained through the survey question structured as a Likert scale ranging from very satisfied to very dissatisfied. Nurse experiences were captured through a single-choice question (positive or negative experience) and open-ended questions. The single- choice questions were analysed by summarising participant responses, and open-ended questions were analysed using an iterative thematic analysis approach. Results: A high proportion of nurses were either neutral (48.4%, n=45) or dissatisfied (44.1%, n=41) with redeployment, with only 7.5% (n=7) of nurses being satisfied. There was a mix of positive (43%, n=40) and negative (57%, n=53) redeployment experiences. Three main themes influence nurses' redeployment experience: "staff friendly and welcoming", "patient allocation", and "support". Conclusion: Redeployment of healthcare workers during a pandemic is inevitable. This study highlighted that despite close to half of the redeployed nurses reporting a positive redeployment experience, only a few were satisfied with redeployment. This indicated that more work is required to support nurses during redeployment to increase satisfaction. Future workforce redeployment needs to consider healthcare workers' needs and must strive to improve satisfaction to build a sustainable and resilient health system. Implications for research, policy, and practice: This study highlighted that although redeployment is challenging, staff can have a positive redeployment experience when supported. Elements that are associated with positive redeployment experience were explored in this study, which can inform policy and prepare nurses for future surge demand. What is already known about the topic? • Redeployment of nurses in the acute care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic is common. • Both the COVID-19 pandemic and redeployment can be challenging and stressful experiences for nurses. • There is a paucity of research examining the satisfaction and experiences of nurses working in the acute care sector during COVID-19 in Australia. What this paper adds: • This study provides evidence that many nurses working in the acute sector during COVID-19 in Australia had positive redeployment experiences. Despite this, very few were satisfied with redeployment. • This study has identified essential factors to a positive redeployment experience. • This study also highlighted the need to improve nurses' satisfaction with redeployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report on the experience of racial discrimination by black sub-Saharan overseas qualified nurses working in rural Australia. Background: The arrival of black African people as skilled professional migrants is relatively new in rural Australia. The presence of black sub-Saharan African nurses in Australian healthcare facilities is changing the face of the Australian nurse. Australia, like other developed countries, has been receiving migrant nurses from the African continent in a bid to reverse its critical nurse shortage. Literature has shown that globally, overseas qualified nurses of colour have encountered work challenges that have included racial discrimination. Study design and methods: A qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological approach was used. Eighteen nurses were purposively selected using personal invite and a snowballing technique. Data collection involved individual face to face interviews and a focus group discussion. Results: The exploration of experiences revealed issues of race and colour among colleagues and between patients and overseas qualified nurses. Overseas qualified nurses experienced incidents of Objective: The aim of this paper is to report on the experience of racial discrimination by black sub-Saharan overseas qualified nurses working in rural Australia. Background: The arrival of black African people as skilled professional migrants is relatively new in rural Australia. The presence of black sub-Saharan African nurses in Australian healthcare facilities is changing the face of the Australian nurse. Australia, like other developed countries, has been receiving migrant nurses from the African continent in a bid to reverse its critical nurse shortage. Literature has shown that globally, overseas qualified nurses of colour have encountered work challenges that have included racial discrimination. Study design and methods: A qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological approach was used. Eighteen nurses were purposively selected using personal invite and a snowballing technique. Data collection involved individual face to face interviews and a focus group discussion. Results: The exploration of experiences revealed issues of race and colour among colleagues and between patients and overseas qualified nurses. Overseas qualified nurses experienced incidents of Nurse managers need to be more vigilant in monitoring staff interactions in their Units. Understanding and support for diversity at the workplace by all nurses will improve patient and staff safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the evidence implementation initiative was to improve the quality of care delivered to hospitalised patients at risk of, or with, delirium through the implementation of best practice recommendations. Background: Delirium is a prevalent serious medical condition that remains unrecognised or misdiagnosed in acute hospitals and is therefore left untreated. This paper reports on a hospital-wide quality improvement project which was undertaken in recognition of the Australian Delirium Clinical Care Standard and as a response to the cumulative rate of hospital-acquired delirium within a health organisation in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: The quality improvement project used the JBI (formerly known as Joanna Briggs Institute) evidence implementation framework. Briefly, the JBI evidence implementation approach is grounded in the audit, feedback and re-audit process along with a structured process for the identification and management of barriers to compliance with recommended clinical practices. Twelve nurses, who received support from external facilitators (implementation researchers), acted as delirium champions. Results: Baseline audit of 143 patient notes showed poor compliance (range 6% -- 67%) to recommended practices relating to screening, assessment, prevention and management of delirium. Barriers analysis revealed nurse-related (eg. lack of knowledge) and organisational level factors (e.g. absence of a hospital-wide policy/procedure for delirium management). A multicomponent strategy was implemented by all delirium champions in their respective units/wards. Follow-up audit of 151 patient notes demonstrated significant improvements in compliance with best practice recommendations for all aspects of delirium care. Discussion: The quality improvement activity highlighted that education remains one of the most important and critical first steps in facilitating change in clinical practice. Critical to the success of the project was the collaborative approach of the delirium champions across various specialties, which allowed for the sharing of expertise, knowledge and consensus-based decision making. The facilitation provided by the delirium champions and external facilitators was also a vital ingredient for the successful implementation of evidence-based practices. Conclusion: The quality improvement activity has improved nurses' screening and assessment of patients at risk of or with delirium, leading to improvements in its prevention and management. Collaborative efforts within the organisation facilitated the development of a standardised, evidence-based tool for delirium screening, assessment, prevention and management, and staff education resources. Partnership with patients and/or their families through education remains an area for ongoing improvement, as with discharge planning for patients with current or resolved delirium. What is already known about the topic? • Delirium care is a major challenge among healthcare practitioners and therefore the condition remains prevalent in many acute hospitals. In Australia, delirium has been identified as a high priority area for quality improvement. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released the Delirium Clinical Care Standard to ensure that patients at risk of delirium are identified early and receive preventative strategies, and that those with delirium receive optimal treatment to address their condition. What this paper adds: • This paper offers a detailed approach for evidence implementation to improve the quality of care delivered to hospitalised patients at risk of or with delirium. Key enablers were strong leadership support, sharing of experiences and knowledge, and the collective effort to problem solve and develop tools and resources for delirium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A point prevalence survey was conducted across Western Australia to monitor adherence to evidence-based practices to prevent falls in hospitals. Study design and methods: A state-wide point prevalence survey of patients and their medical records was conducted across 20 hospitals, over 17 days during May 2014. The survey determined rates of: provision of verbal information to patients; completion of a falls risk screening tool and age based cognitive testing. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was utilised to determine key risks and opportunities to improve. Results: Information was collected from 2,720 patients. The provision of verbal information to prevent falls, as recalled by patients was 60% (hospital range 35--88%). This was significantly higher for patients with a stay of six or more days or involved in rehabilitation care. Perinatal women were three times less likely to be provided with verbal falls prevention information. A falls risk screening tool was completed for 82% of patients (range 28--98%). Perinatal women, and both adult and paediatric patients compared to older adults, were significantly less likely to have a complete falls risk screening tool. Thirty seven percent of patients within the recommended age ranges had cognitive testing (range 0--87%). Short-term patients and those not involved in rehabilitation, were significantly less likely to have been tested. Discussion: The survey identified differences in patient care and supporting processes across all hospitals. The results have highlighted areas for improvement. Conclusion: There were wide variations across all the hospitals in the provision of falls information, completion of falls risk screening tools and cognitive testing. At significant risk of missing out on falls prevention strategies were short stay patients and perinatal women. Five hospitals had significantly low rates of cognitive testing, indicating a hospital- wide issue rather than specific patient cohorts. Subsequently, the importance of ensuring that falls prevention strategies are conducted is vital to reduce preventable inpatient falls in all care settings. Implications for research, policy and practice: * This was the first state-wide point prevalence study in WA and it has informed the need for further research into the implication of falls risk inpatients. * It was found that falls risk assessment was not conducted for each patient who met the screening criteria. A review of the criteria, and practicability to carry out the assessment may need to be further investigated to determine if the practice should be refined. What is already known about the topic? * Falls in hospitals are a frequent and largely considered preventable health concern. * Falls that occur in hospitals are associated with an increased length of stay and use of health resources. What this paper adds: * This paper offers a comprehensive insight into the variation in hospital falls prevention strategies, from a state-wide perspective. It also identifies perinatal women as a high-risk group who are missing out on falls prevention strategies despite having the potential to fall. * It also gives an insight to health services that not all at risk patients are being screened and those screened are not screened early in their inpatient stay which can be a risk to both patient and staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim was to explore and compare documentation of the nursing process for patient safety in two nursing documentation systems: paper and digital records. Background: The 'nursing process' (assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation) is recommended by professional nursing registration and health service accreditation bodies as a key component of understanding nurses' clinical reasoning. Nurses' responsibility for patient safety must be supported by comprehensive documentation practices. Study design and methods: A retrospective audit of twenty clinical care records (N = 20) randomly selected from a single acute medical ward at a tertiary hospital in Australia; ten from a digital trial that replicated selected paper forms and ten paper records as controls. The audit was conducted by two nurse researchers using a purpose built data extraction tool. Results: Patient age, gender and primary diagnoses were similar for the digital and paper care records. Documentation of the full nursing process was low in both record types, and comprehensiveness of nursing documentation was similar across the paper and digital records. Compared to the paper documents, the digital documents were more often rated as 'complete' (p<0.05). Documentation of risk to skin integrity (p<0.05) and evidence of completed nursing interventions to address risks were more frequent (p<0.05) in digital records. Discussion: The findings of this study highlight an important gap in comprehensive documentation of the nursing process that supports and informs the clinical reasoning of nurses for patient safety. Improvements in digital documents reflect future opportunity to enhance the quality of nurse documentation using technology specific strategies such as prompts, visualisation and nudge. Conclusion: This research identifies that both paper and digital systems of hospital documentation may fail to capture and communicate the clinical reasoning of nurses. Digital systems have the potential to improve capture of the clinical reasoning and nursing process. What is already known about the topic? * Professional registration and healthcare accreditation bodies recommend nurses' clinical decision making is underpinned by processes of assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation. * Poor capture of nurses' clinical decision making in their documentation has negative consequences for the continuity, quality and safety of care; including inadequate detection of deterioration and escalation of care. * Electronic systems are expected to enhance capture of nurse decision making in documentation. What this paper adds: * Nurses' clinical reasoning was poorly captured in both paper and digital documentation systems. * Nurses documented their intervention responses to identified patient risks more often in the digital system compared to paper records. * Digital systems offer an opportunity to proactively nudge nurses towards improved documentation of nursing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore factors that can influence implementation of a nurse-led model of care for early medication abortion provision in the primary healthcare setting of regional and rural Victoria, Australia. Background: Global research indicates that an increased involvement of primary healthcare nurses in the delivery of early medication abortion provision has the potential to improve abortion access. In Victoria, access in regional and rural areas is restricted despite abortion being legal. A nurse-led early medication abortion provision model is feasible and can potentially improve the current situation. Study design and methods: An online three-round classic Delphi method was used. This paper reports the qualitative findings. Non-probability sampling techniques were used to recruit a panel of professional experts. Data from the three questionnaires were collected and analysed using thematic analysis. Factors influencing model implementation were categorised into the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour framework. Results: A total of 24 medical and other health professionals participated. They identified a range of factors that can hinder model implementation, including a lack of affordable medication abortion education, no remuneration for nurse-led early medication abortion provision, and concerns related to stigma and support. Discussion and conclusion: Understanding and addressing barriers to model implementation may enable the development of primary healthcare nurses' role in the delivery of early medication abortion provision to improve abortion access. Impact: To improve abortion access in Victoria's under-served regions, the potential of nurse-led early medication abortion provision was explored. Barriers to model implementation relate to a lack of medication abortion education and funding, professional support and stigma concerns. The study identified a range of support elements that would enable primary healthcare nurses to develop new roles and responsibilities in the delivery of medication abortion services. What is already known about the topic? * Evidence indicates that appropriately trained primary healthcare nurses can provide early medication abortion and associated tasks as effectively, safely and satisfactorily as physicians. * Nurse-led early medication abortion provision is a worldwide recognised strategy to overcome the shortage of early medication abortion providers and to improve equity in access to abortion services. * The legal climate of Victoria allows qualified registered nurses to independently administer physician-prescribed early medication abortion drugs to women. What this paper adds: * The Delphi panellists of this study all endorsed nurse-led early medication abortion provision in regional and rural Victoria and beyond. * The study provides a range of model implementation barriers, which are categorised into the components of the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Model of Behaviour. Those barriers need to be challenged and addressed to improve abortion access in underserved regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This quality improvement project aimed to explore the experience of home care nurse managers implementing a general palliative approach to care. Implementation comprised several interlinking activities encompassing stakeholder engagement and an education program in the outer eastern region of a home care and nursing organisation in Melbourne, Australia, between September 2019 and December 2020. Background: High quality provision of community-based palliative and end-of-life care means people are much more likely to die at home, supported by family, friends and services. To achieve this, care staff must be adequately trained and supported, alongside a collaborative approach with other generalist and specialist providers. Study design and methods: This Case Study reports on the participant perspectives of the stakeholder engagement and education program. Focus groups and an interview were used to elucidate the experience of nursing and allied health professionals providing a general palliative approach in the community. The 2006 National Institute of Clinical Studies framework to identify barriers to best practice healthcare guided the development of focus group questions and the deductive analysis of data. Results: Seven Nursing Care Managers and one Social Worker participated in two online focus groups and one interview. Three overarching themes highlighted the value of tailored education in increasing staff knowledge and confidence, the factors for a successful generalist-specialist partnership, and the unique nature of the home care setting which requires accessible systems and processes. Discussion: This project supports assertions that generalist services can play a valuable role when a palliative approach to care is incorporated. It also underscores the importance of collaborative working partnerships between generalist and specialist services in providing quality community-based palliative care. Future research should examine the needs and perspective of clients, carers and families receiving a general palliative care approach in the community. Implications for research, policy and practice: Investment in developing the capacity and capability of generalist service staff to deliver palliative care is vital, particularly when caring for people in their homes. Although small, this study demonstrates that consideration should be given to embedding staff with specialist palliative care training within generalist organisations to drive and champion evidence-based palliative care provision, training, policies and procedures that meet the unique needs of mobile workforces. Future research should examine the effectiveness of different models and methods for education and generalist-specialist partnerships that meet the needs of mobile home nurses, particularly regarding long-term impact and sustainability. What is already known about the topic? * Most Australians prefer to be cared for and die in their own home. * Home care nurses are key generalist health professionals who support community-based palliative and end-of-life care, organising and providing care, coordinating the input of other health and social care professionals. * Home care nurses face challenges in meeting their clients' palliative care needs (such as symptom management and communication) and have deficits in their knowledge and confidence of caring for palliative clients. What this paper adds: * This case study demonstrated that facilitating ongoing education opportunities that draw on the expertise of local palliative care champions or internal specialists can enhance care provision. * Nurse care managers believe the value of generalist services, particularly home care services, in the generalist-specialist palliative care partnership, needs to be understood and respected. * Tailored investment in home care to provide a general palliative approach would be beneficial given the unique challenges of this mobile workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this discussion paper is two-fold. The first is to quantify if the non-medical surgical assistant increases access to surgery by investigating what percentages of cases these clinicians undertake in the private sector surgical units where they work. The second is to examine procedural and distributive justice and how they impact on private sector surgical care. Aim: The aim of this paper is to investigate if the non-medical surgical assistant increases equity via access, for the patient, to private sector surgical care; and if government policy has an impact on equity in the form of access. Background: The private healthcare sector completes approximately two-thirds of all elective surgery in Australia; without this contribution, there would be more pressure on the public healthcare sector. In the private sector, recognition and federal funding of the surgical assistant differs depending on whether this clinician has a medical or non-medical, eg. nursing, qualification. The role of the non-medical surgical assistant is well established internationally and this role has been practiced in Australia for more than 20 years. Discussion: Inequity; as a result of the procedural injustice of government funding policy, impacts the private sector surgical patient causing distributive injustice. This distributive injustice results in an out-of-pocket expense to the patient. Rising outof- pocket expenses has started a trend of patients moving away from private health insurance and into the public sector. The registered nurse and nurse practitioner are qualified to practise as a non-medical surgical assistant and provide increased access to care, and effective care compared to the medical surgical assistant. The nurse practitioner is an eligible provider of Medical Benefits Schedule services but restricted from accessing the intraoperative assisting item numbers. Conclusion: The non-medical surgical assistant; or at least the nurse practitioner as non-medical surgical assistant; require access to the Medical Benefits Schedule intraoperative item numbers. Access would alleviate the out-of-pocket expense incurred by Australian patients when a non-medical surgical assistant assists with their surgery. Lack of access to these item numbers means patients may have their surgery delayed until an appropriately skilled medical surgical assistant is available, or the public healthcare sector can accommodate them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the roles that Australian nurses play, the breadth of skills that they deploy, and the range of contexts in which they practice. Study design and methods: This cross-sectional study used a descriptive survey where data were collected online using Qualtrics©. Survey respondents were nurses whose primary role was caring for people with intellectual and developmental disability. In addition to demographic data, the main outcome measures were: nursing roles, practice and context. Results: Complete responses were collected from 101 nurses; 78 females and 22 males completed the survey, the majority of whom (n=70) were from New South Wales. The major focus of care was direct assessment and care, followed by supervision of support workers, education, and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disability. Physical healthcare was consistent across body systems, as it was for all adaptive behaviour domains. Support for mental illness was more likely to be for depression and anxiety. Nurses liaise with a multitude of health and social agencies as part of their nursing practice. Discussion: This is the first study to capture the roles, practice and contexts of these Australian nurses. Nurses caring for people with IDD play a variety of roles and engage in a vast array of practice related to the physical and social needs of people with intellectual and developmental disability across the whole of the lifespan and in multiple, disparate contexts. Conclusion: It is important for the ongoing care of people with intellectual and developmental disability that the value added by this nursing workforce not be overlooked as disability and health policies evolve. Implications for research, policy and practice: This cross sectional study lays the groundwork for further research about these Australian nurses, in particular more focussed research about the economic benefits of disability services employing nurses, description and effect of nursing interventions specific to people with intellectual and developmental disability, as well as theoretical work to conceptualise new, National Disability Insurance Scheme-ready, models of nursing care for people with intellectual and developmental disability. What is already known about the topic? * In the Australian context, little is known about the contemporary roles and practice of nurses who care for people with intellectual and developmental disability. What this paper adds: * This paper offers a detailed and modern insight into the roles and nursing practice of this marginalised group of nurses. Although all nurses offer physical nursing care, unique to these nurses is the breadth and depth of social, behavioural, emotional and adaptive behaviour support across the lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This paper focuses on the role of the Non-Medical Surgical Assistant (NMSA) in Australia. Registered Nurses predominately perform this role. This paper will articulate a position to: * validate this role as an Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) role in Australia through regulation and governance by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) who sit under the umbrella of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); * lobby AHPRA to recognise, regulate and protect the title of Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) roles other than the Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Australia; and * as a result of sanctioned regulation, facilitate APN (including NP) to seek appropriate remuneration for undertaking this role in the private sector in Australia. Setting The Australian Healthcare system. Subjects Clinicians performing the role of the NMSA in Australia. Primary Argument The NMSA is well established with clear mechanisms for governance internationally. This role has been practiced in Australia for more than 20 years, and while clinicians function under the guise of advanced practice, the role is not clearly defined, standardised or regulated. This is partially attributed to lack of sanctioned governance from AHPRA. Conclusion While the AHPRA via the NMBA are reluctant to formally recognise and regulate this role, the overwhelming majority of clinicians in Australia are nurses. Without regulation it is difficult to quantify the role as APN. Lack of governance excludes NMSA (including the NP) from access to the Medicare Benefits Schedule and private health funds for intraoperative reimbursement thereby rendering a potentially cost-effective role unsustainable to many clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe development, implementation, and evaluation of an evidence-based online critical care nursing education program to upskill a registered nurse workforce in response to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: As Australian federal, and state governments prepared for the possible influx of critically ill patients associated with COVID-19, initiatives were sought to assist frontline healthcare workers meet the complex care requirements of these patients. Study design and methods: A team of experienced acute and critical care nursing, medical practitioners, and education specialists, online and mobile learning specialists, and front-line workers were assembled. This team developed 10 online educational modules for rapid delivery and upskilling of registered nurses in Victoria, Australia. Nurses undertaking these modules were invited to complete a satisfaction survey. Survey questions were answered in Likert style or free text. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively, whilst freeform answers were explored for themes. Results: An online Critical Care Essentials course was launched in May 2020. In its first month 2,875 students had accessed this course. Course evaluation (n = 395 students) found over 92% responded favourably (Strongly Agree or Agree) to all 14 Likert style questions. Qualitative course feedback revealed four core themes: applicability, accessibility, engagement, and endorsement. Discussion: This innovative project demonstrated how a university department of nursing collaborated with government and industry partners to rapidly respond to develop and implement an online educational program. This program was immediately responsive to local, national, and international urgency. Obtained student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. However, future areas for development and evaluation are presented. Conclusion: An inter-professional and inter-organisational model is proposed for the development and implementation of future online programs. This focused online flexible learning, specific to care of critically unwell people with COVID-19, provides an approach to rapid upskilling of registered nurses. This approach appears favourably to its intended target audience. Furthermore, this program could be adapted for a national or international community. What is already known about the topic? * Globally, Coronavirus disease 2019 quickly overran advanced healthcare systems with vast numbers of critically ill patients requiring specialist care. * To address surging critical care numbers, healthcare staff require increased knowledge to care for higher acuity patients. * Online educational packages can be one element of fulfilling healthcare staff training needs. What this paper adds: * Description of development, implementation, and evaluation of a novel evidence-based online critical care nursing education program. * Evidence of how an online education can be made accessible to frontline healthcare workers to support the demand for a scalable resource that is responsive to emergent global health pandemic. * Using a tripartite model for knowledge translation is one potential approach for the future responses to urgent educative program development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between the quality of reflective practice groups and nurses' professional quality of life. Background: Previous nursing research has indicated that reflective practice groups are positively associated with personal resources, job resources, and professional quality of life for nurses. The specific impact of the groups however, has not been distinguished from the impact of personal and job resources, and the explanatory mechanisms for the associations are unclear. Design/Methods: This study utilised a cross-sectional, quantitative research methodology with 184 Australian nurses from a regional teaching hospital who attended reflective practice groups (88.5% female). Surveys captured demographics, personal resources (i.e. self-efficacy), job resources (i.e. job autonomy, skill discretion, job social support, and group cohesion) and perceived quality of reflective practice groups, as measured by the Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire, alongside professional quality of life outcomes. Results: Participants who rated reflective practice groups as 'high quality' or more effective were associated with significantly higher scores for personal and job resources of self-efficacy, autonomy, skill discretion, social support, and group cohesion. These resources, in turn, correlated with more positive professional quality of life scores; in particular compassion satisfaction and burnout. Discussion: While the study used cross-sectional data and causality cannot be inferred, the findings do indicate a clear association between attending effectively facilitated reflective practice groups and greater personal and job resources. This may indicate that the groups provide nurses with an opportunity to build or enhance these resources. Furthermore, it is proposed that this could explain a mechanism by which reflective practice groups can indirectly impact positively on professional quality of life for nurses by building resources. Future research should explore causality longitudinally. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that nurses who perceive the groups favorably have greater social support, enhanced self-efficacy, more autonomy, and increased skill discretion. These factors also align with the restorative and formative benefits of supervision. Greater personal and job resources, in turn, can enhance professional quality of life. Whilst mediating pathways have been identified, it is still not possible to definitively attribute the development of these resources to group participation. Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice: There is growing evidence to support reflective practice groups as a viable form of group clinical supervision for nurses. It is important to ensure reflective practice groups are effectively facilitated. What is already known about the topic? Correlational data indicates that high quality reflective practice groups may offer a cost-effective form of group clinical supervision, for nurses; providing support and helping them deal with what can be a challenging professional environment. Reflective practice groups have been linked to a range of benefits across individual and organisational levels, including; 1) increased job satisfaction, 2) higher quality of patient care, less critical incidents, 3) higher rates of staff retainment and reduced leave, and 4) enhancing the integrity of the nursing profession through accountability and skill development. What this paper adds Despite these claims, little is known regarding the mechanisms underpinning these documented benefits. This study provides a theoretically driven explanation; that reflective practice groups provide an opportunity for job crafting, in which nurses actively build resources (i.e. skills development critical thinking and social support), mitigating some of the negative psychological consequences associated with nursing. This information can help guide policy, practice, and the development of effective interventions to provide support and supervision for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Providing healthcare in a remote or rural setting can be complex and difficult, with many remote area nurses not receiving sufficient orientation or preparation. This is particularly important for the management of medicines. Aim: This analysis evaluates an online medicines safety course called Pharmacotherapeutics for Remote Area Nurses. Study Design and Methods: Eight cohorts of students (n=629), between 2016-2020, were included in the evaluation. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the impact of the online pharmacotherapeutics course. At the end of each module and at the end of the course participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire. In-depth semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (n=9) were also conducted, and data thematically analysed. Results: The online pharmacotherapeutics course was well received (average of 4.3 on a 5-point Likert scale). It was easy to navigate (2.6 on a 3-point Likert scale), the flow was logical (2.8 on a 3-point Likert scale) and it was clear how to achieve learning outcomes (2.8 on a 3-point Likert scale). The learning content in each of the modules were well received (4.1-4.5 on a 5-point Likert scale) and deemed appropriate for nurses practicing in the remote areas (2.7-2.9 on a 3-point Likert scale). Thematic analysis of the stakeholder interviews and participant surveys revealed the pharmacotherapeutics course improved knowledge, confidence, and competence of nurses in relation to medicines management and results in better preparedness of the remote health workforce. Key stakeholder feedback highlighted that the pharmacotherapeutics course was seen as an important part of preparing and upskilling the remote health workforce. Discussion: Overall, the pharmacotherapeutics course was well received by nurses and key informants. It improved self-reported knowledge, confidence, competence, and preparedness for nursing practice in remote locations. Conclusion: The continued support of professional development and education for the remote health workforce is vital to ensure optimum patient care. What is already known about this topic? * People in remote Australia generally experience poorer health and face increased challenges in accessing care compared with major city counterparts. * In remote regions, access to healthcare services is reliant on the availability of a competent workforce with nurses forming the backbone of rural and remote primary care. * The use of medications is the most common intervention in healthcare and improvements in the quality use of medicines can have significant benefits to a person's wellbeing. What this paper adds: * Professional development and education for the remote health workforce is vital to ensure optimum patient care. * Education that is appropriate, relevant, and accessible can increase self-assessed knowledge, competence, and confidence in relation to medicines management. * Online education that is developed in collaboration with stakeholders and addresses an identified need is an acceptable and accessible method of providing professional development to the remote health workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This qualitative research project set out to explore how, and by what means, participation in group clinical supervision might impact nurses. It aimed to describe participant perceptions of the processes within a long running reflective practice group for intensive care nurses and explore these in relation to relevant theory. Background: Interpersonal aspects of care are central to the nursing role, however, the associated emotional labour can develop into moral distress, compassion fatigue and burnout. Australia's peak nursing and midwifery bodies have released a joint position statement on the importance of supervision for nurses. Group supervision interventions, such as reflective practice groups, mitigate stress, promote learning and support interpersonal aspects of nursing. Method: Twenty-two intensive care nurses from a reflective practice group that had been running for 10 years, participated in focus groups convened by an independent researcher. Thematic analysis identified key perceptions relating to process and outcomes. Results: Group identification, voluntary participation and skilled facilitation created an enabling environment for nurses to self-disclose. The sense of universality experienced by participants, along with increased empathy, enabled reflection and selfevaluation relevant to the group prototype of the ideal nurse. Authentic emotional expression was seen to provide respite from emotional labour, thereby regenerating resources for nurses to cope with job demands. Discussion: Key themes can be aligned to social psychology constructs of group identity, task interdependence and homogeneity, supporting earlier studies that suggest group cohesion is comprised of measurable factors. By developing and aligning with these constructs, the facilitator assists the group to establish a safe space whilst conceptualising and aspiring to a model for the professional and compassionate nurse. Conclusion: Social psychology constructs can help develop practice and research of group supervision for nurses. In clinical nursing settings, group identity is particularly salient and facilitator interventions should aim to strengthen this. The development of a AUTHORS DEBBIE J RESCHKE BEc GDipDevAdmin MPopSt1 CHRIS DAWBER Ma MH Nursing, Ma MH Psychotherapy, Cert Dev Psych, MHN Cred2 PRUDENCE M MILLEAR PhD, Ba Psychology (Honours) 1 LUIGI MEDORO DClinPsych, PostGrad Dip Psych, BA2 1 School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia 2 Mental Health and Addiction Service, Sunshine Coast University Hospital & Health Service, Queensland, Australia CORRESPONDING AUTHOR CHRIS DAWBER Sunshine Coast University Hospital & Health Service PO Box 367, Golden Beach, QLD, Australia 4551. Email: Chris.Dawber@health.qld.gov.au Group clinical supervision for nurses: process, group cohesion and facilitator effect sense of universality, when combined with voluntary participation and a focus on intra-group process, can enhance cohesion and create a safe space for selfdisclosure. This enables nurses to explore actions and responses to clinical situations and explore emotions incongruent with the ideal nurse prototype, thereby promoting restorative and formative benefits. Implications for research, policy, and practice: This study adds to our understanding of processes in group clinical supervision for nurses and suggests that it is appropriate to apply social identity theory to improve practice and research. It will be of interest to nurses and nursing leaders who wish to develop supervision programs. What is already known about this topic? • Compassion fatigue, emotional labour and moral distress contribute to nurse burnout. • Group Clinical Supervision can help mitigate stress, enhance learning and support interpersonal aspects of nursing care. • The supervisory alliance is an important factor in effective clinical supervision whilst group cohesion is an important factor in the effectiveness of group work. What this paper adds: • Reflective Practice Groups (RPG) are defined as a form of Group Clinical Supervision that utilise social support as a resource. • RPG facilitation principles are aligned with social psychology constructs of group identity, task interdependence and homogeneity. • Alliance with the facilitator and cohesion within the group, enhanced by voluntary participation and facilitation techniques, allow group members to access restorative and formative benefits whilst prompting self-evaluation against the group ideal nursing prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To obtain Australian nurses' perspectives regarding COVID-19 preparedness early in the pandemic. Background: In March 2020 Australia experienced a rise in COVID-19 cases and was bracing itself for the worst, having witnessed China, Europe and America's earlier exposure to the outbreak. On 14 March 2020 an Australian nurse set up a Facebook page called "Nursing in the time of COVID-19: A clinical forum" allowing colleagues to share information about COVID-19. This presented an ideal opportunity to survey nurses' preparedness for the pandemic. Study design and methods: Anonymous web-based survey disseminated between 9 April--4 May 2020 via the Facebook page. Results: A total of 214 nurses responded to the survey of whom 85% were direct care clinical staff and 29 (13.5%) had cared for a COVID-19 patient. Prevalent feelings regarding COVID-19 were anxious, overwhelmed, vulnerable, engaged and interested. The strongest sources of information regarding COVID-19 were published academic articles, WHO/ CDC and similar authorities, employer leaflets/ guidance and Facebook. The strongest needs/ expectations identified by the respondents were education and information, access to mental health counselling, provision of additional health workers to support nurses, and supplemental pay rise. Respondents identified work-related training specific to COVID-19, revision of skills and competencies and upskilling to do tasks previously not familiar to the participant of particular benefit. Nurses who had cared for COVID-19 patients expressed a stronger interest in receiving a supplemental pay rise for risk exposure, a stronger sense that they and their employer were ready to care for COVID-19 patients yet expressed less appreciation for mental health counselling compared to nurses who had not yet cared for COVID-19 patients. Discussion: The perspectives of Australian nurses are generally similar to nurses in other countries. However, we report some variations between nurses who have and have not cared for COVID-19 patients. We identify the levels of concern as well as those supportive actions that are most appreciated by nurses responding to COVID-19 specifically, these same findings could be applied to other major events generally. Conclusion: The timing of this survey allowed us to explore the perspectives of Australian nurses during the early pandemic vulnerability period without the benefit of hindsight. Despite thinking the Australian experience was going to be worse than it was, Australian nurses showed relative confidence in their own and their employers' readiness and this was most obvious in nurses who had cared for COVID-19 patients. What is already known about the topic? • Nurses around the world have voiced anxiety and concern about the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it may have on them personally and professionally. • Nurses have access to informal networks, social media, media, employer guidelines and other professional and academic sources of information to stay informed and up-to-date with current information on COVID-19 that may help to allay their concerns. What this paper adds • The perspectives of Australian nurses early in the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to how prepared they felt at the time and where they were obtaining information to help guide their thinking and their practice. • A synopsis of the role and benefits of a social media platform to allow nurses to share thoughts, articles of interest and experiences of COVID-19. • Opinions vary based on whether a nurse had already cared for a COVID-19 patient or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine in a sample of nurses working in acute-care wards, self-reported perceptions of the: 1) patient; family; nurse; doctor; and health system-related barriers to the provision of optimal end-of-life care to people who are dying in hospital; and 2) five barriers which, if removed, would lead to the greatest improvements in hospital-based end-of-life care. Background: Nurses play a central role in caring for dying patients and can offer a unique perspective about the factors that impact the quality of end-oflife care delivered in hospitals. Study design and methods: Two hundred and fifteen registered and enrolled nurses from three metropolitan and three rural hospitals across three health services completed a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study between April 2016 and June 2017. Results: Nurses perceive that doctors continue to treat for too long (79% ranked as a large barrier); families have unrealistic expectations about a patient's prognosis (73%); junior doctors are unwilling to alter the decision of senior doctors (67%); doctors do not adequately explain the dying process (66%); and doctors have inadequate training in end-of-life care (66%). Nurses indicated that doctors reducing the length of active treatment and families having a more realistic expectation about life-expectancy would lead to the greatest improvement in end-oflife care in hospitals. Discussion: In this study of nurses working in a wide range of acute care settings across rural and metropolitan locations, substantial barriers to the provision of high-quality end-of-life care were perceived across all facets of healthcare provision. Important barriers included the continuation of potentially futile treatment, inadequacy of symptom control, and poor communication between doctors, patients and their families. Conclusion: Nurses perceive a range of patient; family; provider; and health system-related challenges to the provision of optimal end-of-life care in hospital. Findings highlight potential areas for improvement as part of a coordinated approach to optimising the provision of end-of-life care in hospitals. Future goals should include larger-scale, longitudinal studies across various states and territories to inform the development of interventions that can help to address the identified gaps in service provision. Implications for research, policy, and practice: This study has highlighted the need to involve all stakeholders when designing interventions to improve end-of-life care. Nurses can provide valuable insight into the factors that can make the greatest impact in improving care provision. It suggests that the provision of high-quality end-oflife care in hospitals is complex, and that there is substantial overlap between items nurses perceive to be barriers in each of the five domains of care provision. To achieve sustainable improvement in the quality of end-of-life care provided in hospitals, a multi-factorial, and collegial, approach to designing interventions will be needed. What is already known about the topic? • End-of-life care is increasingly being provided in hospital settings. • Nurses are an important source of information and support for dying patients and their families. • Few studies have explored nurses' perceptions of the barriers to the provision of high-quality end-oflife care across all domains of healthcare provision. What this paper adds: • Important barriers include continuation of potentially futile treatment, adequacy of symptom control, and poor communication between doctors, patients, and their families. • Findings can support the design of more effective intervention strategies to mitigate identified barriers and achieve improvements in the quality of end-of-life care delivered in hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology is considered essential for graduate nurses, but many nursing students find such courses difficult and anxiety-provoking. This was contrary to the authors' experiences, so student perceptions were studied at the survey institution. Objective This paper examines nursing students' satisfaction with bioscience and nursing courses in the first two years of a Bachelor of Nursing at an Australian university, in order to suggest strategies for effective bioscience teaching. Design Quantitative data for student satisfaction, measured on the Likert scale, were collected for three bioscience and 11 nursing courses from 2010 - 2012. Mean satisfaction was compared among courses and offerings by ANOVA, with offerings nested within courses, and correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between student satisfaction and pass rate. Qualitative data were sourced from open questions, emails and forum posts and examined for recurrent themes. Results Students rated the three bioscience courses in the top four of the 14 courses. There was no relationship between satisfaction and pass rate. Qualitative responses showed satisfaction with the course content, the learning materials, the delivery style and lecturer support. Conclusion It is possible to deliver bioscience courses that are appreciated by nursing students. Four principles are suggested in this paper that may improve student satisfaction with bioscience courses and, therefore, result in more effective learning and better prepared nursing graduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients at increased risk of vaccine preventable diseases require additional vaccines that are not licensed for Nurse Immunisers to administer without a prescription. An Immunisation Nurse Practitioner (NP) at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne was introduced to address deficiencies in the current management of these patients. NP endorsement requires successful completion of a Masters level study program, plus the equivalent of three years (5,000) hours full-time experience in advanced clinical nursing. The Immunisation NP was endorsed in May 2017 and since then, the Immunisation service at RCH has recorded a 140% increase in uptake of Meningococcal B vaccine as well as improved delivery of immunisations to special-risk patients. In addition, there was improved access to specialist immunisation advice as well as improved opportunistic immunisation of inpatients. New initiatives were implemented including immunisation of needle phobic patients using nitrous oxide sedation. This paper describes the outcomes of employing an Immunisation NP at the RCH, Melbourne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examined registered nurses' perspectives of being supportive of nursing students and providing them with learning opportunities when on clinical placements. Background: In Australia, as part of their three-year Bachelors degree, undergraduate nursing students undertake a minimum of 800 hours of clinical placement. During these clinical placement hours, nursing students are supervised by registered nurses who are required to be supportive of the students and provide them with learning opportunities. Study design and methods: This study used a grounded theory approach. In this qualitative study there were fifteen registered nurse participants. Thirteen participants were female participants and two were male. Participants were individually interviewed. Transcripts from these in-depth interviews were analysed using constant comparative analysis. Results: The major category, an added extra, emerged from this study. An added extra is about registered nurses' perception that having a student is an added extra to their daily duties. The major category an added extra is informed by three emergent themes. The first theme was time, the second theme was workload and the third theme was wanting recognition. Discussion: Registered nurses perceived that their workloads tend not to be taken into consideration when they have nursing students. The literature suggests that nursing students often miss out on learning opportunities when they are on clinical placement because registered nurses do not have additional time to effectively support students' clinical learning. Conclusion: Participants in this study believed being supportive of nursing students and providing them with learning opportunities was an added extra to their daily nursing duties. Findings revealed registered nurses want to be recognised for the extra time and effort they dedicate to students' learning. Implications for research, policy, and practice: When allocated nursing students, registered nurses should have their workloads adjusted because being supportive of nursing students and providing them with learning opportunities is time consuming. Further research is recommended to determine if patient workloads are being decreased when registered nurses are allocated nursing students. What is already known about the topic * Registered nurses struggle to find the time to support nursing students with their clinical learning. * Management tend not to recognise the time and effort registered nurses dedicate to student learning. What this paper adds * Registered nurses perceive supervising nursing students as an added extra on top of their already heavy workload. * Registered nurses want to be acknowledged for their contribution to student learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This paper articulates a need for the nurse entrepreneur working as a surgical assistant. Negatively impacting on the role are the complex factors of: * lack of professional support from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; * lack of a process for remuneration through the Medical Benefits Schedule; and a * lack of guidance to navigate the bureaucratic system. Setting Australian healthcare system. Subjects Clinicians who are a registered nurse or nurse practitioner surgical assistant in the Australian healthcare system private sector. Primary Arguments * A need exists for the perioperative nurse entrepreneur working in the private sector for specialty surgical assisting skills; adding a dimension of cost saving; and enhancing patient safety. * The same mechanism for remuneration to medical practitioners, as surgical assistants, via the Medical Benefits Schedule is not available to nurse surgical assistants undertaking the same role. A contributor to this is the lack of support by the Nursing Midwifery Board of Australia. * Lack of remuneration through Medicare exposes the patient to out of pocket expenses. Conclusion Absence of recognition of nurses (including Nurse Practitioners) as surgical assistants by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is not conducive to recognition of these roles by other government entities such as Medicare. Specialty advanced practice roles like that of the nurse surgical assistant enhance patient safety. While support for these specialty roles from the medical profession is applauded, it is an indictment on the peak Australian regulatory body for the nursing profession that support for the nurse surgical assistant including the nurse practitioner surgical assistant is not yet evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Sports and recreation promotes health benefits to the child's wellbeing but can also expose him or her to injury risks. Literature that explores sporting injuries amongst children in Australia with discussions about the paediatric nursing role is reviewed. Setting Prevalence of sporting injuries within the Australian paediatric population. Sample The search utilized medical search terms of 'Sporting injuries' 'Children' 'Pediatric/paediatric Nurses' in health related databases to locate literature published from 2007 until present. Australian based studies were preferable but not exclusive. Relevant sources through hand selection helped to develop a potential relationship between the frequency of sports injuries occurrences and the types of injuries being treated in hospital. Primary argument Of the twenty-five papers chosen, nineteen were related to sports injuries while a further thirteen focussed specifically on children involved in sports and recreation. Data concerning children sustaining sports related injuries, particularly in Australia, is scarce and inconsistent with no literature found relating to the role of paediatric nurses. With a particular focus on spinal injuries sustained through sports and recreation, how the paediatric nurse is involved is identified. Conclusion Further analysis on sporting injuries in children in Australia will help to gauge its health burden to the country to better understand this contemporary child safety concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This paper aims to discuss and explore food security in the context of community health nursing, to provide insight about how frontline workers may identify whether their client is food secure. Design A qualitative descriptive design pilot study, using questionnaire and unstructured interviews. Setting Community health services across Sydney. Subject How community health nurses identify whether their client is food secure. Method Three community health nurses were interviewed and their responses recorded. Two student nurses participated in a focus group during professional work experience in community health. Findings/Results Although community health nurses claim they can identify whether their clients are food (in)secure, it remains unclear how they operationalise this claim, and indeed if they do, what the outcome may be for their clients' health determinants. Primary argument To raise awareness and stimulate discussion about food security as a social determinant of health, and whether community nurses have a role identifying client food security. Conclusion Food (in)security is increasingly recognised as a social determinant of health, with evidence that the prevalence of food insecurity is increasing in Australia. It is acknowledged that community health nurses have established professional relationships with their clients, and that food insecurity may be identified though formal and informal means. A more open discussion is required about food (in)security and potential ways in which it may be discussed in nonjudgemental, sensitive ways. Further investigation is required to interview community health nurses, in the context of their relationships with clients, how they establish whether food security is occurring and being maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The main aim of this study was to explore any association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and rotating shift work in nurses and midwives. The secondary aim of this study was to identify risk factors for CRC in nurses and midwives who are rotating shift workers. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Electronic survey of participants from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Subjects A sample of 8,199 male and female nurses and midwives from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom invited through their registration papers or newsletter advertisement. Main outcome measure Prevalence of CRC in participants who have worked rotating shifts for 1-14 years or ≥15 years compared to participants who have never worked rotating shifts. In addition, risk factors for CRC in the rotating shift work population were analysed in a multivariate logistic regression model in order to obtain odds ratio of CRC. Results No statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence of CRC between those who have never worked rotating shift work, worked 1-14 years and worked 15 or more years. Among rotating shift workers, diabetes was associated with a 123-fold (95% CI 39-392; p<0.001) increased odds of CRC, while Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) was associated with a 190-fold (95%CI 68-526; p<0.001) increased odds of CRC. Screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy for CRC was associated with a 10-fold (95% CI 3-35; p<0.001) increased odds of being diagnosed with CRC. Conclusion No significant association was found between rotating shift work and colorectal cancer in nurses and midwives. In nurses and midwives who are rotating shift workers, diabetes, IBD and CRC screening significantly increased the odds of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective - This paper aims to provide an account of the first phase of a qualitative longitudinal study that explored the initial challenges men in nursing face to become registered. What is known is that men, a minority group within nursing, face the usual challenges of all new nurses in their quest to register as nurses. In addition, they have added pressures that hinder their quest due to being male. Primary Argument An Australian nursing shortage is looming due to nurses retiring from this female-dominate profession. Hence, the retention of men in nursing is an area requiring attention in order to support a sustainable workforce. Subjects and Setting Nine newly graduated male registered nurses participated. These nurses had recently commenced employment in the Western Australian metropolitan health region. Findings Individual face-to-face interviews produced the theme of role misconception with a major focus on male or nurse what comes first. This theme was derived from the categories of gender stereotyping and marginalisation. Conclusion This study suggests the need for a gender-neutral image when promoting nursing within and outside the professional environment. Furthermore, consideration for a professional title mutually accepted by both women and men in nursing, with the gender-neutral 'nurse' title preferred by the men in this study. Moreover to acknowledge that men in nursing will augment a technical savvy workforce that will complement emergent complex nursing practices, and enhance a more comprehensive Australian nursing workforce that will assist with meeting the health care needs of a diverse population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This paper seeks to stimulate discussion and debate about the future of doctoral education for nurses in Australia. Setting A large Magnet recognised acute care private hospital in New South Wales and a large regional university in Australia. Primary argument Healthcare today and into the future is increasingly more complex and requires ever more highly skilled healthcare professionals to meet the challenges of providing safe, quality care. Doctoral research and education based in the workplace and designed to improve healthcare while skilling up nurses and other professionals in research methods has never been more relevant and appropriate. Conclusion Nurses have generally not seen the PhD as the best fit for their higher professional development. The professional doctorate offers a compelling and dynamic alternative to the more academic focus of the PhD and prepares 'inquiry-driven leaders' for tomorrow's challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Empathy is widely accepted as an essential nursing attribute yet the relationship between nurse empathy and the care of people with dementia in the hospital setting has rarely been explored. A number of themes have emerged from the relevant literature regarding the influences which shape a nurse's ability to deliver empathetic care to this patient cohort. These issues include a lack of hospital resources, an organisational focus on operational issues such as patient flow and risk management, and widespread stigmatisation of dementia in society. Setting Acute and sub-acute facilities. Subjects In-patients with dementia and nurses Primary argument Although there is widespread acknowledgment that nurses require empathy to deliver quality care, the complexity of caring for people with dementia in hospital creates further challenges for both nurses and patients. This issue has been discussed previously but there is little evidence that the situation has improved. Conclusion This paper details the relevant influences on the ability of nurses to care empathetically for people with dementia in hospital. The recognition that there are distinct factors related to this patient cohort is an important one and may assist nurses and health organisations to identify systemic and individual problems associated with hospitalisation and lead to the implementation of supportive strategies. Appropriate nurse-patient ratios which consider the additional workload attached to caring for people with dementia, clinical supervision and targeted nurse education must be considered to ensure health systems deliver appropriate person-centred care to people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to contribute to pertinent discussions regarding advanced practice nursing roles. In particular discussion will focus on the potential implications for the developing nurse ractitioner (NP) role on the existing clinical nurse specialist (CNS) roles. Setting: The literature presented originates primarily from the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom and Australia. Specific emphasis is placed on the psychiatric/mental health nursing context. Primary argument: Amidst the confusion in terminology to describe and explain advanced, expanded or extended nursing roles, and to distinguish between the clinical nurse specialist and the nurse practitioner, there is a need to establish clarity. The need for both clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner roles has been hotly debated in the USA. Conclusions: The roles of clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner may be complementary but fulfil different functions. It is therefore important that both roles be maintained and implemented in response to consumer and health service needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite nearly two decades of experience with graduate transition programs in Australia little evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of these programs as interventions that enhance the transition from nursing student to professional practitioner. There is general acknowledgement that this is a crucial time for people entering the profession and yet there is little agreement on what constitutes best practice for nurses' transition to the workforce. Aim: This paper challenges the status quo through a review of current programs and questions whether primacy should be given to formal transition programs or to the development of educationally supportive clinical learning environments. Conclusion: There is sufficient doubt in the efficacy of formal transition programs to at least investigate potential alternatives such as concentration on the development of a supportive practice culture conducive to learning. Indeed, the type of learning environment suitable for graduate nurses is likely to be one that will also facilitate the continued development and enhanced job satisfaction of the rest of the nursing team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]