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During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation had a devastating effect on well-being. Veterans were among the most vulnerable given their high rates of military trauma-related conditions. Research supports that dogs can provide veterans with a sense of purpose, social support, and stress management. Digital storytelling provided a unique perspective with focus on a recognized hero, the veteran's dog, and an opportunity for engagement with other veterans during COVID-19. The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of this digital storytelling intervention based on Story Theory framework and tailored to encompass components of cross-generational collaboration in combination with individual and group virtual sessions as a mechanism to promote social engagement. The research was conducted using a descriptive exploratory design. Veterans (N = 8) were paired with a trained student and grouped in sets of four. There were eight guided 1-hour weekly virtual sessions to create their digital story. Demographic and pre-post intervention survey data were also collected. Based on eight established criteria, this article systematically evaluates the feasibility of the digital storytelling intervention for veterans. The findings suggest practical considerations to ensure viability of digital storytelling as a therapeutic intervention for veterans and other populations at-risk for suboptimal well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted life for older adults living in residential settings, affecting their psychosocial well-being. Risk for COVID-19 is associated with increasing age and pre-existing health conditions. The current study aimed to describe the challenges of COVID-19 and post-traumatic growth (PTG) for residents of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in South Florida. Method: A parallel mixed methods approach was used to explore the experience of older adults with PTG. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis to identify emergent themes. Results: Ninety-eight older adults living in a single CCRC completed a survey. Age ranged from 67 to 99 years (mean age = 86 years), with >90% identifying as non-Hispanic White and female (78%). Using the PTG theoretical framework, experiences were categorized into five dimensions: new possibilities, relating to others, personal strength, spiritual growth, and appreciation for life. Conclusion: The current study focused on the challenges and growth experienced by older adults, as framed by PTG theory. Findings shed light on the capacity of this demographic, with an average age of 86 years, to overcome obstacles and achieve PTG. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(6), 25–33.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Florence Nightingale's view, vital power resides in both earthy materials and human nature and is an essential element of health. Vital power is defined as a health force that manifests in states of being while doing in nature to generate well-being, but little is known about the generative process of vital force. Purpose: This secondary study explored the vital power of children who experienced well-being while doing in nature. Methods: Using a framework of the Nature Immersion Model, directed content analysis of parental reflections on their children's vital power experiences sought to explore patterns of being while doing in nature observed in association with parental reports of: (a) change in their children's well-being and (b) qualities of vital power evident in parental descriptions of those changes in well-being. Conclusions: The essence of vital power encompassed feelings of a life-spark, natural energy that prompted a healing shift. Implications for Practice: Linkage between a middle-range Theory of Nature Immersion and Nightingale's perspective adds a new avenue for integrating the spiritual–physical–mental dimension of self during creative nursing praxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has suggested positive effects of nature immersion–a state of being or an act of doing in natural space–for urban children who were otherwise at risk for emotional or behavioral problems. However, few studies have systematically investigated natural space qualities that predict child well-being at the clinical level. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of natural space qualities as factors of urban child well-being. Explanatory mixed methods were used. Quantitative data (N = 174) included a survey and two parental reports of child well-being. Interviews provided qualitative data (N = 15). Data were analyzed using generalized linear model and content analysis. Both data streams were merged into a point of meta-inference that contributed to parental assessment of enhanced child well-being: More frequent nature–child space-time immersion combined with parental valuing of nature connection (p <.001) as a soothing and safe resource. The factors of urban nature immersion affected child well-being over parental socioeconomic affluence alone. The evidence corresponds to Nightingale's tenet that an act of doing, which is considered an action of the child's own will, affects one's sense of well-being. The findings indicate that nature immersion can be applied to urban child self-care and holistic nursing modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the changes in comfort when adding ritualized chanting to the palliative care of cancer patients at the end of life. The method was a randomized control trial (RCT) performed with 60 cancer patients. Comfort was measured using the End of Life Planning Questionnaire (EOLPQ) with 30 participants in each group [ritualized chanting with palliative care (RCPC) and palliative care alone (PCA)] at baseline (T1), at a 3-week (T2) and the 6-week (T3) time frame. Comfort data were analyzed using two (groups) X three (time) repeated measures MANOVA. There were no significant statistical differences between the groups at baseline. Between-group differences indicated that comfort experienced by participants with the addition of ritualized chanting to palliative care significantly increased (p <.001) over time. The addition of ritualized chanting to the palliative care for cancer patients at the end of life can create changes in their comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Parents of children with special needs encounter specific challenges in carrying out their caregiving roles. They experience difficulty accepting their children due to unrealistically high expectations. Mindfulness training (MT) may increase parental psychological well-being and acceptance. Objective The purpose of this article is to examine the evidence-base for the effectiveness of MT in enhancing psychological well-being for parents of children with special needs as a foundation for guidance for nurses in mental health practice. Methods A literature review of relevant research studies was undertaken using specific inclusion criteria. The literature was derived from three databases that identified 56 articles narrowed to 5, which met inclusion criteria. Findings The studies indicated that cultivating a more mindful way of parenting is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Parents experienced increased mindful awareness and improved psychological well-being, and they were more accepting of their children. Their children also had fewer behavior problems and enhanced positive interaction with their parents. Because mindfulness interventions fall within the scope of independent nursing practice, nurses can play a significant role in applying mindfulness to promote psychological well-being in parents who have children with special needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]