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Abstract Objective Professional values are crucial for delivering high-quality care in neonatal intensive care units while caring behavior impacts nurses’ performance and well-being. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between professional values and caring behavior among nurses in neonatal intensive care units. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 172 nurses was conducted using the Nursing Professional Value Scale and Caring Behaviors Assessment Tool. The study was carried out between 1 October and 5 December 2023. Results Nurses demonstrated a moderate to high degree of professional commitment, with a mean professional value score of 91.1 ± 11.1. The mean score for caring behavior was 99.7 ± 12.4. The highest-rated domain was setting up a supporting, protective, and corrective environment, with a mean score of 22.8 ± 2.7. A low positive relationship was found between the supportive, protective, and corrective environment domain and nurses’ professional value (r = 0.18, p = 0.017), as well as between overall caring behavior and nurses’ professional value (r = 0.16, p = 0.038). Conclusion The results indicate a favorable relationship between professional values and caring behavior, especially in areas like establishing a supportive workplace. However, both professional value and caring behavior needs improvement in certain aspect. Enhancing these aspects could further strengthen their relationship, ultimately improving the quality of care provided to newborn patients and their families. Practice implications To cultivate a positive work environment and instill caring behaviors and professional values among NICU nurses, it is imperative to allocate sufficient time and resources. This investment is necessary for nurturing a culture of care, improving patient outcomes, and fostering a supportive environment for NICU nurses, newborn, and their families.

Background Establishing a positive safety-culture environment is essential in healthcare settings to enhance patient care. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical care nurses’ perceptions of patient safety culture and adverse events. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 nurses working in critical care units in the Damanhour Governorate in Egypt. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including the Hospital Survey of Patients’ Safety Culture (HSOPSC) and information on adverse events (AEs). Results The study revealed areas for improvement in patient safety culture, with low positive response rates in staffing (26.6%), non-punitive response to errors (38%), handoffs and transitions (39.4%), teamwork across and within units (42.3%), and overall perception of patient safety (49.3%). The majority of critical care nurses had a moderate to high level of overall perception of patient safety at 42.5% and 42.0%, respectively. The most frequent adverse events reported daily were complaints from patients or their families (65.5%). Adverse drug events and patient falls occurred several times per week in 56.5% and 57.0% of patients, respectively. A significant association was found between low safety culture perception and higher rates of patient falls ( p = .008), adverse drug events (p = .005), and patient/family complaints (p = .030). Conclusion The findings of the study indicate that nurses’ perceptions of patient safety culture are moderate. Adverse medication responses, falls, and complaints from patients or their families were noted. Female nurses aged 31 to 40, especially divorced nurses, had more experience, worked fewer than 8 h daily, and had a higher education level, which appeared to influence overall safety culture perceptions. Furthermore, there was a correlation between the prevalence of adverse events and patient safety culture, with cooperation being the key factor.

Abstract Objective The frequency of alarms generated by monitors and other electro-medical devices is undeniably valuable but can simultaneously escalate the workload for healthcare professionals, potentially subjecting intensive care unit nurses to alarm fatigue. The aim of this study is to investigate alarm fatigue and stress levels among critical care nursing personnel. Additionally, the study aims to assess predictors for both alarm fatigue and perceived stress. Methodology : A descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 187 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses from hospitals located in the northern and central regions of the West Bank, Palestine. Data were gathered through online surveys due to logistic concerns using the Alarm Fatigue Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale. The research was conducted between November 2023 and January 2024. Results The mean overall alarm fatigue score was 23.36 (SD = 5.57) out of 44. The study showed that 62.6% of the participating ICU nurses experience average to high degree of alarm fatigue, while 69.5% experience average to high levels of perceived stress. A significant positive Pearson correlation was found between stress and alarm fatigue (0.40, P

Clinical learning environment play a vital role in bridging theory with practice, equipping nursing students with essential skills for patient care and support their smooth transition into the nursing workforce. To assess Palestinian nursing students’ perceptions of clinical learning environment and supervision. A total of 308 undergraduate nursing students were conveniently recruited from Arab American University-Palestine for this descriptive cross-sectional study. Data collection utilized the Arabic version of the Clinical Learning Environment and Supervision plus Nurse Teacher scale. In general, nursing students expressed positive perceptions regarding their clinical learning environment ( M = 130.56 ± 21.03), with the “supervisory relationship” and “role of nurse teacher” scoring highest ( M = 3.85 ± 0.82 each). Conversely, the lowest rating was observed for “leadership style of the ward manager” ( M = 3.8 ± 0.84). Fourth-year students and those trained in public hospitals showed significantly more positive perceptions ( P

Introduction The use of electrocardiograms (ECGs) is widespread among emergency room (ER) nurses for diagnosis and triage, making it crucial for them to have the appropriate level of competency in interpreting ECGs. This can lead to better healthcare and patient outcomes. Objectives This study aims to assess the competency level of emergency nurses in Palestine in interpreting normal ECG and certain cardiac arrhythmias, and to explore the association between socio-demographic characteristics and their ECG interpretation competency. Methods The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design, and 196 ER nurses were conveniently recruited to fill out a self-administered questionnaire based on previous literature. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS with strict adherence to ethical considerations. Results The results showed that 70.9% of the nurses were males, 65.3% held a bachelor's degree in nursing, 46.9% had 1–5 years of experience, and 60.7% had received previous courses on ECG interpretation. The mean competency level of the ER nurses was satisfactory at 60.714%, but 38.8% had a poor level of competency. This was significantly higher among nurses with higher educational levels ( p -value

Background: The World Health Organization recommends companionship as a critical element of respectful maternity care. However, there is paucity of literature regarding women’s attitudes, related factors, and barriers of implementation in Saudi Arabia. Objective: This study aimed to assess women’s attitudes toward birth companionship during labor and delivery, related factors, and barriers of implementing labor companionship in Saudi Arabia. Design/Methods: This study was carried out in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, using a cross-sectional design. The data collection took place over a period of approximately 6 months, specifically from 16 August 2021 to 20 February 2022. A total of 418 women who had given birth at three governmental hospitals and three private hospitals in Al Ahsa participated in the survey. The study included women between the ages of 18 and 49 years who had delivered during the study period. Results: The study revealed that while around 82.8% of mothers expressed a desire for companionship during labor, only 43.2% actually had a labor companion present during delivery. The primary obstacle to labor companionship reported by 21.5% of respondents was hospital policies. Other barriers identified included husbands’ fear of being present during labor (4.7%) and limited availability of time for companionship (3.8%). Conclusion: The study concludes that birth companionship is highly desired by women in the study area. However, various physical, emotional, and institutional barriers, such as hospital policies and regulations, impede its implementation. Addressing these barriers and promoting supportive policies are essential to facilitate the provision of birth companionship and improve the childbirth experience for women in Al Ahsa.

Objective To examine the effect of immediate chest physiotherapy (ICPT) on pulmonary function and arterial blood gases among extubated patients. Method This prospective study enrolled patients aged 20–60 years who had been intubated for 48 h. They were randomly assigned to either a control or study group. The study group received ICPT by trained critical care nurses and physiotherapists, which included early mobilization, breathing exercises and airway clearance. The control group received standard nursing chest care (positioning, oral and endotracheal suctioning) without ICPT. Researchers evaluated participants using pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas tests and mechanical ventilation parameters. Results The study enrolled 70 patients. There were no significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics and medical data before intubation between the two groups except for preparatory education. After extubation, the vital capacity was significantly higher in the study group compared with the control group. There were also significant differences between the two groups in other lung function tests and arterial blood gas tests. After extubation, the total lung capacity, functional residual capacity and residual volume were significantly higher in the study group compared with the control group. Conclusion The use of ICPT improved both pulmonary function and arterial blood gases.

Introduction Nurses are responsible for providing primary care to millions of patients, and emergency nurses serve on the frontline in providing care for mildly to severely critically ill patients. Objectives This study aims to assess and evaluate the clinical competence and its related factors among emergency nurses in Palestinian hospitals. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 nurses working in the emergency units of hospitals in the West Bank, Palestine. Data collection utilized the Nurse Competence Scale, and the Job Satisfaction Scale. Results The results showed that only 33(19.4%) of the participants exhibited a good level of clinical competence, with none reaching the very good level. Among them, the highest proportion of good level 60 (35.3%) was in the helping role, while the lowest 38 (22.4%) was in ensuring quality. About 35% of nurses reported very low or low job satisfaction, while 58% had high or very high job satisfaction. Additionally, the results revealed a statistically significant relationship between clinical competence and job satisfaction ( P

Introduction Emergency nurses who are working in direct contact with COVID-19 patients are at an increased risk of developing secondary traumatic stress disorder. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, predictors, and consequences of secondary traumatic stress among emergency nurses in Palestine during the COVID-19 pandemic Methods The study utilized a cross-sectional design and recruited a total of 189 emergency nurses from multiple healthcare centers in Palestine. Data collected from January 21, 2021, to March 31, 2021. Results The study revealed that emergency nurses had a high degree of secondary traumatic stress with the prevalence of high to severe symptoms of secondary traumatic stress being 61% of the total participants. In terms of predictors, the results showed that years of experience, level of education, burnout, and organizational support were significantly correlated with secondary traumatic stress and thus that years of experience and burnout are predictors of secondary traumatic stress. Conclusion Based on our findings, nurses in emergency departments in Palestine have a high degree of secondary traumatic stress disorder which impacts their lives on a personal and professional level.

The coronavirus infection COVID-19 has been a risk to world health, particularly for individuals who are vulnerable to it. Critical care nurses have described experiencing extremely high levels of stress under these struggling conditions. This study aimed to assess the relationship between stress and resilience of intensive care unit nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 227 nurses who are working in the intensive care units in the West Bank hospitals, Palestine. Data collection utilized the Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS). Two hundred twenty-seven intensive care nurses completed the questionnaire; (61.2%) were males, and (81.5%) had documented COVID-19 infection among their friends, family, or coworkers. Most intensive care nurses reported high levels of stress (105.9 ± 11.9), but low levels of resilience (11.0 ± 4.3). There was a moderate negative correlation between nurses’ stress and their resilience ( P

Nursing leadership is critical in facilitating and improving nurse performance, which is essential for providing quality care and ensuring patient safety. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between nursing leadership and nurse performance by understanding the leadership behaviors and factors that motivate nurses to perform well. To study the factors that nurses believe motivate them to perform better, a systematic review was undertaken, correlating these factors to leadership behaviors/styles. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to identify relevant articles. After applying the selection criteria, 11 articles were included in the final analysis. Overall, 51 elements that influence nurses’ motivation to perform better were found and categorized into 6 categories, including autonomy, competencies, relatedness, individual nursing characteristics, relationships and support, and leadership styles/practices. It has been discovered that both direct and indirect nursing leadership behaviors affect nurses’ performance. A better understanding of the factors that motivate nurses to perform well and facilitating them in the work environment through leadership behaviors/styles can improve nurses’ performance. There is a need to increase research on nurse leadership and nurses’ performance in the current innovative and technologically integrated work environment to identify new factors of influence.

In an emergency, making the correct decision is vital. It is a necessary element of professional nursing care, and the ability of nurses to make successful clinical decisions is the most critical element influencing care quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing nurses’ clinical decision-making in the emergency department of Palestinan hospitals. A cross-sectional study was targeted at all nurses working in emergency departments at the Palestinian hospitals. The study was completed with 227 nurses, and collecting data was performed with the Clinical Decision Making in Nursing Scale. Results of the study revealed that the average score for the total clinical decision-making score was 3.3 (SD = 0.23). The subscales of clinical decision making were “search for alternatives or options,” “canvassing of objectives and values,” “evaluation and reevaluation of consequences,” and “search for information and unbiased assimilation of new information.” Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that degree and work hours accounted for 11.7% of the variance in clinical decision-making. The study confirmed the average score for clinical decision-making was slightly higher than the average score. Also, it approved that nursing degree and work hours were predictors of clinical decision-making among nurses in emergency departments.

Introduction Student in a maternity nursing program must be engaged in practical training and they must be well prepared and directed along the way to becoming qualified professionals. Objective The study aimed to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercise on anxiety among male nursing students undergoing maternity clinical training. Methods A quasi-experimental, pre-post study was conducted on nursing at Arab American University Palestine. The sample of the study consisted of 48 male nursing students enrolled in the maternity nursing course. They were selected through convenience sampling. This study was conducted on one group of male nursing students that received Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation exercise for five consecutive days per week. The S-anxiety scale (STAI Form Y-1) was applied to collect data before and after the intervention. Results The magnitude of anxiety reduction after the progressive muscle relaxation exercise was greater than before ( t (47) = 21.2, p

Sepsis is a widespread problem that can create clinical and economic difficulties. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers related to the sepsis and sepsis management among emergency nurses and physicians. Data was collected using a self-questionnaire completed by the participating nurses and physicians (n = 243), with a 61% response rate. The study found that both emergency nurses and physicians had poor-to-moderate levels of sepsis knowledge, with emergency physicians having better attitudes regarding sepsis and sepsis management than emergency nurses. However, moderate knowledge levels of sepsis practice and management were shown among both nurses and physicians. It is evident that for emergency nurses and physicians, the biggest barrier to providing quality care to patients with sepsis is the lack of monitoring equipment. Both nurses and physicians need consistent sepsis management information provided by continual education programs. Development of an approved protocol can improve nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

The purpose of this study is to offer a timely understanding of university students’ knowledge, perception, and preventative practices related to COVID-19 in Palestine and to determine affecting factors (gender, region, and type of locality). A cross-sectional design was used and data was collected over 2 weeks in April 2020 through an online survey. A total of 484 surveys were collected from students from different Palestinian universities. Participants showed high levels of knowledge across multiple topics (symptoms and characteristics of COVID-19, prevention practices, and at-risk groups), although respondents were less likely to indicate mask wearing as an effective prevention practice compared to other practices, and almost one-third reported incorrectly that taking antibiotics is effective in preventing COVID-19 infection. Respondents reported the most trust in the Ministry of Health as a source of information, and the least trust in social media. A generally high level of acceptance of government regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic was found. Given the current global situation and the second wave of infections in Palestine, plans should be in place to disseminate correct information and combat newly-emerging rumors and misinformation through channels that are trusted by the university student population.

Children with high blood pressure are much more likely than children with lower blood pressure to experience hypertension in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and predictors of hypertension in Palestinian children. Method Cross-sectional study was performed on five hundred and nine (10–13) year old students from governmental schools in Jenin and Tubas. Anthropometric measures consist of body mass index, hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), the ratio of waist to hip (WHR), and the ratio of waist to height (WHtR) were measured. Blood pressure was assessed including systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) utilizing a (Dynamap) vital signs monitor. Results Approximately 38.7% of participants (38.8% females and 38.63% males) were considered pre-hypertensive and 7.3% of the participants (7.4% females and 7.1% males) were hypertensive. Also, there was a weak to moderate relationship between mean blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and the anthropometric measurements. Additionally, most predictors with significant effects on early childhood hypertension were body mass index (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.09–1.23). Conclusions Hypertension and prehypertension are present in Palestinian children. Waist hip ratio is the greatest predictor of BP, followed by body mass index. Hence, weight-reduction strategies to at-risk children are crucial to minimizing the prevalence of Palestinian childhood hypertension.

Background and Aim: Standard precautions are permitted in delivering the care to all patients in clinical settings to avoid the spread of infection. However, their interventions are grounded on the knowledge of the nurses and the other healthcare workers. The nurses should have satisfactory standard precautions' knowledge and practice level for hospital acquired infection. The study aimed to evaluate the standard precautions' knowledge and practice levels among the nurses in the Saudi Arabia private hospitals. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between March and May 2017 in four hospitals (King Khalid Hospital, Najran General Hospital, Maternal and Child Hospital, and New Najran General Hospital). Data were collected using a validated tool from a convenience sample of 198 nurses. Results: The study showed that 88 (44.4%) had good knowledge while 109 (55.1%) had a fair knowledge of standard precautions. According to their practice, the majority 184 (92.9%) of the participants had good level while 13 (6.6%) had a fair level. Conclusion: The nurses have a good level of knowledge and practice with standard precautions. There is a moderate relationship between knowledge and practice of standard precaution. Nurses should practice standard precautions in their daily routine regardless of the patient diagnosis, updating knowledge, improved specific operational guidelines/policies on the practice of standard precaution, regular supply of infection prevention materials, and routine immunization and screening for the staff against Hepatitis B.

Background and Aim: It is equally important to highlight the necessity of teaching basic life support (BLS) to undergraduate nursing students so they can be equipped with BLS knowledge and skills to be able to handle critical cases during their training and in their future practice. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of BLS on the part of nursing professionals and students at the Arab American University of Jenin. It also sought to identify any link between BLS knowledge and such related factors as gender, age, education level, years of experience, etc. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive was conducted among 150 registered nurses from 4 governmental hospitals in districts covering the north, south and middle of Palestine, and 150 nursing students from the Arab-American University in Jenin in the period between 24 April 2017until 1 June 2017. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire developed by researchers and AHA BLS instructors, who are responsible for collecting information regarding basic knowledge on BLS resuscitation. Results: The result of this study acknowledges that registered nurses have higher average BLS knowledge score (56.7%) compared to nursing students at AAUJ (48.6%). Also, a highly significant difference between both groups in regards to BLS knowledge (p=0.001) was established. Conclusion: Nurses show a higher level of BLS knowledge than do nursing students. Evaluating knowledge in BLS theory and practice is necessary to mitigate possible disability or death caused by a time lag in resuscitation. The inclusion of BLS in nursing curriculum is essential.

The electronic-based documentation system is considered a major transformation in health care in many hospitals worldwide. Successful implementation of the system makes nurses' jobs easier, saves time, and improves the quality of care that is delivered to patients. However, little is known about the adoption of electronic health information systems in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to understand and evaluate nurses' acceptance and attitudes about implementation of an electronic health information system in Palestinian hospitals. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 191 nurses in three governmental hospitals in Palestine. A majority of these nurses understood the need for and accepted the computer-based documentation as demonstrated by their scores on the attitude questionnaire. Inclusion of nurses in early phases of planning and implementation is important. Other developing countries can learn from the Palestinian experience with implementation of electronic health records.

Background: This research study investigates the degree of medication-related satisfaction experienced by Palestinian patients with diabetes. In addition, this study further assesses the association between certain clinical and socio-demographic factors and the degree of satisfaction among the patients. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study design consisted of 415 randomly selected patients from the Palestine Medical Complex (PMC), the Palestinian Ministry of Health Clinics, and from the Palestinian Diabetes Institute (also known as: Al-Bireh Medical Center). The Diabetes Medication Satisfaction (DiabMedSat) questionnaire measured patients’ satisfaction levels regarding their medications. Results: Odds ratios from binomial logistic analysis and the analysis of variance determined statistically significant correlations. The analysis has displayed the presence of significant associations between clinical and socio-demographic factors and treatment satisfaction. Significance was determined at p values < 0.05 and p values < 0.01. Conclusion: This research identified statistically significant associations between certain clinical and socio-demographic factors and diabetic patients’ satisfaction regarding their treatment. Addressing the concerns and difficulties experienced by the patients may impede treatment incompliance and hinder the development of complications, or at least postpone them.