Search

Purpose: Older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are at high risk for acute medical problems and their health trajectories frequently include hospital admission and care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Their health trajectories after SNF discharge are poorly understood. Therefore, in the current study, we sought to describe health trajectories and factors associated with hospital read-missions for older adults with ADRD during the 30 days following SNF discharge. Method: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial of transitional care of older adults with transitions from SNF to home and assisted living. A multiple case study design was used in the analysis of the health trajectories of 49 SNF patients with ADRD, 51% discharged from SNF to their own home, 34% discharged to a family member's home, and 15% transferred to assisted living. Results: Within 30 days of discharge, 20% of patients with ADRD experienced new or recurrent acute needs and hospital readmission. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the need for nursing interventions to support patients with ADRD during care transitions, such as focusing care on the patient–caregiver dyad, providing transitional care, referring patients for palliative care consultation, and conducting nurse-led research to improve care transitions of these patients and their caregivers. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(4), 34–41.], Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect 6.2 million U.S. adults aged ≥65 years, and Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death for this population (Alzheimer's Association, 2023). [...]

Byline: Ethan Geringer-Sameth Jarrett Murphy, the former longtime editor of nonprofit news site City Limits, has a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of New York's neighborhoods from his years snooping around them. [...]

Information is lacking in long-term care regarding heart failure (HF) management, including in nursing homes. The current pilot project examined the Nurse-Led Interdisciplinary-Heart Failure Team Program (NLI-HFTP) intervention for nursing home residents with HF. This study used a pre-posttest one-group design with 46 nursing home residents who were primarily female, African American, of non-Hispanic ethnicity, and with an average age of 76 years. Post-intervention Nurse-Patient Interaction Scale scores were significantly higher than pre-intervention scores (mean pretest = 124.83, mean posttest score = 103.04; t [45] = 27.78, p < 0.001). Comparison of participants' medical records found a substantial decrease in the number of HF–exacerbated hospitalizations during the 3-month post-implementation period compared with rates during the 3-month pre-implementation period (16 vs. 7). The NLI-HFTP was feasible to implement in a nursing home, reduced referral rates to acute care hospitals, and could thus provide a better resident experience through increasing nurse–patient interactions. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(12), 18–23.], Heart failure (HF), common among older adults, is often complicated by physiological aging and psychosocial needs, which contribute to treatment failures when not addressed. HF among long-term care (LTC) residents [...]

June 27, 2024 To thrive in the workplace, internationally qualified nurses need professional development, protection from bullying and good communication skills, a New Zealand researcher has found. The global nursing [...]

June 26, 2024 Nurses should be more involved in antimicrobial stewardship, say members of an expert group working on new guidelines for antimicrobial practice. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a plague [...]

June 26, 2024 Cancer nurses say the Government's decision to fund 26 cancer treatments is great news--but it must also resource oncology teams to care for higher number of patients. [...]

2024 JUN 1 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- New research on agriculture is the subject of a new report. According [...]

The implementation and use of evidence-based practices in nursing are highly influenced by nurse managers. Our recent earthquake, its effects compounded by the global COVID-19 pandemic, reinforced our nation's need for leaders who can best guide practice according to the best available scientific evidence that in turn has the capacity to improve patient care outcomes. Behaviors of nurse managers, such as giving feedback, being a role model, supporting implementation efforts, and providing resources, strengthen evidence-based practices. Reliability and validating testing of the Turkish equivalent of the Nurse Manager Evidence-Based Practice Competency Scale was the focus of this study. The research was conducted with 127 nurse managers in Adana, Turkey. The Turkish version of the Nurse Manager Evidence-Based Practice Competency Scale was validated by the scale's validity and reliability tests. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.988, which is a high level of reliability. It was determined that the Turkish form of the 16-item scale evaluating the evidence-based practice competency of nurse managers met the validity and reliability criteria at a good level., Evidence-based practice (EBP) is both a professional goal as well as an approach that requires health care decisions to be based on available, valid, and relevant evidence (Shayan et al., [...]

Rural older adults residing in assisted living (AL) (herein referred to as residents) have limited access to health care for urgent and chronic management of diseases. The current project aimed to assess rural residents, families, and staff satisfaction with the Nurse Practitioner (NP) Offsite Visit Program. Residents and their families were asked to complete the NP Satisfaction Survey. The survey comprised three subscales (satisfaction, communication, and accessibility) and measured residents' and families' satisfaction. AL staff attended a 1-hour focus interview. Mean survey scores were 81.5 for satisfaction, 26.4 for communication, and 16.9 for accessibility subscales. Focus interview themes included Care Coordination, Prevention of Acute Care Utilization, and Access to Care. Findings suggest that residents, families, and site staff believe the NP Offsite Visit Program was beneficial and improved care coordination between residents and the provider team. The next step is to evaluate the program's impact on residents' health outcomes and further evaluate the Offsite team membership. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(7), 25–30.], Rural areas across the United States have fewer health care resources than urban areas, including medical staff, diagnostic technology, and facilities (Greenwood-Ericksen & Kocher, 2019). General expenditures for Medicare recipients [...]

May 30, 2024 A nurse who has quit and another who 'literally ran' her entire shift were among those who spoke to Te Whatu Ora leaders face-to-face about latest cost-cutting--one [...]

May 16, 2024 A graduate course run by Ara Institute of Canterbury and Te Whatu Ora aims to equip nurses with the skills and knowledge to be better nurses for [...]

March 14, 2024 Amid the ashes of Te Aka Whai Ora, Maori nurses will still be chasing better pay, safer staffing and culturally safe workplaces. NZNO kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku is [...]

March 21, 2024 All nurses know that our practice should be linked to evidence, but even the idea of reading and assessing a piece of research can be overwhelming. Firstly, [...]

March 22, 2024 Members of NZNO's professional colleges and sections were called on to 'shape the issues' facing health, at an energetic college and section day in Te Whanganui-a-tara, Wellington, [...]

A quality improvement project was launched to link information from adverse event reports to clinical nursing staff for development of process improvements affecting patient care. The process empowered nurses to reduce adverse events and improve patient care and staff satisfaction., Patients admitted to a hospital setting expect to discharge with their overall health condition improved. However, patients may experience potentially harmful complications from their medical treatment and care. Hospitals participating [...]

Patient workload distribution influences quality of care, patient safety, and nursing satisfaction. PANT, a rule-based algorithm, informs equitable daily nurse-patient assignments in the context of census-driven staffing models., Nurses advocate for staffing systems that equitably distribute patient workload across the care delivery team, are sensitive to patients' holistic needs, do not require manual data entry, and control practice [...]

This two-part series offers nurses guidance on how to write abstracts for scholarly work that will be disseminated in a professional arena. Part 1 of this series reviews submission of an abstract for a poster or podium presentation., Nurses are ideally positioned redesign. develop, and conduct research. evidence-based projects, quality improvement initiatives, education programs, and innovative leadership practices. When nurses are empowered to engage in this work, quality [...]

While the rationale for including nurses may be clear to nurses and nurse leaders, it is not necessarily clear to those outside of nursing. Nursing leadership needs to demand participation in decisions that will affect the nursing service., In its 2011 report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, the Institute of Medicine wrote: To play an active role in achieving [the vision of a transformed health [...]

The 'Future of Nursing Report 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity' presents an overarching framework for advancing health equity over the next decade. Given their knowledge and experience, ambulatory care nurses informed the report development; however, they must embrace opportunities for further action. Examples of ambulatory care nurses' innovative work and practice are showcased as they lead efforts across diverse settings with multiple partners. Ambulatory care nurses have the expertise, tools, and leadership for decisive action. They must continue to activate other nurses, their organizations, and collaborators to achieve the report's vision., In a dynamic, disruptive, and challenging health care environment, the National Academy for Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (nAseM) (2021) released The Future of Nursing2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health [...]

Objective: To examine the association of hospital expenditure with continuing nurse education and staffing on improvements in nurse-sensitive, patient-safety outcomes. Data Sources: Data obtained from 12-year (2007-2018) panel of Florida acute-care general hospitals. Study Design: We assess the relationship of hospital expenditure on continuing nurse education and staffing on nurse-sensitive, patient-safety outcomes from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: advanced-stage (stage 3 or 4) pressure injuries/ulcers, central venous catheter-related blood stream infection, and deep vein thrombosis. We attempt to mitigate expected omitted-variable bias by (1) exploiting the panel structure of our data, controlling for time and time-invariant hospital fixed effects and (2) incorporating measurable variables representing four unobserved hospital characteristics underlying hospital safety culture (organizational type, organizational structure, leadership, and market conditions) that are likely associated with both inpatient safety and our key determinants. We include two policy initiatives that took effect during the period under study. Data Extraction Methods: From our initial sample of 177 acute-care hospitals we exclude hospitals with missing variables or years of data. Our samples are a balanced panel of 150 acute-care hospitals (N = 1800) for pressure ulcer and catheter-related blood stream infection, and 143 hospitals (N = 1716) for deep vein thrombosis. Principal Findings: A one standard deviation increase in nursing education-policy interaction is associated with a 16.6% (p < 0.01) reduction in the rate of catheterrelated blood stream infection and associated with an almost 5% (p < 0.05) reduction in the rate of deep vein thrombosis; a one standard deviation increase in staffing per 1000 inpatient days is associated with a 68.5% reduction in pressure-ulcer rates: 31.4% from direct staffing (p < 0.01) and 37.1% from policy-staffing interaction (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there are tradeoffs between funding continuing education and training of existing staff and expanding staff to achieve patient safety objectives. KEYWORDS endogenous determinants, hospitals, longitudinal analysis, nurse continuing education, nurse staffing, patient safety, quality improvement What is known on this topic * Despite remarkable progress, determinants of hospital patient safety and their effects remain obscure. * There is little if any research on continuing education of existing nursing staff and its association with quality. * Much previous research related to nursing and patient safety is limited by the likely presence of unobservable factors that influence both patient safety and the studied determinants. What this study adds * This study mitigates potential endogeneity in the measurement of (1) nurse continuing education and (2) staffing on inpatient safety. * We quantify the relationship between hospital expenditures on nurse training/continuing education and staffing levels on the rates of pressure ulcer, catheter-related blood stream infection, and deep vein thrombosis. * This study points to potential tradeoffs between strategies (enhancing on-site education or increased staffing) to enhance patient safety., 1 | INTRODUCTION In-hospital patient safety has made remarkable progress since the beginning of this century in response to the Institute of Medicine (now National Academy of Medicine) report, To [...]

The profession of nursing is an ever-evolving one--and the key is to embrace a team-approach with other workers, argues aged care nurse Natalie Seymour in response to fears the role [...]

As health budgets are being set, now is the time for Te Whatu Ora nurses, kaiawhina and other workers to turn out and be heard by the new Government, say [...]

Hospitalized older adults (aged ≥65 years) are at risk for functional decline and negative outcomes associated with immobility, such as pressure injuries and falls. There is a paucity of research that examines impacts of mobility interventions in older adults in medical surgical units. The current systematic review examines the impact of mobility-related interventions in this population. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guided this review. Eligibility determination and data extraction, synthesis, and evaluation were independently performed by the authors. Findings revealed that older adult patients who participated in mobility protocols or early mobility programs were mobilized significantly more and were more mobile after discharge. Several studies also showed reduced hospital length of stay (LOS). The literature supports mobility programs as interventions that can have significant impacts on mobilization for medical surgical patients and reduce hospital LOS. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(7), 24–30.], Globally, the number of adults aged ≥65 years is expected to triple to approximately 1.5 billion, representing 16% of the world's population (Mattison, 2019). Health care costs for older adults [...]

Poet Geoffrey Chaucer, along with Shakespeare, gave rise to the popular Valentine's Day tradition of communicating feelings of love through letters. In the mid-to-late 1800s, many of our more modern [...]

Hemodialysis requires vascular access by way of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous graft (AVG), or intravenous hemodialysis catheter. There is overwhelming evidence that an AVF should be the access of choice due to its lowest infection rate compared to an AVG or hemodialysis catheter; however, less than 17% of patients on hemodialysis have a functional AVF when hemodialysis treatment is initiated. Most patients with end stage kidney disease begin hemodialysis using a hemodialysis catheter, which has a higher infection rate. Nephrology nurses can advocate for best evidence-based practice, understanding that AVFs have lower infection and lower thrombosis rates, and provide more effective hemodialysis. This article provides a literature review for types and indications of hemodialysis access and how nurses can promote this best practice. Key Words: Arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft, hemodialysis catheter, end stage kidney disease (ESKD)., There are 37 million people in the United States more than 1 in 7 of the U.S. population with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CdC], [...]

There is a call to action for nurses in all types of practice settings to lead change efforts that impact quality of care. An intervention may focus on an outcome or improvement of an existing process. In both instances, an understanding of organizational culture and readiness for change are needed. Evidence-based tools are available for use by nurses and interprofessional teams to assess the clinical work environment and plan for measurement of change. Learning the use of these tools is a key step in advancing quality improvement. Use of quality improvement techniques can have an immediate impact at the clinical microsystem level. Key Words: Quality improvement, knowledge translation, organizational change., Among the highest standards for nurses in all roles and settings is the responsibility for advocacy on behalf of those in our care. The competencies required to meet this standard [...]

The New Zealand Anaesthetic Technicians' Society (NZATS) would like to thank our nursing colleagues for their views in relation to the review (https://www.mscouncil.org.nz/assets_mlsb/Consultation-Review-of-the-Scope-of-Practice-for- Anaesthetic-Technology-Practitioners-v2.pdf) being conducted by the Medical Sciences [...]

2023 JUN 24 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Research findings on liver cancer are discussed in a new report. According [...]

Practice nurses say an eight per cent pay rise is a 'step' closer to hospital nurses' salaries--but does not go nearly far enough. 'Nurses are looking for pay parity with [...]

'Disheartened' but resolute nurses, midwives and kaiawhina are not ruling out industrial action after a resounding rejection of Te Whatu Ora's proposal for an offer. In a vote, 98 per [...]

Nurses' work in general practices is underestimated to an unknown degree due to the way practice records are kept, according to researchers in a major New Zealand study. Our study [...]

Nurses, midwives and health workers turned out in huge numbers to off-site stop-work meetings, with many expressing their anger and disgust over Te Whatu Ora's offer for a new two-year [...]

A general election is a golden opportunity for NZNO members to take political action and achieve policy changes. But what does it mean to be politically engaged, aware and active? [...]

Caring for Aotearoa's ageing rainbow community and the importance of 'flourishing' in aged care--for both nurses and residents--were among topics at the recent NZNO college of gerontology nurses conference. Older [...]

The occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) during COVID infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality of patients. AKI can occur at any stage of COVID-19 infection; clinical judgment and the consideration of AKI risk factors along with early detection and diagnosis are essential to prevent short- and long-term complications. A review of the literature found that pre-existing chronic kidney disease, obesity, and the severe presentation of the illness appear to be risk factors; people who develop AKI during acutely severe disease may have slightly worse outcomes than patients without COVID-19 who develop AKI; and finally, certain genetic susceptibilities may play a role in developing COVID-19-related AKI. Nurses can assist in detecting, preventing, and treating AKI in patients with COVID-19. Nursing interventions can be implemented to optimize care for individuals and their families in the context of COVID-19 and kidney injury. Finally, discoveries from this critical situation can help health care facilities plan resources and prepare for the increased health care burden of survivors of AKI associated with COVID-19. This article discusses recent data about how the virus causes kidney injury and suggests nursing solutions to optimize care for patients with AKI. Key Words: Acute kidney injury, COVID-19, nursing care, acute kidney failure, immunity., In December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) reported cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. This announcement presaged a global pandemic of a [...]

Nursing leadership is impactful now more than ever. With over 4 million nurses in the United States, the positive power of nursing leadership is making a significant difference in improving the nation's health by promoting a culture of health and addressing the social determinants of health in communities across America., The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) is proud to announce the achievement of the key strategy, ensuring 10,000 board seats are filled by nurses, as envisioned by the founders! This [...]

With a portion of hospital reimbursement tied directly to achieving key benchmarks related to patient experience scores, organizations are continually prioritizing the patient experience. For organizations trying to improve the [...]

Although an estimated 725,000 to 1,000,000 persons of all ages in the United States are living with an ostomy, more than 60% of graduating nurses will not have performed ostomy care in a clinical setting. Barriers exist that impede effective patient and family education on the care of the child with a new ostomy. The objective of this review is to advocate for the active engagement of bedside nursing staff in patient and caregiver education for the management of a new ostomy. To that end, essential ostomy knowledge for nurses is provided, including instruction on individualizing appropriate and supportive ostomy teaching to meet the specific needs of children at different developmental stages. Delivering developmentally supportive ostomy care to children with a new ostomy and providing age-appropriate teaching to them and their caregivers will establish a stable footing for successful transition to life with an ostomy. Key Words: Ostomy, colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy, child, family teaching, nursing role., The exact number of pediatric patients with an ostomy is unknown. An estimated 725,000 to 1,000,000 persons of all ages are living with an ostomy in the United States (United [...]

2023 JAN 7 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Investigators discuss new findings in Drugs and Therapies - Chemotherapy. According to [...]

2023 JAN 7 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Current study results on Cardiovascular Research have been published. According to news [...]

December 22, 2022 Migrant nurses are welcoming the Government's move to put them on the straightto-residency visa--but say they should have been included from the start. Manawatu nurse and NZNO [...]

CLARA BARTON'S WORK AS A BATTLEFIELD NURSE CHANGED LIVES. HER QUEST TO FIND MISSING SOLDIERS WENT EVEN FURTHER 'THE PROSPECTS OF A SPEEDY PEACE either in the conquest or the [...]