Transition to Pandemic: Reality Shock and Role Development for the Novice Nurse.

Background The challenges related to the transition to professional nursing practice for the novice nurse have been well documented. In 2020, the transition to professional nursing was complicated by COVID-19. This research assimilated important qualitative perceptions related to the reasons novice nurses sought professional nursing practice and the impact of the pandemic on the decision to become a nurse, and identified the novice nurses' concerns related to COVID-19 and direct patient care. Method A qualitative survey was completed by recent BSN graduates. Data were analyzed using content analysis of the open-ended questions. Results New graduate RNs identified the following themes: helping and caring for others; being inspired by practicing nurses; apprehension; validation of professional choice; dangerous conditions; and underprepared to care for patients with COVID-19. Conclusion Nurse leaders should be cognizant that the transition experience of new nurses who began their practice during the pandemic may be more complex than that of previous new nurses. The information from this study presents an opportunity for the staff of health care institutions to be mindful of these factors as they mentor and support these much-needed new nurses. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(12):557-564.].

The impact of COVID-19 on autism research: A cross-sectional analysis of discontinued or suspended clinical trials.

Due to uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 public health crisis, several clinical trials had to be withdrawn or postponed. Our investigation aimed to assess the rate of discontinuation of clinical trials focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Of the 197 registered trials included in our systematic review, 15 (7.6%) were discontinued, with nearly half of these explicitly citing COVID-19 as their reason for discontinuation. Pharmacological trials were six times more likely to be discontinued during the pandemic than non-pharmacological studies. The difference between the likelihood of discontinuation was statistically significant (OR: 6.13; 95% CI: 1.22-30.71). There was no evidence of association between funding source and reasons for discontinuation. Limitations, along with implications for future trials are discussed. LAY SUMMARY: We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the discontinuation rate of autism clinical trials. We found that drug trials were six times more likely to be discontinued during the pandemic compared to behavioral, diagnostic, and nutritional trials. The overall discontinuation rate was notably lower in autism clinical trials than in other areas of medical research. We recommend an examination of the methodology of the continued autism trials to assess their applicability in other fields.