ABSTRACT
Postpartum mood disorders (PPMDs) can result in significant negative impacts for the mother, baby, and family. Nurses can be trained to effectively screen for and educate patients about PPMDs. However, available data suggest that clinical opportunities for practicing these important conversations in real-time can be limited. Focused practice discussing PPMDs with patients may improve a nurse's confidence to conduct screenings and help reduce stigma regarding PPMDs. When in-person clinical learning opportunities are limited, simulated patient encounters can serve as useful and accessible alternatives. Though traditional simulations are often conducted in-person with an actor, they can also be offered to students via a virtual platform. This article describes the creation of two virtual simulated patient encounters (vSPEs) designed to improve prelicensure nursing students' confidence in screening and caring for patients at risk for PPMDs. These vSPEs were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to fulfill required labor and birth/postpartum clinical rotation hours. A thorough description of the vSPE design and implementation is provided to encourage nursing and other health professions educators to explore a virtual approach to training students to screen and care for postpartum patients with suspected PPMDs.
ABSTRACT
Despite a national vaccination effort prioritizing frontline healthcare workers, COVID-19 vaccination rates among nurses have been lower than necessary to protect workforce and patient health. Historically, nurses have been more vaccine hesitant than other healthcare workers. To assess the vaccine attitudes and COVID-19 vaccine intent of California's registered nurses, we conducted a statewide cross-sectional survey among 603 licensed RNs working in direct patient care. Of 167 respondents (27.7%), 111 met inclusion criteria. Their mean score of 3.01 on a 6-point rating scale on the Vaccine Attitudes Examination scale measuring general vaccine hesitancy was comparable to previous findings among U.S. West Coast adults. Greater vaccine hesitancy was significantly associated with lower COVID-19 vaccine intent, after controlling for relevant confounders. Since nurses make up the largest portion of the healthcare workforce, it is crucial to specifically address this group's vaccine hesitancy.