A mixed-methods exploration of the nursing associate role, programme experiences and future career pathways.

This article reports on a small mixed-methods research project undertaken with trainee nursing associates (TNAs) in the south of England. AIM: The aim was to gain insight into the motivation behind undertaking the nursing associate (NA) programme, how the NA role is perceived by service users and the wider healthcare team, and the future career pathways of NAs. METHODS: Online questionnaires (n=14) and online focus groups (n=6). FINDINGS: The results suggested undertaking the NA programme increased the TNAs' confidence and ability to use evidence to support their practice; that the role of the NA is not well understood. Some TNAs perceived the NA role as a distinct professional role, whereas others saw it as a way into registered nurse training. CONCLUSION: Role confusion still exists. Research is needed to capture how professional identities in new health and social care professional groups become established.

Extracapsular dissection and minimally invasive procedures of primary benign parotid tumours: Case series

Extracapsular dissection is an old technique use for the removal of benign parotid tumours, which is not generally chosen as the first treatment option due to the association of recurrences in the past but is currently considered again accord to the aesthetic requirements of the patients. The general trend in the last decade is to return to minimally invasive procedures for this type of lesions, which are mainly conditioned by the pleomorphic adenoma and its positive margins in its capsule. By this, the purpose of this case series study is to analyze those patients diagnosed with benign parotid tumors and treated by extracapsular dissection in a tertiary hospital in Chile between 2018-2020.

Implementing an e-Assessment of Professional Practice.

The ability to accurately document undergraduate student nurses' development while in the clinical area is a requirement of the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Owing to a number of strategic and pragmatic drivers, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southampton has developed and implemented an e-Assessment of Professional Practice (eAoPP). This platform enables the student, mentor and academic staff to access the portfolio from any internet enabled device and has been rolled out in phases over 2 years to more than 5000 students and mentors. The key factors underpinning the success of the project are presented along with an audit and preliminary analysis of support service activity provided during the roll out to 380 students in January 2015 across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Plans for future development, including employability and roll out to other student groups are discussed.