Locus of control and academic success among ethnically diverse baccalaureate nursing students.

This descriptive study used quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a deeper understanding of the perceptions of locus of control and the academic success of baccalaureate nursing students from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Students who were more likely to attribute academic outcomes to forces beyond their personal control were more likely to have lower medical-surgical theory grades, more likely to be Filipino or from other Asian groups, and more likely to be students for whom English was their second language. The most frequently reported factors students identified as contributors to academic success were good study strategies, persistence, and supportive social connections.

Needs of family members of critically ill patients: a comparison of nurse and family perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Critical illness often occurs without warning. leaving families feeling vulnerable and helpless with no clear knowledge of what to expect from health care professionals or patient outcome. The challenge for critical care nurses (Registered Nurses [RNs]) is to provide care for aggressively managed, critically ill patients while attending to the needs of stressed family members. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore differences in the perceptions of the needs of family members of critically ill patients and RNs' perceptions and the extent to which these needs were met. METHODS: A descriptive, exploratory design was used. Thirty critical care RNs and 20 family members at a small community hospital critical care unit comprised the sample. Participants were surveyed using the Norris and Grove 30-item version of Molter and Leske's Critical Care Family Needs Inventory and a 30-item version of Warren's Needs Met Inventory. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P

Nurses' perceptions of stress and support in the preceptor role.

This study was undertaken to examine whether staff nurses experience stress when they are precepting, and the sources of the stress. Another purpose was to describe preceptors' perceptions of support from others, such as coworkers and managers. A convenience sample of 65 registered nurse preceptors completed an investigator-developed questionnaire asking for their views on stress and support in the preceptor role. Most respondents (89%) reported that precepting is stressful to some degree, with the most common reasons being workload, skill level of the preceptee, organizational support, and preceptor confidence. Despite the high levels of stress reported, most subjects described adequate support as preceptors from coworkers and managers. Preceptors are critical for the training and retention of new nurses. It is important that stressors related to precepting be acknowledged and strategies be employed to reduce stress. Recommendations for support and strategies are included.

Work environmental factors and retention of nurses.

Perceptions of the work environment were studied among acute care nurses working in a large county hospital who left their units during an 18-month period, compared to those who stayed. Analysis using Moos' work environment subscales suggests that the nurses who remained in their units perceived less work pressure and had greater perception of peer cohesion, supervisor support, and autonomy than nurses who left. Moos' Work Environment Scale suggests that a supportive work environment enables nurses to provide quality patient care, enhance their own self-esteem, increase job satisfaction, and provide cost savings to their employers. Such an environment promotes retention of skilled, caring, knowledgeable, and experienced nurses who provide better patient care with fewer complications, and reduces the economic and social costs of healthcare for both providers and consumers.

Public health nurse interventions for women in a dependency drug court.

There is an increasing number of children placed in foster care due to abuse and neglect. Parents of these children often have difficult drug abuse problems leading to the removal of their children. The cost of caring for these children is staggering, reaching an estimated $24 billion. One program in Northern California that has been created to assist parents is dependency drug court. This research utilized qualitative and quantitative data to identify the perceived needs of women who have graduated from this dependency drug court (n = 50) and what they think the public health nurse (PHN) could do to intervene in the difficult process of going through dependency drug court and reunifying with their children. Two main themes emerged from select interviews with former drug court recipients who were functioning as "mentor moms" (n = 4). Common barriers contributed to stress during recovery, and specific strategies promoted reunification and program success. Among strategies recommended by the mentor moms was a suggestion for PHNs to bridge the information gap through regular reports on the development and health of their children during the time they reside in foster care.

The circle of health: a health definition model.

Beginning with a holistic definition in ancient times, the predominant American definition of health now focuses on physical health and disease symptoms. This limited definition of health is an inadequate foundation for holistic health care strategies. This article provides a conceptual model with an expanded definition of health as a basis for holistic and conventional health strategies. The model includes concepts of balance, energy systems, and mind-body integration from non-Western health practices. A holistic definition of health suggests an expanded range of positive, pleasurable health behaviors. The visual representation of the model can be used by health care professionals and clients to identify disease reduction strategies or a health improvement program for well individuals. Understanding and expanding the conceptualization of health and health improvement strategies offers the possibility of improving client satisfaction and health status outcomes.

Health redefined: a foundation for teaching nursing strategies.

SUMMARY: Current models of health are inadequate to meet nursing education and healthcare needs related to the growth in alternative health. Concepts of energy, holism, and balance expand the current health definition and provide conceptual understanding for mind-body and energy system strategies. As a result, nurses will increase alternatives for promoting health. Nurse educators have an exciting opportunity to be an integral part of this trend by providing a broader, more holistic definition of health.

Academic performance of nursing students: do prerequisite grades and tutoring make a difference?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of prerequisite science course performance and tutoring services with academic performance of first semester nursing students. Quantitative data were gathered from student records after a semester in which tutoring services were offered. The convenience sample consisted of 37 students enrolled in first semester nursing courses. Influence on academic performance was determined by comparing the academic performance of two groups, students who attended four or fewer tutorial sessions and students who attended five or more tutorial sessions. Previous academic performance was shown to have a statistically significant relationship with first semester nursing school performance. Recommendations for nursing faculty are offered.

Staff nurse perceptions of the work environment: a comparison among ethnic backgrounds.

This study examined the relationship among ethnicity and perceptions of the work environment among staff nurses in a large urban hospital in Northern California. Moos' Work Environment Scale, System Maintenance and Change Dimensions, was used to investigate staff nurse perception of the work environment related to role clarity, managerial control, and innovation. Findings of this study suggest statistically significant differences in the way Caucasian and non-Caucasian nurses viewed the extent to which management used rules and pressures. The perception of control in the work environment is an important factor in retention and in maintaining a quality workplace.

Nursing school curricula and hospital-based training programs.

Perioperative nursing is at the threshold of an unprecedented shortage that may affect the profession for years to come as the existing workforce ages and nursing schools continue to marginalize perioperative curricula. The purpose of this study is to investigate perioperative staffing issues, preceptorship training programs, and nursing school curricula in the metropolitan area surrounding the city of San Jose, Calif. Results show that 77% of the ORs surveyed had vacant positions and experienced moderate to severe difficulty in filling these vacancies. Results for the schools of nursing show that 83% do not offer preceptorships or clinical internships in the perioperative setting. Recommendations regarding the development of professional, community, and academic partnerships to help address the perioperative nursing shortage are presented.