Professional challenges of nurses working during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The diverse list of tasks and needs related to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may lead to different professional experiences in nurses working with patients infected with and not infected with SARS-CoV-2. The aim of the study was to measure the professional challenges of nurses working during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2021 in a group of 151 nurses. The following scales were used: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ-SF), the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBIHSS). RESULTS: Nurses working with patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed a positive correlation between workload and emotional exhaustion (ρ = 0.26, p = 0.02), as well as positive correlations among control, community and depersonalization (ρ = 0.25, p = 0.02; ρ = 0.23, p = 0.04). Among nurses working with uninfected patients, positive correlations were found among control, community, fairness and emotional exhaustion (ρ = 0.40, p = 0.000; ρ = 0.41, p = 0.000; ρ = 0.25, p = 0.03), as well as correlations between control and depersonalization (ρ = 0.33, p = 0.01), and among control, community and personal accomplishment (ρ = 0.23, p = 0.05; ρ = 0.27, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Nurses working during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with infected and uninfected patients both experienced a variety of psychosocial challenges in coping with the demands of their work, social relationships and personal life. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):112-24.

Education and attitudes toward geriatric care: Impact for nursing graduates and their career decisions - study protocol.

The demanding and challenging nature of care for geriatric patients requires appropriate preparation of health care professionals. However, the willingness of nursing students to work in geriatric nursing care is mostly at a low level. The EAging_C project has been developed to investigate the relationship between nursing teachers' and students' attitudes towards older people and its impact on career decisions regarding working in a geriatric setting. This study uses an explanatory sequential mixed-method. The study has been conducted in a Polish academic setting in teams of geriatric nursing practical training teachers and their students. Quantitative and qualitative data have been collected in three stages. Kogan's Attitudes Towards Older People questionnaire has been used to collect quantitative data among teachers and students. By developing two questionnaires for the semi-structured interviews (one for students and one for teachers) qualitative data was collected that deepened the quantitative data collected. The investigation conducted in this project allows us to provide an insight into the issue of the unwillingness to work in a geriatric setting by nursing graduates. Based on the identified variables that are crucial to promoting work with older people, further research can be carried out based on testing the intervention.

The Relationship between Sociodemographic, Professional, and Incentive Factors and Self-Reported Level of Physical Activity in the Nurse Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Research indicates that while nurses are aware of the benefits of physical activity (PA), their adherence to PA is low. The results of workplace interventions that increase PA are inconsistent. The study aim was identification the sociodemographic, professional, and incentive factors influencing nurses' PA and investigation its relationship with the level of PA that they report. This study was based on observational cross-sectional research conducted among professionally active nurses working in a clinical setting (n = 350). The self-reported questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and employment data and motivators and barriers of participating in PA. The level of PA was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The analysis revealed significant differences in the Total Physical Activity Score (TPAS) depending on the variables related to professional activity (working in a management position: p = 0.015; workplace: p = 0.01; shift type: p ≤ 0.002). Cluster analysis revealed that the most important statement in the group division about motivation was fear of the pain occurring after exercise. Nurses who were more motivated to be active showed a higher level of leisure-time PA than less motivated nurses. The recommendation of PA in the nursing population should be focused on increasing the leisure time PA, ensuring the appropriate time to recovery, and compliance with the principles of work ergonomics to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Female Sex and Living in a Large City Moderate the Relationships between Nursing Students' Stress Level, Perception of Their Studies, and Intention to Practice Professionally: A Cross-Sectional Study.

One way to increase nursing retention is to expand the number of nursing education programs; however, a more cost-effective initial step would be to ensure that each graduate will start a professional career. Nursing studies expose students to prolonged and uncontrolled stress that negatively affects their professional identity and health. Two hundred and fifty-four nursing students participated in this study. The data were obtained using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), a proprietary questionnaire on the students' perception of their study, intention to practice in the future, and other metrics. Among our sample, a dozen students were unsure that they would enter the nursing profession. Stress levels in women were higher than in men. Respondents indicated that they were afraid of the return of the pandemic. This analysis was significant among people living in large cities. Based on our findings, five themes should be prioritised: favourable study environment and adequate competencies (including implementation of stress management techniques, especially among women and students living and studying in large cities), appropriate working hours, quality of practical classes, and quality of personal protective equipment.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Increased Burnout and Bullying among Newly Graduated Nurses but Did Not Impact the Relationship between Burnout and Bullying and Self-Labelled Subjective Feeling of Being Bullied: A Cross-Sectional, Comparative Study.

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed a great challenge to health care systems worldwide. Health care personnel, including nurses, work under high pressure and are overworked and overwhelmed, which results in a higher prevalence of burnout and workplace bullying, which further increases the intention to leave the nursing profession. (2) Methods: A comparative correlational and cross-sectional study design was adopted, and an online questionnaire was used to collect data between October 2019 and October 2021. Two hundred and fifty-seven newly graduated nurses participated in this study. The studied variable was measured using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, the Negative Acts Questionnaire, and metrics developed by the authors. (3) Results: The prevalence of bullying and burnout is significantly higher among nurses who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic than among those who worked before the pandemic, but the pandemic has not had an impact on the level of the subjective assessment of bullying. Working as a newly graduated nurse before or during the COVID-19 pandemic is a moderator between person-related bullying and its dimensions and disengagement. (4) Conclusions: Pandemics increase bullying and burnout among newly graduated nurses; however, the current challenges have caused some of this to remain unrevealed, the repercussions of which will appear with double strength later.

The relationship between perceived competence and self-esteem among novice nurses - a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Novice nurses' responsibilities are greater than what their actual level of competence can cope with. This can cause increased levels of stress, which many studies have shown is a factor resulting in reduced self-esteem, which affects not only the well-being of nurses but also the quality of care provided. AIMS: To investigate the relationship between the self-assessment of nursing competencies and self-esteem among novice nurses and the moderation role of the sociodemographic variables and intention to leave the nursing profession on this relationship. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A correlational cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire. The study was conducted between July and October 2019 among 122 novice nurses. The study tool consisted of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Nurse Professional Competence Scale-Short Version, and metrics. Calculations were performed using SPSS Statistics, version 25. To approach research questions hierarchical multiple regression was performed. RESULTS: The self-esteem level of novice nurses have been identified as low. Novice nurses who declared their willingness to leave their profession had a higher level of self-esteem than nurses who did not declare this willingness. The highest-rated competencies were in the fields of nursing care and value-based nursing care, while the lowest were in the areas of development, leadership, and the organisation of nursing care. Correlations between postgraduate education and competencies in the majority subscales were revealed. The results showed a negative correlation between self-esteem and all subscales of the competence scale. Seniority and postgraduate education were important moderators in the relationship between some competence subscales and self-esteem. CONCLUSION: Novice nurses present a low level of self-esteem. Nurses with a higher competence level showed lower self-esteem. Developing competencies at the beginning of one's nursing practice, which is crucial for patients' outcomes, should be accompanied by the strengthening of novice nurses' self-esteem.KEY MESSAGESNovice nurses with a higher level of self-esteem more often declared their willingness to leave their profession.The results showed a negative correlation between self-esteem and all subscales of the competence scale.Seniority and postgraduate education are important moderators in the relationship between some competence subscales and self-esteem.

Novice nurses' readiness to practice in an ICU: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Novice nurses (newly qualified within the first 3-year period of professional practice after registration) must first face the reality and complexity of caring for high-acuity patients in the critical care setting, which can be an unfamiliar and demanding environment. The successful transition from education to professional practice of novice nurses hired for intensive care must be supported. AIM: To explore Polish novice nurses' readiness to practice in an intensive care unit (ICU). Our study objectives included investigating pre-registration preparation for work in an ICU, identifying the most needed competencies to work in an ICU, and analysing organizational aspects of the professional orientation period. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative phenomenology design was applied. METHODS: We conducted qualitative content analysis based on individual semi-structured in-depth interviews. Study recruitment was performed using a purposeful and network sampling strategy. The final number of participants was 17 Polish novice nurses. RESULTS: The majority of responders replied that they were not prepared to work in an ICU after graduation. Professional orientation was planned-generally for a period of 3 months; however, in most places it was shortened. The respondents identified the five competencies most needed to work in an ICU: communication, teamwork, professional self-confidence, and knowledge and its practical use. Their enhancement could be achieved through simulations during both pre-registration and professional training. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the novice nurses' orientation period revealed many difficulties that indicated a lack of readiness to practice in an ICU after graduation. Identifying novice nurses' strengths and weaknesses regarding clinical competence is important to guide the design of orientation programmes in ICU settings and nursing education programmes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Readiness for ICU work may be improved by enriching education with simulations that enable training in the practical use of knowledge and critical care procedures. A supportive work environment is crucial during professional orientation.

Impact of stress and coping strategies on insomnia among Polish novice nurses who are employed in their field while continuing their education: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine to what degree particular coping strategies mediate the association between stress and insomnia in novice nurses who are employed while continuing their education and how type of education moderate the relationships between workplace stress, coping strategies and insomnia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire, which was completed by 159 novice registered nurses. The questionnaire comprised four components: Athens Insomnia Scale, Perceived Stress at Work (based on Perceived Stress Scale), Brief-Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (COPE)and metrics with sociodemographic data questions. RESULTS: Stress was found to be a significant predictor of insomnia among novice nurses. After adjusting the coping strategy, work stress ceased to be a significant predictor of insomnia. Among the strategies, the significant predictors that increased severity insomnia were acceptance, denial and self-blame. Predictors that decreased severity insomnia were use of emotional support and venting. Furthermore, the relationship between both active coping and self-distraction strategies and insomnia was significant for part-time students. CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia is significant phenomena among novice nurses and are exacerbated by increased stress in the workplace. Choosing appropriate coping strategies for stress that are dependent on the individuals' activities significantly reduce the severity of insomnia caused by work stress.

The number of nurses and midwives per 1000 inhabitants influences life expectancy: a retrospective analysis based on data from 46 countries.

OBJECTIVES: Increased life expectancy results in greater challenges posed to healthcare. Concurrently, a shortage of healthcare workforce, including nurses, has been observed. Thus, an urgent need exists to implement improvements in healthcare services based on sufficient evidence. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the relative number of nurses/midwives on life expectancy, and the influence of selected economic variables: gross domestic product (GDP), health expenditure as a percentage of GDP, and health expenditure per capita, on this number. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the relative number of nurses/midwives on life expectancy, and the influence of select economic variables: GDP, health expenditure as a percentage of GDP, and health expenditure per capita on this number. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis based on data from 46 countries was performed. Correlations between the relative number of nurses/midwives and life expectancy as well as economic variables were evaluated. To trace the differences between the countries with different relative numbers of nurses/ midwives, the countries were divided into groups as follows - group 1: <5 nurses and midwives/1000 nurses inhabitants, group 2: 5-10 nurses and midwives/1000 inhabitants, and group 3: >10 nurses and midwives/1000 inhabitants. RESULTS: Correlations were found between the relative number of nurses/midwives and life expectancy (p < 0.001, r = 0.68), and economic variables (p < 0.001, r = 0.82; p < 0.001, r = 0.62, and p < 0.001, r = 0.8, respectively). Life expectancy was higher in group 3 vs. groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.036, respectively), and in group 2 vs. group 1 (p = 0.006). Economic variables were higher in group 3 vs. group 1 (p < 0.001 for all) and group 2 (p = 0.016, p = 0.025, p = 0.022, respectively), and in group 2 vs. group 1 (p = 002, p = 0.024, p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The relative number of nurses/midwives correlates with life expectancy and relies on the country's income and level of healthcare system financing. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(4):505-12.

What is the most needed competence for newly graduated generation z nurses? Focus groups study.

BACKGROUND: Research conducted so far in the area of identifying competence needed for newly graduated nurses has allowed for the identification of both strengths and weaknesses of nurses beginning work. However, the analyses conducted so far requires supplements in terms of difficulties and the strengths in respect to competence of graduates from the currently entering Generation Z. OBJECTIVES: To explore Generation Z newly graduated nurses' competence that increase their work efficiency and support them during periods of professional adaptation. DESIGN: A qualitative exploratory-descriptive design. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine participants attended the interviews conducted in 4 focus groups: nursing students, newly graduated nurses, nurse managers and clinical nurses with at least 10 years of working experience. METHODS: Qualitative research utilized focus groups that were conducted based on the same semi-structured interview, which ensured similar key topics were discussed by each group. The COREQ criteria were used in the reporting of this study. RESULTS: We determined the characteristics and difficulties of the adaptation period for newly graduated Generation Z nurses and identified six of the most needed competence: knowledge and the ability to use it in practice, communication skills, teamwork, openness to development, decision-making, coping with stress and empathy. The topics of self-confidence, assertiveness and empathy were also discussed in each group. CONCLUSION: Analysis based on focus groups identified good preparation in knowledge, openness to development and empathy; however, deficiencies were found in the other competence. Competence indicated as the most important in Generation Z nurses' practice were interrelated. Deficits in some of them can cause difficulties in using others.

Bullying in nursing evaluated by the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To report a synthesis of the empirical studies that used the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) to assess bullying among nurses based on evaluation of the psychometric properties and use and usability of the instrument and identification of the variables associated with bullying. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Four databases were used in the literature search: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus. The search was limited to original publications describing results of empirical studies written in English or Polish and published in peer-reviewed journals between 2002 and 2018. REVIEW METHODS: Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, extracted data and conducted quality assessment. Based on the extracted data, three separate meta-analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Thirty-one articles were included in the review, 13 of which were selected for meta-analysis. In studies where participants reported bullying (N = 19), its prevalence ranged from 17-94%. Variables most often associated with bullying were age, educational level and years of professional experience. Usability of this instrument in different countries was supported by a high reliability in each study. In two meta-analyses, which included 12 studies with mean NAQ-R and item scores, the heterogeneity of data was calculated as high and moderate respectively. CONCLUSION: The good quality of the NAQ-R in determining variables related to bullying is endorsed. Variables related to bullying identified in this review could be used to map out a model of a potential bullying victim for preventative measures. IMPACT: The NAQ-R is a useful and reliable tool for measuring bullying among nurses; however, there remains a strong need to assure that a verified, standardized and updated bullying taxonomy is used in future studies to ensure reliable and comparable data. A model of a potential bullying victim may help nursing directors foster a healthier workplace environment, thereby improving patient outcomes in the long-term.

Prevalence of bullying in the nursing workplace and determinant factors: a nationwide cross-sectional Polish study survey.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of bullying among Polish nurses, and to identify the most common negative acts, as well as individual and work-related risk factors for workplace bullying. METHODS: Cross-sectional study designed using an online survey. The total study sample was 404 nurses, each having over 6 months of working experience. Data were collected using the Polish version of the Negative Act Questionnaire-Revised. Linear stepwise regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed to assess predictors of greater reporting of perceived workplace bullying RESULTS: Bullying was experienced by 65.84% of participants. Perceived workplace bullying was associated with sex (p=0.043), age (p=0.003), seniority (p=0.006), number of working hours per week (p=0.010) and position (p=0.029). Logistic regression analysis with the dependent variable of bullying according to Leymann's rigorous criteria revealed that the model could include four variables: age from 50 to 59, seniority of 11-15 years,>45 working hours per week and a bachelor's degree in nursing. CONCLUSIONS: An alarming percentage of nurses were victims of bullying. Among all variables included in the regression model, the most significant predictors of perceived workplace bullying were age, seniority, work overtime and bachelor's degree education. Bullying prevention and improvement of well-being at work must be addressed as part of an overall strategy to deal with turnover.

Nurse job satisfaction at a surgical ward - a comparative study between Sweden and Poland.

BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction is a major issue in work psychology among nurses, and in the surgical nursing context, important factors leading to the perception of job satisfaction have been suggested. Two European Union neighboring countries (Sweden and Poland) were chosen for the purpose of this study due to similar nursing education but different health care systems, employment regulations and salaries. Recognition of the factors which are related to nurse job satisfaction may lead to improvements in the nurses' working conditions. The aim of this study was to explore and compare job satisfaction and various factors among Polish and Swedish nurses in a surgical ward context. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study had a cross-sectional survey design, with questionnaires among Polish and Swedish nurses in surgical care, and was conducted between April and December 2014. The main assessment tool was a Job Satisfaction Survey questionnaire. In total, 408 nurses returned the questionnaire (response rate - 59%). RESULTS: Swedish nurses rated job satisfaction significantly higher than Polish nurses. The possibilities for professional development at the current workplace correlated with job satisfaction in both groups. Higher values of exhaustion due to nurses' working duties were correlated with general job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Swedish and Polish nurses showed ambivalence towards job satisfaction. Their job satisfaction increased when their exhaustion level was higher. The possibilities for achievements, developing professional skills, and promotion may be important factors affecting job satisfaction. Med Pr. 2019;70(2):155-67.