Addressing the Mental Health of Nursing Students During the Pandemic: The Evaluation of a Needs Assessment by a College of Nursing Mental Health Task Force.

BACKGROUND: A Mental Health Task Force (MHTF) was developed in a large public college of nursing in the Southeastern United States to address the urgent mental health needs expressed by growing numbers of nursing students related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). AIMS: The purpose of this study was to report on a needs assessment conducted by the MHTF. METHODS: The needs assessment study design was a 16-item cross-sectional online survey and four "Town Hall" focus groups with nursing students, faculty, and staff (n = 1-8 participants per group). Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and free-text questions from the survey and focus groups were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. RESULTS: Undergraduate and graduate students (n = 115) ranging in age from 17 to 50 years completed the survey; 95% female, 94% full-time, 56% employed, 77% White, and 81% in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Eleven students participated in the focus groups. The analysis of the free-text survey questions identified the students' perceived needs. Mental health care was the most frequently requested, followed by faculty check-ins, stress management, and peer support. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of the survey provided an opportunity for students to communicate concerns and make requests. To address the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students, multi-modal needs assessments should be conducted periodically to identify priority mental health needs.

Next generation nurse scientists: A systems approach to engaging undergraduate students in research.

BACKGROUND: Nursing Doctor of Philosophy program enrollment has declined. Undergraduate nursing student (UGS) research engagement is associated with future graduate education, an essential element for building the nursing faculty pipeline. PURPOSE: (a) To describe the infrastructure and culture-enhancing resources and strategies associated with building UGS research engagement and (b) to evaluate UGS research engagement. METHODS: Guided by a socioecological systems model university and college documents, databases, and college of nursing survey results were used to identify approaches to, and outcomes of, engaging UGS in research. Descriptive statistics were calculated to illustrate 5-year UGS research engagement trends. FINDINGS: Resources and strategies included grant funding, research assistant funding, student research showcases, and faculty mentorship. UGS research 5-year engagement trends included (a) a 75% increase in the number of students mentored, (b) a 30% rise in funded research proposals, and (c) a 54% increase in paid research assistantships. DISCUSSION: Purposefully using existing resources, growing the college of nursing infrastructure, and cultivating a culture recognizing faculty contributions were approaches associated with increased UGS research engagement.

Rapid Transition to Online Learning for Baccalaureate Students: Teamwork During a Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This article describes how a college of nursing (CON) converted its traditional undergraduate academic program to a 100% online program within 2 weeks of being informed of the need for curricular modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: The college faculty met online prior to implementation to discuss student needs and special considerations. Clinical simulation experiences were developed based on International Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) standards and delivered through virtual simulation. RESULTS: Students evaluated the clinical simulation experiences in each course using Likert-style measures and reported positive experiences overall. Each cohort of students, including the May 2020 graduating seniors, successfully completed all of their classes for progression to the next semester or graduation. CONCLUSION: The successful conversion of traditional academic programs into a virtual environment requires leadership, collaboration, and teamwork. This CON had positive outcomes and offers lessons learned for future implementation. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(7): 397-399.].

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Mind-Body Approaches Used Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to examine complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among racially and ethnically diverse adolescents. Greater understanding of CAM use among this group is warranted to better inform health care providers in delivering a culturally relevant health promotion approach. DESIGN AND METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2012 Child Complementary and Alternative Medicine Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey (CAM-NHIS) data, which was collected from a national sample of adolescents aged 12-17 years. A logistic regression test was employed to investigate the predictors associated with CAM use among racially and ethnically diverse adolescents. RESULTS: While Black and Hispanic adolescents were the least likely to use CAM compared to their White counterparts, families with higher incomes, higher education attainment, and adolescents who experienced pain were more likely to use CAM. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest the need for future research to gain a greater understanding of CAM use among racially and ethnically diverse adolescents, and insights into how health disparities impact CAM use. Greater understanding of how CAM use intersects with health beliefs and outcomes is also warranted. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Based on the CAM-NHIS survey, few racially and ethnically diverse adolescents have reported use of CAM. Development of culturally appropriate instruments and methods to assess CAM use among racially and ethnically diverse adolescents may yield specific data for this population. Informed health care providers can advocate for improved access to CAM for minority adolescents and alter disparate use.

Hydroxyurea Adherence Strategies for Persons with Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to hydroxyurea is essential to modify the pathology of sickle cell disease. OBJECTIVE: To identify best strategies to support adherence to hydroxyurea in persons with sickle cell disease. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, Embase databases and Cochrane Library were searched for studies between 1998 to 2018. RESULTS: Six studies met inclusion criteria: two randomized controlled trials, three prospective studies, and one retrospective chart review. DISCUSSION: Few studies addressed strategies that tested adherence interventions primarily composed of behavioral change resulting in medication adherence. More studies on hydroxyurea adherence are needed.