Dissemination enhancement in Doctor of Nursing Practice students.

PURPOSE: Students in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs graduate with a completed DNP Project focused on practice improvement utilizing evidence-based research. Despite the value in disseminating the DNP Project outcomes to an audience of interest, many DNP graduates do not pursue dissemination beyond conclusion of their project and graduation. METHODS: The DNP Project didactic course and the DNP Project manuscripts were revised with active learning assignments designed to improve knowledge, skills, and confidence in professional writing and dissemination. A cohort of 26 students was invited to participate in informal focus groups to determine impact of the revisions. The program director tracked the number of students accepted for conference presentations or manuscripts post-implementation. RESULTS: Of those invited to the focus groups, 25 students provided feedback. The students reported a perceived increase in competence and confidence in their ability to submit a professional abstract or manuscript for presentation or publication. Faculty noted an increase in the number of students who proceeded with dissemination of their DNP Project. CONCLUSION: Capturing the momentum for dissemination by revising the DNP Project didactic course and DNP Project manuscripts proved valuable for enhancing graduates disseminating professionally thus contributing to the translation of evidence-based practice into healthcare.

Factors associated with nurses emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are among the frontline healthcare workers directly impacted by the burden of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of emotional distress and the associated factors among nurses practicing in South Dakota during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among practicing, licensed nurses in South Dakota during the pandemic (July 2020 - August 2020). Emotional distress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Logistic regression models were performed to examine the association of emotional distress and the three DASS-21 subscales with: sociodemographic and work environment factors (e.g., work setting, job satisfaction, number of COVID-19 cases seen at the facility, preparedness, concerns with worsening pre-exiting mental health conditions due to the pandemic, and contracting the illness). RESULTS: Among 1505 participants, overall emotional distress was reported by 22.2%, while anxiety, depression and stress were 15.8%, 14.5% and 11.9%, respectively. Factors associated with moderate to severe emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and stress were as follows: concerns for worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions, job dissatisfaction, encountering higher number of COVID-19 cases at one's work facility, feeling unprepared for the pandemic, and concern for contracting the illness (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests a high prevalence of emotional distress among nurses and highlights the factors associated with emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting appropriate support is imperative to reduce nurses' emotional distress and promote psychological well-being during the COVID-19 world health crisis and in future pandemics.