Nurses' Lived Experiences of Faith-Based Short-Term Medical Mission Trips.

ABSTRACT: To date, little has been shared of nurses' perception of their experiences after participating in faith-based, short-term medical mission trips. This qualitative research study, guided by Leininger's transcultural nursing theory and the Sunrise Model, explored this topic. The results illuminated seven themes and pointed to the importance of pretrip planning. The value for Christian nurses in engaging in international medical missions encompasses reflection and growth of one's worldview and experience in providing spiritual care cross-culturally.

The Lived Experience of First-Year Nurses at Work.

The aim of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to gain insight on the lived experiences of newly licensed nurses. First-year nurses describe poor experiences and struggle in their first year of practice, leading to high turnover and burnout. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 newly licensed registered nurses. Major themes identified were (1) the impact of nursing school, (2) hospital orientation of a new nurse, (3) environment that promotes teamwork, (4) taking time for self-care, (5) confidence, and (6) expectations versus reality in doctor interactions. In conclusion, understanding the lived experiences of a new nurse gives insight to current nursing students, including expectations and tips for succeeding in the first year of practice. Current orientation programs in northern Indiana were found to adequately prepare new graduates for professional practice.

Case Study of Nurses' Experiences Related to the Deaths of Their Patients.

A qualitative case study methodology was applied to explore how nurses cope when their patients die. The study utilized a sample of 16 participants at a rural 123-bed community hospital. Nine themes regarding nurses dealing with grief emerged: (a) family issues, (b) patient alone at death, (c) knowing the community, (d) never-forgotten experiences, (e) first experiences, (f) time issues, (g) responses to unexpected deaths, (h) role of nurses, and (i) nurses' response to death itself. It is concluded that nurses need to grieve. If nurses do not know how to cope with deaths of their patients, it may lead to personal health issues. There is a need for further research to evaluate whether improved end-of-life education and counseling address the needs of the nurses who deal with deaths of their patients. Globally, nurses cope with death and need to grieve when their patients die. Knowledge introduced from this research adds to the knowledge of the skills and coping of nurses everywhere.

Self-care Habits of Nurses and the Perception of Their Body Image.

The aim of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to explore the self-care habits of nurses in the hospital setting and how these habits influenced the perception of body image. The nursing profession often requires the nurse to place the health of patients before their own. Very little information is found in the literature regarding the self-care habits of nurses. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 participants who worked as hospital nurses in northern Indiana. The analysis revealed 6 themes in self-care among nurses and how they viewed their bodies. In conclusion, being conscious about body image was the most frequently occurring theme and was referenced more than 4 times the other themes. The findings of this study may be useful in identifying ways to improve the shortcomings of nurses' self-care habits to improve body image and promote healthier lifestyles.

Building Cultural Competence: The Lived Experience of Semester Study Abroad Students.

College students who participate in semester abroad programs have diverse but positive experiences. Variables such as the educational institution attended by the students and the location of the study abroad can affect the experiences of the students. There is minimal research concerning students from Christian colleges who study abroad. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experiences of college students participating in a semester abroad program in a developing country. Seven college students were interviewed regarding their experiences by three senior nursing students who also participated in the study abroad program. Results indicated that major factors influencing students' experiences were related to cultural immersion, role relationships, challenges encountered, and personal growth. Students reported that relationships with people and faith in Christ were strengthened through the experience.

Cardiovascular disease in the Amish: an exploratory study of knowledge, beliefs, and health care practices.

The Old Order Amish population is growing, yet little is known about their cardiovascular health care practices. This ethnographic study explored their cardiovascular knowledge, beliefs, and health care practices. This study showed that the Amish have distinct beliefs and practices which affect their cardiovascular health, and that culturally appropriate education is needed.

An integrative review of the current knowledge of cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors in the Old Order Amish.

PURPOSE: To review the uniqueness of the Amish culture and evaluate the published research on cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors in the Amish. METHOD: A computerized database search from January 1999 to January 2009 was conducted using the search terms Amish and cardiovascular. RESULTS: The majority of published research is based on the Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; is genetically based; and did not make recommendations for health care practices in the Amish. CONCLUSIONS: Studies that focus on cardiovascular disease in the Amish outside Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and that study cardiovascular health care practices of the Amish are needed to develop culturally specific educational interventions.