COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Risks and Outcomes.

The normal physiologic changes of pregnancy are known to increase susceptibility to respiratory illness. Individuals who are pregnant are more likely to acquire a SARS-CoV-2 infection and develop COVID-19 than the general population; they are at increased risk for hospitalization; ventilator-assisted breathing; and other subsequent maternal, fetal, and neonatal health issues. Although the incidence of infection and subsequent morbidity is increased in pregnancy, mortality does not seem to be increased. Individuals who are vaccinated against COVID-19 before childbirth can pass antibodies to their fetuses via the placenta during pregnancy and to their infants during breastfeeding. It is important for health care providers to be cognizant of the potential impacts of COVID-19 on pregnant individuals and their offspring.

Advocating for Interventions When Depression Complicates Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a condition of pregnancy that is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Individuals diagnosed with preeclampsia have an increased chance of developing depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. This ultimately increases the risk for negative physical and emotional outcomes. A review of the etiology, pathophysiology, symptomatology, and risk factors for preeclampsia and depression, as well as the impact of COVID-19, can improve outcomes by helping nurses provide evidence-based holistic care. This article focuses on providing enhanced knowledge to help nurses identify the psychosocial aspects of preeclampsia and advocate for appropriate mental health assessment and intervention for affected individuals.

Integrating an Innovative, Cost-Effective Electronic Documentation System for Undergraduate Nursing Students.

Over the past 15 years, the use of electronic medical record systems in the healthcare setting has grown exponentially. Accurate input of patient data is critical to facilitate safe care and effective communication among all members of the healthcare team. To keep pace with the practice environment, nursing students must have the opportunity to document health-related information in an electronic medical record early in the educational program. The purpose of this project was to create a cost-effective electronic medical record system for undergraduate nursing students to learn appropriate documentation of patient-related findings. Patient-centered care, informatics, and safety were the focus topics from the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses project included in the development of this endeavor. Faculty worked in collaboration with the university's information technology department to develop an innovative electronic medical record to be used in physical assessment, which is the first course in the nursing curriculum. Positive feedback was obtained from students and faculty about the project. It is important to provide students with the opportunity to experience electronic documentation to effectively prepare them for the ever-changing practice environment.

Students' Approach to learning over time.

This research study was conducted with one undergraduate nursing cohort at a mid-sized Midwestern university in the USA. The goal of this quantitative research study was to measure students' approach to learning to determine if they realized changes from the start to the finish of their program. Students were asked to complete the Approaches to Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) on entry into the undergraduate program (ASSIST-1). Two years later, during their final semester, students completed the inventory again (ASSIST-2). Results showed students' top approach to learning was strategic learning, followed by deep learning and lastly surface learning. Students experienced no significant changes in their approach to learning during the two-year period. Suggestions are discussed on how to design classes to encourage deeper learning approaches and the impact of using strategic approaches.

Differences in Perceptions of Incivility Among Disciplines in Higher Education.

BACKGROUND: Incivility occurs in various forms in higher education and negatively affects teaching and learning outcomes. It has not been determined if incivility is more prevalent in one discipline than another. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare faculty and student perceptions of incivility across disciplines at a large public university. METHODS: In this descriptive comparative study, a convenience sample of 156 faculty and 421 students completed the Incivility in Higher Education-Revised survey electronically. RESULTS: The total sample was 577. Nursing reported the highest level of perceived incivility, with all other disciplines also reporting some level of incivility. Faculty perceived more incivility than students. CONCLUSIONS: With a national awareness of incivility in nursing education, this study shows that incivility also exists in other disciplines and is a starting point for addressing its impact on higher education.

A Practice Improvement Project to Reduce Cesarean Surgical Site Infection Rates.

We implemented an evidence-based practice improvement project at a health care facility in the Midwestern United States to address the increasing rate of cesarean surgical site infections. Women who experienced cesarean birth were cared for using a standardized evidence-based protocol including preoperative and postoperative care and education. In addition, a team-created educational video was used by both women and their families during the postoperative period and at home after discharge. This new protocol resulted in a decrease in the rate of cesarean surgical site infections from 1.35% in 2013 to 0.7% in 2014 and 0.36% in 2015. Our interdisciplinary approach to integrate best-practice strategies resulted in decreased infection rates and improved patient satisfaction scores.

Implications of psychoactive 'bath salts' use during pregnancy.

Psychoactive bath salts (PABS) comprise a group of highly dangerous designer drugs showing a sharp escalation in reported U.S. exposures from 2010 through 2012, following rapid spread of the drug in Europe. Since a federal ban on the major ingredients in October 2011, numbers have declined. However, evidence from the United Kingdom shows an initial decline after the UK ban in 2010 with a 400 percent increase in reports by 2012. Actual information about the effect of PABS use on pregnant women and fetuses is almost nonexistent. Clinicians should be aware of the potential maternal, fetal and neonatal effects of PABS.

Transforming the journey for newly licensed registered nurses.

Newly licensed nurses entering into practice experience stressors related to daily challenges. This evidence-based practice project implemented a nurse residency program designed to ease the transition during the first year of practice. Newly licensed nurses at a Midwestern health care organization were enrolled in a yearlong nurse residency program and were required to attend one 4-hour session monthly. Program outcomes included a decrease in turnover and improved confidence.