Self-Efficacy in the Cannulation Technique for Intraosseous Access in Pediatric Cardiac Arrest: Egg Versus Bone.

OBJECTIVES: The use of intraosseous (IO) access is recommended in cardiac arrest when peripheral venous access is not accessible. Various methodologies exist that are used for teaching and learning about cannulation of the IO route both in education and in research. The purpose of the present study was to compare self-efficacy in the cannulation technique for IO access through different techniques. METHODS: A randomized comparative study was conducted. A total of 118 nursing students participated. The participants were randomly distributed into 2 intervention groups: chicken bone and egg. A checklist was used for data collection to evaluate the IO cannulation technique in nursing students and another to analyze self-efficacy. RESULTS: The average total score of self-efficacy for all participants was 8.84 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.98). No statistically significant differences were found when comparing the total self-efficacy score and the intervention group ( U = 1604.500; z = -0.733; P = 0.463). No statistically significant differences were found between both groups for the average total score of the procedure ( U = 6916.500; z = -0.939; P = 0.348). The egg group carried out the IO cannulation procedure in a significantly less amount of time (M = 126.88, SD = 82.18) than the chicken bone group (M = 183.77, SD = 108.28), finding statistically significant differences ( U = 4983.500; z = -5.326; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using an egg to teach and learn about IO access could be considered a methodology that is equally effective as using a chicken bone, with the advantage of achieving IO access in a lesser amount of time.

Effective communication between nursing professionals and patients after the implementation of mask-wearing requirements in the clinical setting: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to evaluate staff nurses' perspectives on the use of face masks in effective communication and relationship management skills with patients in the hospital setting. The study surveyed registered nurses (RNs) who work with adult patients in different hospital units. An online survey was completed by RNs who were selected by convenience sampling. RNs' communication with patients was perceived as moderately affected by the use of face masks. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing communication with years of professional experience. Participants who had over 10 years of experience reported having greater difficulty in their communication with patients when using face masks. The effect of provider-patient relationship on effective nurse-patient face-mask communication was statistically significant and negative. This study shows that some participants found face masks used in the clinical setting may affect nurse-patient communication, as well as the nurses' ability to manage their relationships with patients. The findings of this study support the need for targeted research into effective communication strategies when face mask use is needed in the healthcare setting.

Women's reasons and motivations around planning a home birth with a qualified midwife in Spain.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe and understand the reasons and motivations that lead a woman to choose home birth in Spain. DESIGN: A qualitative study based on Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology was carried out. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 women who had planned a home birth in the last year. The recruitment phase was carried out over a 3-week period during the month of March 2021. Inductive analysis was used to find themes based on the data obtained. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Women's home birth decision making, (2) Partner as the main support, (3) Need to prepare for childbirth and (4) Reasons for choosing home birth. CONCLUSION: The women in this study spent a lot of time and dedication to choose the place where they would give birth. According to this research, decision making is influenced by multiple factors, both positive and negative, such as women's individual beliefs and values. The main reasons why women chose a home birth were the intimacy and security of the home, the accompaniment and the desire for a natural and free birth. IMPACT: This study adds knowledge about the factors that influence the decision of women who choose home birth in Spain and the reasons and motivations that lead them to do so. In addition, it raises new questions about the satisfaction of women giving birth in the hospital as well as outside the hospital, and the quality of service provided by health professionals in the current Spanish public maternity system.

Nursing students' perceptions of identifying and managing sex trafficking cases: A focus group study.

AIM: To explore nursing students' perceptions of the identification and medical care of sex trafficking victims and how to improve the care provided based on the identified barriers. BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that more than 87% of sex trafficking victims establish contact with health professionals, their lack of awareness and training hinders their ability to assist victims properly. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was carried out using 11 focus groups of nursing students after a simulated case of sex trafficking victim. The analysis of results was conducted through content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 110 fourth-year nursing students participated in this study. After performing the data analysis, three main categories emerged: (i) making a health issue visible, (ii) identifying sex trafficking victims: resources based on evidence-based practice, and (iii) educational resources on sex trafficking in nursing degree. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that through clinical simulation, integrating content regarding the medical care of vulnerable groups can be useful for developing the skills necessary to provide effective care from a trauma-informed approach. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Health institutions, senior charge nurses, and other health service managers should be aware of the current need for sex trafficking training, structural-level changes, and updated evidence-based guidelines and protocols with other service providers and law enforcement to provide high-quality care.

Time out! Pauses during advanced life support in high-fidelity simulation: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged preshock pauses are associated with negative effects on patient outcomes and survival. A greater understanding of these pauses may help to improve the quality of advanced life support (ALS) and clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the pauses that occur during ALS situations in high-fidelity simulation scenarios and the frequency and duration of these pauses. METHODS: One hundred forty-two nursing students participated in this cross-sectional study, involving high-fidelity simulation scenario of cardiorespiratory arrest in a simulated hospital room. Pauses were assessed using an observation checklist. RESULTS: Students performed the scenario in an average time of 8.32 (standard deviation = 1.13) minutes. Pauses between chest compressions were longer than recommended (mean = 0.36, standard deviation = 1.14). A strong positive correlation was found between the identification of the arrhythmia and the initiation of countershock (rs = 0.613, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students generally performed ALS within the time limits recommended by resuscitation guidelines. Early identification of shockable rhythms may lead to early nurse-initiated defibrillation. Strategies to speed up the identification of arrhythmias should be put in place to minimise preshock pauses and improve ALS outcomes.

Magnet hospital attributes in nursing work environment and its relationship to nursing students' clinical learning environment and satisfaction.

AIMS: To analyse nursing students' perception of the Magnet hospital attributes of the work environment at the hospitals where they perform their clinical placement and the relationship of this factor to their clinical learning environment and supervision, satisfaction and intention to stay in those hospitals once graduated. DESIGN: This study had a cross-sectional, correlational, design. METHODS: Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires from 180 nursing students at a university in southeast Spain between September-October 2018. Nursing work environment and clinical learning environment were measured using the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale, respectively. Students' satisfaction with the work environment and with the clinical learning process were measured using a four-point Likert scale developed by the researchers. Percentages, frequencies, mean, standard deviation, χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman and phi correlation were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Nursing students' perception of greater Magnet-like features at work environment was associated with better clinical learning environment (Spearman rs = |0.22-0.54|; p < .01) and satisfaction with the work environment (Spearman rs = 0.18; p = .01) and with their learning process (Spearman rs = 0.21; p < .01). Greater intention to stay working in the hospital after graduation was significantly associated with greater satisfaction with the learning process (phi = 0.31; p < .01) and the work environment (phi = 0.23; p = .02). CONCLUSION: Magnet-like features at the work environment lead to superior clinical learning environment and higher students' satisfaction, two factors that play a decisive role in their decision to stay at hospitals where they performed clinicals after graduation. IMPACT: In the face of a global nurse shortage, nursing managers and faculty leaders should consider the improvement of nursing workplaces as a strategic alliance to promote satisfactory clinical learning experience and aid recruitment of nurses.

The connection of the clinical learning environment and supervision of nursing students with student satisfaction and future intention to work in clinical placement hospitals.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyse nursing students' perceptions of the clinical learning environment and supervision and the connection between their satisfaction and intention of staying in their placement hospitals. BACKGROUND: Global nursing shortage necessitates strategies for the recruitment and retention of nurses. It is believed that nursing students' clinical placement experiences can affect their learning outcomes, as well as influence their choice of future workplace. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, correlational study. METHODS: One hundred and eighty nursing students participated in the study. The data were collected in person using The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale tool. Students' satisfaction with the clinical learning environment and learning process was measured using a 4-point Likert scale developed by the researchers. The STROBE checklist was used in this paper. RESULTS: Nursing students perceived a favourable clinical learning environment and supervision in the hospitals where they undertook clinical placements, recording high levels of satisfaction and high levels of intention to stay and work there. The clinical learning environment and supervision established positive correlations with student satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This study promotes the development of knowledge and understanding of how student satisfaction and intention to stay and work in their placement hospitals relates to the quality of the clinical learning environment and supervision, which could be helpful to the management of healthcare facilities and faculties in improving nursing education and retention/recruitment strategies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nursing students represent the future of the nursing workforce, so managers of healthcare facilities and faculties should move towards promoting a clinical learning and supervisory environment where supervisors, tutors and staff are aware of their commitment to student education and promote optimal learning and positive experiences in order for students to feel satisfied and motivated to work in their placement hospitals.

Intervention for Alleviating Clinical Inertia in the Management of Urinary Incontinence.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether clinical inertia exists in the care of patients with urinary incontinence and to test the effects of an educational intervention designed to alleviate inertia related to care of urinary incontinence. DESIGN: Single-group, pretest/posttest design. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 132 participants practicing in 6 medical-surgical inpatient care units at an urban hospital in Almería, Spain; 66 (50%) were RNs, and all other participants were unlicensed assistive personnel. Most participants (87.9%) were female; their average age was 43.99 years (SD = 7.85 years). METHODS: An educational intervention (online course) was provided. The main objective of the course was application of evidence-based knowledge for prevention and management of urinary incontinence in hospitalized patients. The course program comprised 3 didactic units: (1) introduction and evaluation of the patient with urinary incontinence, (2) care plans, and (3) instructions and rational use of absorbent products. Data collection included demographic and professional characteristics of respondents, desired results when caring for patients with incontinence, a medical record checklist, an occupational environment and satisfaction scale, and an assessment record of knowledge/skills and training activity satisfaction. RESULTS: After comparing the pre- and posttest scores of knowledge on urinary incontinence, significant differences were found before and after the intervention (z = -14.113, P = .000). Specifically, analysis revealed differences in caring actions related to urinary incontinence (z = -14.248, P = .000) and differences in direct observation of urinary incontinence practice following the intervention (z = -14.326, P = .000). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate existence of inertia in nursing care for hospitalized patients with urinary incontinence. The educational intervention improved knowledge, observable nursing care activities related to incontinence management, and improved documentation of care.

Undergraduate nurses' perception of the nursing practice environment in university hospitals: A cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the psychometric properties of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NW) among undergraduate nurses and to compare their perceptions of the nursing practice environment by academic year and unit type. BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that nursing students develop most of their undergraduate learning and training in the nursing practice environment, their perception about it has not been considered to date. METHODS: The psychometric properties were analysed on a sample of 180 undergraduate nurses. Data collection was carried out in 2018. Data were analysed using percentages, frequencies, mean, standard deviation and Mann-Whitney U test. Factor structure was evaluated with exploratory factor analysis, and reliability was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Psychometric analysis showed an adequate construct validity and reliability for the PES-NWI. Cronbach's Alpha was 0.884. Undergraduate nurses perceived most hospitals as favourable, scoring the 'Nurse-physician relationships' factor highest and 'Staffing and resource adequacy' factor lowest. CONCLUSION: The PES-NWI is a valid and reliable instrument that could be applied in future research to explore nursing students' perceptions of the nursing practice environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers are responsible for supervising and ensuring that the nursing practice environment at university hospitals meets the necessary criteria to support the workplace learning of undergraduate nurses.

Interpersonal communication, empathy, and stress perceived by nursing students who use social networks.

AIM: The objective of this study was to explore interpersonal communication, empathy, and stress perceived by nursing students who use social networks. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed. METHODS: A convenience sample of 135 nursing students. For data collection, the following instruments were used: The WhatsApp Negative Impact Scale, The Perceived Stress Scale, The Interpersonal Communication Competence Inventory, and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Data collection took place in February 2020. RESULTS: A negative correlation was found between the WhatsApp Negative Impact and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (rs = -0.204; p = .019). Conversely, a positive correlation was also observed between the Interpersonal Communication Competence Inventory and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (rs = 0.212; p = .014). CONCLUSION: Nursing students' use of new technology could be problematic and interfere with their therapeutic communication skills. IMPACT: This study addresses the problem of social network use in the clinical setting and how this can influence nursing students' therapeutic communication skills with patients. The results of this study have showed that, among nursing students, social network use has a negative impact, showing decreased empathy. Likewise, students who show a greater level of empathy have better interpersonal communication skills. However, significant results were not found between psychological distress and problematic social network use. Therefore, it is necessary to perform additional studies that would further explore this aspect. This study allows us to explore the negative impact of social networks on therapeutic communication, with the aim of developing prevention strategies at university institutions.

The Effect of Cell Phones on Attention and Learning in Nursing Students.

The use of cell phones can have a negative effect on nursing students' academic performance. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects that problematic cell phone use and nomophobia have on learning in nursing students. A quasi-experimental study was carried out among nursing students, with a control group (n = 61, 49.2%) and an experimental group (n = 63, 50.8%). The experimental group left their cell phones, in sound or vibration mode, as they normally kept them, on a table located in the corner of the classroom. Both groups showed higher-than-average levels of nomophobia at the beginning of the class. As for problematic cell phone use and attention, it was found that there were statistically significant differences in both cases (U = 1355.500, Z = -2.830, P = .005; U = 1449.000, Z = -2.363, P = .018, respectively), and the experimental group had higher average scores, as well as in those related to knowledge. A relationship has been found between nomophobia and problematic cell phone use. Students who do not have access to their cell phones during class perceive more problematic cell phone usage, in addition to paying closer attention during class. Because of this, it is important to create policies and norms restricting cell phone use during all types of academic training among nursing students.

Using a Mobile Phone Application Versus Telephone Assistance During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Randomized Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the way CPR instructions are given has changed because of the development of new technology that allows bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest to be guided in performing CPR. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of using a mobile phone application (app) versus telephone operator assistance in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques in simulated settings. METHODS: A comparative study was performed with 2 intervention groups: (1) mobile phone app and (2) telephone assistance. A total of 128 students participated and were distributed randomly into each intervention group. A CPR observation checklist and standard CPR quality parameter measurements were used for data collection. RESULTS: The group that used the app obtained better results than the group that had telephone assistance on 5 items during CPR observation: checking if the area is secure (X2(1) = 26.81; P < 0.05), asking for help (X2(1) = 66.07; P < 0.05), opening of airways (X2(1) = 12.03; P < 0.05), checking for breathing (X2(1) = 6.10; P < 0.05), and contacting emergency services (X2(1) = 12.41; P < 0.05). Regarding the skill level of CPR, no statistically significant differences were found when comparing the 2 intervention groups (X2(1) = 0.91; P = 0.33). As for the parameters measured, there were only statistically significant differences found in the item compression fraction (U = 1,593.00; Z = -2.16; P < 0.05), with the group that used the app obtaining better results. DISCUSSION: Better outcomes were observed in recognizing if the area was safe, asking for help, opening up the airways, checking for breathing, and calling emergency services in the mobile phone app group. However, the results indicated that there were no differences in the CPR parameters, except compression fraction, when the app was used as opposed to being guided by telephone.

The Sexting Phenomenon in Spanish Nursing Students.

One of the adverse effects arising among young people who engage in various social practices is the phenomenon of sexting. Sexting involves the production and delivery of sexual content voluntarily and freely and, in many cases, without the consent of the recipient. The aim of this study was to describe the presence of sexting in undergraduate students at the College of Nursing of the University of Almeria in Spain. It is a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study. A total of 105 undergraduate nursing students completed the sexuality and technology questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of seven dimensions with 59 items. Depending on size, statistically significant differences between the use of social networks and the dimension "sexting actions completed" and the dimension "position on statements about sexting" were found. No statistically significant differences between gender and the practice of sexting were found. The three main reasons for sexting match in both genders, these being "to draw attention," "as a sexy gift," and "to feel sexy." Nursing students associated behaviors to show sexting, being a standard practice, common in both genders. Future research should consider the possible influence of this behavior on future professionals and on the field of nursing.

Sexual Behavior in Patients with Psychosis Admitted to a Hospital Unit.

The sexual dimension is part of a person's functionality. Patients with mental disorders have the same sexual needs as any other person, although they may not always be recognized. This is a retrospective observational study to describe the information on sexuality of patients with mental disorders, admitted to an acute short-stay inpatient unit between 2011 and 2015. We analyzed 293 clinical histories of patients, comprising diagnoses in the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) between F20 and F29, inclusively. The information collected corresponded to the beginning of hospitalization, its duration and discharge. The results showed that 24% of the patients had sexual delusions. These delusions were more frequent in women, who in turn had more emotional symptoms, persecutory deception being the most common. There were few reports found on sexual dysfunction. In conclusion, the lack of data in the reports shows little recognition of sexuality in hospitalized patients with mental disorder, highlighting the need to promote the training of health personnel.

Adaptation and Validation of the Spanish Version of the Nomophobia Questionnaire in Nursing Studies.

Nomophobia is the uncontrollable fear of leaving your house without your mobile phone and is currently having a significant impact on the younger population. The aim of this study was first to translate the original version (written in English) of the Nomophobia questionnaire, culturally adapting it to the Spanish sociolinguistic context, and subsequently to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version with a sample of nursing students. In the first stage, a process of translation-back translation was carried out, following standardized recommendations. In order to validate the content, the adapted and agreed version of the Nomophobia questionnaire, consisting of 20 items, was submitted to a panel of 20 experts. After the content analysis and subsequent debate, a third version of the scale was obtained. The results confirmed a four-dimensional structure, the same as the original questionnaire, with a Cronbach's α value of .928 for the questionnaire as a whole, thus showing good internal consistency. The results of this study mean a suitable tool can be offered to nursing professionals with the aim of facilitating the diagnosis of addictive behaviors in relation to mobile phone use.

Communication and empathy of nursing students in patient care through telenursing: A comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Phone calls and videoconferences are the most widely used systems to interact with patients in real time. Patient care through phone calls or videoconferences is different from an in-person meeting. Interpersonal communication skills, self-confidence communication skills and empathy with the patient may be affected during phone calls or videoconferences. AIM: The objective of this study was to describe the interpersonal communication skills, self-confidence communication skills and empathy of nursing students during patient care through phone calls or videoconferences. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 170 nursing students participated from the University of Almeria. The subjects were randomly assigned to the phone call group or videoconference group. METHODS: The students contacted standardised patients through phone calls or videoconferences. Questionnaires were used to assess interpersonal communication skills with patient, empathy, and self-confidence in communication skills. Data collection was carried out between March and May 2022. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between self-confidence in communication skills with the patient and the type of consultation, nor were statistically significant differences found between the empathy of the nursing students and the type of consultation. The students who used videoconference reported higher patient interpersonal communication skills than the students who made phone calls. Finally, the participants who made videoconferences obtained a higher score in dimension therapeutic use of self than those who made phone calls. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students have shown a high level of empathy and interpersonal communication skills with patients and a moderate level of self-confidence in communication skills, both when interacting with patients through phone calls and videoconferences. Finally, differences were found in interpersonal communication skills with patient and type of consultation. In particular, interpersonal communication skills with the patient are greater when the nursing students make a videoconference.

Adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of the provider attitudes towards planned home birth (PAPHB) Scale.

Maternity health care professionals' attitudes on the option of home birth can influence the choices and decisions women and their partners make about place of birth. Midwives are particularly influential in this space. The study outlined in this paper aimed to translate and validate the Provider Attitudes towards Planned Home Birth (PAPHB) scale questionnaire for use in the Portuguese maternity context. METHODS: A total of 118 Portuguese midwives were selected through intentional sampling. The procedure was divided into two phases. In the first phase, a triple translation from the original language into Portuguese and a cross-cultural adaptation of the Provider Attitudes towards Planned Home Birth (PAPHB) scale were carried out, obtaining three versions of the same questionnaire. The second phase consisted of the validation of the questionnaire, for which the Provider Attitudes towards Planned Home Birth (PAPHB) scale was submitted to a panel of 20 experts and to a pilot test. Subsequently, the reliability and statistical validity of the scale were evaluated. RESULTS: After content analysis, the results confirmed a four-dimensional structure with a Cronbach's α value of 0.933 for the Provider Attitudes towards Planned Home Birth (PAPHB) scale as a whole, showing good internal consistency. Finally, a bivariate analysis was carried out identifying associations between variables and midwives' attitudes towards home birth. Positive attitudes towards homebirth were strongly influenced by previous clinical experience and exposure to home birth during midwives' academic education. CONCLUSION: The 18-item scale is a reliable and valid tool to quantify attitudes towards planned home births in Portugal as the results obtained in the study showed very good internal consistency.

Exploring the relationship between midwives' work environment, women's safety culture, and intent to stay.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of midwives is a concern for healthcare systems as it compromises the quality maternity care. Various studies argue that a favorable work environment increases nurses' job satisfaction and intention to continue working at their current workplace. AIM: To analyze the work environment and its relationship with women's clinical safety culture and midwives' intention to stay in their current job and the midwifery profession. METHODS: A cross-sectional, correlational study was performed on N = 218 midwives working in Spain. Standardized instruments were used, including The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC). Descriptive and bivariable statistics were used. The study followed the STROBE guidelines. RESULTS: The work environment in the labor wards was mixed, according to the PES-NWI classification. The mean total score of the PES-NWI significantly and positively correlated with the mean total score of the HSOPSC (rs = 0.498, p < 0.001), indicating that as the quality of midwives' work environment increased, women's clinical safety increased. Significant correlations were observed between the midwives' intent to stay in the hospital where they work and features of women's safety culture. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed significant relationships between the work environment, women's safety culture, and midwives' intentions to leave their job/profession. Creating a favorable working environment could be a potentially effective strategy that encourages improvement in the women's safety culture in healthcare organizations and greater intention of midwives to stay at their current job.

Quality of Sexuality during Pregnancy, We Must Do Something-Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: The main aim of this study was to describe the changes in sexual desire in pregnant women during the gestation period. We also sought to analyze their sexual habits, how they perceive their partners' attitudes, and determine if they know the importance of sex education during pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted using an existing 32-item questionnaire among pregnant women attending the Fetal Welfare Clinic of a reference hospital. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen women participated. 50.4% stated that their sexual interest decreased. Aspects like the number of coitus, feeling orgasm with penetration or with masturbation, or the frequency of oral sex, were significantly reduced during pregnancy. 90.6% of the women stated that they would like to receive more sex education during pregnancy. There were no differences according to their education level, their partners' education level, or whether they believed that sexual intercourse could harm the baby. CONCLUSIONS: Several advances have been achieved in the healthcare that physicians and midwives provide pregnant women. However, the quality of women's sex lives still declines during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should assume a proactive role, essential in helping future parents to enjoy their sexuality and dispel myths about sexuality, regardless of their education level.

[Development and validation of an instrument for initial nursing assessment]. / Desarrollo y validación de un instrumento para la evaluación inicial de enfermeira.

The objective of this study, conducted in Bolivia from April to July of 2008, is the design and validation of an initial nursing assessment instrument to be used in clinical and educational environments in Santa Cruz (Bolivia). Twelve Bolivian nurses participated; both document analysis as well as consensus techniques were used to determine the categories and criteria to be assessed. Categories included in the nursing assessment instrument are a physical assessment and the eleven Gordon's Functional Health Patterns. The nursing assessment instrument stands out as being concise, easy to complete and utilizing a nursing approach. It does not include items for advanced nursing assessment. However, it incorporates items regarding lifestyle and the patient's autonomy. The nursing assessment instrument contributes to improving the quality of clinical records, supports the nursing diagnosis and implementation of the nursing process, promotes the nurse's role and helps to standardize practice.