Nursing Practices in Catholic Healthcare: A Case Study of Nurses in a Catholic Private Hospital.

We aimed to investigate Catholic Identity and Mission communication specifically how nurses were expressing the Catholic healthcare values in practice. A mixed-methods, case study design was used and included non-participant observation, a mid-level manager focus group (n = 7) and online surveys (n = 144). Document and observational data analysis revealed the organisation's commitment to visible indication of Catholic values adherence. Focus group analysis revealed two themes, 'Catholic values in action' and 'taking the extra step'. The impact of Catholic Identity and Mission on nurses and nursing care recipients remains elusive and warrants further understanding.

Moments of speaking and silencing: Nurses share their experiences of manual handling in healthcare.

Nursing care involves complex patient handling tasks, resulting in high musculoskeletal injury rates. Epidemiological studies from the 1980s estimated a lifetime prevalence of lower back injuries for nurses between 35 and 80%. National and international studies continue to mirror these findings. Despite the development of programs intended to reduce manual handling injuries, sustainable solutions remain elusive. This paper reports on a study of nurses speaking about their perspectives on current manual handling practices. Qualitative research conducted in 2012 investigated nurses' perceptions and experiences relating to manual handling in the healthcare context and their participation in injury prevention programs. There were two research methods: semi-structured interviews and researcher reflective journaling. The research was framed in critical emancipatory methodology. Thirteen nurses from two Australian states participated in the study. Thematic analysis revealed an overarching theme of 'power relations' with a subcategory of '(mis)power' that comprised two subthemes, these being 'how to practice' and 'voicing practice issues'. Specifically, this paper explores nurses verbalising their views in the workplace and responses which left them feeling silenced, punished and disillusioned. The findings suggest that the sociopolitical context within which nurses practice impacts upon their ability to voice concerns or ideas related to manual handling. Inclusion of nurses in the manual handling dialogue may generate an expanded understanding of, and the potential to transform, manual handling practices in healthcare environments.

Debunking the manual handling myth: an investigation of manual handling knowledge and practices in the Australian private health sector.

Nursing care involves complex patient handling tasks. Strategies to address associated manual handling issues commonly include training programmes, despite conflicting evidence regarding training efficacy for manual handling injury reduction. Resultant knowledge acquisition and skills transfer from training programmes are prerequisites for subsequent practice changes in the clinical setting. This paper draws upon the findings from a questionnaire completed by 100 nurses in an Australian private hospital in 2008. A substantial knowledge deficit was identified, despite previous training undertaken by participants. A striking finding was that although 82% (n = 82) of nurses surveyed believed they used safe manual handling practices, only 18% (n = 15) of these nurses correctly answered items assessing manual handling knowledge. The study suggests prudence in the assumption of skills and knowledge acquisition during manual handling training. It informs the development of future implementation strategies, and provides a contributory explanation for the limited application of recommended practices after training completion.

An integrated practice approach to mobility care for older people.

Mobility is important to older people in nursing homes and residential facilities since it contributes to their health and quality of life. Many residents in such facilities require some form of assistance to move and accomplish activities of daily living. Therefore, nurses and healthcare assistants should have the knowledge and skills to provide effective mobility care. This article discusses three important aspects of mobility care: safety, mobility optimisation and person-centred approaches to care. Safety is important as residents and staff are at risk of injury during mobility care. Mobility optimisation is essential to ensure residents maintain their independence. Person-centred approaches to care are central to providing an integrated approach to mobility care.