Examining the Effect of an Educational Program on Nursing Students' Informatics Competencies.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the effect of a two-day education program on the informatics competencies of undergraduate nursing students. A one-group pretest-posttest design was employed using a convenience sample of 83 students. SANICS-18 (Self-Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale) items were used to measure nursing informatics competencies. The pretest findings indicated a low overall score for nursing informatics competencies, with applied computer skills being the lowest self-reported competency subscale (clinical informatics). Following implementation of the education program, nursing students' general informatics competencies improved. The findings suggest that nursing programs should provide continuing nursing informatics training and integrate skills and competencies within the nursing curriculum.

Work-Related Stress and Anxiety Among Frontline Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained the health system worldwide. Nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 reported experiencing significant work-related stress and anxiety. The current online descriptive cross-sectional correlational study aimed to investigate work-related stress and anxiety among nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. Data were collected from 240 nurses using the Stress Overload Scale and Self-Rated Anxiety Scale. Average stress and anxiety scores were 34.96 (SD = 5.85) and 52.8 (SD = 5.48), respectively. Statistically significant differences were found in mean stress overload and anxiety scores based on gender, professional title, average working hours per week, working area, and presence of fear of being infected with COVID-19. These findings suggest the need to promote well-being in nurses and assist nurses and other health care workers experiencing mental and psychological health problems in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(8), 31-42.].

Outcomes of a diabetes education program for registered nurses caring for individuals with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Nurses from various setting lack sufficient knowledge about diabetes and diabetes management. Better understand of evidence-based practices by nurses who are involved in caring for hospitalized individuals with diabetes can positively influence care outcomes. METHOD: A pretest design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a diabetes education program for RNs working voluntarily participated. A 1-day education program was developed and delivered to the participating nurses. Knowledge regarding diabetes was tested before and after the education program. RESULTS: a significant difference was noted in the modified diabetes basic knowledge mean test scores before and after implementation of the education program (t[128] = 17.95, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The diabetes education program had a positive on nurses' knowledge. This finding has implications for developing diabetes education content within nursing curricula, as well as continuing education courses for practicing nurses.

Evaluation of computer workstations ergonomics and its relationship with reported musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among university employees in Jordan.

OBJECTIVES: Computer workstations are considered a potential workplace hazard. This study sought to evaluate computer workstation ergonomics in a university office environment, and to determine its relationship with musculoskeletal (MS) and visual symptoms reported by employees. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 231 university employees were recruited using a stratified random sampling technique. By means of direct observation, computer workstations were evaluated using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Ergonomic Computer Workstation Evaluation Checklist. In addition, the participants reported MS and visual symptoms during the past week and 12 months by completing questionnaires. RESULTS: Several ergonomic deficiencies in computer workstations were identified. Seating, working area, and keyboard and input devices had the most documented deficits. A significant proportion of employees reported various MS symptoms during the past 12 months. The most affected body parts were the shoulders (37%), the lower back (34%), and the neck (29%). The most prevalent visual symptom was tired eyes (68%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that MS symptoms, such as ache, pain and discomfort, were significantly associated with the total scores on the OSHA components. Deficits in monitor ergonomics and its placement, particularly the presence of glare reflected on the screen, were also associated with reported visual symptoms. Independent variables, such as gender, age, employment duration, job type, daily computer work hours, and work pattern, reliably predicted the participants' reported experience of various MS and visual symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Both MS and visual symptoms are associated with deficits in computer workstation ergonomics. Appropriate strategies, work practices, and preventive measures are needed to eliminate occupational hazards associated with computer workstations. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):141-56.

The visualization of stress in clinical training: A study of nursing students' perceptions.

Aim: To determine the perceived level and types of stress experienced by nursing students during clinical training. Design: A descriptive correlational cross-sectional design. Methods: A convenience sample of 238 nursing students was recruited. Level and types of stress were measured by Perceived Stress Scale. The data were collected in February 2020. Results: The mean score of perceived stress was 2.58 (SD 0.92). Different sources of stressors perceived by students were identified in current study. The highest type of stressors perceived by students was stress from taking care of patients (mean = 2.81, SD 1.13). In addition, junior students perceived higher level of stress than senior students and female students experienced a higher level of stress than male counterparts. Students who have been supervised by clinical instructors whom their "primary" language is English scored a higher level of stress.

Knowledge and nursing practice of critical care nurses caring for patients with delirium in intensive care units in Jordan.

Delirium can have serious consequences in terms of morbidity, mortality, and increased health care costs. An extensive literature review showed that delirium is not well understood, recognized, or managed by medical and nursing professionals. The goal for this study was to determine the level of knowledge and management skills among critical care nurses caring for patients with delirium who were treated in intensive care units (ICUs) in Jordan. A total of 232 critical care nurses, employed in different ICUs in Jordan, completed self-reported questionnaires. The nurses in critical care units who completed the questionnaires identified a need for more delirium-specific knowledge and skills to assess and manage this condition more effectively. To enhance health outcomes for patients treated in the ICU who have delirium, nurses need to receive education on current assessment and management modalities. These regular education programs should be complemented with evaluative research focusing on both nursing care and patient outcomes.

Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Nurses' Knowledge and Practice in the Management of Acute Painful Crises in Sickle Cell Disease.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Nurses can have a significant role in improving the outcomes of individuals with SCD. This study examined the effectiveness of an educational program on the knowledge and practice of nurses who provide care for individuals with acute sickle cell crisis. METHOD: A pretest-posttest control group design was used. The study was conducted at two hospitals in the northern region of Egypt. The sample included 77 RNs working in hematologic and genetic units. Data were collected using a self-administered knowledge questionnaire and a clinical performance checklist. RESULTS: Findings indicated a significant difference in nurses' knowledge and care practices after implementing the educational program. CONCLUSION: This educational program enhanced nurses' knowledge and practice for managing SCD. Training and continuing education programs need to be provided for nurses in hospital settings who provide care for individuals with SCD. Moreover, nursing curricula should reflect the standardized care for individuals with sickle cell crisis. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(2):87-95.].