Building God's Kingdom Through Strengths-Based Teaching.

Teaching nursing students using a strengths-based instructional framework provides an encouraging and positive learning environment. The authors advocate learning one's own strengths and gifts through the Strengthsfinder tool, then applying that self-understanding to teach in a way that instills confidence in students.

Clinical Simulation in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Post-Graduation Follow Up.

In psychiatric-mental health, creating an innovative strategy to help students learn content that may not be frequently seen in a clinical setting is challenging. Thus, simulation helps narrow this gap. Using Kirkpatrick and Kirkpatrick's model of evaluation to guide the current study, faculty contacted baccalaureate nursing program graduates who completed a psychiatric-mental health clinical simulation scenario featuring a hanging suicide and wrist cutting suicide attempt scenario in the "Behind the Door" series as part of the clinical component of their undergraduate psychiatric-mental health course. Eleven nurses responded to a survey regarding their post-graduate encounters with these types of clinical situations, and their perception of recall and application of knowledge and skills acquired during the simulation experience to the clinical situation. Nursing graduates' responses are expressed through three major themes: emotional, contextual/behavioral, and assessment outcomes. Data from the survey indicate that nursing graduates perceived the "Behind the Door" simulations as beneficial to nursing practice. This perception is important in evaluating knowledge transfer from a simulation experience as a student into application in nursing practice. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(10), 40-45.].

Making Lemonade Out of Life's Lemons: A View Into the World of Aging With Parkinson's Disease.

Pictures can aid in understanding individual perspectives of an experience. Photovoice, a visual elicitation research approach, was used to engage nine participants with Parkinson's disease in taking photographs that, for them, represented important aspects of living with the disease. Participants' descriptions of their photographs revealed perspectives that can be theoretically linked to two psychosocial stages of development: (a) generativity versus stagnation and (b) integrity versus despair. Clear examples of generativity and integrity were present in participants' responses, reflecting determination and optimism in living with the disease. Findings highlight the need to seek understanding of patients' individual experiences of living with an illness so it is not falsely assumed that they are not adjusting or managing their disease.

The role of exercise in cancer treatment: bridging the gap.

In recent years, there has been a burgeoning amount of evidence-based scientific data demonstrating the benefit of exercise during and following cancer treatment. This compelling evidence has resulted in major stakeholders in cancer management, including the American College of Sports Medicine, American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Cancer Society, Oncology Nursing Society, and the Commission on Cancer, advocating exercise as an integral component of cancer care. Despite the acknowledgment of exercise as an essential component, it remains virtually absent in routine cancer treatment. This article discusses the role of exercise in cancer treatment utilizing a community-based program. The rationale presented is that a scalable and replicable standard of care model is a plausible avenue to assimilate exercise into routine oncology practice.

"It's like we're grasping at anything": caregivers' education needs and preferred learning methods.

In this qualitative descriptive study, we explored caregivers' educational needs and preferred methods of information delivery. Descriptions are based on five focus groups (N = 29) conducted with ethnically diverse, current and past family caregivers, including those who had previously attended a structured educational program. Themes arose from verbatim data transcriptions and coded themes. Four categories of educational needs were identified: (a) respite, (b) caregiving essentials, (c) self-care, and (d) the emotional aspects of caregiving. Advantages and disadvantages of learning methods are discussed, along with reasons for and outcomes of attending caregiver workshops. An informed caregiver model is proposed. Health care providers must assess educational needs and strive to provide appropriate information as dictated by the care recipient's condition and caregiver's expressed desires. Innovative methods of delivering information that are congruent with different caregiving circumstances and learning preferences must be developed and tested.

Name that neurotransmitter: using music to teach psychopharmacology concepts.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of music (i.e., two original songs, "Neurotransmitter Twitter" and "Parkinson's Shuffle") to teach aspects of psychopharmacology to students in the course Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. Songs were incorporated in both the clinical and classroom settings. This innovative teaching method allowed students the opportunity to revisit the information through multiple exposures of the content for reinforcement and enhancement of student learning in a fun, creative approach. Brain-based research will be discussed, along with the process of development.

Weathering the storm: living with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD), a movement disorder related to dopamine insufficiency in the brain, affects 7 to 10 million people worldwide. Research has focused on etiology and treatment, while research on how patients deal with PD is limited. This ehnographic study explored the illness experience of 14 participants living with PD. The metaphor, "Sailing the Seas in the Eye of the Storm" depicts their experience. Content themes "Daily Negotiations in the Midst of Uncertainty" (the storm) and "Reconstructin of the Self" (the travler's voyage) suggest aspects of holistic care for PD patients.

Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema in Hispanic Women: A Phenomenological Study.

Introduction: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), a long-term side effect of treatment, can occur at any point in time. With the extensive physical and psychological effects of BCRL, few studies have focused on the lived experience. The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experience of Hispanic women dealing with BCRL, particularly women of Mexican descent or origin. Method: Using interpretive phenomenology, 13 Hispanic women with BCRL, 42 to 80 years, were individually interviewed. Data analysis was conducted using interpretive reading of field notes, journal entries, and transcribed interviews. Results: Three central themes emerged from the findings, "sense of loss," "resignation to the new self," and "not knowing." Further subthemes highlight the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of living with BCRL. Discussion: Cultural awareness of the impact BCRL has on activities of daily living of Hispanic women should be part of a holistic plan of nursing care when caring for this population.

Counterpunching to improve the health of people with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Boxing programs designed specifically for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be beneficial in improving the physical, mental, and functional health of persons with PD. PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of a boxing program, Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), on the health of people with PD from both the boxers' and their caregivers' perspectives as well as evaluated balance, quality of life (QoL), and depressive symptoms after 12 weeks of RSB. METHODS: A mixed methods, one-group experimental design with focus groups were embedded within an intervention study. Six boxers completed baseline and 12-week postassessments. RESULTS: The majority of boxers maintained or improved scores for balance, QoL, and reduced depressive symptoms. Findings indicate physical and mental benefits of RSB among persons with PD and this was further validated by qualitative data from boxers and caregivers, along with quantitative data of boxers. Caregivers and boxers reported that boxers' ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) improved and is supported by quantitative improvements in the Parkinson's disease Questionnaire-39 ADL subscale. All boxers reported reduced stigma, and caregivers and boxers valued the opportunity to work out in an environment free of stigma, a finding not previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: It is important for nurse practitioners to recognize exercise benefits for people with PD and recommend the program to patients and include caregivers in their overall assessment of health and wellness. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurse practitioners and other health practitioners may consider recommending a boxing program, such as RSB, for their PD patients as a sole or supplemental exercise program.

Simulation to Enhance Empathy of Nursing Students Toward Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Empathy can be challenging when caring for individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). PURPOSE: This study examined the effectiveness of simulation for enhancing the empathy of nursing students toward patients with AUD. METHODS: A mixed-methods study used a pretest-posttest intervention measurement of empathy with the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale (CSES) and focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed with t tests, whereas thematic analysis evaluated the qualitative data. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between pre- and post-CSES scores. The subscales of empathic concern and shared affect were significant: empathic concern, t55 = - 2.16, P = .04, and shared affect, t55 = -2.16, P = .02. Empathic imagination reached significance for students with personal experience with someone with an AUD, t54 = -2.39, P = .02. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is warranted regarding the effect of simulation on empathic concern, shared affect, and empathic imagination toward individuals with AUD.

Parkinson's disease: Addressing health care practitioners' automatic responses to hypomimia.

ABSTRACT: Hypomimia/reduced facial mobility in individuals living with Parkinson's disease can lead to negative impressions and judgments by nurse practitioners and other health care practitioners. Negative impressions and judgments can affect the quality of an episode of care. To attenuate automatic judgments, nurse practitioners must self-monitor and correct, recognizing that hypomimia is due to an underlying neurological condition and does not provide information on the personality or character of the person living with Parkinson's. Nurse practitioners can integrate inquiries that go beyond a problem focused approach to include questions about pleasurable, positive events in the life of a person living with Parkinson's disease.

Comfort in the eye of the storm: a survey of evacuees with special medical needs.

INTRODUCTION: This article reports on a descriptive study conducted in a Medical Special Needs Shelter with evacuees from Hurricane Gustav in 2008. This shelter was operated by the faculty, students and staff of the University of Texas at Tyler in Tyler, TX. METHODS: A descriptive survey approach was used to determine the perception of the shelter experience of evacuees with special medical needs. Evacuees were interviewed by baccalaureate nursing students to assess experiences with the admission process, rest and sleep, food activities, medications and treatments and feelings of safety. RESULTS: Most evacuees were ambulatory, but 48% required human or mechanical assistance. Most had chronic health problems. Overall, the evacuees were pleased with the shelter experience. DISCUSSION: The admission process was expedient and the evacuees felt welcomed and safe in the shelter. Most slept without difficulty, and boredom was not a problem. Assistance with medications or management of medical conditions was provided for 63%. Areas of dissatisfaction were toilet and shower facilities and quality/quantity of food.

Engaging Older Adults With Parkinson's Disease in Physical Activity Using Technology: A Feasibility Study.

Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, presents unique and daily challenges. Living with PD may limit one's physical activity and negatively affect quality of life (QOL). No studies were identified that utilized online technology to promote health in this population. The purposes of this study were to (a) assess the feasibility of an intervention that requires wearing a physical activity tracker and participating in an online support group, and (b) examine the effect of this intervention on the self-efficacy for physical activity and QOL of older adults with PD. A 12-week longitudinal pretest/posttest design was used to assess physical activity, engagement in an online support group, self-efficacy, and QOL. A postintervention questionnaire was used to capture the participants' (n = 5) experience using the physical activity tracker and an electronic tablet to engage in an online support group. The sample size of this feasibility study precluded robust quantitative analysis of QOL or self-efficacy. Findings from the open-ended questionnaire suggest technology was challenging for most participants, yet it did provide social support. Teaching effective interventions to promote self-management for increasing physical activity, and consequently improving QOL, is recommended. While technology can assist, older persons with PD may experience technological challenges.

Influence of Tai Chi on Self-Efficacy, Quality of Life, and Fatigue Among Patients With Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Pilot Study Brief.

Purpose: While exercise is an effective intervention used to minimize side effects associated with chemotherapy, tai chi (TC) exercise for persons actively receiving chemotherapy remains understudied. The purposes of this study were to (a) evaluate the effects of TC on self-efficacy, quality of life (QOL), and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and (b) understand the experience and perceived benefits of patients taking chemotherapy involved in a TC program. Design: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study with a dominant qualitative strand was used to explore the differences between an intervention group participating in TC (n = 3) and a nonexercising, wait-listed comparison group (n = 3). Method: Following 8-weeks of TC classes, a focus group was conducted with the intervention group. Pretest/posttest scores for CRF, self-efficacy, and QOL were analyzed using t tests to compare the means between and within groups. Thematic analysis was used to interpret transcripts. Quantitative and qualitative results were compared to determine congruence between findings. Findings: Qualitative findings revealed increased mind/body strength. Quantitative scores trended toward improved CRF, self-efficacy, and QOL. Findings from the two strands supported one another. Conclusions: Tai chi is an effective and feasible exercise for individuals with cancer receiving chemotherapy. This mind-body exercise appears to provide benefits beyond improved physical functioning.

Impact of Tai Chi on Peripheral Neuropathy Revisited: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Exercise may be beneficial to older persons living with peripheral neuropathy (PN), but maintaining an exercise program is challenging. After participating in a 12-week tai chi (TC) study, 12 participants requested classes continue. A mixed-methods design was used to explore long-term engagement of older persons with bilateral PN enrolled in a TC class for 18 months beyond the original 3-month study. Pre- and posttest measures of functional status and quality of life (QOL) were conducted. Focus groups were held after 18 months of twice-weekly classes. Psychosocial support was critical to participants' long-term commitment to exercise. Participants reported, and objective assessments confirmed, increased strength, balance, and stamina beyond that experienced in the original 12-week study. Changes in QOL scores were nonsignificant; however, qualitative data supported clinical significance across QOL domains. Results from this study support psychosocial and physical benefits of TC to older persons.