The effect of resilience training with mHealth application based on micro-learning method on the stress and anxiety of nurses working in intensive care units: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) face high stress and anxiety, impacting their well-being and productivity. Addressing this, this study evaluated the impact of resilience training via a mHealth application based on micro-learning on ICU nurses' stress and anxiety levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study, a single-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in 2022-23, involved sixty ICU nurses from two Tehran hospitals. Nurses were chosen through purposive sampling and divided into intervention and control groups by simple randomization. The intervention group was taught resilience via an educational mHealth application based on micro-learning, with data collected using the anxiety and stress subscales of DASS-21. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in stress and anxiety scores between the intervention and control groups (P > 0.05). Upon utilizing the mHealth application, the intervention group exhibited significant reductions in stress, from 10.77 ± 3.33 to 9.00 ± 1.66 (P = 0.001), and in anxiety, from 9.43 ± 3.35 to 7.93 ± 0.98 (P < 0.001). In contrast, the control group experienced a slight increase in stress levels, from 10.10 ± 2.19 to 10.73 ± 2.15 (P = 0.002), and in anxiety levels, from 9.10 ± 1.63 to 10.23 ± 1.65 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The micro-learning-based mHealth application for resilience training significantly reduced ICU nurses' stress and anxiety, recommending its adoption as an innovative educational method. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (No. IRCT20221225056916N1, Date: 04/29/2023).

Exploring intensive care nurses' perception of simulation-based learning: A systematic review and meta-synthesis.

AIM(S): To explore intensive care nurses' (ICN) perceptions of simulation-based learning (SBL). DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. METHODS: The review followed the PRISMA guidelines for reporting a systematic review. A systematic search strategy was developed using a modified PICo framework. A comprehensive search was conducted in July 2023 in CINAHL, OVID Embase, Medline complete, Web of Science, ERIC and Scopus databases for articles published in English between 2013 and 2023. Data were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute QARI Data Extraction, with data synthesis guided by Braun and Clark's thematic analysis approach. Quality appraisal was assessed using the CASP tool. RESULTS: Eleven studies providing qualitative data were included for analysis. Analysis and meta-synthesis led to the construction of two themes: The learning experience and professional growth through collaboration. CONCLUSION: The review highlights the balance needed in finding the appropriate simulation approach, with the right level of fidelity, conducted at appropriately regular intervals, incorporating the correct makeup of professional team members, conducted in the right environment and facilitated by a skilled facilitator, to ensure best outcomes and return on investment for ICN's education. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These findings are a valuable resource for educators and organisations considering simulation-based learning initiatives in the intensive care setting. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This review involved analysis of existing literature and as such no unique patient or public involvement occurred. REPORTING METHOD: The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) reporting guidelines.

Design and content validation of a checklist about infection-prevention performance of intensive care nurses in simulation-based scenarios.

OBJECTIVE: To design, develop and validate a new tool, called NEUMOBACT, to evaluate critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter-related bacteraemia (CRB) prevention through simulation scenarios involving central venous catheter (CVC), endotracheal suctioning (ETS) and mechanically ventilated patient care (PC) stations. BACKGROUND: Simulation-based training is an excellent way for nurses to learn prevention measures in VAP and CRB. DESIGN: Descriptive metric study to develop NEUMOBACT and analyse its content and face validity that followed the COSMIN Study Design checklist for patient-reported outcome measurement instruments. METHODS: The first version was developed with the content of training modules in use at the time (NEUMOBACT-1). Delphi rounds were used to assess item relevance with experts in VAP and CRB prevention measures, resulting in NEUMOBACT-2. Experts in simulation methods then assessed feasibility, resulting in NEUMOBACT-3. Finally, a pilot test was conducted among 30 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to assess the applicability of the evaluation tool in clinical practice. RESULTS: Seven national experts in VAP and CRB prevention and seven national simulation experts participated in the analysis to assess the relevance and feasibility of each item, respectively. After two Delphi rounds with infection experts, four Delphi rounds with simulation experts, and pilot testing with 30 ICU nurses, the NEUMOBACT-FINAL tool consisted of 17, 26 and 21 items, respectively, for CVC, ETS and PC. CONCLUSION: NEUMOBACT-FINAL is useful and valid for assessing ICU nurses' knowledge and skills in VAP and CRB prevention, acquired through simulation. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our validated and clinically tested tool could facilitate the transfer of ICU nurses' knowledge and skills learning in VAP and CRB prevention to critically ill patients, decreasing infection rates and, therefore, improving patient safety. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Experts participated in the Delphi rounds and nurses in the pilot test.

The impact of preceptorship on the newly qualified nurse and preceptors working in a critical care environment: An integrative literature review.

BACKGROUND: Preceptorship has been found to be effective in supporting Newly Qualified Nurses (NQNs) during their transition into challenging environments, particularly in addressing issues related to confidence and anxiety. Effective preceptorship is an element of best practice and essential to support NQNs' transition into the critical care setting. However, the impact of preceptorship on NQNs and their preceptors in critical care units is yet to be completely understood. AIM: To review the impact of preceptorship on NQNs and preceptors working in a critical care environment. STUDY DESIGN: An integrative literature review of the literature. The review employed Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) five-stage integrative review approach. METHODS: Three databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched for papers published between January 2010 and May 2022. The PRISMA framework was used to guide the search and screening. Thematic analysis was used to extract, organize and analyse the data. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in this review. Reflective thematic analysis revealed three themes, with four related subthemes. Preceptorship has an impact on the development of the NQNs and preceptors' 'nurturing' relationship. NQNs develop their knowledge, competence and confidence when experiencing supportive preceptorship. Meanwhile, preceptors experience a combination of increased workload and opportunities for learning and professional development as a result of preceptorship. CONCLUSION: There is evidence of the impact of preceptorship on learning and professional development for both NQNs and preceptors, but this is a complex phenomenon and further research is required to understand this area more fully. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In nursing practice, it is well-established that Newly Qualified Nurses (NQNs) often face heightened levels of anxiety and a lack of confidence when embarking on their careers, particularly in the demanding and stressful environment of critical care units. This review holds particular significance in the realm of clinical practice as it delves into the pivotal role of preceptorship in nurturing the professional growth and development of NQNs within the challenging domain of critical care. Effective preceptorship, as an essential component of best practice, plays a pivotal role in aiding NQNs' transition into critical care settings.

Priority analysis of educational needs for new nurses in the intensive care unit: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: New intensive care unit (ICU) nurses often experience stress because of concerns about potentially harming their patients in a work environment that demands the rapid development of several skills in a limited training period. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the prioritisation of educational needs within adult ICUs, focusing on how new nurses evaluate their current knowledge and perceive the most critical competencies. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 102 new ICU nurses in general and tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Educational needs were assessed using a structured questionnaire for new ICU nurses. This study investigated educational needs using paired t-tests, Borich's assessment model and the Locus for Focus model. RESULTS: Only 48% of participants were satisfied with their education. The highest-rated educational content included preparing to use a defibrillator (95% CI = 2.44-3.28, p < .001), administering emergency drugs for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (95% CI = 2.09-2.91, p < .001), starting and maintaining continuous renal replacement therapy (95% CI = 1.50-2.42, p < .001), applying and maintaining a ventilator (95% CI = 1.42-2.08, p < .001), preparing for intubation (95% CI = 1.23-1.97, p < .001), reporting to the emergency team, preparing equipment for CPR (95% CI = 1.12-1.94, p < .001) and drug calculation (95% CI = 0.87-1.53, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that educational programmes for new ICU nurses should be developed considering the aforementioned priorities. Furthermore, nurse educators should adopt a practical and active instructional method to repeatedly clarify content, prioritising the improvement of knowledge and performance of new ICU nurses. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study guides clinical educators and managers in focusing on areas where new ICU nurses need additional training. Effective nurse residency programmes tailored to the specific needs of new ICU nurses can enhance their confidence and ability to handle ICU nursing challenges.

Oesophageal pressure monitoring in intubated patients by intensive care units' nurses: An educational study.

Trained ICU nurses may perform oesophageal pressure measurements which may help facilitate its implementation in the usual patient care to better assess lung and chest wall mechanics and easily detect patient-ventilator asynchronies. We thus conducted a prospective educational study aiming to assess the ability of ICU nurses to perform reliable oesophageal pressure measurements after a short dedicated training program. All the 11 nurses who completed the program succeeded their practical evaluation (nine (82%) at the first evaluation and two (18%) at their second attempt). These results show that this training program is feasible and that trained ICU nurses can perform accurate oesophageal pressure measurements in mechanically ventilated patients.

Impact of Bedside Laparotomy Simulation and Microlearning on Trauma Nurse Role Clarity, Knowledge, and Confidence.

BACKGROUND: The care of patients undergoing low-volume, high-risk emergency procedures such as bedside laparotomy (BSL) remains a challenge for surgical trauma critical care nurses. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates simulation and microlearning on trauma nurse role ambiguity, knowledge, and confidence in caring for patients during emergency BSL. METHODS: The study is a single-center, prospective pretest-posttest design conducted from September to November 2022 at a Level I trauma center in the Mid-Atlantic United States using simulation and microlearning to evaluate role clarity, knowledge, and confidence among surgical trauma intensive care unit (STICU) nurses. Participants, nurses from a voluntary convenience sample within a STICU, attended a simulation and received three weekly microlearning modules. Instruments measuring role ambiguity, knowledge, and confidence were administered before the simulation, after, and again at 30 days. RESULTS: From the pretest to the initial posttest, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) Role Ambiguity scores increased by 1.0 (1.13) (p < .001), and at the 30-day posttest, improved by 1.33 (1.5) (p < .001). The median (IQR) knowledge scores at initial posttest improved by 4.0 (2.0) (p < .001) and at the 30-day posttest improved by 3.0 (1.75) (p< .001). The median (IQR) confidence scores at initial posttest increased by 0.08 (0.33) (p = .009) and at the 30-day posttest improved by 0.33 (0.54) (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS: We found that simulation and microlearning improved trauma nurse role clarity, knowledge, and confidence in caring for patients undergoing emergency BSL.

Development of an Innovative Nonanimal Training Model for Infant Pleural Effusion Drainage via Pigtail Catheter Placement.

BACKGROUND: Chest tube placement is an important skill for providers and bedside nurses caring for critically ill infants, allowing for the evacuation of pleural fluid and pneumothoraces. No realistic simulation models are commercially available for trainees to practice and learn this skill on infants. PURPOSE: Our objective was to develop an inexpensive and reproducible model for percutaneous pleural pigtail placement for pleural fluid removal via the Seldinger technique. METHODS: The model was developed using hardware material and a discarded infant resuscitation manikin. The rib cage was constructed using electrical cable wires. Discarded and expired 250-mL bags of intravenous fluids were placed inside the chest cavity to simulate pleural fluid. Shelf liner was wrapped around the chest and abdomen of the infant model to simulate the skin layer. Pediatric critical care faculty performed the procedure on the final model and scored it for realism and utility for teaching. Without including the discarded manikin and fluid bags, the cost of the materials for the model was less than $20. RESULTS: Eight pediatric critical care faculty tested the pleural pigtail placement model. All faculty agreed the model provides a realistic simulated reproduction of placing a pleural pigtail, felt the model was simple to use, and indicated they would use it as a teaching tool in the future. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: An effective model for pleural pigtail placement can be inexpensively constructed using discarded bags of intravenous fluid and easy-to-find hardware materials. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future studies are needed to assess whether this model helps providers and nurses develop and maintain the clinical skills for successful percutaneous pleural pigtail catheter placement.Video Abstract available at https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Pages/videogallery.aspx?videoId=35&autoPlay=true.

Newly graduated nurses' clinical competencies and need for further training in acute care hospitals.

AIM: To assess self-reported clinical competence and the need for further training among newly graduated registered nurses (NGRNs) working in Swedish acute care hospital settings. BACKGROUND: NGRNs are expected to take full responsibility for patients' nursing care in an increasingly complex clinical context, and professional nurses' clinical competence is critical in providing high-quality and safe nursing care. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. METHODS: Data were collected using the 50-item ProffNurse SAS II. A total of 85 NGRNs who had recently commenced working with direct patient care at three hospitals in central Sweden participated in the study. The response rate was 69%. The STROBE cross-sectional reporting guidelines were used. RESULTS: The NGRNs assessed their clinical competence as being highest in areas relating to team collaboration and ethics and lowest in areas relating to professional development and direct clinical practice. The need for further training was greatest in areas such as direct clinical practice and patient safety and lowest in areas such as team collaborating and ethics. CONCLUSION: The use of instruments to identify NGRNs' self-assessed clinical competence is of value when designing and evaluating introductory programmes for NGRNs taking on positions in acute care hospital settings. The availability of experienced nurses from whom NGRNs can gain clinical competence and learn from is of importance, both from the perspective of the NGRNs themselves and patient safety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: An understanding of NGRNs' clinical competence and their need for further training may assist in both planning and organising nursing programmes and in making clinical policy decisions when designing introduction programmes in acute care settings.

Opioid use disorder education for acute care nurses: An integrative review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore opioid use disorder (OUD) education programmes presented to practicing nurses working in medical-surgical settings and identify the methods used to evaluate their effectiveness. BACKGROUND: Health professionals often express negative attitudes towards patients with OUD which can lead to suboptimal care. Education decreases negative attitudes of healthcare workers. Despite this, few educational programmes are offered to promote knowledge among acute care nurses who work in medical-surgical settings and provide care to patients with OUD. DESIGN: An integrative review. METHODS: The framework by Whittemore and Knafl was used to examine empirical literature between 1995-2019 to answer the research questions, (a) What types of education do acute care nurses receive regarding OUD? (b) What methods are used for measuring educational intervention effectiveness? CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO and MEDLINE were searched using combinations of search terms and PRISMA guidelines. The initial 394 articles were narrowed to nine from the United States and Australia that met the search criteria and purpose of the review. RESULTS: Educational programmes used to promote knowledge included interactive workshops, case studies, online modules, simulation sessions, real-time coaching and in-service trainings. Methods used to measure effectiveness of educational interventions were self-assessment tools that measured pre/postknowledge, attitude surveys, alcohol and drug scales and individual researcher-developed instruments. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is needed to determine best teaching strategies for increasing knowledge of OUD and OUD patient care. Valid and reliable methods for measuring effectiveness of OUD educational interventions are inadequate. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Knowledge of OUD has been linked to positive patient outcomes and nurses would benefit from up-to-date educational offerings. Opioid use disorder is a growing global concern. Translation of current OUD nursing science to acute care nurses would promote health equity in practice for individuals with OUD.

An Educational Intervention Incorporating Digital Storytelling to Implement Family Nursing Practice in Acute Care Settings.

This project describes implementation of an educational intervention designed to initiate practice changes that support families and nurses during acute illness. An academic-practice partnership and digital storytelling methodology provided a foundation. A quasi-experimental research design included quantitative and qualitative measurement before and after the educational intervention. Themes identified in digital stories of nurse experiences caring for families provided direction for the educational intervention including the digital stories, empirical evidence, and proposed changes in nursing practice focused on families. Nurse participants (n = 160) in the educational intervention reported positive responses on a qualitative questionnaire. Comparing pretest and posttest results of the Family Nurse Practice Scale reflected positive, though not significant change. Family members (n = 49) reported significantly improved perceptions of support on 7 of the 14 items on the Iceland Perceived Family Support Questionnaire. This project highlighted digital storytelling's power to promote family interventions and move family nursing knowledge into practice.

Education Needs of Australian Flight Nurses: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: Flight nurses work in physically challenging environments, often alone, in the confines of moving aircraft at altitudes with limited resources. Although this challenging environment has been previously described, there are no Australian studies that outline flight nurses' learning needs and the education activities they find useful in learning about their role. METHODS: This was a qualitative exploratory study using one-on-one interviews with 8 currently practicing flight nurses from 1 air medical retrieval organization. Data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Four key themes emerged: flight nurses need to learn how to work autonomously in a resource-constrained air medical environment, flight nurses need to learn how to develop physical and mental resilience to work in the air medical environment, flight nurses need to learn nontechnical skills such as flexibility and adaptability, and flight nurses learn how to perform in their role through formal and informal learning strategies. CONCLUSION: Existing clinical knowledge aids decision making as a sole practitioner in the resource-limited air medical environment. Previously unreported nontechnical skills of mental resilience, adaptability, and flexibility were highlighted. Flight nurses learn how to prepare for their role through simulation, case reviews, in situ observation through buddy flights, and a range of socially situated learning activities.

End-of-life care content in postgraduate critical care nursing programs: Structured telephone interviews to evaluate content-informing practice.

BACKGROUND: The provision of end-of-life care remains a significant component of work for clinicians in critical care settings. Critical care nurses report that this area of practice receives limited attention in education and training. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify and describe the end-of-life care content in postgraduate critical care nursing programs in Australia. METHODS: Using a descriptive exploratory research design, an Internet search was undertaken in August 2015, identifying 17 education providers offering postgraduate critical care nursing programs. Thirteen individuals agreed to participate in a structured telephone interview regarding end-of-life content in their postgraduate program. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarise the data obtained. RESULTS: Twelve participants reported that end-of-life care content was explicitly addressed in their postgraduate critical care nursing programs, yet variation in actual content areas covered was evident. The majority of programs addressed content related to organ donation (92%) and legal and ethical issues (77%). However, content least commonly identified as covered pertained to the work of the nurse in providing direct clinical care to the patient at the end of life and his or her family, including the physical changes experienced by the dying patient (31%), respiratory management encompassing withdrawal of ventilation and symptom management (23%), emotional support of family (23%), care of the body after death (23%), and the process of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment (15%). Participants (92%) agreed that end-of-life content was important in postgraduate critical care nursing programs, with 77% of participants agreeing that more time should be allocated to end-of-life content. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence of the variation in end-of-life content in postgraduate critical care nursing programs in Australia. Addressing gaps in end-of-life care content in formal education, including clinical care of the dying patient, is urgently needed to address the complexity of this phase of care that is so frequently provided in critical care units.

The development of critical care nursing education in Zambia.

BACKGROUND: Critical care services reflect the healthcare services they support. In many low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs), balancing a sparse workforce, resources and competing demands to fund services, is a significant challenge when providing critical care. In Zambia, critical care has evolved significantly over the past 10 years. This article explores the provision of critical care services and the review and validation of a critical care nursing course. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature relating to critical care nursing in sub-Saharan Africa to support a review and validation of the current critical care nursing course and to prepare a framework for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in critical care nursing programme in Zambia. RESULTS: A search of the published literature identified key themes, including a paucity of evidence, limited educational opportunities, a lack of national and international opportunities, protocols and standards, and the challenges of providing technical services. The subsequent review and validation took account of these themes. CONCLUSION: This project has had an impact on improving critical care nurses' knowledge and skills and provided the foundations for the BSc in critical care nursing.

A Trial of Real-Time Electrographic Seizure Detection by Neuro-ICU Nurses Using a Panel of Quantitative EEG Trends.

BACKGROUND: Non-convulsive seizures (NCS) are a common occurrence in the neurologic intensive care unit (Neuro-ICU) and are associated with worse outcomes. Continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG) monitoring is necessary for the detection of NCS; however, delays in interpretation are a barrier to early treatment. Quantitative EEG (qEEG) calculates a time-compressed simplified visual display from raw EEG data. This study aims to evaluate the performance of Neuro-ICU nurses utilizing bedside, real-time qEEG interpretation for detecting recurrent NCS. METHODS: This is a prospective, single-institution study of patients admitted to the Duke Neuro-ICU between 2016 and 2018 who had NCS identified on traditional cEEG review. The accuracy of recurrent seizure detection on hourly qEEG review by bedside Neuro-ICU nurses was compared to the gold standard of cEEG interpretation by two board-certified neurophysiologists. The nurses first received brief qEEG training, individualized for their specific patient. The bedside qEEG display consisted of rhythmicity spectrogram (left and right hemispheres) and amplitude-integrated EEG (left and right hemispheres) in 1-h epochs. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included and 174 1-h qEEG blocks were analyzed. Forty-seven blocks contained seizures (27%). The sensitivity was 85.1% (95% CI 71.1-93.1%), and the specificity was 89.8% (82.8-94.2%) for the detection of seizures for each 1-h block when compared to interpretation of conventional cEEG by two neurophysiologists. The false positive rate was 0.1/h. Hemispheric seizures (> 4 unilateral EEG electrodes) were more likely to be correctly identified by nurses on qEEG than focal seizures (≤ 4 unilateral electrodes) (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: After tailored training sessions, Neuro-ICU nurses demonstrated a good sensitivity for the interpretation of bedside real-time qEEG for the detection of recurrent NCS with a low false positive rate. qEEG is a promising tool that may be used by non-neurophysiologists and may lead to earlier detection of NCS.

A Professional Nursing Acute Care Practice Curriculum.

Caring for multiple complex patients simultaneously is 1 of the biggest challenges for clinical nurses (CNs) in acute care. We utilized the results of research to develop a 6-hour Professional Nursing Practice Curriculum (PNPC) specifically for CNs who are professionally and legally responsible for providing holistic care to an assigned group of patients on inpatient clinical units in acute care hospitals. The curriculum can be used by faculty to prepare senior nursing students for their 1st professional practice role in an acute care setting. Components of the PNPC will be beneficial for nurse leaders in an assessment of their educational practices for transitioning newly licensed RNs to practice and addressing professional development needs of CNs.

Characteristics of a critical care clinical placement programme affecting critical care nursing competency of baccalaureate nursing students: A structural equation modelling.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and determine the characteristics of a critical care clinical placement programme affecting the critical care nursing competency of baccalaureate nursing students. BACKGROUND: The increase in global demand for competent critical care services and human resources translates to an educational focus in preparing students for their eventual role as critical care health professionals. Albeit clinical placement in critical care units can promote competency, evidence supporting such claim remains inadequate. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design. METHOD: Employing structural equation modelling, 236 randomly selected baccalaureate nursing students from a clinically intensive university in the Philippines were recruited from January-March 2016. A three-part online survey, composed of the robotfoto, Critical Care Nursing Rotation Evaluation Questionnaire, and Intensive and Critical Care Nursing Competence Scale, was completed. The STROBE checklist was followed in reporting this study. RESULTS: Five characteristics of clinical placement were extracted as follows: sufficient clinical exposure, adequate area orientation, supportive clinical instructor, diversified medical cases and supplemental learning resources. Four characteristics affected critical care nursing competency and built a good model (χ2 /df = 1.52; comparative fit index = 0.94; parsimonious normal fit index = 0.77; root mean square error of approximation = 0.047). Adequate area orientation had the most diverse influence on all competency domains, while supportive clinical instructor had the strongest positive influence on critical care nursing skill (ß = 0.30, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The model highlights the characteristics of a critical care clinical placement programme which influences critical care nursing competency among nursing students. It emphasised the importance of a supportive clinical instructor and adequate area orientation in promoting critical care nursing skills and values and attitude. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The proposed model highlights the role of clinical instructors and appropriate orientation which provides impetus in improving the clinical placement design to maximise competency development.

Teaching Critical Care Nursing Online for RNs.

Registered nurses are choosing to further their educational careers by seeking a bachelor's of science degree online (RN-to-BSN). The impetus for choosing the online delivery method is related to the ability to sign into a Learning Management System during times that are advantageous to their hospital work schedules, family, and daily living activities. The RN-to-BSN online option degree requires a Critical Care/Advanced Health Care Course as part of their curriculum plan; therefore, the article presents an overall view of the critical care course, the theoretical underpinnings for progression to the online delivery method, and examples of a module required by the critical care course.

Pulmonary Artery Catheters: Impact of e-Learning on Hemodynamic Assessments.

Pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) are invasive devices placed in critically ill patients to monitor hemodynamic data. They are a high-risk, and in some settings a low-volume, medical device due to the complex insertion procedure and potentially lethal complications. Smaller intensive care units (ICUs) have large variances in exposure to PACs, therefore strengthening ICU nurses' belief in their ability to manage these hemodynamic monitoring devices is of utmost importance. The design is a single-group, pre/posttest study conducted on a 15-bed ICU to survey nurses' self-efficacy, knowledge, and satisfaction of an e-learning educational module. Both PAC and noninvasive cardiac output monitor patient application data were collected prior to and following the intervention. Fifteen ICU nurses completed all components of the module. Confidence in ability to accurately interpret hemodynamic data increased from pre- to postintervention (P < .001), and knowledge also increased from pre- to postintervention, albeit not statistically significantly (P = .088). Overall, nurses reported satisfaction with the educational module. With increased self-efficacy, nurses can feel empowered and motivated to further improve patient care management. Thus, workplaces should continue to advocate for additional educational tools for high-risk, low-volume devices.