Using Intentional, Student-Centered Reflection to Address Mental Health and Self-Care in Prelicensure Nursing Students.

ABSTRACT: Prelicensure nursing students manage various stressors, including a rigorous curriculum, physically and psychologically demanding clinical rotations, supplementary work, family responsibilities, and an evolving licensure exam. Because of these stressors, nursing programs must address students' mental health concerns and the potential impact on academic performance. At a private university in the Midwest, a student-centered care plan reflection was implemented to support mental health concerns about the National Council Licensure Examination and promote coping skills. In response, students reported increased motivation, improved stress management, and reduced anxiety.

One-Hour Suicide Prevention Training Makes a Difference!

ABSTRACT: Nurses and other healthcare workers in the United States are at increased risk of suicide compared to non-healthcare workers. College students also experience high suicide risk. To impact suicide prevention in these populations, a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) 1-hour gatekeeper suicide prevention training program was implemented at the University of Detroit Mercy for faculty, staff, and administrators in the College of Health Professions (N = 43). Knowledge in seven areas of suicide significantly increased after the training (p < .001). Sixteen attitudes about suicide improved; however, only two showed a statistically significant change. Results support that 1-hour QPR training can be effectively implemented in a large organization.

Exploring health economics course competencies' value for nurse administrators.

BACKGROUND: A survey of nursing administrators in the United States was conducted to solicit opinions about health economics (HE) course competencies for baccalaureate nursing programs. PURPOSE: To provide rationale for intensifying educational efforts to increase nurses' awareness about the value of HE skills in their everyday work. METHODS: Participants were asked to rate six HE competencies using a Likert scale. Paired-samples t tests, bivariate correlations, and standard multiple linear regressions were used to analyze survey results. DISCUSSION: A strong direct relationship exists between the amount of prior knowledge nursing administrators have about HE and the perceived level of usefulness of HE skills. CONCLUSION: Nurses' contributions to creating value in healthcare must be encouraged. Increasing the share and accessibility of the HE content in continuing education offerings could be one way to expand HE knowledge among practicing nurses and promote cost-effective delivery of healthcare in the United States.

Yoga to Enhance Self Efficacy: An Intervention for At-risk Youth.

OBJECTIVE: Yoga has demonstrated effectiveness in improving self-management in a variety of disease states however little is known about the impact of yoga as a health promotion intervention for adolescent females in an urban school based environment. This pilot study was conducted to determine if yoga could improve the self-efficacy and body core tone in at-risk adolescent female participants. METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was employed, with data collection at baseline, end of program, and 1month post-program. Fifteen participants ages 11-14 were recruited. Yoga was practiced twice weekly for eight weeks. Self-efficacy was measured using a standardized tool, the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C). Improvements in flexibility and core body tone were also examined. The researchers collected data on adverse childhood events using the Adverse Childhood Event (ACEs) scale. RESULTS: Fifteen participants were successfully recruited and 14 (87%) were retained through the duration of the project. Based on the small sample size, non-parametric tests were used (Freidman's test). Although there were no significant improvements in total SEQ-C, there were significant improvements in SEQ-C social subscale (p=0.028). Significant improvements were also identified in waist circumference (p=0.001) and in flexibility (p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Participant attendance/dose did not correlate to any of the outcomes, however with the physical and emotional improvements noted, it is assumed that any level of attendance was beneficial. Improvements in the social subscale of the SEQ-C could be the result of belonging to a group and strengthening healthy relationships.

Filling the gap: Developing health economics competencies for baccalaureate nursing programs.

BACKGROUND: The need for greater involvement of the nursing profession in cost containment efforts has been documented extensively. More thorough education of nurses in the subject of health economics (HE) is one of the factors that could contribute toward achievement of that goal. PURPOSE: The project's main contribution is the development of the unique list of essential HE competencies for baccalaureate nursing students. METHODS: The proposed competencies were developed and validated using the protocol by Lynn (1986) for two-stage content validation of psychometric instruments. An additional validation step that included a nationwide survey of nurse administrators was conducted to measure the value they place on the health economics-related skills and knowledge of their employees. RESULTS: A set of six HE competencies was developed. Their validity was unanimously approved by the panel of five experts and additionally supported by the survey results (with individual competencies' approval rates of 67% or higher). CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of economic thinking into the nationwide standards of baccalaureate nursing education, and professional nursing competencies, will enhance the capacity of the nursing workforce to lead essential change in the delivery of high-value affordable health care nationwide.

Nursing in the Mercy Traditions: Engaging Students in the Life of Catherine McAuley.

The Institute of Medicine and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing advise that professional nursing education include development of a high level of cultural competency. A 10-day learning experience to Ireland for nursing students at the University of Detroit Mercy, an independent Catholic university, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Fathers), helped them develop a philosophy of Mercy care and build cultural competence. Learning focused on the life of Catherine McAuley, Irish culture, spirituality, social justice, reflective thinking, and a value-centered professional education.

Vitamin d, depression and coping self-efficacy in young women: longitudinal study.

Depression is a significant health issue in young women with few assessment strategies for early detection. It has been suggested that self-efficacy and vitamin D levels can predict and prevent depression. The authors examined the relationship between vitamin D levels, coping self-efficacy and depression in 77 college age women over three seasons. The results of the repeated measures analysis showed that a strong, inverse relationship existed between self-efficacy and depression but not vitamin D levels. These findings were consistent across the three data collection points. The results implied that strengthening perceived coping self-efficacy may be useful in order to maintain the mental health of young college age women.

Vitamin D and depression: is there a relationship in young women?

BACKGROUND: Depression is emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults. New biological assessment strategies such as biological markers are needed to more accurately assess for depression in this age group. Vitamin D may present such an opportunity. OBJECTIVE: A descriptive correlational design with convenience sampling was used to address the research question: Is there a relationship between vitamin D serum levels and depression scores in young adult women? DESIGN: One hundred thirty-nine participants completed a health questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and had serum vitamin D, 25(OH)D, levels drawn. RESULTS: No statistically significant correlation between vitamin D level and depression was identified. Statistically significant differences between African American and Caucasian women were detected on vitamin D levels but not on the Beck Depression Inventory. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, vitamin D cannot be used as a biomarker for depression in women aged 18 to 24 years. Clinical implications of no relationship between vitamin D and depression will be explored and the cut-point for serum 25(OH)D levels will be discussed.

Caring for the Mental Health of Youth and Families: What is the Role of the Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Nurse?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: Children in our nation are experiencing the social, emotional, and physical impacts of an unprecedented time in history. Advanced practice nurses prepared as psychiatric clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners bring therapeutic interventions, psychopharmacologic management, and systems thinking to clinical environments of care. Insight into the mental health of youth and families and how clinical nurse specialists may provide solutions for forthcoming challenges is discussed. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT/PROGRAM: Barriers to mental healthcare such as the invisibility of nurses at state and federal levels must be eradicated to mitigate the mental health challenges that youth, families, and communities endure. Contemporary issues such as effects of social media, stigma, and suicide present burdens that can be moderated through nursing interventions. OUTCOME: The psychiatric clinical nurse specialist provides evidence and community-based nursing interventions that, through early identification and advocacy, contribute to positive mental health outcomes for youth and families. CONCLUSION: The need for well-educated advanced practice nurses has never been greater for our vulnerable populations of children, adolescents, and families with mental health challenges. Nurse-delivered programs demonstrate that interventions are necessary for communication, psychoeducation, and prevention of consequences from unacknowledged social media, stigma, and suicide problems.

Clinical Compass: Guiding the Relationship Between Clinical and Didactic Learning.

BACKGROUND: Evidence demonstrates there is a need for innovation and further investigation on how to best prepare nursing students for practice. A consistent framework is necessary to guide students, theory faculty, and clinical instructors. METHOD: A tool was created to transform the student learning experience. This tool, the Clinical Compass, provides opportunity to better integrate didactic knowledge within the clinical experience. The tool was evaluated by creating a questionnaire for both students and faculty. RESULTS: Survey data were collected from both student and instructor groups via an anonymous electronic survey. Both student and instructor surveys yielded positive results reflecting improved connection between theoretical and clinical knowledge. CONCLUSION: Data support continued use and ongoing revisions of the Clinical Compass tool. The tool will be adapted for use in the classroom, specialty areas, and virtual and simulation environments. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(5):286-288.].

Traumatic brain injury epidemiology and rehabilitation in Ireland: a protocol paper.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In Ireland, a dearth of research means that we neither know the number of people affected by TBI, nor have the required data to improve neuro-rehabilitation services. This is a study protocol to examine the epidemiology and pathways through rehabilitation for a cohort of TBI survivors in the Republic of Ireland. Aims:  1. To document the epidemiological data of TBIs in Ireland. 2. To explore the pathway of TBI survivors through rehabilitation/health services. 3. To document the experiences of those providing care for TBI survivors in Ireland Methods: This is a quantitative cohort study. Existing routine datasets will be used to report epidemiological data. Participants with moderate or severe TBI will be recruited through two brain injury service providers, two acute hospitals that provide neurosurgical services, and the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Participants with TBI will be surveyed on two separate occasions, to explore their use of health and rehabilitation services. Those providing care or support to TBI survivors will be surveyed, on one occasion. Additionally, data from the medical records of TBI survivors will be extracted to capture key information about their TBI, such as mechanism of injury, severity, hospitalisation and follow-up. TBI survivors' use of health care will be followed prospectively for six months. Expected outcomes: The epidemiological data of TBI in Ireland will be documented. Data on survivors' experiences of how rehabilitation services are accessed, and any barriers encountered with rehabilitation/health services will be reported. The experiences of those providing care or support for TBI survivors will be captured. It is expected that the outcomes of the study will support advocacy efforts toward the redevelopment of neuro-rehabilitation services in the Republic of Ireland.

Health Behaviors Survey: An Examination of Undergraduate Students' Substance Use.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the prevalence of alcohol, drug, and nonmedical prescription drugs at a small private university. In addition, risk and protective factors are examined. METHOD: The Core Institute (Southern Illinois University) was contracted to administer an anonymous, Web-based 49-item survey to matriculated undergraduate students, aged 18-23 years. Data were obtained on student behaviors, perceptions, consequences of substance use, risk factors, and coping strategies. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, cross-tabs, t test, and chi-square. RESULTS: The response rate was 14%, which is consistent with other CORE Institute surveys. Almost half of the total respondents were from the college of nursing (46%), and most participants were female (82%). There was a significant association between heavy drinking and grades; the B students engaged in more binge drinking. Living on campus and being involved in Greek life confer a higher level of risk for sexual assault when alcohol was consumed. Most participants (57%) were unaware of campus resources for assistance with alcohol or drug problems. CONCLUSION: Campus administrators now have a better awareness related to the extent of drug and alcohol use among the student body. A faculty engagement workshop was developed to provide tools to assess and communicate with students. Improvements are anticipated to enhance student relationships and decrease incidents of drug- and alcohol-related sexual assault or misconduct.

Social Support, Postpartum Depression, and Professional Assistance: A Survey of Mothers in the Midwestern United States.

Transition into motherhood is generally a joyful life event; for some women, however, it is marked by emotional turmoil. Lack of support can be associated with postpartum depression and can compromise both the mother and infant. A descriptive, cross-sectional study (N = 61) was conducted to explore the relationship between social support and postpartum depression and to determine whether mothers overwhelmed with childcare, or overwhelmed with life in general since becoming a mother, sought professional help. The results revealed that screening for depression alone may not be sufficient, that mothers are willing to contact a professional for help in the postpartum period, and that assessments after birth should include a broader assessment of life's difficulties rather than focusing on childcare responsibilities alone.

Promoting mental health concepts in a doctor of nursing practice curriculum: an integrated and global approach.

Mental health disorders represent a significant burden across all nations with the vast majority of people being undiagnosed and/or undertreated. There is an urgent need to address these mental health disparities and to implement strategies that will improve appropriate diagnosis and treatment at both the local and international level. Two solutions will be discussed in this paper. First, an integrated care model which has the potential to decrease fragmentation of care and barriers to appropriate treatment. Second, the training and education of nurses in basic mental health competencies. This paper argues that nurses are well positioned to help meet the growing need for mental health care in a variety of health care settings. This paper will describe an educational workshop that was part of a plan to incorporate mental health concepts across a Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum. It is believed that the underlying concepts of this educational model are transferrable to other countries and can serve as a template for improving the ability to identify, treat, and manage mental health care.