Exploring US Nursing Leadership During the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Response: A Qualitative Descriptive Study to Guide Leadership Development for Future Emergent Situations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the experiences of nurse leaders during the 1st wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance understanding in preparation for future disasters. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to the healthcare system globally. Nurse leaders play an essential part and have a significant impact on the efficacy of disaster management in future emergent situations. METHODS: The parent study conducted interviews with 100 nurses in the United States across specialty areas. This article presents a subgroup analysis of interview data from 13 self-identified nurse leaders. The research team used qualitative descriptive methodology and thematic analysis to identify patterns within the data. RESULTS: Five themes were identified for effective nurse leadership during an emerging pandemic: 1) responsiveness; 2) anticipating needs; 3) care innovations; 4) collaboration; and 5) adaptability. CONCLUSION: Supporting nurse leaders to exhibit effective leadership during periods of crisis is imperative to increase preparedness for future health events, protect population health, and create a pipeline of future nursing leadership. Involving nursing in developing and reforming policy is integral.

The diversification of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants and evaluation of their detection with molecular and rapid antigen assays.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic saw the rapid rise, global spread, and diversification of the omicron variant in 2022. Given the overwhelming dominance of this variant globally and its diverse lineages, there is an urgent need to ensure that diagnostic assays are capable of detecting widely circulating omicron sub-lineages. STUDY DESIGN: Remnant clinical VTM samples from SARS-CoV-2 PCR confirmed infections (n = 733) collected in Wisconsin (n = 94), New York (n = 267), and South Carolina (n = 372) throughout 2022 were sequenced, classified, and tested with m2000 RealTime SARS-CoV-2, Alinity m SARS-CoV-2, ID NOW COVID-19 v2.0, BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card, and Panbio COVID-19 Rapid Test Device assays. RESULTS: Sequences and lineage classifications were obtained for n = 641/733 (87.4%) samples and included delta (n = 6) and representatives from all major SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants circulating in 2022 (BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, BA.5, BE, BF, BQ.1, and XBB). Panels of diverse omicron lineages were tested by molecular assays RealTime (n = 624), Alinity m (n = 80), and ID NOW v2.0 (n = 88) with results showing 100% detection for all samples. BinaxNOW and Panbio had sensitivities of 494/533 (92.7%) and 416/469 (88.7%), respectively for specimens with >4 log10 copies/test, consistent with expected performance for frozen specimens. Furthermore, BinaxNOW demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 detection in clinical samples 1-4 days, and up to 18 days post-symptom onset in BA.1 infected patients with >4 log10 copies/test. CONCLUSIONS: This data highlights the rise and diversification of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants over the course of 2022 and demonstrate that each of the 5 tested assays can detect the breadth of omicron variants circulating globally.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after confirmed Omicron BA.1 and presumed BA.4/5 infections using Abbott ARCHITECT and Panbio assays.

Background: Commercial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody tests were developed before variants with spike protein mutations emerged, leading to concerns that these tests have reduced sensitivity for detecting antibody responses in individuals infected with Omicron subvariants. This study was performed to evaluate Abbott ARCHITECT serologic assays, AdviseDx SARS-CoV-2 IgG II, and SARS-CoV-2 IgG for the detection of spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) IgG antibody increases in vaccinated healthcare workers infected with Omicron subvariants. Methods: During the BA.1/2 and BA.4/5 waves, 171 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals (122 in the BA.1/2 wave, 49 in the BA.4/5 wave) were tested for S and N IgG post infection. Sequencing and SARS-CoV-2 variant confirmation were performed on nasal swab samples from individuals infected during the BA.1/2 wave. Results: Twenty-seven Omicron sequence confirmed individuals in the BA.1/2 wave and all 49 in the BA.4/5 wave had pre-infection antibody data. Compared to pre-infection levels, post-infection S IgG increased 6.6-fold from 1294 ± 302 BAU/ml (mean ± standard error measurement) to 9796 ± 1252 BAU/ml (P < 0.001) during the BA.1/2 wave, and 3.6-fold from 1771 ± 351 BAU/ml to 8224 ± 943 BAU/ml (P < 0.001) during the BA.4/5 wave. N IgG increased post infection 19.1-fold from 0.2 ± 0.1 to 3.7 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001) during the BA.1/2 wave and 13.5-fold from 0.22 ± 0.1 to 3.2 ± 0.3 (P < 0.001) during the BA.4/5 wave. Among 159 infection-naïve individuals, positive N IgG levels were detected with a sensitivity of 88% in the 87 individuals who were tested between 14 days and 60 days post infection. Conclusions: The large increases in post-infection S IgG along with the N IgG sensitivity that was comparable to previously reported N IgG sensitivity data in unvaccinated individuals after Omicron infection, support the use of Abbott SARS-CoV-2 assays for detecting increased S IgG and seroconversion of N IgG in vaccinated individuals post Omicron infection. Given that 68% of the United States population is fully vaccinated, these results are of current relevance.

Metagenomic Detection of Divergent Insect- and Bat-Associated Viruses in Plasma from Two African Individuals Enrolled in Blood-Borne Surveillance.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has enabled the high-throughput multiplexed identification of sequences from microbes of potential medical relevance. This approach has become indispensable for viral pathogen discovery and broad-based surveillance of emerging or re-emerging pathogens. From 2015 to 2019, plasma was collected from 9586 individuals in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo enrolled in a combined hepatitis virus and retrovirus surveillance program. A subset (n = 726) of the patient specimens was analyzed by mNGS to identify viral co-infections. While co-infections from known blood-borne viruses were detected, divergent sequences from nine poorly characterized or previously uncharacterized viruses were also identified in two individuals. These were assigned to the following groups by genomic and phylogenetic analyses: densovirus, nodavirus, jingmenvirus, bastrovirus, dicistrovirus, picornavirus, and cyclovirus. Although of unclear pathogenicity, these viruses were found circulating at high enough concentrations in plasma for genomes to be assembled and were most closely related to those previously associated with bird or bat excrement. Phylogenetic analyses and in silico host predictions suggested that these are invertebrate viruses likely transmitted through feces containing consumed insects or through contaminated shellfish. This study highlights the power of metagenomics and in silico host prediction in characterizing novel viral infections in susceptible individuals, including those who are immunocompromised from hepatitis viruses and retroviruses, or potentially exposed to zoonotic viruses from animal reservoir species.

The early SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Senegal was driven by the local emergence of B.1.416 and the introduction of B.1.1.420 from Europe.

Molecular surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is growing in west Africa, especially in the Republic of Senegal. Here, we present a molecular epidemiology study of the early waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections in this country based on Bayesian phylogeographic approaches. Whereas the first wave in mid-2020 was characterized by a significant diversification of lineages and predominance of B.1.416, the second wave in late 2020 was composed primarily of B.1.1.420. Our results indicate that B.1.416 originated in Senegal and was exported mainly to Europe. In contrast, B.1.1.420 was introduced from Italy, gained fitness in Senegal, and then spread worldwide. Since both B.1.416 and B.1.1.420 lineages carry several positive selected mutations in the spike and nucleocapsid genes, each of which may explain their local dominance, their mutation profiles should be carefully monitored. As the pandemic continues to evolve, molecular surveillance in all regions of Africa will play a key role in stemming its spread.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants by Abbott molecular, antigen, and serological tests.

BACKGROUND: Viral diversity presents an ongoing challenge for diagnostic tests, which need to accurately detect all circulating variants. The Abbott Global Surveillance program monitors severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and their impact on diagnostic test performance. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the capacity of Abbott molecular, antigen, and serologic assays to detect circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, including all current variants of concern (VOC): B.1.1.7 (alpha), B.1.351 (beta), P.1 (gamma) and B.1.617.2 (delta). STUDY DESIGN: Dilutions of variant virus cultures (B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.429, B.1.526.1, B.1.526.2, B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2, P.1, R.1 and control isolate WA1) and a panel of N = 248 clinical samples from patients with sequence confirmed variant infections (B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.427, B.1.429, B.1.526, B.1.526.1, B.1.526.2, P.1, P.2, R.1) were evaluated on at least one assay: Abbott ID NOW COVID-19, m2000 RealTime SARS-CoV-2, Alinity m SARS-CoV-2, and Alinity m Resp-4-Plex molecular assays; the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card and Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device; and the ARCHITECT/Alinity i SARS-CoV-2 IgG and AdviseDx IgM assays, Panbio COVID-19 IgG assay, and ARCHITECT/Alinity i AdviseDx SARS-CoV-2 IgG II assay. RESULTS: Consistent with in silico predictions, each molecular and antigen assay detected VOC virus cultures with equivalent sensitivity to the WA1 control strain. Notably, 100% of all tested variant patient specimens were detected by molecular assays (N = 197 m2000, N = 88 Alinity m, N = 99 ID NOW), and lateral flow assays had a sensitivity of >94% for specimens with genome equivalents (GE) per device above 4 log (85/88, Panbio; 54/57 Binax). Furthermore, Abbott antibody assays detected IgG and IgM in 94-100% of sera from immune competent B.1.1.7 patients 15-26 days after symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm variant detection for 11 SARS-CoV-2 assays, which is consistent with each assay target region being highly conserved. Importantly, alpha, beta, gamma, and delta VOCs were detected by molecular and antigen assays, indicating that these tests may be suitable for widescale use where VOCs predominate.

More DNA and RNA of HBV SP1 splice variants are detected in genotypes B and C at low viral replication.

HBV produces unspliced and spliced RNAs during replication. Encapsidated spliced RNA is converted into DNA generating defective virions that are detected in plasma and associated with HCC development. Herein we describe a quantitative real-time PCR detection of splice variant SP1 DNA/RNA in HBV plasma. Three PCR primers/probe sets were designed detecting the SP1 variants, unspliced core, or X gene. Plasmids carrying the three regions were constructed for the nine HBV genotypes to evaluate the three sets, which were also tested on DNA/RNA extracted from 193 HBV plasma with unknown HCC status. The assay had an LOD of 80 copies/ml and was equally efficient for detecting all nine genotypes and three targets. In testing 84 specimens for both SP1 DNA (77.4%) and RNA (82.1%), higher viral loads resulted in increased SP1 levels. Most samples yielded < 1% of SP1 DNA, while the average SP1 RNA was 3.29%. At viral load of ≤ 5 log copies/ml, the detectable SP1 DNA varied by genotype, with 70% for B, 33.3% for C, 10.5% for E, 4% for D and 0% for A, suggesting higher levels of splicing in B and C during low replication. At > 5 log, all samples regardless of genotype had detectable SP1 DNA.

Emergence of novel combinations of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain variants in Senegal.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineages that carry mutations in the spike gene are of concern for potential impact to treatment and prevention efforts. To monitor for new SARS-CoV-2 mutations, a panel of specimens were sequenced from both wave one (N = 96), and wave two (N = 117) of the pandemic in Senegal by whole genome next generation sequencing. Amongst these genomes, new combinations of SARS-CoV-2 spike mutations were identified, with E484K + N501T, L452R + N501Y, and L452M + S477N exclusively found in second wave specimens. These sequences are evidence of local diversification over the course of the pandemic and parallel evolution of escape mutations in different lineages.

A high prevalence of potential HIV elite controllers identified over 30 years in Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: In-depth analysis of the HIV pandemic at its epicenter in the Congo basin has been hampered by 40 years of political unrest and lack of functional public health infrastructure. In recent surveillance studies (2017-18), we found that the prevalence of HIV in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (11%) far exceeded previous estimates. METHODS: 10,457 participants were screened in Kinshasa with rapid tests from 2017-2019. Individuals confirmed as reactive by the Abbott ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay (n=1968) were measured by the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 viral load assay. Follow up characterization of samples was performed with alternate manufacturer viral load assays, qPCR for additional blood borne viruses, unbiased next generation sequencing, and HIV Western blotting. FINDINGS: Our data suggested the existence of a significant cohort (n=429) of HIV antibody positive/viral load negative individuals. We systematically eliminated collection site bias, sample integrity, and viral genetic diversity as alternative explanations for undetectable viral loads. Mass spectroscopy unexpectedly detected the presence of 3TC antiviral medication in approximately 60% of those tested (209/354), and negative Western blot results indicated false positive serology in 12% (49/404). From the remaining Western blot positives (n=53) and indeterminates (n=31) with reactive Combo and rapid test results, we estimate 2.7-4.3% of infections in DRC to be potential elite controllers. We also analyzed samples from the DRC collected in 1987 and 2001-03, when antiretroviral drugs were not available, and found similarly elevated trends. INTERPRETATION: Viral suppression to undetectable viral loads without therapy occurs infrequently in HIV-1 infected patients around the world. Mining of global data suggests a unique ability to control HIV infection arose early in central Africa and occurs in <1% of founder populations. Identification of this group of elite controllers presents a unique opportunity to study potentially novel genetic mechanisms of viral suppression. FUNDING: Abbott Laboratories funded surveillance in DRC and subsequent research efforts. Additional funding was received from a MIZZOU Award from the University of Missouri. Research was supported in part by the Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH.

Psychiatric Nurses' Perceptions of Therapeutic Alliance With Individuals With Schizophrenia: A Survey Study.

Research on nurse-patient relationships with the schizophrenia population is sparse. The current study piloted a survey to explore therapeutic relationships. Fifty-one psychiatric nurses completed an online survey on therapeutic relationships with the schizophrenia population. Factor and chi-square analysis yielded preliminary findings. Fifteen of 16 survey items loaded onto four factors at ≥0.4. A significant association between level of education and professional certification and comfort working with patients with schizophrenia was found. Survey modifications and a larger sample size may generate useful information and clarify the relationship among education, certification, and comfort. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(4), 21-29.].

Advanced molecular surveillance approaches for characterization of blood borne hepatitis viruses.

Defining genetic diversity of viral infections directly from patient specimens is the ultimate goal of surveillance. Simple tools that can provide full-length sequence information on blood borne viral hepatitis viruses: hepatitis C, hepatitis B and hepatitis D viruses (HCV, HBV and HDV) remain elusive. Here, an unbiased metagenomic next generation sequencing approach (mNGS) was used for molecular characterization of HCV infections (n = 99) from Israel which yielded full-length HCV sequences in 89% of samples, with 7 partial sequences sufficient for classification. HCV genotypes were primarily 1b (68%) and 1a (19%), with minor representation of genotypes 2c (1%) and 3a (8%). HBV/HDV coinfections were characterized by suppressed HBV viral loads, resulting in sparse mNGS coverage. A probe-based enrichment approach (xGen) aiming to increase HBV and HDV coverage was validated on a panel of diverse genotypes, geography and titers. The method extended HBV genome coverage a median 61% (range 8-84%) and provided orders of magnitude boosts in reads and sequence depth for both viruses. When HBV-xGen was applied to Israeli samples, coverage was improved by 28-73% in 4 samples and identified HBV genotype A1, A2, D1 specimens and a dual B/D infection. Abundant HDV reads in mNGS libraries yielded 18/26 (69%) full genomes and 8 partial sequences, with HDV-xGen only providing minimal extension (3-11%) of what were all genotype 1 genomes. Advanced molecular approaches coupled to virus-specific capture probes promise to enhance surveillance of viral infections and aid in monitoring the spread of local subtypes.

HIV-1 molecular epidemiology and drug resistance-associated mutations among treatment-naïve blood donors in China.

Surveillance of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) molecular diversity and drug resistance-associated mutations (DRMs) among treatment-naïve blood donors is critical for monitoring viral evolution and blood safety. From 2016-2017, 199 plasma samples were collected from 24 blood centers and confirmed as HIV viral load positive or serologically reactive in National Centers for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL), of which 179 were sequenced and subtyped in the gag, protease (PR)-reverse transcriptase (RT), integrase (IN) and/or envelope (env) regions. DRMs in PR-RT and IN regions were analyzed in Stanford HIVdb Program. The majority of subtypes were circulating recombinant form (CRF) 07_BC (34.6%) and CRF01_AE (32.4%); many unique recombinant forms (URFs) (39, 21.8%) and other rare CRFs were observed in the study. Notably, CRF02_AG and CRF06_cpx strains typically found in Africa were firstly identified amongst Chinese blood donors. DRMs were common, with 28 of 179 (15.6%) specimens carrying DRMs, including the PR N88S and RT K103N mutations, which have been implicated in elevated resistance to antiretroviral drugs. Furthermore, 4 HIV-1 isolates (2.4%, 4/168) had surveillance drug-resistance mutation (SDRM), including 3 nonnucleosidereverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) SDRMs (1 K101E, 2 K103N) and 1 protease inhibitor (PI) SDRM (M46I). The HIV viral diversity among blood donors observed in this study suggest that ongoing HIV-1 recombination is becoming progressively complex in China, and lots of DRMs found in the study exacerbate the primary drug resistance landscape, which highlight the necessity of timely genotypic drug resistance monitoring and molecular surveillance of HIV-1 among blood donors.

Barriers to recovery-focused care within therapeutic relationships in nursing: Attitudes and perceptions.

There are numerous barriers to the therapeutic relationship between nurses and persons with schizophrenia, such as time constraints, communication issues and the requirements of practice policies. The main point of this paper is that the nature of these barriers is such that the nurse may not conceptualize these as barriers or be aware of how his or her responses to these can further entrench existing barriers to relationship or create new ones. If the nurse is not aware of how he or she responds to time pressure, frustration or lack of clarity of practice policy and address this, there is a risk that the patient may perceive the nurse's actions as lacking in care, presence or involvement. As consumers increasingly embrace recovery approaches to mental health that prioritize therapeutic activities within the context of collaborative relationship, psychiatric nurses, with a long tradition of therapeutic relationship, can rise to meet them. It is suggested here that this can only occur if nurses are fully aware of barriers to relationship, their responses to these and the impact of these on relationship with patients. Suggestions for educational and empirical work to further raise awareness and promote understanding of this process are provided.

Therapeutic alliance, relationship building, and communication strategies-for the schizophrenia population: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects the client, family, and community. Nurses are educated to use the nurse-patient relationship to provide health education and collaborative health decision-making. However, challenges abound for nurses and clients with schizophrenia to effectively utilize the relationship to reach these goals. PROBLEM: There is a lack of evidence-based information to assist nurses to meet the challenges of building effective therapeutic relationships with clients for whom schizophrenia hinders health education and decision-making. PURPOSE: To examine current research findings on factors that influence therapeutic relationships in psychiatric treatment settings as an initial effort to provide empirically based guidance for psychiatric nurses who seek to better use the relationship to work with the client toward health-related goals. METHOD: This integrative review of the literature follows Whittemore and Knafl's (2015) method, analyzes 15 studies from multiple databases between the years 2006-2017, and assesses the rigor of each. FINDINGS: Numerous methods are used to assess therapeutic relationships. Few studies included nurses. Provider perception of client symptoms can negatively affect provider assessment of quality of relationship; no such association was found on the part of clients. Providers and clients prioritize client needs differently, with providers influenced by treatment setting demands, but provider-training programs can have a beneficial effect on their relationships. CONCLUSION: Nurses and nurse educators can use the findings to guide assessment of how perceptions and priorities influence relationships. Findings also provide the foundation for further study of nurses' perceptions of therapeutic relationship, in progress, to yield more detailed information on what nurses and educators need to strengthen therapeutic relationships.

ARCHITECT HIV Combo Ag/Ab and RealTime HIV-1 Assays Detect Diverse HIV Strains in Clinical Specimens.

Periodic evaluation of the impact of viral diversity on diagnostic tests is critical to ensure current technologies are keeping pace with viral evolution. To determine whether HIV diversity impacts the ARCHITECT HIV Combo Ag/Ab (HIV Combo) or RealTime HIV-1 (RT) assays, a set of N = 199 HIV clinical specimens from Cameroon, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand were sequenced and tested in both assays. The panel included historical groups N and P specimens and a newly identified group N specimen. These and specimens classified as H, U (unclassified)/URF (unique recombinant form), CRF (circulating recombinant form) 01, 02, 06, 09, 11, 13, 18, 22, 37, and 43 were detected by both the RT assay (1.75-6.84 log copies/ml) and the HIV Combo assay (3.26-1121.96 sample to cutoff ratios). Sequence alignment identified 3 or fewer mismatches to the RT assay oligos in 82.4% of samples. Altogether, these data demonstrate the HIV Combo and RT assays detect diverse strains of HIV in clinical specimens.

Hepatitis B genotypes and surface antigen mutants present in Pakistani blood donors.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is 2-4% in the Pakistani population, defining Pakistan as an intermediate prevalence country. In this study, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reactive blood donations were screened using a combination of serological and molecular methods to identify immune escape HBV mutant strains and to determine the HBV genotypes and subtypes present in Pakistan. METHODS: Blood donations were collected at the Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion (AFIT) located in northern Pakistan and the Hussaini Blood Bank (HBB) located in the south. From 2009 to 2013 a total of 706,575 donations were screened with 2.04% (14,409) HBsAg reactive. A total of 2055 HBsAg reactive specimens, were collected and screened using a monoclonal antibody based research assay to identify immune escape mutants followed by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing to identify the mutation present. DNA sequences obtained from 192 specimens, including mutant candidates and wild type strains, were analyzed for escape mutations, genotype, and HBsAg subtype. RESULTS: Mutations were identified in approximately 14% of HBsAg reactive donations. Mutations at HBsAg amino acid positions 143-145 are the most common (46%) with the mutation serine 143 to leucine the most frequently occurring change (28%). While regional differences were observed, the most prevalent HBV strains are subgenotypes of D with subgenotype D1/subtype ayw2 accounting for the majority of infections; 90.2% at AFIT and 52.5% at HBB. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of immune escape HBV mutants in HBV infected Pakistani blood donors highlights the need for more studies into the prevalence of escape mutants. Differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, the correlation of escape mutant frequency with genotype, and impact of escape mutations in different genotype backgrounds on the performance of commercially available HBsAg assays represent avenues for further investigation.

Patients' experiences of psychiatric care in emergency departments: A secondary analysis.

The number of psychiatric emergencies presenting to EDs in the United States continues to rise. Evidence suggests that psychiatric ED care encounters can have less than optimal outcomes, and result in stress for providers. The primary aim of this study is to describe the perceptions of ED visits by persons experiencing emotional distress, identifying themes among these that may guide nursing interventions that minimize stress and optimize outcomes in the treatment of psychiatric emergency. This secondary analysis used a qualitative, phenomenological method to analyze a de-identified data set originally collected in a study of experiences of psychiatric emergency in a community based crisis management setting. Findings consist of three major themes: "Emergency rooms are cold and clinical", "They talk to you like you're a crazy person", and "You get put away against your will". An overarching theme through all three is the influence of RN communication, both positive and negative, on patient perceptions of their ED encounters. While nurse-patient communication is basic to all areas of practice, it may be a low priority in the urgent and chaotic context of the ED. However, our findings suggest that increased attention to timely, empathic and validating communication and openness to the patient's reality may decrease severity of symptoms, optimize outcomes, and decrease provider stress.

Nursing students' attitudes about psychiatric mental health nursing.

The purpose of this study was to describe Masters entry nursing students' attitudes about psychiatric mental health clinical experiences; preparedness to care for persons with mental illness; students' perceived stigmas and stereotypes; and plans to choose mental health nursing as a career. A 31-item survey was administered to pre-licensure graduate nursing students who were recruited from a Masters entry nursing program from a university in a large city in the Midwestern US. Results indicated that clinical experiences provide valuable experiences for nursing practice, however, fewer students think that these experiences prepare them to work as a psychiatric mental health nurse and none plan to pursue careers as psychiatric mental health nurses. The findings support conclusions from other studies that increasing the amount of time in the clinical setting and adding specific content to the curriculum, particularly content related to the importance of psychiatric mental health nursing and the effects of stigma, may assist the profession's efforts to recruit and retain psychiatric mental health nurses. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these strategies and to identify the best ways to implement them.

A recovery-oriented alternative to hospital emergency departments for persons in emotional distress: "the living room".

Persons with severe mental illness experience episodic crises, resulting in frequent visits to hospital emergency departments (EDs). EDs, however, are not the most effective treatment environments for these individuals who might better be served elsewhere in an environment based on recovery-oriented framework. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of guests (persons in emotional distress) and staff (counselors, psychiatric nurses, and peer counselors) of a community, recovery-oriented, alternative crisis intervention environment-The Living Room (TLR). The total sample is comprised of 18 participants. An existential phenomenological approach was used for this qualitative, descriptive, study. Through non-directive in-depth interviews, participants were asked to describe what stands out to them about The Living Room. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and systematically analyzed using descriptive phenomenological methods of analysis by an interdisciplinary and community-based participatory research team. Participants' experiences in hospital EDs and inpatient psychiatric units contextualized the phenomenological experience of TLR environment. The final thematic structure of the experience of TLR included the following predominant themes: A Safe Harbor, At Home with Uncomfortable Feelings, and It's a Helping, No Judging Zone. Findings from this qualitative study of a recovery-based alternative to hospital EDs for persons in emotional distress are supported by anecdotal and empirical evidence that suggests that non-clinical care settings are perceived as helpful and positive.