The process of transitioning for the transgender individual and the nursing imperative: A narrative review.

AIMS: The objectives of this study were to bring the experience of the transitioning process for the transgender population to the nursing profession and address the lack of knowledge to promote improved patient outcomes. DESIGN: This study used a narrative review using the literature matrix method. Because of the dearth of trans specific literature, editorials and monologues were included. DATA SOURCE: A broad search was undertaken across all databases including CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health and Google Scholar. Literature from June 1994 to May 2020 was appraised. Non-peer reviewed literature and published texts were procured via Google Alerts. REVIEW METHODS: Selection for inclusion was based on credibility and relevance from a variety of social science disciplines. A narrative analysis was used to identify common themes, incongruencies in schools of thought and perspectives that require consideration. RESULTS: Analysis of the literature revealed the following themes: (a) literature and terminology evolution, (b) transitioning as a process, (c) medicalization of transitioning, (d) generational views on transitioning and (e) needs during transition. CONCLUSION: This review highlights key issues about the transitioning process imperative to nursing when meeting the needs of the transgender population. IMPACT: This review addresses the lack of trans specific literature and lack of consistency in the literature about the understanding of the transitioning process for the transgender population. Main findings? Terminology to explain the transitioning process is ever evolving. Future studies about transitioning need to go beyond the medical lens. Generational views differ in the approach to transitioning, and there are needs unique to this population required during the process. Where and whom will the research impact? The review has significant implications for change in health delivery, nursing policy and formulating nursing practice and education to improve trans competent care.

Exploring the Contextual Factors Surrounding the Recruitment and Retention of Men in a Baccalaureate Nursing Program.

Men continue to be significantly underrepresented within the nursing profession, making up less than 10% of the Canadian nursing workforce. While studies have explored the challenges faced by men in nursing, fewer studies have explored the recruitment and retention barriers experienced by male nursing students. The purpose of this study was to explore the recruitment and retention of male nursing students currently enrolled in an undergraduate baccalaureate nursing program. Snowball sampling was used to recruit male nursing students (n = 17) to participate in focus groups where they shared what factors affected their decision to enter a nursing program and what experiences contributed to their decision to remain in the nursing program. The results of this research can contribute to the development of strategies to recruit and retain men in nursing and ultimately have the effect of diversifying the nursing profession.

Investigating Predictors of Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy.

BACKGROUND: While breastfeeding is considered the optimal method of infant feeding, Canadian breastfeeding rates remain below the World Health Organization recommendations. Breastfeeding self-efficacy is known to positively influence breastfeeding outcomes. While previous research has identified predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the immediate postpartum, this study identified predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the prenatal period.Research aim: The aim of this study was to identify predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the prenatal period among both primiparous and multiparous women. METHODS: A sample of 401 Canadian pregnant women in their third trimester completed an online survey. Stepwise multiple linear regression identified predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy. RESULTS: The following variables explained 41.2% of the variance in breastfeeding self-efficacy among the entire sample: feeling prepared for labor and birth, number of children, breastfeeding knowledge, anxiety, length of plan to exclusively breastfeed, income, plan to exclusively breastfeed, and type of health-care provider. Among primiparous women, the following variables explained 31.6% of the variance in breastfeeding self-efficacy: feeling prepared for labor and birth, income, anxiety, length of plan to exclusively breastfeed, education, and marital status. Among the multiparous women, the following variables explained 33.6% of the variance in breastfeeding self-efficacy: anxiety, length of prior exclusive breastfeeding experience, breastfeeding knowledge, and plan to exclusively breastfeed. CONCLUSION: Through the identification of predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the prenatal period, health-care providers can strategically target women at risk of low breastfeeding self-efficacy and intervene early to promote breastfeeding.

Retour au travail de patients atteints de cancer.

BUT: Cette étude s'est intéressée à l'expérience de survivants du cancer qui sont demeurés sur le marché du travail pendant leurs traitements ou y sont retournés après. MÉTHODOLOGIE: À l'aide d'un devis exploratoire qualitatif, huit entrevues individuelles ont été réalisées auprès de patients traités pour différents cancers qui occupaient tous un emploi avant de recevoir le diagnostic. RÉSULTATS: Les participants ont exprimé que le travail leur procurait un sentiment de normalité et d'identité personnelle, qu'il leur donnait un objectif. Sauf pour une participante, tous ont formulé les avantages de fréquenter un milieu de travail compréhensif. Plusieurs participants ont admis avoir vécu un stress financier, ignorant où trouver de l'aide financière. CONCLUSION: D'autres recherches sont nécessaires afin de mieux explorer comment l'équipe soignante et l'employeur peuvent promouvoir des milieux de travail favorables et faciliter l'accès des personnes cancéreuses aux ressources financières.

Experiences of cancer patients' return to work.

PURPOSE: This study explored the experiences of cancer survivors remaining in the workforce, or transitioning back into the workforce following treatment. METHODS: Using an exploratory qualitative design, eight individual interviews were conducted with participants undergoing treatment for various cancer diagnoses, all of whom were employed prior to their cancer diagnosis. FINDINGS: Participants revealed that work provided them with a sense of normalcy, purpose, and personal identity. All but one participant voiced the benefits of having a supportive work environment. Many also shared they had experienced financial burden and were unaware of where to seek financial assistance. CONCLUSION: Future research needs to further explore how the healthcare team and employer can promote supportive work environments and increase cancer survivors' awareness and access to financial resources.

Male RNs: Work Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction and Intention to Stay in the Profession.

Males represent approximately 6.8% of registered nurses in Canada and consequently constitute an untapped health workforce resource. The authors investigated environmental work factors in the acute-care setting and their influence on male RNs' job satisfaction and intention to stay in the profession. They conducted a cross-sectional study of male RNs employed in acute-care settings in the province of Ontario. Correlations and multiple regression analyses were used to examine career satisfaction and intentions. Nurses who were most satisfied with their career valued extrinsic rewards (pay, vacation, and benefits), control and responsibility, and opportunities for professional development; those who were least satisfied and voiced their intention to leave the profession tended to work part time, experience gender mistreatment, and be dissatisfied with extrinsic awards, scheduling, and organizational support. A unique finding of this study relates to the significant predictive relationship between gender mistreatment and males' intention to leave.

La profession infirmière compte environ 6,8 pour cent d'hommes au Canada, une main-d'œuvre qui constitue une ressource inutilisée dans le domaine de la santé. Les auteurs ont examiné les facteurs environnementaux reliés au travail dans des services de soins actifs et l'influence qu'ils exercent sur le degré de satisfaction professionnelle chez les infirmiers ainsi que leur intention de demeurer dans la profession. Dans le cadre d'une étude de prévalence chez les infirmiers œuvrant dans des services de soins actifs dans la province de l'Ontario, des corrélations ont été établies et des analyses de régressions multiples ont été réalisées. Les infirmiers dont le degré de satisfaction était le plus élevé accordaient une importance aux récompenses extrinsèques (traitements salariaux, vacances, avantages sociaux), au degré de contrôle et de responsabilité et aux possibilités de développement professionnel. Ceux qui étaient les moins satisfaits et qui ont exprimé leur intention de quitter la profession travaillaient surtout à temps partiel, vivaient des mauvais traitements à caractère sexiste et éprouvaient de l'insatisfaction concernant les récompenses extrinsèques, les horaires et le soutien organisationnel. Cette étude a révélé l'existence d'un important lien prédictif entre les mauvais traitements à caractère sexiste et l'intention des infirmiers de quitter la profession.

The impact of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment on the psychosocial adjustment of patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. Chemotherapy often is used as treatment for colorectal cancer, and studies have documented cognitive changes in patients after chemotherapy treatment. What remains unclear is the impact of such changes on a person's roles and relationships, herein referred to as psychosocial adjustment. The purpose of this research was to explore group differences in psychosocial adjustment and chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in patients with colorectal cancer. Participants were assessed cross-sectionally, at various time points along their treatment trajectory, using the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self-Report (PAIS-SR) and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). A statistically nonsignificant negative association was indicated between PAIS-SR and CANTAB results, indicating that they would have no meaning in a clinical context. No differences between groups were observed in terms of cognitive ability; however, patients who completed chemotherapy appeared to be at a higher risk for psychosocial maladjustment. This study suggests that cognitive changes do not influence patients' relationships and functional roles, as indicated from the PAIS-SR.

Musculoskeletal problems experienced by older nurses in hospital settings.

The effects of musculoskeletal problems on older nurses working in hospital settings was examined, including what contributed to the problems, and preferred treatments selected. Inadequate sleep was significantly related to musculoskeletal symptoms in all regions of the body. Most frequent problems were in lower and upper back, neck, and shoulder areas. Rotating and/or 12-hr shifts, inadequate sleep, frequent patient handling, and nurses who felt little control over their work reported more lower back symptoms. Surprisingly, nurses relied on over-the-counter medications to treat their problems. Implications for supporting the nursing workforce and minimizing musculoskeletal problems are discussed.

A comparison of health practices of Canadian and Jordanian nursing students.

The purpose of this study was to compare health-promoting practices of Canadian (n = 49) and Jordanian (n = 44) first-year nursing students using the revised Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Results indicated significant differences between the groups on three subscales: health responsibility, physical activity, and interpersonal relations; however, both groups had similarly low scores. Implications for nurse educators are discussed from both curricular and cross-cultural perspective that focuses on health-promotion activities and programs.