Exploring the relationship between cyberloafing and innovativeness among nurses in research hospitals: a cross-sectional study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Although cyberloafing, which refers to employees' use of the internet for private purposes outside of work, is seen as a negative behavior; Positive effects on areas such as individual development, learning opportunity, job satisfaction, productivity, change, organizational output, and innovation have also been reported. This study aims to investigate whether there is a significant relationship between cyberloafing and the innovativeness levels of nurses working in research hospitals in Turkey. METHODS: This analytical study consisted of 230 nurses. Data were collected using a nurse information form, Cyberloafing Scale, and Individual Innovativeness Scale. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive, comparative, and correlational statistics. RESULTS: Nurses had low levels of minor and severe cyberloafing scores and skeptical innovativeness. There was no correlation between cyberloafing and individual innovativeness. CONCLUSIONS: More conscious cyberloafing should be encouraged through institutional arrangements, which can improve nurses' individual and innovative professional aspects.

Determination of problems experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic by individuals receiving hemodialysis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Patients receiving hemodialysis treatment are among the risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. They must cope with many factors simultaneously like anxiety about being ill, social isolation, inadequate information about protective precautions, and the need to attend regular treatment. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed with the aim of determining problems experienced by individuals receiving hemodialysis treatment during the pandemic. DESIGN: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional type study. PARTICIPANTS: The research included 234 patients receiving chronic hemodialysis treatment. MEASUREMENTS: For collection of data in the research, a patient descriptive information form and COVID-19 phobia scale (CP19-S) scale were used. RESULTS: Patients receiving hemodialysis treatment were determined to have high levels of compliance with individual precautions required during the pandemic. Of patients, 87.6% were determined to experience concern about bringing infection from the dialysis unit to family members. The mean total points for CP19-S were 59.80 ± 14.49. Patients who were female, had low educational level, were not employed, had heart disease in addition to kidney failure, with hemodialysis age from 6 to 8 years, who did not want to go to the dialysis center and had not received education about the pandemic (p < 0.001) were identified to have high phobia at statistically significant levels. CONCLUSIONS: Changes occurring in normal life and to hemodialysis treatment during the pandemic cause concern and anxiety in many patients. In this process, providing patients with education about the pandemic and protective methods is very important.

Evaluation of the Use of Diverse Mental Health Simulation in Nursing Students' Learning Experience: An International Multisite Study.

BACKGROUND: Simulated patients (SPs) in mental health nursing education provide a unique approach to assist student development in complex assessment skills. PURPOSE: The purpose of this international multisite study was to evaluate the use of two diverse mental health SP simulation scenarios on nursing students' satisfaction and self-confidence in learning to care for patients with mental health disorders in the United States (n = 70) and Turkey (n = 90). METHODS: A multisite cross-sectional study design was used. Outcome measures included the Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning Scale and the adapted Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified. Results were analyzed using independent t tests. RESULTS: While students in the United States reported higher perceived self-confidence and satisfaction in learning, both student populations found the intervention effective to their learning (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Using SPs in mental health education allow students to practice their assessment skills learned in classroom and transfer them to the clinical area.

Effect of a mobile patient education application on adjustment to stoma and development of peristomal skin lesions: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a stoma face difficulties in everyday life. A mobile application (app) may assist them in managing their stoma and adjusting to change. PURPOSE: This study developed a mobile app for patients with a stoma and evaluated its effectiveness in improving psychosocial adjustment, self-care, and prevention of peristomal skin lesions. METHODS: The research utilized a quasi-experimental design and was conducted using a posttest control group. The study consisted of 60 patients who had undergone surgery in 3 university hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey, from November 2018 through December 2019. The experimental group (n = 30) used the STOMA-M mobile app, and the control group (n = 30) used an educational booklet that contained images and text that correlated to the content found in the app. Data collection was carried out using an individual characteristics assessment form, Ostomy Adjustment Inventory (OAI-23), Peristomal Skin Lesions Assessment and Classification Instrument, and a stoma care training evaluation form in the first and third months after discharge. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 software. RESULTS: Sociodemographic characteristics of individuals in the experimental and control groups were similar; 70% (n = 42) required stoma placement because of cancer treatment. More than half of the participants (53.3%; n = 32) had an ileostomy, and 78.3% (n = 47) had a temporary, open stoma. The experimental group's OAI-23 score, social engagement subscale score, stoma care status, and satisfaction with education e high. The OAI-23 scores in the control group were not significant, and their anger subscale score and the score of item 16, Caring for my stoma is difficult, decreased in the third month compared with baseline. Peristomal skin lesions did not develop in the control group at the third month of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The levels of adjustment to stoma, ability to care for the stoma themselves, and satisfaction with education received were higher in individuals using the mobile app compared with those using the printed booklet. However, the app was not effective in preventing peristomal skin lesions. Additional studies are needed to determine what features of a mobile app may be useful for preventing such lesions.

The effectiveness of a non-tourniquet procedure on peripheral intravenous catheterization in older patients: A pilot study.

Background: In an older population, insertion of peripheral intravenous catheterizations (PIVCs) are more difficult because of specific problems.Aim: This study aimed to determine the initial efficacy of non-tourniquet procedure during insertion of PIVC in older patients.Design/Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 78 older patients. The initial efficacy of non-tourniquet procedure was tested during insertion of PIVC.Results: This study showed that similar pain intensity scores immediately after inserting the PIVC (p>0.05). The first-attempt success and dwell time in non-tourniquet procedure older patients were be higher/longer and phlebitis scores were lower than the control group (p<0.05).Conclusions: To increase the success of PIVC first-attempt, a longer dwell time, and lower phlebitis scores in older patients, nurses should insert PIVCs at an almost flat degree and stabilize the vein without a tourniquet.Impact statement: The non-tourniquet procedure will lead to the long dwell time and using safely of PIVC in older patients.

Effectiveness of mechano-analgesia and cold application on ecchymosis, pain, and patient satisfaction associated with subcutaneous heparin injection.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mechano-analgesia and cold application on subcutaneous heparin injection ecchymosis, pain, and patient satisfaction. This was a prospective, controlled, quasi-experimental, and clinical research. The study was conducted during a 10-month period in the Orthopedics and Traumatology wards of a university hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The 55 patients received 3 subcutaneous heparin injections (165 injections) by the same investigator using additional techniques such as mechano-analgesia and cold application, and without any additional techniques. ShotBlocker for the mechano-analgesia and an ice pack for the cold application were used. Pain and ecchymosis are different according to individual features. Therefore, subcutaneous heparin was administered to the same patients by using 3 different methods. Pain and satisfaction were assessed immediately after the injection by using the visual analog scale. Ecchymosis was assessed with an ecchymosis measurement tool (Opsite FlexiFix) at 48 and 60 hours after the injection. Research findings show that ecchymosis occurred in 6.6% of all injections. The lowest and smallest ecchymosis occurred in cold application, but the difference was not statistically significant among the techniques (P = .178). Use of mechano-analgesia and cold application reduce pain (P = .00). Mechano-analgesia was ineffective for ecchymosis while reducing pain. The satisfaction level was highest with mechano-analgesia, with statistically significant differences among the techniques (P = 0.001). Mechano-analgesia and cold application can be effective in reducing injection pain and increasing patient satisfaction.

Efficacy of Cartoon Viewing Devices During Phlebotomy in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of different cartoon viewing devices during phlebotomy in children. DESIGN: This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The study included inpatients from the Biochemical Laboratory of a private university hospital in Turkey and was conducted between September 2017 and April 2018. A computer-based random number generator was used to randomly assign the patients into three groups (virtual reality [VR], tablet, and control) with 40 children each. Data were collected using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and the Children's Fear Scale. Pain and anxiety scores were reported by children, parents, and observers in tablet and control groups. In the VR group, pain and anxiety were determined only by children's reports. FINDINGS: According to the children reports, the VR group reported significantly less pain and anxiety than those in the tablet and control groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The cartoon distraction performed using a VR device reduced the perception of pain and anxiety during phlebotomy in school-age children.

The relationship between nurses' empathic tendencies, empathic skills, and individualized care perceptions.

PURPOSE: The study aims to determine the relationship between nurses' empathic tendencies, empathic skills, and individualized care perceptions. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study employed a descriptive and correlational design. Data were collected from nurses in eight training and research hospitals in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 472 nurses who were both volunteered to participate and randomly selected. FINDINGS: A definite high-level relation was determined between nurses' empathic tendencies and individualized care perceptions, but no relation was determined between nurses' empathic skills and individualized care perceptions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study can underline practices accounting for empathy and individualized care in nursing research and training programs.

The Effect of Music Therapy and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Anxiety Before the First Clinical Practice in Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Study.

AIM: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of music therapy and progressive muscle relaxation exercise on the state and trait anxiety levels before their first clinical practice in nursing students. METHOD: This randomized controlled experimental study sample consisted of 86 nursing students who will be firstly applied to clinical practice. The students were randomly assigned to music (n=30), exercise (n=28), and control (n=28) groups. The data of the study were collected with Student Information Form and State-Trait Anxiety Scale. The music therapy intervention was applied to the music group three times a week for the first 2 weeks. Progressive muscle relaxation exercise was applied alone to the exercise group three times a week for the first 2 weeks in a separate room. No intervention was applied to the control group. This study RCT number is: NCT04540172. RESULTS: The majority of the students was female (81.4%), and the mean age was 19.74±1.38 years. After the interventions, there was a statistical difference between the groups, and this difference was created by the control group (p<0.05). The pre-test and post-test results were compared in the experimental groups, and the state anxiety levels had decreased (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the trait anxiety levels between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Music therapy and muscle relaxation exercises can be used to reduce the state anxiety levels in nursing students before their first clinical practice experience.

Does natural birth have a circadian rhythm?

The aim of this study was to investigate whether natural birth has a circadian rhythm. The present study was planned as a retrospective descriptive study of the natural births performed in a Maternity and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital in the north of Turkey between January 1 and December 31. The study included 723 (98.9%) cases of natural birth. It was found that the mean age of the women in the study sample was 26.84 ± 5.83 years and the mean gestational age was 38.98 ± 1.95 years. It was determined that the mean labour duration of the women was 12.47 ± 0.78 hours; of all births, 34.6% occurred between 08:00-16:00 hours, 38.2% occurred between 16:01-00:00 hours and 27.2% occurred between 00:01-07:59 hours. Considering the birth time in terms of month, it was observed that the most common birth month was July and the least common birth month was March. In accordance with the study data, it is observed that the labour process occurred at night in the day/night cycle and in the summer months at a higher rate.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Chronological transitions are of critical importance for pregnancy. There are many mechanisms affecting Labour process. One of the most important mechanisms among these is the release and timing of foetal-maternal hormones. The chronological transitions are critical for a normal pregnancy and any temporary alteration may have detrimental effects for foetal development and/or maternal healthWhat the results of this study add? It is observed that births occur at a higher rate at night hours in the day-night cycle and in summer months, and in terms of day, Wednesday is the most common birth day. Considering these results, although it is thought that the levels of hormones released at night lead the birth to occur mostly at night-time hours and non-fully developed thermoregulatory system and sympathetic nervous systems of foetus and sensitivity to temperature may be effective on the number of births in summer months, it is seen that the data are insufficient to reach this conclusion.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It is believed that the foetus has a biological clock. This is parallel to fluctuating levels of various hormones affecting labour and delivery, which may be a positive influence on the labour process itself. It seems that more study results are required in addition to these results.

[Evidence-Based Practices in Episiotomy Care]. / Epizyotomi Bakiminda Kanita Dayali Uygulamalar.

AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the research associated with wound healing process in episiotomy care. METHOD: The search for this study was conducted through the international databases of Cochrane, Science Direct, Medline, Medine Complete, CIHANL, Scopus, AcademicSearch Complete, Complementary Index and ULAKBIM medical database among the National Databases between May 1 and July 17, 2017. "Episiotomy care" and "episiotomy wound healing" were used as key words during the search. A total of 23 publications compliant with the inclusion criteria were included in the study and were evaluated in terms of comparisons, restrictions, and results. RESULTS: Studies about episiotomy care were evaluated under four headings such as the use of antiseptic solutions, use of dry/wet and hot and cold applications, laser and light therapy, and the use of aromatic oils and phytotherapy in episiotomy care. Among the 23 studies included in this study, 17 were designed as experimental and 6 as half-experimental and a total of 2.408 puerperal women participated in this study. CONCLUSION: The results of this literature review revealed a limited number of research findings on the care of episiotomy wounds and a necessity of performance of new studies on this subject was established.

The Effects of Bed Bathing on Vital Signs and Oxygen Saturation in Children Who Are Connected to Mechanical Ventilation.

AIM: This study is a quasi-experimental research that was conducted to evaluate the effects of bathing on vital signs and oxygen saturation in intubated children who are connected to mechanical ventilation. METHODS: The study sample consisted of children who are treated in the pediatric intensive care unit, University of Istanbul Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine Hospital. A total of 60 children who met the criteria of the sample group were included in the study. The children were given bed bathing with plain warm water of 32°C to 38°C on 3 different days. The vital signs and oxygen saturation values of the children were measured before bathing, just after bathing, and 30 minutes after bathing them. RESULTS: Most of the children (65%) were on mechanical ventilation because of respiratory system diseases; 91.7% of them were connected to mechanical ventilation with endotracheal tube. The first bed bathing of children was given mean of 1.54 ± 3.57 days after their hospitalization, and bathing durations were mean of 18.3 minutes. The vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, body temperature) were compared before and after bed bathing, and it was observed that the values before bathing, just after bathing, and 30 minutes after bathing had advanced level of difference (P < .001). The lowest values of all signs except body temperature were obtained 30 minutes after bed bathing. When oxygen saturation measurement values before bathing (94.5%) and after bathing were compared, it was found that the highest values (97.3%) were obtained 30 minutes after bed bathing. CONCLUSION: The bed bathing positively affected the vital signs and oxygen saturation values in intubated children connected to the mechanical ventilation. Yet, there is still a need for more research to test the effects of bed bathing on respiratory and circulatory function.

Undergraduate nursing students and the elderly: An assessment of attitudes in a Turkish university.

At times when populations are aging and nursing services for elders are needed, gerontology as a nursing specialty is not a highly sought career choice. The purposes of this study were to assess the overall attitudes of nursing students at a Turkish university toward the elderly and to identify the effects of demographic and social factors on attitudes. Using a non-experimental design, the Turkish version of the Kogan's Attitudes towards Old People (KAOP) Scale was given to undergraduate nursing students. Significant findings demonstrated that the older the student, the worse the attitude and that students willing to work with elders had significantly better total KAOP and better positive item scores than those not willing to work with elders. The findings support educational preparation as a major factor in shaping student attitudes. Geriatric education should be integral to nursing education to help ensure sustainability of nursing services for the elderly population.

Risk level analysis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A study of Turkish patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent problem for orthopedic patients, particularly owing to the nature of operative interventions and treatment procedures, predisposing to an high risk of DVT. This descriptive study was conducted to determine the levels of risk, the risk factors, and their odds ratio for DVT in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. Data were collected using a Patient Information Form and the Autar DVT Risk Assessment Scale (DVTRAS) in orthopedic wards of a university hospital on postoperative day 2. Data were analyzed using descriptive, comparative analysis, and binary logistic regression. The 102 patients (mean age, 52.58 ± 21.58 years) were hospitalized for a mean of 14.35 ± 14.56. Of the sample, 53.9% were female, 65.7% had a history of previous surgery, and 54.9% had undergone total hip/knee arthroplastic surgery, 67.6% of patients wore graduated compression stockings, and 62.7% were administered liquid infusion. Those patients had moderate risk score (12.77 ± 5.66) in the Autar DVTRAS. According to binary logistic regression analysis, aging, obesity, immobility, and acute and chronic diseases were significant risk factors for postoperative DVT (p ≤ .05). This study highlights evidence on the degree of DVT risk, risk factors, and impact of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing major orthopedic operations. For evidence-based clinical practice, these high-level risk factors should be taken into account in the prevention of DVT in orthopedic patients.

Comparison of 3 methods to prevent pain and bruising after subcutaneous heparin administration.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the injection duration (30 seconds) and local dry cold application (5 minutes before and after injection) on pain intensity and bruising at the injection site in subcutaneous heparin injections. DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled, prospective, experimental study. SETTING: This study was performed between February 2011 and February 2012 in the orthopedic wards of 1 university hospital. SAMPLE: The sample consisted of 60 patients receiving subcutaneous injections of heparin once a day and hospitalized in the orthopedic and trauma wards. METHODS: A computerized randomization program was used to allocate the patients to 3 experimental groups: group A (30-second injection duration), group B (30-second injection duration and 5-minute dry cold application applied locally), and group C (injection administered for 10 seconds and no dry cold application applied locally). RESULTS: This study observed statistically significant differences in pain intensity and bruising occurrence and formation measured over time among groups A and B (30-second injection duration or 30-second injection duration and 5-minute local dry cold application) and group C (10-second injection duration). CONCLUSION: It was determined that a subcutaneous injection duration of 30 seconds and 5-minute local dry cold application (before and after injection) can be effective in decreasing the intensity of pain and in reducing the occurrence of bruising.

Turkish and American Undergraduate Students' Attitudes Toward HIV/AIDS Patients: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a complex healthcare problem. Research has demonstrated that negative attitudes affect healthcare provision. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare nursing students' attitudes using the AIDS Attitude Scale (AAS). SETTINGS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in nursing schools in Istanbul, Turkey, and in Upstate New York (NY). PARTICIPANTS: Baccalaureate nursing students (n = 613) from both countries completed the questionnaire. METHODS: Demographic data, overall AAS attitudes, and attitudes within each subscale were compared. Analyses included frequency and percentages of the grouped variables, arithmetic means and standard deviations, t-test for independent samples, and multiple analysis of variance. RESULTS: Upstate NY students' mean total AAS scores were significantly more positive toward HIV+ patients than Turkish students'. Scores for Professional Resistance and Emotions subscales were significantly more positive for the Upstate NY students, but Fear of Contagion was not. Upstate NY students had more negative attitudes in the contexts of job risk and eating in a restaurant where the chef has AIDS; more professional resistance to referring patients and training specialists for HIV/AIDS patients; and lower tender feelings for people with HIV/AIDS (p < .01 for each). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in students' attitudes is beneficial for promoting nonjudgmental, compassionate care for the HIV+ population.

The relationship between individualized care and the practice environment: an international study.

BACKGROUND: Previous research studies have found that the better the quality of practice environments in hospitals, the better the outcomes for nurses and patients. Practice environment may influence nurses' ability to individualize care but the detailed relationship between individualized care and the professional practice environment has not been investigated widely. Some evidence exists about the association of practice environments with the level of individualization of nursing care, but this evidence is based on single national studies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether nurses' views of their professional practice environment associate with their views of the level of care individualization in seven countries. DESIGN: This study had an international, multisite, prospective, cross-sectional, exploratory survey design. SETTINGS: The study involved acute orthopedic and trauma surgical inpatient wards (n=91) in acute care hospitals (n=34) in seven countries, Cyprus, Finland, Greece, the State of Kansas, USA, Portugal, Sweden, and Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Nurses (n=1163), registered or licensed practical, working in direct patient care, in orthopedic and trauma inpatient units in acute care hospitals in seven countries participated in the study. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires, including two instruments, the Revised Professional Practice Environment and the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse (Individualized Care Scale-Nurse A and B) were used for data collection. Data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics, simultaneous multiple regression analysis, and generalized linear model. RESULTS: Two regression models were applied to assess the predictive validity of the Revised Professional Practice Environment on the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse-A and B. The results showed that elements of the professional practice environment were associated with care individualization. Internal work motivation, cultural sensitivity, control over practice, teamwork, and staff relationship with physicians were predictors of support (Individualized Care Scale-A) for and the delivery (Individualized Care Scale-B) of individualized care. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide evidence that environment aspect could explain variations in care individualization. These findings support the assertion that individualized care needs to be understood in a broader context than the immediate nurse-patient relationship and that careful development of the care environment may be an effective way to improve care quality and outcomes.

Attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patients and empathic tendencies: a study of Turkish undergraduate nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that the attitudes of nurses, nursing students, and other health care professionals towards Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients are affected by cultural differences and the fear of HIV/AIDS infection, resulting in both negative attitudes and reluctance to care for these patients. Empathy is critical for all health professionals in the delivery of effective care. Research indicates that as empathic tendencies develop, so do better communication skills, better attitudes, and better quality of care. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among demographic factors, familiarity with HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, and empathic tendencies in a Turkish sample of nursing students. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a non-experimental, correlational design, data on demographics, HIV/AIDS Attitude Scale (AAS) and the Scale of Empathic Tendency (SET) were collected. PARTICIPANTS: The study sample consisted of 614 undergraduate nursing students in two universities located in different geographic regions of Turkey. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that attitudes and empathic tendencies are related to knowledge and exposure to patients. As well, those students with more positive attitudes had higher empathic tendencies towards HIV/AIDS patients. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to adopt strategies to improve the empathic tendencies and attitudes of nursing students. These strategic changes would increase the quality of care provided to all patients.

Patients' discharge information needs after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a quasi-qualitative pilot study.

PURPOSE: Discharge information needs are known to be common problems for total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) patients due to surgical and technological developments of arthroplasty, treatment procedures, and reducing the duration of hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to collect individual interviews about information needs of patients who have had THA or TKA for the first time. DESIGN/METHODS: This quasi-qualitative study was conducted in orthopedic wards of a university hospital in Turkey. Descriptive data were collected using a Patient Information Form and the Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS). Individual interviews data were collected by open-ended questions related to PLNS subscales 24-48 hours before discharge. FINDINGS: The mean age of the 37 patients studied was 64.97 ± 13.66, 70.3% were female, 56.8% had THA for the first time. Similar to individual interviews, the patients reported that the most important learning needs were about treatment and complications, activities of living, and enhancing quality of life. In addition, patient's age had a significant impact on PLNS scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study sought to determine Turkish THA or TKA patients' priority of learning needs on discharge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After an evaluation of the conclusions, healthcare professionals can contribute to the development of scheduling programs for patients who are discharged following THA or TKA surgical procedures.

Nurses' sociodemographic background and assessments of individualized care.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the association between nurses' characteristics (educational level, country, work title, gender, type of work, age, and length of working experience) and their assessments of individualized care. DESIGN: A cross-sectional comparative survey using questionnaires was employed to sample nurses from seven countries. METHODS: Data were collected from orthopedic and trauma nurses from Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States (N= 1,163, response rate 70%) using the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse (ICS-Nurse) and a sociodemographic questionnaire in 2008. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and general linear models. RESULTS: When compared with practical nurses, registered nurses, length of working experience, and the country of the nurses were associated with assessments of the support of patient individuality in specific nursing activities (ICS-A-Nurse) and country assessments of individuality in the care provided (ICS-B-Nurse). The background and experience within nursing teams together with the country affect the delivery of individualized care. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings suggest that nurses' personal attributes have important effects on their assessments of individualized nursing care that will be useful when making context-dependent recruitment decisions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The characteristics of nurses contribute to the care delivered in healthcare organizations. Recognition of these nurse-related factors may help nurse leaders in the development and management of clinical practice.