Caring behaviours and stress perception among student nurses in different nursing programmes: A cross-sectional study.

Caring is central to providing high-quality nursing. Little research exists concerning the relationship between caring behaviours and stress perception among student nurses. This study aimed to explore this relationship among student nurses in different nursing programmes. A sample of 792 student nurses from three nursing education programmes in one academic institution completed Chinese versions of the Caring Behaviors Scale and the Nurse Stress Checklist to assess participants' caring behaviour and psychosocial responses to work-related stress, respectively. We found a statistically significant negative correlation between caring behaviour and stress perception among participants. The three most frequently reported caring behaviours were related to 'knowing the patient': (a) recognising that each patient holds unique values, (b) taking a patient's chief complaints seriously, and (c) stating that the family's best interests should be respected regarding health decisions. Completion of work, time limitations, and lack of personal interactions were sources of stress. Nursing education curricula involve the fundamentals of caring and the preparation of nursing students for clinical practice. The study recommends that nursing faculty and administrators should educate students in stress management in order to foster, support, and promote caring behaviours among nursing professionals.

A comparison of the caring behaviours of nursing students and registered nurses: implications for nursing education.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the respective views of nursing students and registered nurses on caring behaviours. BACKGROUND: Research has indicated that nursing includes not only technical skills and professional knowledge but also the expression of care. In addition to nursing care, nurses demonstrate the acts of supporting, negotiating, reinforcing and transforming. However, little research simultaneously investigates the caring behaviours of nursing students and registered nurses. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted. METHODS: A total of 657 subjects participated in this study. The research tool was a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, t-test and chi-square test. RESULTS: The results showed that the most important caring behaviour is 'knowing the patient', while the least is 'advocating for the patient', which includes caring behaviours to respect the patient's and family's best interests, and voicing for them, possibly because this behaviour is more difficult for nurses to practice in the Taiwanese culture. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the caring behaviours between nursing students and registered nurses. However, age was found to be a significant difference in the caring behaviours of nursing students and registered nurses. CONCLUSION: Caring behaviour is essential in clinical practice. Based on the results, this study suggested that role models should be provided to nursing students to develop proper caring behaviours. Nursing faculty can boost nursing students' interests in learning caring behaviours by incorporating diverse teaching strategies to enhance the effectiveness of caring behaviours. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Much attention should be focused on education about awareness of caring behaviour for both nursing students and nursing staff. This study addressed that nursing administrators and faculty members should emphasise the importance of the essence of caring. Consequently, nursing curricula and training of nurses need to be concerned with implementing caring behaviour in clinical practice.

An exploratory study of the relationship between learning styles and academic performance among students in different nursing programs.

Abstract Background: Learning style is a major consideration in planning for effective and efficient instruction and learning. Learning style has been shown to influence academic performance in the previous research. Little is known about Taiwanese students' learning styles, particularly in the field of nursing education. Aim: This purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between learning styles and academic performance among nursing students in a five-year associate degree of nursing (ADN) program and a two-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program in Taiwan. Methods/Design: This study employed a descriptive and exploratory design. The Chinese version of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Form M was an instrument. Data such as grade point average (GPA) were obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs and the Registrar computerized records. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance ANOVA) and chi-square statistical analysis were used to explore the relationship between academic performance and learning style in Taiwanese nursing students. Results/Findings: The study sample included 285 nursing students: 96 students in a two-year BSN program, and 189 students in a five-year ADN program. Two common learning styles were found: introversion, sensing, thinking, and judging (ISTJ); and introversion, sensing, feeling, and judging (ISFJ). A sensing-judging pair was identified in 43.3% of the participants. Academic performance was significantly related to learning style (p < 0.05, d.f. = 15). Conclusion: The results of this study can help educators devise classroom and clinical instructional strategies that respond to individual needs in order to maximize academic performance and enhance student success. A large sample is recommended for further research. Understanding the learning style preferences of students can enhance learning for those who are under performing in their academic studies, thereby enhancing nursing education.

An exploratory study of the relationship between learning styles and academic performance among students in different nursing programs.

UNLABELLED: Abstract Background: Learning style is a major consideration in planning for effective and efficient instruction and learning. Learning style has been shown to influence academic performance in the previous research. Little is known about Taiwanese students' learning styles, particularly in the field of nursing education. AIM: This purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between learning styles and academic performance among nursing students in a 5-year associate degree of nursing (ADN) program and a 2-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program in Taiwan. METHODS/DESIGN: This study employed a descriptive and exploratory design. The Chinese version of the Myers-Briggs type indicator Form M was an instrument. Data such as grade point average were obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs and the Registrar computerized records. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance and chi-square statistical analysis were used to explore the relationship between academic performance and learning style in Taiwanese nursing students. RESULTS/FINDINGS: The study sample included 285 nursing students: 96 students in a 2-year BSN program, and 189 students in a 5-year ADN program. Two common learning styles were found: Introversion, sensing, thinking, and judging; and introversion, sensing, feeling, and judging. A sensing-judging pair was identified in 43.3% of the participants. Academic performance was significantly related to learning style (p < 0.05, df = 15). CONCLUSION: The results of this study can help educators devise classroom and clinical instructional strategies that respond to individual needs in order to maximize academic performance and enhance student success. A large sample is recommended for further research. Understanding the learning style preferences of students can enhance learning for those who are under performing in their academic studies, thereby enhancing nursing education.

[Pedlar inexpensive ergometer-based exercise program improves activity intolerance in a heart failure case].

This paper reports on the efficacy of a pedlar inexpensive ergometer-based structured exercise program in improving activity intolerance in a heart failure case. Data were collected between May 15, 2010 and May 20, 2010 using physical assessments, observations, and interviews. Several home visits were conducted after hospital discharge until August 8. Health problems identified included disease-related weakness, inability to complete daily activities, activity intolerance, malnutrition, and ineffective tissue perfusion. In addition to providing nutrition and dietary guidance, we designed an exercise rehabilitation program to improve activity intolerance both during hospitalization and after hospital discharge. Outcome measurements included the six-minute walk test, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and self-perceived improvement. Improvements achieved by the 12th week of the exercise training program included: (1) Able to complete the six-minute walk test (initially unable). (2) Walking distance increased by 54 meters. (3) Target heart rate achieved 40-60% of the maximum heart rate. (4) Resting systolic blood pressure and heart rates decreased tremendously, and (5) Fatigue and shortness of breath improved greatly. Results indicate the pedlar inexpensive ergometer exercise program may help improve the health of heart failure cases suffering from activity intolerance.

Baby oil therapy for uremic pruritus in haemodialysis patients.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of chilled/un-chilled baby oil therapy for treating uremic pruritus in haemodialysis patients. BACKGROUND: Uremic pruritus affects 50-90% of haemodialysis patients, which makes it one of the most common medical problems in this population. Pruritus can cause skin infection, desquamation, pathological skin change, sleep disorder, anxiety, depression and social dysfunction. DESIGN: A prospective, pretest-post-test quasi-experimental design was used. METHODS: Haemodialysis patients with uremic pruritus were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: experimental group 1 (chilled baby oil treatment; n = 30), experimental group 2 (un-chilled baby oil treatment; n = 31) and a control group (routine care only; n = 32). Participants in experimental group 1 and experimental group 2 were treated with chilled and un-chilled baby oil, respectively, for 15 minutes at least once daily for three weeks. The control group received no intervention other than standard care. Data collection included demographic data and itch severity. Medical records were also reviewed. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of subjects in this study were as follows: 59% were male, mean age was 61·88 (SD 12·7) years, mean duration of haemodialysis was 5·31 years, mean duration of uremic pruritus was 40·58 (SD 37·8) months and mean intensity of uremic pruritus was mild. The anti-pruritic effects were significantly larger in subjects treated with either chilled or un-chilled baby oil than in those who received routine care. Anti-pruritic effects did not significantly differ between experimental group 1 and experimental group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed that, for relieving pruritus in haemodialysis patients, either chilled or un-chilled baby oil is as effective as moisturising lotions and cooling soothing agents. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Applying baby oil is a simple, safe, inexpensive and easily administered treatment for itchy skin in haemodialysis patients. By preventing or reducing uremic pruritus, baby oil treatment may also improve quality of life in this patient group.

An exploratory study of the relationship between age and learning styles among students in different nursing programs in Taiwan.

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between learning styles and age among nursing students in a two-year, a five-year associate degree of nursing (ADN) program, and a two-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program in Taiwan. The Chinese version of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Form M was used to measure individual preferences in four dichotomous dimensions of Jungian theory: extraversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving. The study sample included 331 nursing students. The analysis of the data revealed that the most common learning styles were introversion, sensing, thinking, and judging (ISTJ) and introversion, sensing, feeling, and judging (ISFJ). The findings indicated that the SJs comprised 43.0% of the participating nursing students. SJs are highly preferred in the field of nursing. However, the ages of nursing students were not significantly related to their learning styles. The findings suggested that the participating nursing students were homogeneous. We recommend the use of a large sample for further studies. The awareness and understanding of individual differences is of great importance in tailoring each learning style to benefit educators and learners, thereby enhancing nursing education.

Maternal satisfaction with postpartum nursing centers.

We explored predictors of women's satisfaction with postpartum nursing centers, which have become popular in Taiwan in recent years. After completing a consent form and demographic questionnaire, 401 women from different centers identified by proportional stratified quota sampling completed four questionnaires over the telephone after their fourth week postpartum. A high level of social support and low level of postpartum stress significantly predicted their satisfaction with the postpartum nursing centers. Future studies will be needed to determine whether, compared to traditional care at home, the postpartum nursing centers can help ease mothers' transition to parenthood and improve their childcare competence.

Ultrasonometric profiling of incidence and risk of osteoporosis in rural women.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that over 200 million people worldwide have osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis is continuing to escalate with the increasingly aging population. The major complication of osteoporosis is an increase in fragility fractures leading to morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life. This investigation profiled the incidence and risk of osteoporosis in adult women from a rural setting using ultrasonic bone scanning technology. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2005, adult female subjects (n = 323) in the age range of 40-87 were drawn from an independent, community dwelling, convenience sample. Bone mineral density T-scores were evaluated using heel ultrasonometry. Demographic and risk factor data, Merck Osteoporosis Evaluation SCORE questionnaire data, and the Osteoporosis Risk Assessment questionnaire data were analyzed. RESULTS: Results of these scans indicate that 25% of the total population had a T-score < or = -1.0, implying a 1.5- to 2.0-fold increase in risk ratio of hip or spinal fracture for each standard deviational decrease. Age at menopause and weight had a positive correlation with T-scores. While the overall scores on the Merck SCORE questionnaire were inversely correlated to T-scores, no significant correlation was found between the Osteoporosis Risk Assessment questionnaire and T-score data. Additionally, women who had taken estrogen had significantly higher T-scores (p = 0.038) than those who had not. CONCLUSION: That approximately 25% of this sample has low bone mass or osteoporosis underscores the importance of early screening in order to develop preventative awareness and provide education on bone health management. This finding has particularly important ramifications, since the sample was rural women, who typically have limited access to diagnostic bone density procedures.

[Activities of daily living, quality of life and related factors in cachectic gastrointestinal cancer patients].

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Taiwan. Cachexia, which causes significant weight loss and malnutrition, is a common complication and one of the major causes of death in advanced cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between personal characteristics, nutritional status, activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) in 40 cachectic gastrointestinal tract cancer (GI cancer) patients in southern Taiwan. A descriptive correlation study design and three structured questionnaires (including the Personal Characteristics, Index of Self-Report ADL and WHOQOL-BREF) were used. Nutritional status was assessed by measurement of body weight and triceps skin-fold thickness. The results showed that: (1) The mean ADL score was 65.73 out of 77, a medium-high score. (2) The standardized QOL score was 58.71, a medium score, with the highest score in the social relationships domain and the lowest score in the physical health domain. (3) There were some significant differences and correlations to the ADL were age and percentage of body weight loss; (4) there were some significant differences and correlations to the QOL were employment, the level of the physical symptoms influence and %IBW; (5) ADL was significantly correlated to the QOL, physical health domain and environment domain. The results indicate that in addition to providing symptoms management and care, the health care team should also further examine the impact of ADL and QOL related factors. The information will be helpful in improving the ADL and QOL of patients in the future.

[Applying back massage protocol to promote an intensive care unit patient's quality of sleep].

This case report concerns the nursing experience of applying back massage to a patient in an intensive care unit (ICU) from 10 May, 2005, in order to improve the patient's quality of sleep. In order to collect information about his quality of sleep of the patient, the author used observation, interview and a Richards-Campbell sleep questionnaire (RCSQ). It was observed that, before massage, the patient's sleep quality was poor, which wa why the protocol with back massage was proposed. The results after back massage was applied that heart beat, respiration. oxygen saturation and blood pressure were not significantly improved. This was probably related to the patient's worry about having his endotracheal tube removed. The patient's perception of sleep, indeed, was obviously improved, a result which may have been related to his/her perception of comfort and care from the nurse. Applying back massage to an ICU patient may therefore be regarded as helpful improving the patient's sleep quality. It is hoped that this case report may serve as a positive reference for health care providers so that it may help patients to recover fully through rest and sleep. Since this report concerned only one patient, however, to understand the real outcome of how back massage could improve the quality of sleep of ICU patients, research is planned on the use of back massage protocol on a large number os such patients.

The well-being picture scale: a revision of the index of field energy.

This paper reports the development and psychometric properties of the Well-Being Picture Scale, a 10-item non-language based pictorial scale that measures general well-being, based on Martha Rogers'view of human beings as energy fields in continual mutual process with their environment. The Well-Being Picture Scale was designed for use with the broadest possible range of adult populations, including persons who are unable to respond to English-based text or lengthy, complex measurement instruments. Psychometric properties were established in a sample of more than 2,000 individuals from the United States, Taiwan, Japan, and Africa. The overall Cronbach's alpha is .8795.