Obstetric Nurses' Self-Efficacy, Demographic Characteristics, and Family-Focused Care During Simulated Events.

Introduction/Background: A study involving 48 obstetric nurses explored the relationship between self-efficacy scores and demographic variables, and family-focused care during obstetrical emergencies. Methods: Obstetric Nursing Self-Efficacy Scale scores and demographic data were collected, and the Van Gelderen Family Care Rubric (VGFCR) was administered following simulation of obstetrical emergencies. Results: Two variables were found to influence the VGFCR scores. Nursing specialty certification and previous education in family-focused care. Conclusion: Improvements in the delivery of family-focused care can be achieved with simulation education and nursing specialty certification achievement.

Impact of Obstetric Emergency High-Fidelity Simulation on Maternity Nurses' Self-Efficacy in the Rural Hospital Setting.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of an obstetric emergency high-fidelity simulation on maternity nurses' perceived self-efficacy levels at three different time points. STUDY DESIGN: We used a quasi-experimental, repeated measures design. METHODS: A convenience sample of maternity nurses recruited from three institutions within a single rural health care system participated in simulation exercises at an academic high-fidelity simulation center. They completed the Obstetric Nursing Self Efficacy survey before, immediately after, and 2 months following the simulation. RESULTS: Twenty-nine nurses were included in the analysis. All were women and Caucasian. Most (72.4%) had a baccalaureate nursing degree, with an average nursing experience of 11 years (range 1 to 44 years), and <5 years of OB experience (55.1%). Self-efficacy scores were 55.62 (SD = 9.8), 58.93 (SD = 8.9), and 61.86 (SD = 9.5) for pre-, post-, and 2 months postsimulation, respectively. There were significant changes from self-efficacy scores before the simulation when compared with scores 2 months after the simulation (p < 0.001), with a medium effect size of .45. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: High-fidelity simulation can improve maternity nurses' perceived self-efficacy in managing emergency obstetric clinical situations. Health care institutions should consider investing in high-fidelity simulation education or partnering with academic institutions that have simulation centers to promote maternity nurses' self-efficacy that can potentially translate into improved clinical skills and improved patient outcomes.

Trialing the Community-Based Collaborative Action Research Framework: Supporting Rural Health Through a Community Health Needs Assessment.

PURPOSE: To describe the application of the Community-Based Collaborative Action Research (CBCAR) framework to uplift rural community voices while conducting a community health needs assessment (CHNA) by formulating a partnership between a critical access hospital, public health agency, school of nursing, and community members to improve societal health of this rural community. METHOD: This prospective explorative study used the CBCAR framework in the design, collection, and analysis of the data. The framework phases include: Partnership, dialogue, pattern recognition, dialogue on meaning of pattern, insight into action, and reflecting on evolving pattern. DISCUSSION: Hospital and public health agency leaders learned how to use the CBCAR framework when conducting a CHNA to meet Affordable Care Act federal requirements. Closing the community engagement gap helped ensure all voices were heard, maximized intellectual capital, synergized efforts, improved communication by establishing trust, aligned resources with initiatives, and diminished power struggles regarding rural health. CONCLUSION: The CBCAR framework facilitated community engagement and promoted critical dialogue where community voices were heard. A sustainable community-based collaborative was formed. The project increased the critical access hospital's capacity to conduct a CHNA. The collaborative's decision-making capacity was challenged and ultimately strengthened as efforts continue to be made to address rural health.

Academic-Hospital Partnership: Conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment as a Service Learning Project.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this service learning project were to trial nursing student application of the Community-Based Collaborative Action Research (CBCAR) framework while conducting a community health needs assessment and to assess the effectiveness of the CBCAR framework in providing real-world learning opportunities for enhancing baccalaureate nursing students' public health knowledge. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: In this case study analysis, the CBCAR framework linked service learning and community health needs assessment with public health nursing core competencies. Fifteen nursing students partnered with collaborative members. MEASURES: Student observational field notes and narrative reflections were analyzed qualitatively for fidelity to the CBCAR framework and to evaluate student public health knowledge. RESULTS: Students successfully employed the CBCAR framework in collaboration with the critical access hospital and community stakeholders to design and conduct the community health needs assessment. Service learning themes were real-world solutions, professional development, community collaboration, and making a difference. Students developed skills in six of the eight domains of the Quad Council's core competencies for public health nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Community-Based Collaborative Action Research facilitates collaborative partnerships and relationships throughout the research process. Students benefited by applying what they have learned from their education to a real community who lacks resources.