Clinical Transition: RN to BSN Students' Perceptions of Their Abilities to Meet Program Outcomes.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to analyze RN to BSN students' perceptions of their abilities to meet program outcomes through their clinical experiences with a clinical teaching associate and after assuming responsibility for planning and directing clinical learning activities. A mixed-methods approach was used. Most students (87 percent) reported achievement of program outcome measures. Students demonstrated real-world learning and application through clinical experiences and successfully met program outcomes.

Diabetes-associated cardiac autonomic neuropathy.

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is an underdiagnosed cardiovascular complication associated with diabetes. NPs are in a pivotal position to screen patients for CAN. As the incidence of diabetes increases in an aging population, NPs can help prevent complications associated with diabetes and CAN.

Building Community Resilience to Mitigate Mental Health Effects of Climate Change.

As global warming is taking effect, the number of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, flooding, drought, and wildfires is increasing. The purpose of this article is to address the impacts of climate change on human health, using a model developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The effects of natural disasters on mental health, and actions nurses can take to help build strong, resilient communities, are discussed in detail. Increasing awareness and building resilience will improve health outcomes. Strong social connections are a key component of community resilience. Strengthening the infrastructure of communities can mitigate the impact of climate changes.

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy resulting in sexual dysfunction.

Although diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), a complication associated with diabetes, is increasing in prevalence, it is often overlooked. Knowledge regarding the development and progression of this complication is limited. NPs are in a key position to prevent complications of DAN, including sexual dysfunction, in this vulnerable population.

Periodontal disease in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Collaborative efforts between health team members can advance early detection of children with elevated blood glucose levels, preventing hyperglycemia and periodontal diseases. Rates of obesity are increasing in children, impacting the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontal diseases. Collaborative care between nurse practitioners and dental hygienists can detect, prevent, and treat periodontal disease in children.

Assessing physical activity and function in the Filipino older adults.

UNLABELLED: This cross-sectional study was conducted to describe: the physical activity and function of 47 Filipinos (N = 47), 65+ years old living in Honolulu; and the relationship between these two variables. Data collected included an interview on demographics, health history, physical activity and function. Performance based physical function tests included handgrip, chair stands, balance, ten foot and six minutes walk. RESULTS: For physical activity, most of the participants engaged in sedentary lifestyle. However, they did not have difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADL) and generally had no difficulty with the performance-based physical function tests. Physical function, handgrip, was significantly related to heavy physical activity.

An integrative review of Tai Chi research: an alternative form of physical activity to improve balance and prevent falls in older adults.

The purpose of this integrative review is to analyze the current research literature on Tai Chi (TC) and its potential effect on balance and prevention of falls in older adults. The evidence for improving balance is somewhat conflicting because few research studies identify which balance exercises are effective. The question of how TC achieves improvements in balance remains. To promote functional independence and improve quality of life in the later years of one's life, it is important to improve balance and prevent falls in older adults. TC poses challenges related to the complexity of the practice. By reviewing the current research literature on TC focusing on balance and falls in older adults, strategies may be developed to incorporate TC to improve balance and modify the known risk factors for falling. This article also discusses potential applications and limitations of the current research.