Technology's role in promoting physical activity and healthy eating in working rural women: A cross-sectional quantitative analysis.

AIMS: This exploratory study evaluated sociodemographic predictors of healthy eating and physical activity (PA) in a sample of working rural women and their access to and interest in using technology for health promotion. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study is a cross-sectional quantitative analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 32-item questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of N = 60 women, working at a regional healthcare facility in the Pacific Northwest. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics characterized PA and healthy eating, barriers and support for PA and healthy eating, and perceived role of technology for health promotion. Chi-square tests for categorical variables evaluated relationships between PA and healthy eating support with behavioral engagement. RESULTS: Only 23% and 25% followed recommended PA and fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines. Those likely to engage in preventive care had higher income and education. Fewer respondents reported barriers to PA than for healthy eating (47% vs. 57%), and those reporting barriers were likely to have lower income and less than a high-school education. Sixty percent reported social support for PA and only 52% for healthy eating. A significant relationship was evident between PA support and PA engagement (P = 0.015). Eighty-two percent used mobile phones to look up health information and 29% did so daily. Almost two-thirds (62%) reported likelihood of using online health information boards to support healthy eating and 45% for PA. CONCLUSION: Working rural women benefit from PA and healthy eating guidance. Attention to sociodemographic predictors may support a tailored digital healthcare approach to promote wellness in this community.

A Dedicated Education Unit and a Novel Resident Nurse Transition-to-Practice Program in an Ambulatory Oncology Setting.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize an innovative initiative in oncology nurse workforce development that addresses critical current and future gaps and encompasses use of dedicated education units for student nurse rotation and a transition-to-practice residency program. DATA SOURCES: Review of institutional data including original pilot analysis and ongoing programmatic metrics (N=8 years), consensus, professional guidelines, and published literature. CONCLUSION: The dedicated education unit serves as a conduit for recruitment into institutional oncology nurse residency positions, and retention rates in the residency program continue to exceed national averages. Subsequent mentoring of these nurses in transition to practice has manifested high rates of promotion into nurse leadership roles year over year. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurse practice incorporates state-of-the-science approved therapies, early phase clinical trial implementation, and evidence-based complex oncology patient care management. A new model of student clinical nurse rotations in ambulatory settings, nurse resident transition to practice, and ongoing leadership mentoring is essential in creating a sustainable, highly skilled, and robust oncology nurse work force.