Faculty Bibliography

A COVID19RNStories website allowed RNs in this integrated health system to "tell their stories" during the recent pandemic. From April to August 2020, approximately 100 items were posted with 4 themes emerging. COVID19RNStories had no preconceived hypotheses or specific questions to answer: RNs shared whatever they felt was relevant to their experiences. This approach provided real-time information on issues and concerns of RNs during the 1st wave of COVID-19. This article discusses the identified themes with recommendations for nursing leaders to support staff during the pandemic and future unexpected emergency situations.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Gender affirmation lessens mental health disparities among transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) persons. However, the concept of what it means to be affirmed in one's gender has not been fully explored, nor has the impact of gender affirmation on other health indicators been determined. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of gender affirmation among a sample of TGNB persons. METHODS:This qualitative, narrative inquiry study consisted of individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 20 TGNB persons. Descriptive content analysis was conducted to discover themes. RESULTS:This study identified salient themes regarding the multiple levels of affirmation (including internal, external and societal) needed to achieve the overall goal of living an optimal life described as "being seen, heard and even celebrated" as TGNB. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Results of this study have clinical, educational, research, and policy implications. Future research should explore the impact of gender affirmation on important health indicators in the TGNB community, differences in the experiences and needs among subgroups of TGNB persons, and the potential impact of nurses on the health experience of TGNB persons across the spectrum of transition.

BACKGROUND:A vast literature exists on doctorally-prepared RNs in academia, but little is known about those in practice settings. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to explore demographic, educational, and employment characteristics, as well as practice patterns and professional accomplishments of doctorally-prepared RNs in one practice setting. METHODS:Survey of approximately 100 doctorally-prepared RNs in an integrated health system were surveyed. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS:Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNPs) outnumber PhDs three to one in the institution. Several statistically significant differences exist between them: DNPs are younger and most likely hold advanced practice nursing positions; PhDs are 10 years older and more likely hold administrative or leadership positions. Little evidence exists that neither nurses nor administrators understand the skills and knowledge that doctorally-prepared RNs bring to the organization. This is particularly true for DNPs who predominantly hold clinical positions also held by master's-prepared RNs. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Advocates for continued growth of DNPs in academia and practice should partner more closely to clarify the skills and talents that doctorally-prepared nurses bring to clinical settings.

Methods: This qualitative research study employed a semistructured interview methodology. A purposive sample of fulltime, inpatient medical/surgical nurses were recruited. Anonymous interviews were conducted by the Principal Investigator until saturation was achieved, which occurred after nine interviews. Building on the literature on IH and Implementation Science, an interview guide of 14 open-ended questions was developed. Nurses who met eligibility criteria and interested in participating were directed to a confidential REDcap enrollment form. A Project Assistant obtained verbal informed consent and permission to tape the anonymous interviews. The study obtained expedited Institutional Review approval at this academic medical center. Completed interviews were transcribed by a professional company. Data were analyzed using standard content analysis methods. The research team used a "comparison technique" and reached consensus on emerging themes.
Result(s): Five themes emerged from the interviews. (1) Participants articulated strong recognition but shallow understanding of IH and IH modalities. (2) Participants expressed enthusiastic interest in learning IH modalities for self-care purposes. Use of IH for patients was considered a secondary goal. (3) Daily requirements of direct care present significant barriers to implementing IH for patients. (4) Participants identified strategies to increase the likelihood of success.Nurses expressed clear preferences about professional development sessions and offered recommendations. (5) Respondents identified specific communications approaches and messaging.
Background(s): This study examines medical/surgical nurses' perceptions and attitudes regarding Integrative Health (IH) services and modalities and factors associated with their willingness to integrate IH practices for patient and self-care. The findings would inform the implementation of a hospital-wide IH training program.
Conclusion(s): The findings underscore that, prior to introducing innovative practices, it is critical to obtain input from individuals for whom the innovations are intended. The perceptions, attitudes and willingness of providers to implement IH practices can enhance the success and sustainability of new programs

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to describe the structure and processes implemented by nursing research councils to conduct a nurse-led research study at an urban community teaching hospital. BACKGROUND:We assessed nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP) to inform development plans. METHODS:This is an institutional review board-approved single-site cross-sectional anonymous online survey (Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire [EBPQ]) emailed to 850 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 (Armonk, New York). RESULTS:Initial response rate was 11%. Deployment of new strategies achieved an overall response rate of 57.5%. EBPQ subscale scores were highest for "attitude," followed by "knowledge/skills," and "practice." Lowest-scoring items included critical appraisal of literature, converting information needs into a question, time for new evidence, information technology, and research skills. CONCLUSIONS:Our EBPQ scores were consistent with prior findings. Our strategies provide a framework for other institutions in similar stages of implementing EBP and nurse-led research initiatives.

Despite evidence of its positive impact on observation, description, empathy, and self-care, few arts-related professional development opportunities exist for nurses in practice settings. This academic medical center launched a 4-part visual arts-humanities professional development workshop for RNs to enhance their clinical skills through reflective activities and guided conversations of art. Participating RNs provided written feedback of their impressions and reflections on course content and potential personal growth. Participants reported profound changes in their self-awareness in multiple areas, and 3 consistent themes emerged: 1) seeing as enhanced observation; 2) attunement, and 3) thinking shifts. The workshop also provided respite from patient care demands for professional development and opportunities to cultivate collegial relationships among nurses from different areas and units. These findings underscore the value of the Quadruple Aim, which focuses on workplace practices that promote a sense of well-being and meaning at work. Consistent support from the chief nursing officer and nursing leadership was essential to the success of the program.

BACKGROUND:Nursing interventions in oral hygiene have been shown to be important for health promotion and illness prevention. This medical center advanced a registered nurse (RN)-led oral health initiative to introduce and standardize oral care practices. PROBLEM/OBJECTIVE:To examine the impact of the oral health initiative, we conducted an evaluation of documentation trends among RNs and the effect of the initiative on patients' oral health during hospitalization. APPROACH/METHODS:We used a single-group pretest-posttest design and drew a sample of all inpatients who were admitted to the medical center from October 1 through December 31, 2017. OUTCOMES/RESULTS:Of the 13 303 patients admitted, the empirical evidence demonstrates 99.5% compliance in documentation at admission and discharge. Among 13 237 patients, there was improvement in patients' oral health during hospitalization (-0.03, P < .001), especially those initially assessed with moderate or severe dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS:The oral health initiative standardized assessment and care practices that have improved outcomes in patients' oral hygiene.