The literature suggests that acts of bullying are a root cause of new nurses leaving their units or the profession entirely and have the potential to worsen the nursing shortage. As an effective way to address bullying in the... more
The literature suggests that acts of bullying are a root cause of new nurses leaving their units or the profession entirely and have the potential to worsen the nursing shortage. As an effective way to address bullying in the perioperative setting, mentoring benefits the nursing profession. Mentoring can have a direct influence on nurses' longevity in a health care organization, thereby strengthening the nursing workforce. Magnet-designated hospitals support the importance of mentor-mentee relationships for positive employee retention and positive recruitment outcomes. One of the most important tasks that a mentor should undertake is that of a role model. Establishing a culture of mentoring requires authentic leadership, genuine caring and respect for employees, and open communication. The entire nursing profession benefits from a culture of mentoring, as do the patients and families who receive care.
There is growing evidence that participating in extracurricular and out-of-school activities during adolescence is associated with both short- and long-term indicators of positive development (e.g., Eccles & Barber, 1999; Eccles &... more
There is growing evidence that participating in extracurricular and out-of-school activities during adolescence is associated with both short- and long-term indicators of positive development (e.g., Eccles & Barber, 1999; Eccles & Templeton, 2002; Mahoney, 2000). Yet, few researchers have questioned whether these relations are solely the result of activity participation during adolescence or if they are the culmination of a process that began in middle childhood. Middle childhood is marked by many physical, cognitive, social, and contextual changes. It is during this time that children develop multiple cognitive skills, such as reasoning and the ability to reflect on one's accomplishments, experiences, and aspirations. Children's social worlds broaden as they begin to participate in organized out-of-school activities. The changes in children's abilities and skills coupled with the new contexts in which children develop suggest that middle childhood is an important period for the development of skills and beliefs through participation in out-of-school activities. Although entry into adolescence and adulthood brings new abilities and interests, some of the benefits of adolescent participation may not be realized unless the groundwork is laid in middle childhood. There is little evidence available concerning developmental hypotheses about the reasons or mechanisms for these associations. Longitudinal studies over extended periods of time afford an opportunity to examine positive and negative consequences of participation based on activity characteristics as well as other potential influences such as parental encouragement or child talent.
Blood pressure apparatuses, stethoscopes and thermometers serve as vehicles for pathogens. Previous studies have shown that these equipment harbor potentially pathogenic microorganisms and even antibiotic-resistant strains within the... more
Blood pressure apparatuses, stethoscopes and thermometers serve as vehicles for pathogens. Previous studies have shown that these equipment harbor potentially pathogenic microorganisms and even antibiotic-resistant strains within the hospital environment. Practice of good infection control on vital signs equipment therefore plays an important role in preventing the spread of infections that can be acquired during hospitalization. However, studies on infection control practice on these equipment among nursing students have not been given much attention. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the senior nursing students' practice of infection control on vital signs equipment. A researcher-made, self-administered survey instrument was used to collect data among 202 randomly selected senior nursing students in six nursing schools in Iloilo City, Philippines. Descriptive and parametric inferential statistical tools were employed to analyze and interpret the data gathered. Results indicated that while a higher proportion of nursing students almost always disinfected their thermometers, only one out of five almost always disinfected their BP apparatuses, and only two out of five almost always performed disinfection of their stethoscopes after each patient use and every after clinical duty. Forgetfulness and laziness in doing the disinfection process were the primary reasons for non-disinfection. A significant correlation was found between nursing students' self-report infection control practice and the infection control practice of their fellow nursing students. It is evident that there are senior nursing students that do not regularly practice high standard infection control of their vital sign's equipment. Strengthening practice, modeling good behaviors, and adopting clear guidelines on infection control of vital signs equipment must be initiated in the undergraduate nursing program.
