Christine A. Wynd

Two Quantitative Approaches for Estimating Content Validity

Instrument content validity is often established through qualitative expert reviews, yet quantitative analysis of reviewer agreements is also advocated in the literature.Two quantitative approaches to content validity estimations were compared and contrasted using a newly developed instrument called the Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Tool (ORAT).Data obtained from a panel of eight expert judges were analyzed. A Content Validity Index (CVI) initially determined that only one item lacked interrater proportion agreement about its relevance to the instrument as a whole (CVI = 0.57). Concern that higher proportion agreement ratings might be due to random chance stimulated further analysis using a multirater kappa coefficient of agreement. An additional seven items had low kappas, ranging from 0.29 to 0.48 and indicating poor agreement among the experts. The findings supported the elimination or revision of eight items. Pros and cons to using both proportion agreement and kappa coefficient analysis are examined.

Current factors contributing to professionalism in nursing

A serious nursing shortage is creating a crisis in the nations health care system. Many experienced nurses are leaving the field and young people are not selecting nursing as a potential career. Reassessment of professionalism in nursing therefore is indicated. A descriptive comparative/correlational design examined differences and relationships among levels of nursing professionalism, experience, educational degrees, organizational membership, and specialty certification in a random sample of registered nurses (RNs) (N=774). The Professionalism Inventory Scale was used to measure attitudinal attributes of professionalism and its five dimensions (use of professional organizations as major referent groups, belief in public service, autonomy, self-regulation, and a sense of calling). A series of statistical analyses revealed that professionalism was related significantly to years of experience as an RN, higher educational degrees in nursing, membership in organizations, service as an officer in the organization, and specialty certification. Todays profession of nursing is evolving as a valuable public service. Positive aspects of nursing professionalism must be recognized and implemented to retain experienced nurses in the profession and attract young people to nursing as a viable career choice.

Factors Influencing Professionalism in Nursing Among Korean American Registered Nurses

Although significant numbers of foreign nurses are currently employed in the United States, little research about nursing professionalism exists for this population. The study assessed the levels of professionalism and examined factors associated with professionalism among Korean American registered nurses (RNs). Halls Professionalism Inventory (HPI) scale was used for this correlational descriptive study. Data were collected, using a mailing survey, with a convenience sample of Korean American RNs living in the United States (n = 221). Current position in nursing, current employment status, work setting, total years of nursing experience, total years of nursing experience in the United States, location of final degree attainment, and duration of nursing education in the United States were associated with the level of professionalism among Korean American RNs. Variables predicting professionalism included membership in professional organizations (beta = .204, P < .000) and total years of nursing experience in the United States (beta = .198, P = .001), and they accounted for 8.6% of the total variance in the HPI score. The findings suggest that multiple internal and external factors are associated with professionalism among Korean American RNs and provide an understanding of trends in professionalism from an international perspective.

Evidence-based Education and the Evaluation of a Critical Care Course

A critical care nursing course was designed to enhance knowledge attainment for RNs new to critical care, and to prepare seasoned critical care nurses for specialty certification. The convenience sample of nurses (N = 57) was either enrolled in the 16-session course (n = 27) or assigned to a control group (n = 30). A repeated measures design allowed data collection at three time points: precourse, course completion, and 6 months after course completion. Mean scores on the Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool were significantly higher for course participants at the time of course completion, and scores continued to remain high 6 months later, demonstrating important retention of critical care knowledge.

Meta-analysis as a tool for evidence-based practice: an example using the Rice meta-analysis of smoking cessation interventions

Enhanced quality of patient care and the prevention of errors are emphasized greatly in todays health care settings. Nurses are now held accountable for the care they provide and, as a result, nurses are responsible for incorporating solid scientific evidence into their practice. Published meta-analyses represent one source of such evidence. Meta-analyses offer statistical summarizations of all studies conducted about a particular phenomenon and more objective evaluation of the research often results. This article examines seven basic processes for evaluating meta-analyses and determining the value of their results for use in nursing practice.

Using Guided Imagery as a Primary Intervention in the Development of a Smoking Cessation Program

A formal smoking cessation program was developed using guided imagery as a primary intervention. Seventy-five participants attended seven program sessions that focused on imagery training, practice, and reinforcement. General educational materials concerning smoking and health were also provided to participants. A 79O/6 success rate for smoking reduction/cessation was achieved. Program evaluations reflected that imagery was useful to 25% of the attendees. Other beneficial techniques included behavorial coping responses, behavior modification, and social support. Stress was identified as the major cause offailure to quit cigarettes. Study data provide guidance for the development offuture programs. Further validation and refinement of imagery as a nursing intervention is recommended.

Celebrating 40 Years of the Midwest Nursing Research Society

The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) recently held its 40th annual conference and celebrated four decades of nursing research in the Midwest. MNRS continues to be one of the largest nursing research societies in the United States. Over the years, a vast majority of programmatic initiatives included education and tangible support for novice and experienced nurse researchers. In this article, the background for development of MNRS is reviewed with examination of driving forces that led to its creation. Three past presidents, Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick, the first President of MNRS (1980-1981); Dr. Nancy Bergstrom, the eighth President (1993-1995); and Dr. Sally Lusk, the 14th President (2005-2007), discuss challenges, opportunities, and the exceptional progress made toward fostering excellence in nursing research for the Midwest and contributing to nursing science on a national and global scale. Lessons from the past as well as opportunities for the future are addressed.