Patricia Logan

Nursing as a scientific undertaking and the intersection with science in undergraduate studies: implications for nursing management

AIM To explore the science-nursing tension and impact for nursing students studying bioscience. BACKGROUND Several studies have examined why nursing students struggle to be successful in bioscience subjects. Undeveloped science background and theory-practice gaps are noted as contributing factors. METHODS A qualitative study explored the science-nursing tension with 100 Australian Registered Nurses using focus groups and a survey. RESULTS The survey response rate was 85 from 550. Of survey respondents, 88% viewed nursing as an applied science. An emphasis on procedural skills and task busyness undermines theoretical understanding of care and can be a negative influence upon the student bioscience experience. Practicum mentors confident in scientific knowledge enhance the student experience of bioscience by providing opportunities for integration with practice. CONCLUSIONS Competing philosophies that reinforce the science-nursing tension have an impact upon student endeavours yet the nexus created by practice can be used to activate student curiosity and scientific understanding. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Nurse managers need to structure the student practicum to encompass scientific theory applied to practice with equal emphasis on task efficiency. This improves student attitudes to learning bioscience and potentially minimizes the impact of the science-nursing tension on student learning.

The development, structure and blood flow within the umbilical cord with particular reference to the venous system

The umbilical cord is a helical and tubular blood conduit connecting the foetus to the placenta. The umbilical cord achieves its final form by the 12th week of gestation and normally contains two arteries and a single vein, all embedded in Whartons jelly. The structure of the umbilical cord receives only a cursory glance during many obstetric ultrasound examinations: with imaging limited to documenting the number of vessels within the cord and the insertion sites at the foetus and placenta. Extensive research into blood flow characteristics of the umbilical cord arteries has been undertaken and is now widely applied in contemporary ultrasound practice. In contrast, investigation of umbilical vein blood flow is only instigated in instances of foetal compromise when the spectral waveform of the ductus venosus and pulsations in the vein are scrutinised. The current level of ultrasound imaging of the umbilical vein demonstrates a lack of appreciation and knowledge about a structure that is crucial to sustaining foetal life.

Transition from clinician to academic: an interview study of the experiences of UK and Australian Registered Nurses

Aim The aim of this study was to explore and compare the experiences of nurses in Australia and the UK as they moved from clinical practice into higher education institutions. Background When nurse education moved from hospitals into higher education institutions, the roles and career pathways of nurse educators changed. Design The design method used in this study was qualitative interview study. Methods Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 14 nurse educators, seven in Australia and seven in the UK, in 2011–2012. Thematic analysis of the transcripts was undertaken and triangulated with automated content and thematic analysis by Leximancer© software. Findings Nurse academics in Australia and the UK voiced similar enthusiasms and concerns. These coalesced around four emergent themes: adapting to change, external pressures, teaching and progress up the academic ladder. The Leximancer© analysis for both sites ranked ‘research’ as the primary theme, linked with ‘time’, ‘University’ and ‘nursing’ on both sites. Respondents were aware of the importance of research to career progression in universities, but most prioritized their teaching and clinical commitments for the sake of their organizations. Most respondents were supported in their doctoral studies, but the absence of postdoctoral research teams, mentors and role models was striking. Conclusion Additional support is needed to ensure that nurse academics are able to pursue research beyond doctoral level.

Looking after Yourself

The development of a career as an academic can be a very rewarding experience, but many entering this career are unprepared for what the role actually entails. This lack of preparedness can bring unnecessary stress to new academics, delaying their achievement of career goals. In this chapter we aim to help reduce this unpreparedness by highlighting some common difficulties experienced by new academics. We provide context for the competing demands and outline key lessons to be learned from the experiences of those who have journeyed before you.

Adverse Drug Reactions, Power, Harm Reduction, Regulation and the ADRe Profiles

The power and influence of healthcare systems comes largely from the ability to prescribe efficacious medicine. However, medicine can sometimes cause harm rather than bring benefits. Systematically checking patients for the adverse effects of medicines, as listed in manufacturers’ literature, would protect patients from iatrogenic harm, but this is rarely undertaken. We argue for the benefits of this approach using the example of the prescription of antipsychotics to older adults. Prescribing antipsychotics to control challenging behaviours associated with dementia is a controversial matter, and regulatory intervention is under discussion. Improved regulatory systems could protect against iatrogenic harm, such as over-sedation, falls, tremor, or drug-induced Parkinsonism. However, measuring the impact and outcomes of regulatory interventions has proved difficult, not least because there are rarely systematic records of all adverse effects of medicines. We indicate how regulatory initiatives to reduce antipsychotic prescribing can be supported by systematic monitoring and documentation of patients’ signs and symptoms of putative adverse drug reactions. Monitoring documentation then provides the rationale and support for professionals’ responses to identified problems. Longitudinal monitoring records would improve understanding of the impact and outcomes of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) on health and wellbeing, and the many costs of ADRs.

A comparison of a regional NSW obstetrics population to district, state and national statistics

In the central west NSW region, there are variations in population density, socioeconomic status and ethnicity.

Reference ranges for the intra-amniotic umbilical cord vein diameter, peak velocity and blood flow in a regional NSW population

To construct gestational age (GA)‐related reference ranges of the intra‐amniotic umbilical cord vein (UCV) diameter, peak velocity (PV) and blood flow (Qucv) using a Central West New South Wales population.