Sylvia Kubsch

Professional Values: The Case for RN-BSN Completion Education

BACKGROUND Differences exist in the perception and enactment of professional values among practicing registered nurses (RNs). Halls Care, Cure, and Core model was used as a framework for this study. METHODS This study compared perceptions of professional values of 198 RNs according to their level of nursing education and other potentially influencial factors. An online survey developed by the researchers tested perceived professional values. RESULTS A significant difference was found in perceived professional values according to level of nursing education, position or title, and professional organization membership. The highest level of perceived professional values was found among RN-BSN students. CONCLUSION RN-BSN education should be promoted and a supportive infrastructure provided for the continuation of professional values.

A holistic model of advocacy: factors that influence its use

Although advocacy is embraced by nursing as an essential component of holistic philosophy, its scope is often limited in practice. In this article, a research study that examined the use of an expanded definition of advocacy is described. A link to the role of advocacy as a complementary therapy and in relation to facilitating the use of complementary therapies by patients is provided. Fifty-two registered nurses completed a researcher developed advocacy research instrument that assessed the use of moral-ethical, legal, political, spiritual, and substitutive advocacy along with various factors thought to influence the use of advocacy including moral development, perceived assertiveness, and perceived job security. An additional 40 RN-BSN students generated case studies of advocacy enacted in practice that were used as examples of the five categories of advocacy and to support the findings of the survey. Results indicated that moral-ethical advocacy was used more often than the other four categories. Moral stage development had a significant effect on substitutive advocacy but assertiveness and job security were not significant factors influencing any category of advocacy.

Political Participation of Registered Nurses

Level of political participation and factors contributing to participation were measured among Midwest RNs (n = 468) via an online survey (Cronbach’s α = .95). Respondents reported engaging in primarily “low cost” activities (e.g., voting, discussing politics, and contacting elected officials), with fewer reporting speaking at public gatherings, participating in demonstrations, and membership in nursing organizations. Psychological engagement was most predictive (p < .001) of political participation with the dimensions of political interest, political efficacy, and political information/knowledge highly significant (p < .001). Resources (time/money/civic skills) significantly contributed to political participation (p < .001). Less than half (40%) felt they could impact local decisions, and fewer (32%) felt they could impact state or national government decisions. Most respondents (80%) indicated their nursing courses lacked political content and did not prepare them for political participation. Findings showed that nurse educators and leaders of professional nursing organizations need to model and cultivate greater psychological engagement among students and nurses.

Factors influencing accruement of contact hours for nurses.

BACKGROUND A decline in attendance at continuing education (CE) in nursing activities was observed in a Midwest state where CE attendance is not required. PURPOSE The purpose of this research study was to identify the effect of attitude, extrinsic and intrinsic reinforcement, and deterrents on contact hour accrual. METHODS A convenience sample of 282 registered nurses was surveyed using a researcher-constructed instrument determined to be valid and reliable. RESULTS Registered nurses earning 0 to 15 contact hours annually reported accruing fewer contact hours in 1999 than in an average year. Registered nurses who earned 16 to 45+ contact hours annually reported earning more contact hours in 1999 than in an average year. Intrinsic reinforcement was found to be a significant motivator (r [257] = .242; p < .0001) for contact hour accrual, whereas extrinsic reinforcement was not. CONCLUSIONS Skinners Operant Conditioning Theory has use in explaining registered nurse attendance at CE activities. CE planners should consider placing more emphasis on intrinsic rather than extrinsic reinforcement to encourage staff to attend CE activities.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Nursing Leadership Styles Among Nurse Managers

Less than 12.5% of nurses aspire to leadership roles, noting lack of support and stress as major factors in their decision not to pursue this area of practice. Psychological resiliency, described as the ability to properly adapt to stress and adversity, is key to successful nurse managers. Emotional intelligence (EI) is a related concept to resiliency and is another noteworthy predictor of leadership and management success. This study was undertaken to determine the level of and relationship between EI and leadership style of nurse managers employed in Wisconsin and Illinois facilities. A descriptive, exploratory study design was utilized, with a convenience sample of nurse managers working in 6 large Midwestern health systems. Nurse managers were invited to participate in the study by their employer, completing the online consent form and the demographic, Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) Form 5X and the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0) surveys. Statistically significant positive relationships were noted between EI and transformational leadership and the outcomes of leadership (extra effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction). No statistically significant relationships were noted between EI and transactional or laissez-faire leadership styles.

Transpersonal caring: a nursing practice guideline.

Watsons carative factors offer general guidance to nurses but do not specify explicit nursing actions. On the basis of a qualitative analysis of clinical stories written by registered nurses, a transpersonal caring intervention guideline was developed. The protocol will assist nurses in using caring more intentionally and effectively in practice.

Increasing diabetic self-care through guided imagery

BACKGROUND Findings from the literature and clinical practice describe the various strategies necessary on a regular basis to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and suggests that guided imagery techniques aid clients in adhering to the rigorous diabetic routine. METHODS AND RESULTS An imagery script was developed and used to aid diabetic clients in maintaining their diabetic regimen. Participants in this cognitive experience indicated that the motivation script used with them by health-care practitioners was effective. The major treatment areas were blood testing, regular exercise, weight management, and consumption of a restricted lifetime diet. Several of these areas showed modification after the use of guided imagery.

Holistic interventions protocol for interstitial cystitis symptom control: a case study.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a disabling bladder disorder that leads patients on an endless journey in search of treatment options to control their painful symptoms. Although there are some medical treatments available, no one treatment is completely effective. The Neuman model provides the rationale for the use of holistic prevention interventions with IC patients. Holistic interventions can help IC patients to retain, attain, and maintain system stability. A case study of 1 IC patient, who successfully used holistic approaches to achieve system stability, is described.