An evaluation of post-registration neuroscience focused education and neuroscience nurses' perceived educational needs

Background People with complex neurological conditions require co-ordinated care provided by nurses educated in meeting service needs, understanding the pathophysiological processes of disease and the preparation to care for those with complex needs. However, evidence suggests that neuroscience specific education provision is largely unregulated and set outside of a cohesive professional development context. Furthermore, it largely seems to only address the induction phase into working within neurosciences. Objectives To evaluate the nature of post-registration neuroscience focused education across Europe and neuroscience nurses' perceived educational needs. Methods Post qualifying nurses working in the field of neurosciences were invited to complete a self-reported 29-item on-line questionnaire that contained closed and open-ended questions exploring professional background, clinical and educational experience, educational opportunities available to them and their perspectives on their educational needs. Results 154 participants from fourteen countries across Europe completed the survey. 75% (n = 110) of respondents had undertaken neuroscience focused education with the most accessible education opportunities found to be conferences 77% (n = 96) and study days 69% (n = 86). Overall, 52.6% of courses were multidisciplinary in nature, and 47.4% were exclusively nursing. Most identified that their courses were funded by their employer (57%, n = 63) or partly funded by their employer. Results illustrate a significant variance across Europe, highlighting the need for more effective communication between neuroscience nurses across Europe. Implications for future education provision, recruitment/retention, and funding are discussed, resulting in recommendations for the future of neuroscience nursing. Conclusions This study, the largest of its kind to survey neuroscience nurses, illustrates the absence of a cohesive career development pathway for neuroscience nurses in Europe. Nurses need quality assured specialist education to deliver high quality appropriate healthcare

How do counsellors having menopausal symptoms experience their client work: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Aim: The aim of this study was to discover if menopausal symptoms have implications for counsellors in their therapeutic work. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three counsellors who have experienced menopausal symptoms. The menopause is a unique experience for the individual therefore Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) allowed for a detailed exploration of the participants’ experiences. Findings: Four superordinate themes were identified: transitioning personal and professional identity during menopause; the limited dialogue about the menopause; the ethical dilemmas of practicing as a counsellor when menopausal and the influence of menopausal symptoms during client work. The findings of this study demonstrated that the participants each had very personal and individual experiences of the menopause. A lack of knowledge and understanding of the menopause and limited dialogue within society to discuss symptoms was also reflected in the counselling profession. The capacity to continue working therapeutically presented potential ethical dilemmas which were affected by menopausal symptoms. Conclusion: Counsellors’ experiences of menopausal symptoms may create challenges in their therapeutic work, ranging from a mild distraction, a disconnection with a client, to the extreme of having to cease engaging with client work. Implications for therapeutic practice are discussed

The Development and Validation of the Privacy and Data Security Concerns Scale (PDSCS)

This study describes the development and validation of the Privacy and Data Security Concerns Scale (PDSCS), designed to assess job applicants’ privacy and data security concerns. Validity evidence for the PDSCS was established with four steps including: item generation and content validation, item reduction, confirmatory factor analysis, and construct and criterion validity. Our findings supported the content and proposed factor structure of the nine-item PDSCS. Specifically, the proposed three-factor structure (with the subdimensions: Secure connection, inappropriate use of information, and mistrust in employer security practices) as well as a second-order factor, (termed privacy and data security concerns) were confirmed. Additionally, evidence is presented for the criterion validity of the PDSCS and its subdimensions