Stimulating an interest in mental health nursing

A team of researchers at the University of Wollongong are currently examining the experiences of Bachelor of Nursing (BN) students as they engage in a stimulating learning experience in mental health

Longitudinally Jointed Edge-wise Compression Honeycomb Composite Sandwich Coupon Testing and FE Analysis: Three Methods of Strain Measurement, and Comparison

Three means (i.e., typical foil strain gages, fiber optic sensors, and a digital image correlation (DIC) system) were implemented to measure strains on the back and front surfaces of a longitudinally jointed curved test article subjected to edge-wise compression testing, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, according to ASTM C364. The Pre-test finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to assess ultimate failure load and predict strain distribution pattern throughout the test coupon. The predicted strain pattern contours were then utilized as guidelines for installing the strain measurement instrumentations. The strain gages and fiber optic sensors were bonded on the specimen at locations with nearly the same strain values, as close as possible to each other, so that, comparisons between the measured strains by strain gages and fiber optic sensors, as well as the DIC system are justified. The test article was loaded to failure (at approximately 38 kips), at the strain value of approximately 10,000mu epsilon As a part of this study, the validity of the measured strains by fiber optic sensors is examined against the strain gage and DIC data, and also will be compared with FEA predictions

Outcomes 1 year after non-operative management of uncomplicated appendicitis in children: Children with AppendicitiS during the CoronAvirus panDEmic (CASCADE) study

BACKGROUND: A major shift in treatment of appendicitis occurred early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with non-operative management used commonly outside research protocols and in units with limited previous experience. This study aims to compare real-world outcomes of surgery versus non-operative management of uncomplicated appendicitis in children with 1-year follow-up. METHOD: A prospective multicentre observational study of children treated for uncomplicated appendicitis at 74 hospitals in the UK and Ireland from 1 April to 31 July 2020 was performed. Propensity-score matched analysis was conducted using age, sex, C-reactive protein at diagnosis and duration of symptoms as covariates. Primary outcomes were success of non-operative management defined as achieving 1-year follow-up without undergoing appendicectomy due to recurrent appendicitis or ongoing symptoms, and occurrence of any predefined complication (intra-abdominal collection, wound infection, bowel obstruction or reintervention). RESULTS: Of 1464 children with presumed uncomplicated appendicitis, 1027 (70.2 per cent) underwent surgery and 437 (29.9 per cent) underwent non-operative management. Ninety-four children (21.5 per cent) treated by initial non-operative management required appendicectomy during the index hospital admission while recurrent appendicitis after discharge occurred in 25 (10.4 per cent) children within 1 year. The overall success rate of non-operative management at 1 year was 63.1 per cent (95 per cent c.i. 58.0 to 68.3 per cent). For propensity-score matched analyses, 688 children undergoing surgery and 307 undergoing non-operative management were included. Any predefined complication occurred in 50 (7.3 per cent) children undergoing surgery and in four (1.3 per cent) children undergoing non-operative management (OR 5.9 (95 per cent c.i. 2.1 to 16.6)) in the propensity-score matched cohort. There was no mortality or stoma formation. CONCLUSION: Non-operative management is a safe and valid alternative to appendicectomy in children with uncomplicated appendicitis

Assessment of mental health and mental illness

Mental Health: A Person-Centred Approach aligns mental health research with the human connections that can and should be made in mental health care. The authors seek to deepen students understanding of themselves, the work they do, and how this intersects with the lives and crises of people with mental health. Taking a storytelling approach, it presents real-life stories to provide students with first hand experiences...

Why developing trusting as well as trust is a leadership priority

The paper considers the relationship between leadership, trust and trusting. The examples given look at their role in developing and supporting the learning processes needed for knowledge development. Two qualitative research projects are analysed considering how leadership, trust, learning and knowledge are affecting each other. The importance of trust was clarified but, more importantly, the notion of trusting as a differentiated set of behaviours was identified. The paper concludes that developing trust is not enough, leaders need to ensure that the theories-in-use and the espoused theories of trust are in line and that, in order to engender trust, leaders must initiate trusting behaviours

An immersive work integrated learning experience- showcasing an innovative, experiential clinical placement.

In May 2013, UOW provided the opportunity for 3rd year student nurses, psychology students and 30 people with severe and enduring mental illness to accompany four mental health nurse academics on a camp

The experience of nurses moving into forensic mental health employment: A qualitative study

While forensic mental health has seen considerable growth over the last two decades, little is known about the experience of registered nurses working in these environments. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach and interviewed 11 registered nurses to explore the interpersonal experiences of transition into a forensic mental health hospital. The data revealed three themes. ‘Observing what\u27s safe’ examined nurses\u27 ability to maintain safety in the context of inconsistent practices among colleagues. ‘Navigating cliques and divisions’ focused on nurses\u27 sense of belonging and adapting to professional and personal groups. Finally, ‘gaining management support’ reflected nurses\u27 experiences of engagement with management. This study provides new insight into nurses\u27 experience of adapting to employment in forensic mental health settings and highlights the importance of positive support strategies for workplace transition

Forensic mental health: Perceptions of transition and workforce experiences of nurses

Background: With the growing need for nurses in forensic mental health settings, understanding the experiences of transition and perceptions of the setting is important to support staff retention. Aim: To explore registered nurses’ experiences of working in a forensic mental health setting. In particular, to understand their transition experience, perceptions of the practice environment and intention to stay within the setting. Methods: Registered nurses employed in a high-secure forensic mental health hospital in New South Wales, Australia, completed an online survey including the Revised Professional Practice Environment Scale and Nurse Retention Index. Findings: Sixty-nine participants responded to the survey. During the first year of their employment, participants reported feeling isolated, lacking support and being anxious when providing patient care. In terms of the environment, participants perceived ‘internal work motivation’ as positive in the environment when compared to ‘handling disagreement and conflict’. While many intended to continue their nursing careers for the foreseeable future, 45.3% of participants were undecided about whether they would leave the forensic setting. Discussion: Due to the complexity of forensic mental health practice, the reporting of poor experiences of transition and issues regarding support and conflict is concerning. Considering the importance of workplace culture and teamwork in forensic mental health, strategies to enhance positive interpersonal relationships is essential. Conclusion: Given the predicted future workforce shortages, this study highlights a need for appropriate supports for nurses’ transitioning into forensic mental health employment to enhance workplace satisfaction and retention

Why do nurses seek employment in forensic mental health and what are their first impressions of the clinical environment? A mixed methods study

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate why registered nurses seek forensic mental health employment and explore their initial impressions of this setting. Design: Explanatory sequential mixed methods. Methods: Registered nurses employed in a forensic mental health hospital completed an online survey about their reasons for seeking work in forensic mental health and their transition into the setting. To fully explore findings, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sub-group of survey respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse survey data, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results: Sixty-nine respondents completed the survey, and 11 interviews were conducted. Prior interest in forensic mental health and encouragement from hospital staff were considered important influences in seeking forensic mental health employment. New knowledge, changes in clinical responsibility, exposure to patients\u27 background offences and security processes overwhelmed some participants initially. However, participants reported that the initial challenges of their transition revealed opportunities to develop genuine connections with patients. Conclusion: This study provides a new understanding of the reasons why nurses seek employment in forensic mental health and the challenges and opportunities experienced when first working in this setting. Such professional and personal elements need to be considered by organizations to strengthen recruitment strategies and support future nurses\u27 transition into forensic mental health settings. Impact: This study provides new knowledge about recruiting and supporting nurses\u27 transition into forensic mental health employment. As such, it informs policymakers, clinical services and managers about strategies needed to attract and retain this workforce. Patient or Public contribution: No public or patient involvement

On the Role of an Environment

Can theAda environment meet the goals oftheDoD high-order language effort? The approach described herepromises to b