Nursing Bulletin: Spring 2022

Introducing key papers and publications that focus mainly on the latest news and issues in the nursing profession.

The British Journal of Nursing, Nursing Times, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, Journal of Perioperative Practice and the British Journal of Midwifery are all either available in print within the library or online via your OpenAthens username and password. 

Please click on the links below and enter your OpenAthens username and password to download the full text or contact the library at esth.hirsonlibrary@nhs.net  to request the full text.

The 'new' NHS: opportunity or threat for advanced clinical practice?
Abstract: Article discusses the implications of the Health and Care Bill 2021 for advanced clinical practice and professional regulation.
Source: British Journal of Healthcare Management 2021; 27(12): 1-5

Identifying and exploring resistance to the registered nursing associate role
Abstract: Article discusses factors that affect cohesion and acceptance of new roles in the healthcare workplace, in the context of the registered nursing associate role.
Source: British Journal of Healthcare Management 2021; 27(12): 1-6

Factors contributing to patient safety culture: the staff perspective
Abstract: Across all studies, staff highlighted several factors that need improvement to facilitate an effective patient safety culture, with most dimensions of patient safety culture lacking. In particular, staffing levels, open communication, feedback following an error and reporting of adverse events were perceived as lacking across the studies.
Source: British Journal of Healthcare Management 2021; 27(12): 1-6

Nurses’ pay over the long term: what next?
Abstract: This report looks at long-term trends in pay for UK nurses since the establishment of the NHS Pay Review Body in 1983 to the present day. The report underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive NHS workforce strategy which acknowledges pay as a powerful driver of nurse motivation and retention, and places nurse pay at the front and centre of policies to support the NHS’s post-COVID recovery.
Source: The Health Foundation; 2021 [Freely available online]

Professional nurse advocate A-EQUIP model: a model of clinical supervision for nurses, Version 1, 15 November 2021
Abstract: This document describes the professional nurse advocate (PNA) role and the A-EQUIP (Advocating and Educating for QUality ImProvement) model of professional nursing leadership and clinical supervision, and provides guidance on their implementation, including key actions for each relevant group.
Source: NHS England and NHS Improvement; 2021 [Freely available online]

Reflecting on the trainee nurse associate role uptake and impact
Abstract: I was pleased to receive the final research report from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), and King's College London following their survey work into the nursing associate (NA) role (Kessler et al, 2021). The research has been evaluating the role, concentrating on its deployment, use, management and impact, with the methodology including two surveys of nurse directors in NHS trusts, two NHS trust case studies, and a series of interviews with experts from health and social care.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(1): 57

A nurse's perspective on the impact of coronavirus on health and the economy
Abstract: There have been many infectious diseases that have spread to become pandemics throughout history, from the Black Death of the 1300s, through the cholera epidemics of the 1800s to the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2019; Piret and Boivin, 2021). This article is my reflection on the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a formidable phenomenon, brought on by a virus unaffected by socio-economic status.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(1): 46-49

Returning safely to work after long COVID
Abstract: An estimated 1.1 million people living in private households in the UK (1.7% of the population) were experiencing self-reported ‘long COVID’ (symptoms persisting for more than four weeks after the first suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) infection that were not explained by something else), as of 5 September 2021, up from 970 000 as of 1 August 2021, reflecting increased COVID-19 infection rates in July 2021 (Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2021).
Source: British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2022; 16(1): 50-50

Psychological impact of caring during the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV nurses
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a set of unprecedented challenges for healthcare services and staff. The authors conducted a national online survey of nurses employed to work in HIV services in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to establish how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the professional quality of life of HIV nurses.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(1): S10-S15

Community innovations for people living with HIV during COVID-19
Abstract: This article is based on a presentation given at a recent conference of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC), held in Washington, DC in the USA, during November 2021. It outlines some of the community-led innovations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights how crucial these were to maintain the health and wellbeing of people living with or affected by HIV.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(1): S23-S25

Impact of full personal protective equipment on alertness of healthcare workers: a prospective study
Abstract: This study demonstrates that being in full personal protective equipment (FPPE) for as little as 2.5 hours can adversely affect healthcare workers alertness. The findings of this study are relevant in terms of workforce environment considerations as the use of FPPE in certain settings is likely to become a regular feature.
Source: BMJ Open Quality 2022; 11(1): doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001551

Effectiveness of Quality Improvement Coaching on Process Outcomes in Health Care Settings: A Systematic Review
Abstract: QI coaching interventions may affect certain processes of care activities such as ordering of labs and vital signs. Future research that advances the identification of when QI coaching is most beneficial for health care teams seeking to implement improvement processes in pursuit of high-quality care will support efficient use of QI resources.
Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine 2022; doi: 10.1007/s11606-021-07217-2
Contact the library for a copy of this article

Solving the problem of IV dislodgement
Abstract: Most patients in hospital will have some form of intravenous (IV) catheter in situ at some time to facilitate the administration of IV therapy. Accidental dislodgement, although widespread, is often unrecognised as a contributor to IV catheter failure. Dislodgement usually contributes to the delay in the administration of treatment, time-consuming IV restarts and a potential need for more invasive procedures.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(2): S4-S7

COVID vaccines: then and now
Abstract: As we start a new year, I wanted to write about an area of forward-looking practice development, maybe the new national nursing research strategy, or developments in nurse education or patient experience—but it is very difficult to get any headspace to consider much other than the continued response to COVID-19. This includes the impact of workforce absence, our aims to recover the elective care pathway, or our response to the urgent care pathway and patient flow constraints.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(2): 105

International nurses and midwives require individualised support for successful transition to work in the UK
Abstract: International nurses and midwives (INM) require support to adapt socially, culturally and professionally to work in the UK.
Further primary research is required to understand the interventions that most successfully support transition of INM to working in the UK.
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing 2022; 25(1): 32

Characteristics and outcomes of pregnant Black and minority ethnic women admitted to hospital with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the UK
Abstract: Providers managing obstetric patients will need to identify prevalent risk factors in minorities with SARS-CoV-2 and the outcomes.
This study can be used to launch a correlational study to investigate the relationship between health disparities and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the Black minority obstetric patient.
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing 2022; 25(1): 36

50,000 Nurses Programme: delivery update
Abstract: In 2019, the government committed to increasing the numbers of registered nurses in the NHS in England by 50,000 by the end of the Parliament. This update sets out more detail about the programme.
Source: Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC); 2022 [Freely available online]

Staffing for Safe and Effective Care: State of the nation’s labour nursing market 2022
Abstract: This report examines nursing workforce data from January 2020 through the COVID-19 pandemic, to the present day. In the past two years, the complex external context has only highlighted and exacerbated existing, long-standing issues with health and care workforce supply and retention in the UK. This document sets out the nursing workforce picture in the UK – as far as the limited and inconsistent data allows.
Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2022 [Freely available online]

Team working part 9: dealing with frustration
Abstract: I trained as a State Registered Nurse (SRN), which shows how many years ago that was! But I still remember my first day on duty as a student nurse on a surgical ward. I was put under the guidance of a wonderful nursing auxiliary, Margaret, who taught me so much about caring for people who were ill and also about teamwork.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(4): 256

Nursing in the 21st century: results of a pilot survey on attitudes towards nurses and nursing
Abstract: Nursing is one of the most trusted professions, yet it is poorly defined. There are many definitions and characterisations of nursing. This study sought to pilot a survey exploring the views of nursing in the 21st century. The study piloted an electronic survey with open and closed questions.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(4): 230-238

The long-arm approach to placement supervision and assessment
Abstract: Since the 2018 implementation of the Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment, pre-registration nursing education placement providers require health and/or social care registrants to supervise and assess students on practice placements (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2018). These regulatory changes are in line with recent moves to develop integrated care systems and place-based care: an approach that emphasises the need for fewer referrals into statutory health services.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(4): 247

Start spreading the word …
Abstract: Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, considers how best to start a movement to benefit the patient experience, such as the #CallMe movement, which encourages staff to use patients' preferred names. Over the past two years, COVID-19 has rightly dominated our time. I am now so looking forward to concentrating on our professional quality and experience agenda. Among several areas that I am focusing on is improving patient experience through effective nursing leadership. 

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(5): 297

Nursing Bulletin: Autumn 2021

Introducing key papers and publications that focus mainly on the latest news and issues in the nursing profession.

The British Journal of Nursing, Nursing Times, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, Journal of Perioperative Practice and the British Journal of Midwifery are all either available in print within the library or online via your OpenAthens username and password. 

Please click on the links below and enter your OpenAthens username and password to download the full text or contact the library at esth.hirsonlibrary@nhs.net  to request the full text.

Evidence-based strategies to promote vaccine acceptance
Abstract: Key Points: Herd immunity through vaccination depends upon high levels of vaccine uptake; Vaccination promotion should focus upon the unvaccinated and under-vaccinated populations; Understanding the information need is an important first step; Information should be clear, concise and targeted at the audience individual; Barriers to vaccine uptake should be minimised.
Source: British Journal of Community Nursing 2021; 26(7): 338-343
 
Rising to the challenge: a COVID-19 vaccination service for the housebound population
Abstract: Key Points: Setting up a home vaccination programme for housebound patients can prove challenging, especially in times when community nursing services are already overstretched; The team involved in such a programme needs to include clinicians, as well as administrative staff, to manage the logistics; It is important to appropriately identify patients eligible to receive home vaccination, and certain groups of people can be difficult to identify, such as those with learning disabilities.
Source: British Journal of Community Nursing 2021; 26(7): 328-333
 
Importance of palliative care
Abstract: The CW+'s Neonatal Palliative Care Project has developed from a partnership between Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The True Colours Trust. The London-based project began in 2015 and was formally evaluated in 2020, with the key recommendation of consolidating the learning and progress from this pilot project to ensure a sustainable roll-out of this activity across all Operational Delivery Networks in England and the devolved nations.
Source: British Journal of Midwifery 2021; 29(7): 414–415
 
The impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on nursing in the UK
Abstract: Over the years, many experts have stated that nursing in the UK is in crisis and nurses are struggling owing to the increasing number of older and sicker patients, staff shortages and budget cuts that have affected working conditions (Beech et al, 2019). With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented levels of pressure were placed on an already strained nursing workforce.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(13): 822-823
 
Understanding safety culture
Abstract: One of the areas that I find most challenging now is when a statement is made about the ‘culture’ of a service. Whether this is from a regulator or colleagues, it's a label that sticks, and can be positive or negative. In 2018 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) chief inspector of hospitals, Professor Ted Baker, called for a change in culture within the NHS that he said would reduce the number of patients who experience avoidable harm.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(13): 831
 
What lessons can we take from reverse innovation?
Abstract: For nurses, COVID-19 has radically challenged how they deliver care, with existing resources continually being stretched well beyond normal usage. The result is that innovative approaches are essential to redress shortages, support the continuance of services and maintain patient safety.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(13): 770
 
Model for Improvements in Learning Outcomes (MILO): development of a conceptual model grounded in caritative caring aimed to facilitate undergraduate nursing students’ learning during clinical practice (Part 1)
Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the development of a caritative caring conceptual model aimed to facilitate undergraduate nursing students’ learning during clinical practice.
Source: Nurse Education in Practice 2021; 55: 103144
 
An integrative review of simulation, senior practicum and readiness for practice
Abstract: Readiness for practice (RFP) is essential as new nurses will practice in a nursing shortage climate, with high acuity patients and complex technology. Nurse educators are challenged to foster readiness for practice. The aim of this integrative review was to explore the impact of simulation and senior practicum on graduating senior nursing students' readiness for practice.
Source: Nurse Education in Practice 2021; 55: 103087
 
Team working part 3: leading a team
Abstract: Take a few minutes to reflect on the team of people you work with: how many people are in your team? Does the team comprise only nurses or do you count allied health professionals, ward assistants, domestics and ancillary staff as team members? Is the nurse with the most experience the person in charge? Do different people have different responsibilities? Who is managerially responsible for the team? Who do people go to when they need clinical advice or support? Is the manager also the leader?
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(14): 872
 
Nurses are not heroes
Abstract: Over the course of this pandemic, nurses across the globe have been celebrated and honoured as ‘heroes’ in mainstream and social media because of their selfless dedication to serve and protect their patients from the novel coronavirus. However, this characterisation is problematic as it distracts attention from the enduring social issues affecting the profession.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(14): 838
 
Opportunity, support and understanding: the experience of four early trainee nursing associates
Abstract: Conclusion: This study adds to our understanding relating to the lived experience of some of the first TNAs taking up training for this role within healthcare, and highlights some of the factors that were most pertinent, according to the lived experience of the trainees themselves. The authors hope that the findings of this study will prove useful for those considering taking up training for the role, or indeed establishments considering implementing the role with their settings.
Source: British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2021; 15(6): 284–291
 
NHS trusts must continue to tackle racism
Abstract: Although the latest report on workforce equality shows positive changes, some improvements are marginal and the issue must be kept high on the agenda.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(15): 941
 
Student experiences of a return to practice programme: a qualitative study
Abstract: Nurses, midwives and other health professionals who return to practice come from a range of backgrounds and return for a variety of reasons. This qualitative study focused on the experiences of nursing, midwifery and allied health students undertaking a return to practice programme at a higher education institute. It interpreted the perceptions of the student experience of returning to clinical practice following a lapse in professional registration.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(15): 900-908
 
What support do nurses and midwives qualifying in the age of Covid-19 need? Insights from UNISON members 2021
Abstract: This report finds that more than two-thirds (70 per cent) of students or newly qualified nurses and midwives believe they have missed out on important learning experiences during Covid. The findings also show more than half (56 per cent) of final year students worry they’re not as prepared for qualification as they should be. The report calls for the government and NHS leaders to give greater support to the newly qualified health staff.
Source: UNISON; 2021
 
Experiences of maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic in the North of England
Abstract: During 2020, UK maternity services made changes to service delivery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore service users' and their partners' experiences of maternity services in the North of England during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (n=606) completed a co-produced survey during August 2020. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.
Source: British Journal of Midwifery 2021; 29(9): 516–523
 
The effect of COVID-19 on intrapartum care: a case review from early in the pandemic
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a marked impact on maternity services in the UK. Those who are pregnant are identified as a higher risk population and there have been significant changes in the structure of antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care. This case of interest explores a moderate case of SARS-CoV-2 during the intrapartum period in the early stages of the pandemic which was managed by a multidisciplinary approach.
Source: British Journal of Midwifery 2021; 29(9): 532–535

Team working part 4: managing a team
Abstract: A positive, well-managed team can help turn a difficult and demanding job into one that is supportive and rewarding. Over the years, I have worked for nurses who were good leaders, but poor managers and also for nurses who were good managers, but poor leaders. I've also worked for some who were both good managers and good leaders, although they were in the minority.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(16): 988
 
Whistleblowing disclosures report 2021: healthcare professional regulators
Abstract: The report highlights the collaborative efforts of eight regulators (General Chiropractic Council, General Dental Council, General Medical Council, General Optical Council, General Osteopathic Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, The Health and Care Professions Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council) to address serious issues that health and care professionals have raised in UK workplaces. Around a third of NMC disclosures made during this year were related to the pandemic.
Source: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); 2021
 
Return on investment of overseas nurse recruitment: lessons for the NHS: Briefing
Abstract: There are some 342,300 nurses working in NHS hospital and community health services, and 23,900 working in general practice. Yet vacancies are widespread: there were 39,000 full-time equivalent nurse vacancies by mid-2021, representing a 10% vacancy rate. The equivalent figure for doctors is 7%. This new research, commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement, explores the business case for overseas nurse recruitment, quantifying the various costs and how long recruits stay in post.
Source: Nuffield Trust; 2021
 
COVID-19: reflections on its impact on nursing
Abstract: There will come a time when we speak of COVID-19 in the past tense; when it will be subject to retrospective analysis and debate, rather than being something we continue to live through. However, the pandemic’s repercussions will be felt for years to come in society, in healthcare and in nursing. As a profession, there has never been a more important time to demonstrate resilience, to adapt to the changed context of care and to highlight nurses’ skills, knowledge and expertise.
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing 2021; 24(4): 112-113
 
Registered nurses require increased time allocation and improved placement support measures to enhance student nurse placement learning experiences
Abstract: Registered nurses require time to deliver high-quality experiential learning and where possible; this should be reflected in clinical practice workload allocation.
Future research should develop enhanced strategies to improve support provision for registered nurses involved in teaching, supervising, mentoring and assessing nursing students in practice.
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing 2021; 24(4): 138
 
Addressing the practice learning and placement capacity conundrum
Abstract: Placement expansion is a national strategic priority. Meeting the Government's intention of delivering 50 000 extra nurses for the NHS and achieving the growth in placement capacity required for this (Department of Health and Social Care, 2020), against a backdrop of disruption to clinical and education services, and buoyant recruitment to healthcare programmes, can feel a challenge. But it is one that has coincided with a time of significant opportunity.
Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(18): 1093

Nursing Bulletin: Summer 2021

Introducing key papers and publications that focus mainly on the latest news and issues in the nursing profession.

The British Journal of Nursing, Nursing Times, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, Journal of Perioperative Practice and the British Journal of Midwifery are all either available in print within the library or online via your OpenAthens username and password. 

Please click on the links below and enter your OpenAthens username and password to download the full text or contact the library at esth.hirsonlibrary@nhs.net  to request the full text.

Reducing variations in clinical nurse educator roles: a service improvement project standardising roles and career pathways

Abstract: There is limited research evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of clinical nurse educator roles in clinical practice. UK employers tend to use generic nursing job profiles, although the definition, expectations and implementation of nurse educator roles are interpreted differently between employers. This project intended to reduce variation and standardise job titles, job descriptions and job plans for CNEs and identify the academic requirements and professional experience required.

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(12): 747-752.

Team working part 2: Team meetings

Abstract: The author explores the pitfalls of meetings, and how to make the most of them. This series is exploring a number of the very practical aspects of ‘team work’ and one of the most important principles of working together is: team meetings. Take a few moments to recall how many different types of team meetings you have attended over the past month. Almost certainly the one common to all clinical nurses is the daily patient update and handover at the beginning and end of a shift.

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(12): 762.

The effect of mandala colouring on anxiety in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mandala colouring on the anxiety of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The results of this study show that 30 min of mandala colouring daily is an effective strategy for reducing anxiety in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Mandala colouring can complement routine treatment and provides a non-pharmaceutical option for decreasing patient anxiety.

Source: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing 2021; Early view.

Why all nurses play a critical role in population screening

Abstract: Population screening is an important public health initiative that saves thousands of lives each year. Screening services are often poorly understood by non-public health professionals and the public. In addition, because screening programmes help to protect us from developing health issues later down the line, they often do not receive the recognition they deserve for the harm that they prevent.

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(12): 753-755.

Quality improvement project: An online discussion forum for the support of nurse preceptors orienting newly hired nurses

Abstract: Highlights: Online discussion forum developed to support and educate nurse preceptors; A structured learning activity in an online discussion forum promotes deep learning; Nurses involved in online forum felt support and planned to continue to participate.

Source: Nurse Education in Practice 21; 53(103076):https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103076.

It's time to change the way we work

Abstract: Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, reflects on how the pandemic has changed work practices and suggests that refocusing priorities can not only improve staff wellbeing but also productivity and competition.

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(11): 687.

Evaluation of a personal professional mentor scheme for newly qualified nurses

Abstract: Newly qualified nurses are known to experience a range of feelings and fears in the first transitional 12 months post-qualifying, with absence and turnover among potential outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the personal professional mentor role and scheme, a new pastoral support initiative, from the perspective of participating newly qualified nurses.

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2021; 30(11): 672–676.

Flexible rostering in nursing student clinical placements: A qualitative study of student and staff perceptions of the impact on learning and student experience

Abstract: This study explored whether a flexible rostering system for nursing students during their clinical placements enhanced their experience and contributed to a positive learning environment. In England, attrition from nursing programmes is an enduring issue, often related to student experience of clinical placements. Students juggle caring responsibilities, academic assessment and additional part-time jobs to mitigate financial hardship, while they are undertaking the clinical placement aspect.

Source: Nurse Education in Practice 2021; 54: 103096.

Evidence-based strategies to promote vaccine acceptance

Abstract: The success of a vaccination programme depends upon its coverage so that it provides herd immunity. Vaccine hesitancy has the potential to undermine a vaccine programme. Evidence suggests that some strategies are more effective in promoting vaccination uptake. Community nurses should help in the promotion of vaccination uptake using evidence-based interventions and through ‘Making Every Contact Count’.

Source: British Journal of Community Nursing 2021; 26(7): epub

Community specialist practitioner's role in enhancing interprofessional collaboration

Abstract: Communication failures not only fail the patient but also the multidisciplinary team involved in patient care in the community. All nurses are expected to have good communication skills, but advanced skills in coaching, teaching and collaborating are expected of the community specialist practitioner (CSP). The skill of communication is intricate, influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, affecting the ability of both the sender and receiver to understand the messages sent and received. Communication should be tailored to the individual to enhance the dialogue. The CSP is best placed, together with the patient, to align the priorities of each contributor to the patient's health to enhance person-centred care. Enhanced communication skills used in conjunction with emotional intelligence can improve interprofessional collaboration, which, in turn, increases the quality of care.

Source: British Journal of Community Nursing 26(7): epub

Opportunity, support and understanding: the experience of four early trainee nursing associates

Abstract: Aims: This study aimed to capture the lived experience of some of the first trainee nursing associates (TNAs) during the pilot of the role in the January 2017 cohort of TNAs, based at the University of Derby.

Methods: A convenience sampling approach was used to recruit participants to this phenomenological study. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with four participants to capture the experience, as lived by the first cohort of TNAs. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results: Analysis suggests that the participant experience was characterised by six themes, namely: challenges relating to NA training; developing new skills; opportunity; the importance of support; impact of the NA role; and understanding the NA role.

Conclusion: This study adds to our understanding relating to the lived experience of some of the first TNAs taking up training for this role within healthcare, and highlights some of the factors that were most pertinent, according to the lived experience of the trainees themselves. The authors hope that the findings of this study will prove useful for those considering taking up training for the role, or indeed establishments considering implementing the role with their settings.

Source: British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 15(6): epub

The expansion of the HCA role: introducing the ‘doctors' assistant’

Abstract: The role for healthcare assistants (HCAs) is ever-expanding. There are senior healthcare assistant roles, nursing associate roles, roles in phlebotomy or the labs to move across to if preferred, and there is a developing role, being trialled by East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, of the doctors' assistant. It is an exciting development that may interest many HCAs.

Source: British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 15(6): epub

An exploratory study into the teaching of clinical examination skills in advanced practice

Abstract: Clinical examination skills are vital for the accurate assessment and diagnosis of patients. These skills also allow clinicians to differentiate between pathology requiring investigation or treatment and normal anatomy or physiology. This allows clinicians to avoid unnecessary tests and to be able to reassure a patient that their symptoms do not require treatment. However, an incomplete or faulty clinical examination can lead to missed diagnoses and patient harm. Although comprehensive clinical examination skills training is provided in the undergraduate curriculum of medical schools in the UK, little is known in relation to the teaching provided for nurses and allied health professions working in advanced practice roles. This survey sought to explore this phenomenon and uncover clinicians' experiences with regard to being taught a selection of specific clinical examination skills in theory and in practice, those skills being the core system examinations (respiratory, cardiovascular and peripheral vascular, abdominal, central and peripheral nervous systems) and a number of focused examinations (digital rectal and examination, thyroid, breast and genital examination for males and females). The findings demonstrate a concerning variability of educational experiences and a lack of educational coverage of some of the basic clinical examination skills in both theoretical and practical terms. These findings provide an insight into areas of future higher education curricula development as well as workplace mentoring and learning.

Source:  British Journal of Nursing 30(12): epub

Redeployment during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for a clinical research workforce

Abstract: Background: Health professionals are considered a group vulnerable to developing mental health symptoms during a pandemic, with redeployment being a risk factor. However, previous literature suggests workplace communication can be a protective element.

Aims: An audit aimed to evaluate NHS research staff's experiences of redeployment in order to provide suggestions for future improvements in the process.

Methods: A questionnaire was disseminated to all staff in the clinical research directorate of an NHS trust. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings: Over half the redeployed staff experienced perceived negative psychological outcomes. The main reported contributor to this was perceived lack of communication.

Conclusion: Communication needs to be improved in future redeployments. Future research should consider a larger cohort and more input from team members who remained on the pre-COVID-19 studies in order to improve the transition back from redeployment.

Source: British Journal of Nursing 30(12): epub

Relationships between the components of nurse managers’ transformational leadership and organisational learning subprocesses in a hospital ward: A cross-sectional study

Abstract: Aims: To investigate the association between the five components of nurse managers' transformational leadership and each process of organisational learning in a hospital ward.

Background: Elucidating the components of nurse managers' transformational leadership that promote organisational learning is needed.

Methods: In 2018, 591 self-report questionnaires from two hospitals in Japan were analysed, using the measurement scale for Organizational Learning Subprocesses and Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Hierarchical linear modelling was conducted using the wards’ mean scores of five components of transformational leadership and five subprocesses of organisational learning.

Results: None of the transformational leadership components were significantly associated with information acquisition, but all five were significantly positively associated with information distribution and information integration. Only some of the five components showed a significant association with information interpretation and organisational memory.

Conclusion: Transformational leadership may be effective to promote the four organisational learning processes other than information acquisition.

Source: Journal of Nursing Management 2021; 29(4): 672-680

Influence of nurse managers' toxic leadership behaviours on nurse-reported adverse events and quality of care

Abstract: Aim: To assess the impact of toxic leadership behaviours among nurse managers on nurse-reported adverse events and quality of care.

Background: Toxic leadership, a form of ineffective leadership, is increasingly becoming rampant in the field of nursing and has been strongly linked to poor nurse job outcomes including job dissatisfaction, higher stress levels, and increased turnover intention. To date, no studies have been conducted to examine how this type of leadership behaviours affects patient outcomes and care quality.

Methods: A multicentre, cross-sectional study. This study involved a sample of 1,053 registered nurses working in 20 hospitals in the Philippines. Three standardized scales were deployed, including the Toxic Leadership Behaviors of Nurse Managers Scale, the Adverse Patient Events Scale and the single-item quality-of-care-measure.

Results: Overall, nurses (96.2%) appraised the quality of care of their respective units as ‘good to excellent’ and cited complaints from patients and their families as the most commonly reported adverse events. Toxic leadership behaviours in nurse managers were strongly associated with increased nurse-reported adverse events including reports of complaints (β = .619; p < .001) and verbal mistreatment from patients and their families (β = .407; p < .001), patient falls (β = .834; p < .001), health care–associated infections (β = .629; p < .001) and errors in administering medication (β = .708; p < .001) and with decreased quality of care (β = −.216; p < .001).

Conclusion: Nurses who experience working under a nurse manager exhibiting toxic behaviours reported an increased frequency of nurse-reported adverse events and poorer quality of care in the unit.

Source: Journal of Nursing Management 2021; 29(4): 855-863 

Nursing Bulletin: Spring 2020

Welcome to the latest key papers and publications focussing mainly on revalidation and reflection and leadership in the nursing profession.

The British Journal of Nursing, Nursing Times, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, Journal of Perioperative Practice and the British Journal of Midwifery are all either available in print within the library or online via your OpenAthens username and password.

Please click on the links below and enter your OpenAthens username and password to download the full text or contact the library at esth.hirsonlibrary@nhs.net to request the full text.

COVID-19: implications for NHS Staff
Abstract: In light of the emergence in China of COVID-19, the novel corona virus, emeritus professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton discusses the role of the World Health Organization and other public health institutions in responding to potential new global pandemics and deliberates on the role of NHS staff in coping with infectious disease in clinical environments.
Source: British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2020; 14(4): 193–197

Professional socialisation processes help facilitate the transition from student to qualified nurse
Abstract: Socialisation processes are needed to enhance role transition and improve the integration of newly qualified nurses (NQNs). A particular emphasis should be placed on fostering social acceptance. This study provides a theoretical basis on which an intervention could be generated to minimise NQN stress. Future studies investigating stress in NQN should also consider the influence of organisational work factors including staffing levels, skill-mix and workload allocations.
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing 2020; 23(2): 47

Hopelessness, helplessness and resilience: The importance of safeguarding our trainees' mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract: The build-up to our current “pandemic”state has felt like a longtime coming. Social media, and various forms of news media, have made it near impossible to escape discussion of the oncoming storm heading for our National Health Service (NHS). Barely a waking hour passes in which a relative, colleague or friend does not wish to discuss the issue–“you're a doctor. What do you think?” During this time, it is only natural that healthcare staff would enter a state of acute stress.
Source: Nurse Education in Practice 2020; 44: 102780

Minimum Bridging Competencies for General Practice Nurses Transitioning to Community Nursing
Abstract: The competencies will support nurses who are taking up new roles at short notice during the Covid-19 pandemic. The development of the new document has been funded by NHS England and Improvement.
Source: Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI); 2020 [Freely available online]

Supporting others to learn: the role of the HCA
Abstract: "Having previously looked at the key factors that facilitate our own learning let us now consider how healthcare assistants/healthcare support workers (HCAs and HCSWs) can support the learning of others in a clinical setting."
Source: British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2020; 14(5): 240–245

Effectiveness of Lifestyle Health Promotion Interventions for Nurses: A Systematic Review 

Abstract: Interventions targeting diet, body composition, PA, or stress are most likely to have positive outcomes for nurses' health and/or wellbeing. The methodologically strongest evidence (RCTs) is available for body composition and stress. Interventions relying solely on educational approaches are least likely to be effective. Organisational outcomes appear to be more challenging to change with lifestyle intervention, likely requiring more complex solutions including changes to the work environment.
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health 2020; 17(1): 17

Keeping up with coronavirus (COVID-19): what to read
Abstract: Penny Harrison, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at De Montfort University, Leicester, suggests some key reading for nurses during the pandemic.
Source: Gastrointestinal Nursing 2020; 18(4): 75

A time of reflection and ensuring that nurses' voices are heard
Abstract: “As 2019 came to an end, I reflected on where the past year had gone, as I recognised that it is so easy to lose sight of the bigger picture and achievements during the previous 12 months. This is particularly true in today's society, where, due to work pressures, it is sometimes hard to stop, take a moment and appreciate what has been undertaken, and, suddenly, on reflection, one realises that the past year was filled with so many memorable events.”
Source: Journal of Kidney Care 2020; 5(3): 134-136

Personal protective equipment and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract: COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The virus poses specific problems for cardiac nurses, with nurses being at the frontline of healthcare delivery. These issues not only involve treating and caring for cardiac patients with the virus, but also include the need to continue routine cardiac interventions during the pandemic. Many cardiac interventions are invasive, requiring close patient contact. As such, these interventions pose significant infection risks. To mitigate against these risks, cardiac nurses should follow established infection control guidelines and wear personal protective equipment where appropriate. Ongoing research is also demonstrating the usefulness of COVID-19 testing, the results of which will aid in the detection of the virus and enable any self-isolating nurses to return to work, where appropriate.

Source: British Journal of Cardiac Nursing 2020 15(5): 1-7

Redeployment: The work left undone
Abstract: In the two short months since the first case of COVID-19 in the UK, the world of nursing, midwifery and health visiting has changed, leaving a legacy that is likely to have a lasting impact on our professions.
Source: Journal of Health Visiting 2020; 8(5): 218

Leading nursing beyond 2020 – the challenge and the opportunity
Abstract: It is clear leadership remains an issue of concern in health care; however, it is also clear that there is still much to do. This need has also been identified as an international concern with a global independent commission on the education of health professionals for the 21st century concluding high‐quality professional leadership is crucial for progress in improving health and developing effective health systems globally (Frenk et al., 2010). Yet how to achieve such aspirations is less clear.
Source: Journal of Nursing Management 2020; 28: 767-770

Positive spiritual climate supports transformational leadership as means to reduce nursing burnout and intent to leave
Abstract: 

Aim:
To explore the relationship between spiritual climate and transformational leadership, and examine their impact on nurses perceived emotional exhaustion and intentions to quit.
Background:
Transformational leadership is known to have a significant positive effect on work environment and job satisfaction. Additionally, promoting spiritual climate amongst staff can benefit workers by increasing self‐worth. The relationship between the two is unknown.
Methods:
Nurse clinicians from 2 sites in the Jiangsu Province of China completed self‐report questionnaires based on spiritual climate, emotional exhaustion, clinical leadership and Turnover Intention Scales. Mediation analysis was applied to evaluate impact of spiritual climate.
Results:
Perceived positive spirituality amongst nurse clinicians reinforces transformational leadership to reduce emotional exhaustion (indirect effect of −0.089, p < .01). Burnout and intention to leave showed significantly positive correlation with lower levels of perceived spirituality (r = .545, p < .01).
Conclusion:
Transformational leadership in the workplace can reduce nurses' burnout, and a positive spiritual climate increases meaningfulness in their work. This may help in nurse retention.
Implications for Nursing Management:
Health care leaders must look beyond transformational leadership to maintain a positive and supportive clinical climate, and this may involve acknowledgement of nurses' spiritual needs.
Source: Journal of Nursing Management 2020; 28: 804-813

Nurse educators must demonstrate care, competence and integrity to enhance students’ trust in them
Abstract: Implications for practice Student nurses’ trust of nurse educators is dependent on faculty demonstration of care, commitment, competence and professionalism.
Larger-scale studies of factors influencing student nurses’ trust in faculty members—and the impact of trust on outcomes—are required, with utilisation of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. 

Source: Evidence-Based Nursing 2020; 23(2): 46

Nursing Bulletin: Winter 2020

Welcome to the latest key papers and publications focussing mainly on Freedom to Speak and Raising Concerns in the nursing profession.

The British Journal of Nursing, Nursing Times, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, Journal of Perioperative Practice and the British Journal of Midwifery are all either available in print within the library or online via your OpenAthens username and password. 

Please click on the links below and enter your OpenAthens username and password to download the full text or contact the library at esth.hirsonlibrary@nhs.net  to request the full text.

RCN Employment Survey 2019

Abstract: This report presents the findings from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Employment Survey 2019. The research is divided into five domains of working life which all combine to provide a picture of what job quality looks like in nursing today.

Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2019 [Freely available online]

Improving joy at work – electronic self-rostering

Abstract: After realising the highest areas of turnover for nurses and midwives was the intensive care units, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust began a project to reduce turnover by improving joy at work. After hearing from staff that offering flexibility and choice of shifts would improve their work-life balance, the trust introduced an electronic self-rostering system.

Source: NHS Improvement; 2019 [Freely available online]

Health and social care workforce General Election 2019: priorities for the next government

Abstract: here are three key actions that the next government needs to take: 1) To avoid nurse staffing shortages the government will need to expand international recruitment up to 2023/24. 3) Address the financial problems trainee nurses face while studying; 3) The government will need to consider a sector-specific route for international migration that works for social care post-Brexit, and funding towards increasing pay for social care workers.

Source: The Health Foundation; 2019 [Freely available online]

Developing new nursing leaders

Abstract: The author considers initiatives both at home and worldwide to develop the leadership potential of nurses at all levels, and why it matters. A ‘save the date’ has come through from England's Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Ruth May, for her 2020 Summit, which will provide an opportunity to reflect on the vision that she outlined in March 2019

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2019; 28(22): 1499.

Developing a ‘core of steel’: the key attributes of effective practice assessors

Abstract: The Nursing and Midwifery Council has emphasised that its recently introduced standards for student supervision and assessment aim to 'ensure that no one gets onto the register who shouldn't be there'. A key element in achieving this is the new practice assessor role, implemented to bolster practical assessment processes. This study aimed to identify the key personal characteristics of robust practice assessors who are prepared to fail underperforming students.

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2019; 28(22): 1478-1484.

Feeling financially squeezed

Abstract: In 2017 the bursary for student nurses in England was removed in an effort by the Government to reduce the cap on places and boost recruitment to undergraduate nursing programmes. Under this new model the savings from the bursary and cost of living loans would be directed into healthcare delivery and, with funding no longer a limitation to the number of places available, it was predicted that recruitment would increase by 10 000 student nurses by 2020 (Health Education England (HEE), 2016).

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2019; 28(22): 1440.

In praise of nursing associates

Abstract: I have a confession—I am in favour of the nursing associate role. I can say this with some knowledge and experience, having been fully immersed in the development of the role as part of a first-wave test site, supporting our ‘legacy’ cohort to graduation and Nursing and Midwifery Council registration in January 2019.

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2020; 29(1): 6.

The lady with the lamp or the lady with the pie chart?

Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. The year-long celebration of our professions was acknowledged as important by the WHO, given the critical role that the nursing and midwifery profession plays in supporting the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals and the ambition for universal healthcare coverage. The timings for these celebrations also coincide with the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.

Source: British Journal of Nursing 2020; 29(1): 58-59.

Nursing and midwifery e-rostering: a good practice guide

Abstract: Revised guidance will enable trusts to achieve the Carter recommendations by easily identifying areas of improvement in e-rostering practices. The benefit this brings is that the right staff with the right skills will be in the right place at the right time, so patients receive the care they need, and trusts can better manage their workforce and financial efficiency.

Source: NHS Improvement; 2020 [Freely available online]

Gender and Nursing as a Profession: Valuing nurses and paying them their worth

Abstract: This report explores and critiques the gendered construction of value within the nursing profession and evaluates how value is attributed to nursing, the value placed on individuals and the status of the profession.

Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2020 [Freely available online]

Working towards the trans-inclusive workforce

Abstract: Key points; If unsure about a person's preferred personal pronoun, ask the person politely how it is that they wish to be known; Human rights apply to all of us. All staff, including transgender people, have the right to equal treatment and protection from discrimination; Our NHS will not tolerate discrimination, victimisation or harassment on the basis of a person's gender identity, gender expression or trans status.

Source: British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2020; 14(1): 31-35.

Staffing for Safe and Effective Care in the UK 2019 report: Reviewing the progress of health and care systems against our principles

Abstract: This report provides an overview of progress made against the safe staffing campaign principles during 2019. It includes country-specific updates as well as a look ahead to priorities during 2020.

Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2020 [Freely available online]

Living in the Red: The cost of living crisis for London’s nursing workforce

Abstract: This report investigates how London’s cost of living impacts on nursing staff working in the capital. It showed that London’s high cost of living is forcing nursing staff out of the capital due to high accommodation and travel costs. Our members told us they feel less financially secure compared to 12 months ago and 57% said they are considering or planning to leave London in the next five years - up 17% from 2016. We have set out three recommendations to help address the problem.

Source:  Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2020 [Freely available online]

The matron’s handbook: For aspiring and experienced matrons

Abstract: This handbook is a practical guide for those who aspire to be a matron, those who are already in post, and for organisations that want to support this important role. It can be used to prepare ward, department and service leaders for the matron's role, and to support newly appointed matrons.

Source: NHS Improvement; 2020 [Freely available online]

Nurse managers' perceptions of the competence of newly graduated nurses: A scoping review

Abstract: Nurse managers recruiting staff are responsible for employing competent nurses to ensure quality care and professional standards. Knowledge of managers' perceptions about the competence of NGNs is needed to understand the expectations of the health care system towards future professionals.

A scoping review was conducted.

Source: Journal of Nursing Management; 28(1): 4-16.

Experiences and outcomes of nurses referred to a peer health assistance program: Recommendations for nursing management

Abstract: To provide recommendations for nursing management based on the experiences of current and former nurses who were served by a peer health assistance program (PHAP).

Source: Journal of Nursing Management; 28(1): 35-42

Registered nurses' perceptions towards advanced practice nursing: A nationwide cross‐sectional study

Abstract: To explore registered nurses' perceptions towards the role of advanced practice nurses and to examine registered nurses' interests in becoming advanced practice nurses.

Source: Journal of Nursing Management; 28(1): 82-93

The influence of organizational culture, climate and commitment on speaking up about medical errors

Abstract: Speaking up about medical errors is an essential behaviour for nurses in pursuit of their goal of maintaining patient safety. This study was designed to understand how a hospital's culture and climate can impact a nurse's active behaviour in this important health care activity.

Source: Journal of Nursing Management; 28(1): 130-138

Workplace bullying among nurses and organizational response: An online cross‐sectional study

Abstract: To examine prevalence of bullying among nurses and explore associations of organizational betrayal and support with well‐being among nurses exposed to bullying.

Source: Journal of Nursing Management; 28(1): 148-156

Under scrutiny: the role of the nursing associate

Abstract: From January 2019, nursing associates have been able to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Just over a year on, Helena Frankova examines the role and what the Care Quality Commission will evaluate during an inspection.

Source: Nursing and Residential Care; 22(2):

Turning your assignment into an article for British Journal of Nursing

Abstract: Writing for academic journals can be highly competitive. Your assignment or essay that has been considered publishable may well be of interest to British Journal of Nursing (BJN). Writing for BJN is different to writing as part of a course, where you would have been required to demonstrate to the marker that you had met all of the learning outcomes. For BJN you need to be able to sum your work up in such a way that it captures the interest of our readers.

This discussion presents a practical approach, a guide to converting a piece of work written as a course requirement—an assignment—into a clinical article that may be suitable for publication in BJN.

Source: British Journal of Nursing; 29(3):