Scholarly pursuit in the clinical setting: an obligation of professional nursing

Evaluation of return to practice: the views of nurse returnees from three NHS Hospital Trusts

AIM

Exploration of the views and experiences of returnees on a Return to Practice programme based in three NHS Hospital Trusts.

BACKGROUND

In the light of nursing shortages in Britain, there is an ongoing need to encourage nurses to re-enter the profession through Return to Practice programmes. In order to maximize returnees' participation in the nursing workforce; however, evaluation of the effectiveness of Return to Practice programmes is necessary.

METHOD

17 returnees were recruited to the study completing self-report questionnaires at programme commencement and participating in focus group discussions on programme completion.

FINDINGS

Three key issues emerged from the data: the varied personal circumstances and professional histories of returnees; the challenge of providing adequate support in practice that reflected returnees' individual needs and aspirations and the importance of flexible employment opportunities to meet returnees' expectations of an appropriate work life balance.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important that any schemes to attract nurses back to the profession are targeted at their specific needs.

Actualizing Scholarship in Senior Baccalaureate Nursing Students

Nursing scholarship is difficult to define and often equated with either research and publication in academia or academic achievement of students, but the definition has recently been broadened to include clinical scholarship. This article emphasizes the connections between the theory of nursing scholarship and its application to advanced clinical practice for senior baccalaureate nursing students. Strategies used to enhance students' ability to operationalize scholarship include reflective journals, development of an abstract and professional paper, and presentation of a paper or poster at the student-led Nursing Scholarship Forum. The Forum is evaluated as a learning activity that helps students actualize scholarship. The results of the evaluation indicate this type of scholarly activity enhances nursing students' transition into the professional practice role.

Nurses' views about returning to practice after a career break

Shortages in nursing staff have led to recruitment campaigns targeting nurses who have left the profession. The present study explored reasons why career-break nurses decide for or against a return to practice, as well as perceptions of nursing following return. Semistructured interview were conducted with 24 nurses who had returned recently to the profession and 28 nurses on a "career break". Findings revealed that those who returned did so when their personal circumstances allowed, and half returned as bank nurses in order to work flexible, family-friendly hours. Some non-returners reported that they could not afford to return because of childcare costs. Although still a caring one, the nurse's role is seen by returners as becoming increasingly technologically and administratively demanding. Flexibility with regard to working practices, increased salaries and demonstrating that it values its staff, were highlighted by interviewees generally as priority issues for the NHS if it wishes to recruit career-break nurses.

Revitalizing a departmental committee

Committees are vital and as such should be evaluated regularly for congruence with organizational mission and contribution to outcomes. The authors present an approach to revitalizing a committee, using the nursing education committee as an exemplar. Phases used in achieving this revitalization are: evaluating the congruence of the existing committee with the organizational strategic plan, addressing gaps between existing committee functions and the organizational plan, soliciting support for the new committee direction, and evaluating the new committee direction.

Determining the National Flight Nurses Association's research priorities

INTRODUCTION

Increased federal attention to nursing research has prompted professional nursing organizations to develop research programs identifying areas of scientific knowledge most needed for professional and clinical practice. The study purpose was to identify the National Flight Nurses Association's (NFNA's) research priorities.

METHODS

A two-round Delphi technique was used, with systematic surveys in Round I mailed to 500 NFNA members. Responses from 127 members were coded to form the Round II survey that was completed by members at the NFNA meeting in St. Louis in October 1993.

RESULTS

According to frequency scores, issues of highest priority relate to specialty and nonspecialty team, crew configurations, clinical indications for transport, airway management, educational preparation and continuing education.

CONCLUSION

Identified priorities support development of research studies and programs that lead to increased knowledge, facilitate collaborative studies and also provide a basis for research funding.

Research utilization: an overview

Nursing practice needs to be research based, not only to provide the best possible care to patients but also to ensure that nursing as a profession continues to grow. Criteria to help nurses determine how and when to implement research-based practice changes are presented. Forces that facilitate research utilization are discussed, as are barriers to research utilization. Areas of research that are ready to be implemented in women's health, obstetric, and neonatal nursing are presented.