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Simulated Practice Learning Experience in a Virtual Environment: An Innovative Pedagogical Approach to Practice Learning for Nursing Students
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Nursing Students’ Perceptions and Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Education
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Nursing Staff and Family Members’ Appraisal of Resident Care in Nursing Homes: The Role of Facility Ownership
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Development and Evaluation of an AI-Assisted Answer Assessment (4A) for Cognitive Assessments in Nursing Education
Journal Description
Nursing Reports
Nursing Reports
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on nursing sciences published monthly online by MDPI (from Volume 10 Issue 1 - 2020).
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), PMC, PubMed, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 37.1 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Nursing) / CiteScore - Q2 (General Nursing)
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Impact Factor:
2.4 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.3 (2023)
Latest Articles
Cognitive Stimulation and Its Effects on Well-Being, Executive Functions, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Adults from a Mexican Geriatric Center: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050151 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025
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Background/Objectives: The progressive increase in the aging population highlights the need for interventions aimed at preserving cognitive health and overall well-being in older adults. This study aimed to assess the impact of a structured cognitive training program on psychological well-being, executive function performance,
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Background/Objectives: The progressive increase in the aging population highlights the need for interventions aimed at preserving cognitive health and overall well-being in older adults. This study aimed to assess the impact of a structured cognitive training program on psychological well-being, executive function performance, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor levels (BDNF) in older adults from a Mexican geriatric center. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a nonequivalent control group was conducted. Thirty-two older adults were assigned either to a cognitive stimulation intervention group or a control group. The intervention consisted of 120 individually structured sessions, each lasting approximately 60 min, delivered five times per week over 24 weeks. Independent neuropsychologists, blinded to group allocation, assessed executive function (BANFE-3), depressive symptoms (Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale), autonomy in daily living (Barthel Index), and quality of life (WHOQOL-OLD) before and after the intervention. Serum BDNF levels were also measured. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in executive function, depressive symptoms, independence in daily activities, and quality of life, while the control group showed no changes. Additionally, the intervention group showed an increase in BDNF expression post-intervention. Conclusions: The cognitive stimulation program effectively improved cognitive performance, emotional well-being, autonomy, and quality of life in older adults. These findings highlight the importance of integrating structured cognitive stimulation into geriatric care. For nursing practice, this underscores the key role nurses can play in delivering cognitive interventions to promote cognitive health, independence, and emotional stability among institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults.
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Open AccessArticle
An Indispensable Requirement for Medical Dosage Calculation: Basic Mathematical Skills of Baccalaureate Nursing Students
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Belal Mahmoud Hijji
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050150 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: While drug dosage calculation is vital in nursing, research indicates nursing students often struggle with necessary mathematics competencies, a gap not previously explored in the Arab world. This study assessed the basic mathematical skills of baccalaureate nursing students in a branch
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Background/Objectives: While drug dosage calculation is vital in nursing, research indicates nursing students often struggle with necessary mathematics competencies, a gap not previously explored in the Arab world. This study assessed the basic mathematical skills of baccalaureate nursing students in a branch of a Saudi Arabian public university and compared the findings with studies conducted in other countries, which have consistently reported better performance. By highlighting these disparities, this study underscored the need for global educational reforms to ensure safe nursing practices. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Three hundred and thirty students were invited; consenting students completed a mathematics experts-validated 45-question test covering four key areas: numbers and operations, data interpretation, measurement, and algebraic applications. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to detect differences in scores based on gender. An independent-samples Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted to compare the three student groups simultaneously. As this test was statistically significant, post hoc pairwise comparisons were performed to assess differences in scores between the first and second, first and third, and second and third levels of study. Results: A response rate of 40.6% was achieved. Scores ranged from 3 to 58 (median: 18, 27%), with only 2% passing (≥60%). Significant differences in scores were found between genders (p = 0.037) and across study levels (p = 0.002). Overall, 25 (56%) items were difficult, while 20 (44%) were moderately difficult. Conclusions: The low median score underscored a critical need for interventions to improve mathematical competencies in nursing students, affecting medication safety in healthcare systems.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Integrated Health Services across Different Levels: Worldwide Experiences)
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Comparing the Application Effects of Immersive and Non-Immersive Virtual Reality in Nursing Education: The Influence of Presence and Flow
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Choon-Hoon Hii and Cheng-Chia Yang
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050149 - 29 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: This study extends the theoretical framework based on the Cognitive–Affective Model of Immersive Learning (CAMIL) by incorporating flow state and cognitive absorption to investigate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in nursing education. Methods: A randomized experimental design was adopted. A total
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Background: This study extends the theoretical framework based on the Cognitive–Affective Model of Immersive Learning (CAMIL) by incorporating flow state and cognitive absorption to investigate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in nursing education. Methods: A randomized experimental design was adopted. A total of 209 students from three nursing assistant training centers in Taiwan were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either immersive virtual reality (IVR) or Desktop VR groups for nasogastric tube feeding training. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: The results revealed that immersion, curiosity, and control significantly impacted presence, which, in turn, positively influenced the flow state (β = 0.81, p < 0.001). Flow demonstrated positive effects on intrinsic motivation (β = 0.739, p < 0.001), situational interest (β = 0.742, p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (β = 0.658, p < 0.001) while negatively affecting extraneous cognitive load (β = −0.54, p < 0.001). Multigroup analysis showed that IVR had a stronger control–presence effect (|diff| = 0.337, p = 0.016), and flow had a great effect on motivation (|diff| = 0.251, p = 0.01), interest (|diff| = 0.174, p = 0.035), and self-efficacy (|diff| = 0.248, p = 0.015). Desktop VR more effectively reduced cognitive load (|diff| = 0.217, p = 0.041). Conclusions: These findings provide theoretical insights into the role of flow in VR learning and practical guidance for implementing VR technology in nursing education.
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Open AccessArticle
Perception of the Rural Community Regarding the Role of Nursing Professionals: A Study in the High Andean Regions of Peru
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Nelly Martha Rocha Zapana, Elsa Gabriela Maquera Bernedo, William Harold Mamani Zapana, Angela Rosario Esteves Villanueva and Nury Gloria Ramos Calisaya
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050148 - 29 Apr 2025
Abstract
Access to healthcare services in rural areas of Peru remains a challenge, with marked differences compared to urban areas. Despite the importance of primary healthcare (PHC) in these communities, the rural population has a negative perception of the role of nursing staff. This
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Access to healthcare services in rural areas of Peru remains a challenge, with marked differences compared to urban areas. Despite the importance of primary healthcare (PHC) in these communities, the rural population has a negative perception of the role of nursing staff. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of residents in the highland communities of Huata and Ichu, Province of Puno, located in southern Peru, regarding the role of nursing professionals. The general perception of the residents was first analyzed, followed by an evaluation of two dimensions (Fieldwork and Health Education), which allowed for the development of the REFCO (Role of the Nursing professional in the community) scale. The sample included 329 rural adults, mainly between 30 and 59, predominantly female, with incomplete secondary education. The results showed an unfavorable perception (54%) of nursing staff performance. The fieldwork dimension reported low visibility of nursing activities in the community, such as home visits and health programs. The second dimension demonstrated that educational interventions were perceived as infrequent and of low impact, with insufficient adaptation to local needs. These results highlight the need to strengthen the presence and educational strategies of nursing staff in alignment with the cultural and demographic realities of rural communities. Furthermore, it suggests a greater need for interinstitutional collaboration and a more personalized approach to community activities to improve the perception and effectiveness of healthcare services in these areas.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Evidence-Based Practice and Personalized Care)
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Open AccessArticle
Association Between Nursing Diagnoses and Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
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José Ángel Hernández-Mariano, Olivia Mendoza-Macario, María del Carmen Velázquez-Núñez, María del Carmen Cedillo-Ordaz, Blanca Estela Cervantes-Guzmán, Dulce Milagros Razo-Blanco-Hernández, Erick Alberto Landeros-Olvera, Fani Villa-Rivas, Rocío Castillo-Díaz and Guillermo Cano-Verdugo
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050147 - 28 Apr 2025
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Previous studies suggest that nursing diagnoses (NDs) could predict clinical outcomes, such as mortality, among patients with non-communicable diseases. However, evidence in patients with COVID-19 is still scarce. Objective: To evaluate the association between NDs and COVID-19 mortality among hospitalized patients. Methods: A
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Previous studies suggest that nursing diagnoses (NDs) could predict clinical outcomes, such as mortality, among patients with non-communicable diseases. However, evidence in patients with COVID-19 is still scarce. Objective: To evaluate the association between NDs and COVID-19 mortality among hospitalized patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 498 paper clinical records of patients hospitalized for at least 72 h in the internal medicine unit for COVID-19 from June to December 2020. The interest association was assessed using logistic regression models. Results: NDs focused on COVID-19 pulmonary responses, such as impaired gas exchange (OR = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.87, 4.95), impaired spontaneous ventilation (OR = 3.67; 95% CI = 2.17, 6.21), or ineffective airway clearance (OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.48, 4.12), were significant predictors of mortality. NDs on COVID-19 extrapulmonary responses, such as risk for unstable blood glucose level (OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.45, 4,15), risk for impaired liver function (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.11, 3.63), hyperthermia (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.29, 3.35), decreased cardiac output (OR = 2.95; 95% CI = 1.42, 6.11), or risk for shock (OR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.28, 7.13), were associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. Conversely, patients with NDs of fear (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.35, 0.89) and anxiety (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.26, 0.77) had a lower risk of death. Conclusions: NDs on pulmonary and extrapulmonary responses to COVID-19 were associated with in-hospital mortality, suggesting that they are indicators of the severity of these patients. Therefore, NDs may help nursing staff identify individuals who require closer monitoring and guide early interventions for their recovery.
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Development of the Nursing Nutritional Care Behaviors Scale (B-NNC) in Italian and Psychometric Validation of Its German Translation in Austria
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Rosario Caruso, Loris Bonetti, Silvia Belloni, Cristina Arrigoni, Arianna Magon, Gianluca Conte, Valentina Tommasi, Silvia Cilluffo, Maura Lusignani, Stefano Terzoni and Silvia Bauer
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050146 - 28 Apr 2025
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Background/Objectives: Malnutrition among older adults remains a significant healthcare issue, yet existing questionnaires primarily measure knowledge and attitudes rather than actual behaviors. This study aimed to develop the Nursing Nutritional Care Behaviors Scale (B-NNC Scale) in its original Italian version, translate it
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Background/Objectives: Malnutrition among older adults remains a significant healthcare issue, yet existing questionnaires primarily measure knowledge and attitudes rather than actual behaviors. This study aimed to develop the Nursing Nutritional Care Behaviors Scale (B-NNC Scale) in its original Italian version, translate it into German, and evaluate its psychometric properties in registered nurses and nurse assistants in Austria. Methods: This study followed a two-phase, multi-method design. In Phase 1 (Development Phase), the scale was developed in Italian through a scoping review, expert focus group, and content validation involving 18 clinical nutrition experts using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR). In Phase 2 (Validation Phase), the scale was translated into German through a cross-cultural adaptation process, pilot-tested, and psychometrically validated in a sample of 1072 nurses and nurse assistants working in Austrian hospitals across various clinical settings. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were performed to assess construct validity, measurement invariance between professional roles was tested, and internal consistency was measured using McDonald’s Omega. Results: Content validity was confirmed with a mean CVR of 0.634. EFA suggested a three-factor solution—(1) Nutritional Assessment and Calculation Skills, (2) Nutritional Evaluation and Care Planning, and (3) Nutritional Support and Care Implementation—leading to the retention of 19 items. CFA supported this structure, and McDonald’s Omega indicated high internal consistency across subgroups. Partial measurement invariance revealed some differences in response patterns between registered nurses and nurse assistants. Conclusions: The B-NNC Scale demonstrated robust validity and reliability in measuring self-reported nursing behaviors related to nutritional care in older adults. It addresses a notable gap in existing instruments and may serve as a valuable tool for research and practice to improve malnutrition management.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nursing Care for Older People)
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Effect of a Living–Learning Community on Nursing Student Outcomes—A Prospective Cohort Study
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Mary Bennett, Melissa Travelsted, Vickie Shoumake and Matthew Atkinson
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050144 - 28 Apr 2025
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Background/Objectives: Prior studies have shown that most students seeking entry into a nursing program (also known as pre-nursing students) do not make it into the nursing profession, mostly due to failing one or more science courses in their first year of college. These
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Background/Objectives: Prior studies have shown that most students seeking entry into a nursing program (also known as pre-nursing students) do not make it into the nursing profession, mostly due to failing one or more science courses in their first year of college. These students give up on nursing, dropping out of college or changing to a less challenging major. Objectives: We aimed to determine the effect of a living learning community (LLC) on the retention and success of students seeking entry into a Baccalaureate Science Nursing (BSN) program. Methods: The aim of this descriptive, prospective cohort project was to improve student retention and success by creating a living–learning community (LLC) for first-year students preparing to apply to a BSN program. The effectiveness of this intervention was determined by comparing retention and success for those in the LLC with those who were not in the LLC over a period of 4 years. Results: Fewer students in the LLC dropped out of or failed college (21% vs. 33%), fewer changed majors (24% vs. 27%), and more were ultimately admitted to the BSN program (42% vs. 36%) during their 3rd year of college. Of those not admitted within the study’s timeframe, there were more students still preparing to apply to a BSN program than those not in the LLC (13% vs. 3%). Regarding minority outcomes, fewer LLC underrepresented minority (URM) students dropped out of college or failed (29% vs. 43%), but more of them changed majors and remained in college, working towards a college degree in another field of study (43% vs. 29%). There was no apparent effect of participation in the LLC program on minority student nursing program admission success. An equal percentage (29%) of minority students from the LLC group and the non-LLC group were admitted to the BSN program during this study. Conclusions: The limitations affecting this study include the prohibition of large face-to-face gatherings during the initial part of this study and the lingering effects of the pandemic and infection control efforts on student learning outcomes. As reported in prior research, first-year nursing students have a high risk of failing or dropping out of college. However, the students who were able to participate in the LLC demonstrated better student outcomes than those who did not, resulting in more students who were able to move towards their goal of becoming a nurse.
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The Development and Testing of an Assessment Scale for Insufficiencies in Family Resilience
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Naohiro Hohashi and Natsumi Kijima
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050145 - 27 Apr 2025
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Background and purpose: When a family becomes aware of family symptoms, family resilience is defined as its power to autonomously and actively improve its own family functions. A quantitative assessment of family resilience is essential in the practice of family nursing. The purpose
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Background and purpose: When a family becomes aware of family symptoms, family resilience is defined as its power to autonomously and actively improve its own family functions. A quantitative assessment of family resilience is essential in the practice of family nursing. The purpose of this study was to develop a self-assessment scale for family resilience based on the theoretical foundation of the Concentric Sphere Family Environment Theory (CSFET), and to examine the scale’s reliability and validity. Methods: Based on 23 categories obtained from previous studies clarifying family conditions demonstrating family resilience, the Assessment Scale for Insufficiencies in Family Resilience (IFR), consisting of 21 items, was developed through content validity examinations by an expert committee and through face validity examinations for family members. The reliability and validity of the IFR were examined for families with children or with family members requiring care. Results: Temporal stability over a 2-week interval, which was assessed in 26 subjects, was supported by a high and significant correlation coefficient. The following statistical analysis was performed based on the responses of 206 subjects. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient showed high internal consistency reliability. The total IFR score showed a moderately significant correlation with the family function score and the family support demands score, demonstrating acceptable criterion-related validity. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the fit of a five-factor model based on the five systems of CSFET, and construct validity was supported. Conclusions: The reliability and validity of the IFR, which is composed of five factors and 21 items based on the CSFET, were confirmed, making the IFR a viable self-assessment scale for determining the level of family resilience.
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High Amount of Physical Activity on Work Days Is Associated with More Intense Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Nurses: Seven-Day Observational Study
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Sarah Luna, David Douphrate, Byeong Yeob Choi, Bertha Flores, Rupal Patel and Lisa Pompeii
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050143 - 27 Apr 2025
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Background: Musculoskeletal problems contribute to nurse attrition, which compromises patient safety and costs healthcare organizations millions of dollars. Recent research describes a physical activity paradox in which high amounts of work-related physical activity may be detrimental to health; however, there is a lack
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Background: Musculoskeletal problems contribute to nurse attrition, which compromises patient safety and costs healthcare organizations millions of dollars. Recent research describes a physical activity paradox in which high amounts of work-related physical activity may be detrimental to health; however, there is a lack of evidence on the physical activity paradox with respect to musculoskeletal health in nurses. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) and high amounts of physical activity at work in nurses. Methods: This was a 7-day observational design using direct measurement of physical activity and self-reported MSSs in nurses. Physical activity was measured in step counts using a wearable accelerometer and MSSs were reported using ecological momentary assessment. Step counts and MSSs were compared between work days and days off, and a regression model analyzed the combined effect of physical activity and work days on MSSs while controlling for age, exercise, and body mass index. Results: Musculoskeletal symptoms and step counts were significantly higher on work days compared to days off. Higher step counts on work days resulted in significantly higher expected MSS ratings than the same number of steps taken on a day off. Conclusions: This study supports the existence of a physical activity paradox in nurses with respect to MSSs. Understanding this paradox in the nursing workforce can translate to interventions that reduce the detrimental health effects of high levels of physical activity at work, which can minimize nurse attrition, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs in healthcare organizations.
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Open AccessCommunication
Propensity Score Matching: Identifying Opportunities for Future Use in Nursing Studies
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Helena Blažun Vošner, Peter Kokol and Jernej Završnik
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050142 - 27 Apr 2025
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Background: The frequency of propensity score matching (PSM) use in research is exponentially increasing; however, its use in nursing has not yet been explored and is possibly underused. Methods: Synthetic knowledge synthesis has been used on two corpora of publications from the Web
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Background: The frequency of propensity score matching (PSM) use in research is exponentially increasing; however, its use in nursing has not yet been explored and is possibly underused. Methods: Synthetic knowledge synthesis has been used on two corpora of publications from the Web of Science bibliographic database for the following purposes: first, to identify the content of the current nursing PSM studies; second, to identify the content of nursing observational, retrospective, or other quasi-experimental studies; and finally, based on the above analyses, to explore new possibilities for further use of PSM in nursing. Findings: The use of PSM in nursing is very sparse, but the number and content of observational, retrospective, and similar nursing research is increasing and becoming more extensive. Ten prolific themes in observational nursing studies were identified. Based on these studies, several influential studies in which PSM has already been successfully used in comparable healthcare topics have been selected as opportunities for extended PSM use in nursing. Conclusions: As shown in the healthcare disciplines, the extended use of PSM in nursing research might make nursing research more consistent, relevant, internally and externally valid, and consequently more useful in clinical practice and research.
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Open AccessStudy Protocol
The CHANT’s Conceptual and Psychometric Validity in Switzerland: A Descriptive Three-Round Multicentre e-Delphi Study
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Omar Portela Dos Santos, Paulo Jorge Pereira Alves and Henk Verloo
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050141 - 26 Apr 2025
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To effectively mitigate the health impacts of climate change, future nurses must be equipped with the requisite knowledge and competencies. Knowing their levels of eco-literacy would help to make them more effective. Background/Objectives: This descriptive study will use a three-round, multicentre, modified
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To effectively mitigate the health impacts of climate change, future nurses must be equipped with the requisite knowledge and competencies. Knowing their levels of eco-literacy would help to make them more effective. Background/Objectives: This descriptive study will use a three-round, multicentre, modified e-Delphi survey to establish an expert panel’s consensus on the Climate, Health, and Nursing Tool’s (CHANT) item-level and scale-level content validity indices. It will also examine potential associations between the expert panel members’ sociodemographic and professional characteristics and their content validity index assessments of the CHANT. Methods: The study will be conducted in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland, running its three-round e-Delphi survey between January and April 2025. After each round, the CHANT’s overall scale-level and individual item-level content validity indices will be computed. Comparisons between different types of healthcare professionals’ profiles will also be conducted. Results: The three-round modified e-Delphi survey should allow the expert panel to reach a consensus on the CHANT’s overall content validity index. The tool should then be considered suitable for pilot testing. The first round brought together 16 experts from different regions, namely French-speaking Switzerland, France, and Belgium. Conclusions: To ensure that the nursing discipline is well positioned to meet future challenges, the development of eco-literacy must be integrated into nursing education. Ensuring the CHANT’s conceptual and psychometric validity will be essential in strengthening nursing competencies in and knowledge about planetary health and in implementing future educational interventions.
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The Impact of Person-Centered Care Indicators on Care Strain Among Care Aides in Long-Term Care Homes in New Brunswick: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Patricia Morris, Jennifer Moore, Rose McCloskey and Karen Furlong
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050140 - 26 Apr 2025
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Background: Person-centered care (PCC) approaches are widely recognized for improving the quality of life of residents living with dementia in long-term care (LTC). However, residents are only one part of the care dyad, and it remains unclear whether PCC also impacts nursing care
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Background: Person-centered care (PCC) approaches are widely recognized for improving the quality of life of residents living with dementia in long-term care (LTC). However, residents are only one part of the care dyad, and it remains unclear whether PCC also impacts nursing care aides in similarly adventitious ways. Care aides in this context experience significant care strain, which refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological burden experienced by caregivers. While PCC approaches are promoted as the best approach for supporting residents living with dementia, there is limited research on whether their implementation also impacts care aides. This study examined potential associations between organization-level PCC indicators and care strain among nursing care aides who work with residents living with dementia in LTC homes in New Brunswick, Canada. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to explore the relationship between PCC approaches and care strain. Care strain was measured using the strain in dementia care scale, including the daily emotions subscale. A modified version of the Dementia Policy Questionnaire assessed the extent to which PCC approaches were implemented in participants’ workplaces. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample, and multivariable regression analyses examined associations between PCC indicators and care strain, adjusting for demographic factors. Results: Twenty-eight participants completed both measures. Overall, participants reported high levels of care strain but also high levels of positive daily emotions. Findings partially supported the hypothesis that PCC indicators were associated with lower care strain and more positive daily emotions. Certain PCC indicators, such as structured education and ethical support, appeared particularly beneficial. Implications for Practice: Strengthening PCC practices—especially through hands-on training and ethical support—may help reduce care strain and enhance care aides’ emotional well-being. LTC facilities that prioritize these strategies over policy implementation alone may improve both staff well-being and quality of care for residents.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nursing Care for Older People)
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Self-Care in Palliative Healthcare Professionals: A Qualitative Study
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Andrea Bovero, Maria Federica Spada, Alessandra Loreta Cito, Alexa Victoria Pidinchedda, Chiara Tosi and Sara Carletto
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050139 - 25 Apr 2025
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Background/Objectives: Self-care strategies enhance well-being and facilitate coping with emotional distress, particularly for palliative care professionals dealing with end-of-life issues. This study aimed to explore self-care practices among healthcare professionals working in palliative care settings by analyzing their perceptions and reflections. Methods
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Background/Objectives: Self-care strategies enhance well-being and facilitate coping with emotional distress, particularly for palliative care professionals dealing with end-of-life issues. This study aimed to explore self-care practices among healthcare professionals working in palliative care settings by analyzing their perceptions and reflections. Methods: A total of 36 palliative care professionals participated in one of four focus group discussions on the topic of self-care. The discussions were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants identified several self-care strategies as the most effective and the most frequently used, including lifestyle and emotional coping techniques. The meaning of self-care and its functions were delineated. Participants also identified factors that either facilitate or hinder self-care and discussed its impact on team well-being. Not all participants had received professional self-care training, and some struggled to identify their own strategies. However, participation in the focus group discussions was perceived as beneficial for improving work dynamics, group cohesion, communication, and freedom of expression. Conclusions: The positive feedback from the focus groups suggests that they are a valuable tool for fostering further discussions on self-care. The study recommends increasing the implementation of self-care strategies and professional training to enhance the well-being of palliative care professionals, their teams, and the patients they care for.
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Open AccessArticle
Satisfaction and Self-Confidence of Moroccan Nursing Students in Simulation-Based Learning and Their Associations with Simulation Design Characteristics and Educational Practices
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Hicham Blaak, Abdelmajid Lkoul, Hayat Iziki, Abdelhadi El Haddaouy, Ahmed Kharabch, Rachid Razine, Lahcen Belyamani and Majdouline Obtel
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050138 - 25 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: Nursing students must be able to enter clinical practice as safe, accurate, competent, and compassionate professionals. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of simulation training on the satisfaction and self-confidence of undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A
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Background: Nursing students must be able to enter clinical practice as safe, accurate, competent, and compassionate professionals. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of simulation training on the satisfaction and self-confidence of undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted among 151 students enrolled in the third semester of nursing. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising three instruments: SSSCL, SDS, and EPQ. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between satisfaction and self-confidence. Multiple linear regression was conducted to assess the influence of simulation design and various educational practices on students’ satisfaction and self-confidence. Results: The results revealed high mean scores for satisfaction (4.41 ± 0.40) and self-confidence (4.50 ± 0.36). A moderate, significant positive correlation was found between self-confidence and satisfaction (r = 0.579, p < 0.001). Furthermore, various learning methods (B = 0.112, p = 0.037, 95% CI [0.007; 0.217]) and objectives/information clarity (B = 0.175, p = 0.040, 95% CI [0.008; 0.342]) had a significant positive effect on satisfaction. Similarly, active learning (B = 0.146, p = 0.020, 95% CI [0.023; 0.268]) and feedback (B = 0.154, p = 0.035, 95% CI [0.011; 0.297]) had a significant positive effect on self-confidence. Conclusions: This study confirms that simulation-based training effectively boosts nursing students’ satisfaction and self-confidence, supporting its integration as a key component of nursing education to better prepare them for clinical challenges.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breakthroughs in Nursing: Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Mixed Reality in Undergraduate Nursing Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Benefits and Challenges
by
Laura Guillen-Aguinaga, Esperanza Rayón-Valpuesta, Sara Guillen-Aguinaga, Blanca Rodriguez-Diaz, Rocio Montejo, Rosa Alas-Brun, Enrique Aguinaga-Ontoso, Luc Onambele, Miriam Guillen-Aguinaga, Francisco Guillen-Grima and Ines Aguinaga-Ontoso
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050137 - 22 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: Nursing Schools are incorporating Mixed Reality (MR) into student training to enable them to confront challenging or infrequently encountered scenarios in their practice and ensure their preparedness. This systematic review evaluates the benefits and challenges of implementing MR in nursing curricula. Materials
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Background: Nursing Schools are incorporating Mixed Reality (MR) into student training to enable them to confront challenging or infrequently encountered scenarios in their practice and ensure their preparedness. This systematic review evaluates the benefits and challenges of implementing MR in nursing curricula. Materials and Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed, WOS, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published between 2011 and 2023. The search strategy used was “(nurses OR nurse OR nursing) AND mixed reality AND simulation”. Inclusion criteria required that studies focus on undergraduate nursing students and be written in English or Spanish. Exclusion criteria included reviews, bibliometric studies, and articles that did not separately report undergraduate nursing student results. Quality was evaluated with the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was conducted on studies with control groups to compare MR’s effectiveness against traditional teaching methods. Results: Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. MR was widely used to improve clinical judgment, patient safety, technical skill acquisition, and student confidence. The meta-analysis found that MR reduced anxiety (Cohen’s d = −0.73, p < 0.001). However, its impact on knowledge acquisition and skill development was inconsistent. There was no improvement over traditional methods (p = 0.466 and p = 0.840). Despite positive qualitative findings, methodological variability, small sample sizes, and publication bias contributed to mixed quantitative results. The main challenges were cybersickness, usability, high costs, and limited institutional access to MR technology. Conclusions: Although MR can help nursing education by decreasing students’ anxiety, its efficacy remains inconclusive. Future research should use larger, randomized controlled trials to validate MR’s role in nursing education.
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(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovations in Nursing Care)
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Open AccessCommunication
Rare and Undiagnosed Disease: A Learning Program for Nurses and Midwives
by
Sue Baker, Kaila Stevens and Dale Pugh
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050136 - 22 Apr 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a newly developed online learning program currently designed to meet the learning objectives of nurses and midwives and rare and undiagnosed disease. Background/Objectives: This paper will also introduce the Global Nursing Network for Rare Disease and its role and commitment
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This paper presents a newly developed online learning program currently designed to meet the learning objectives of nurses and midwives and rare and undiagnosed disease. Background/Objectives: This paper will also introduce the Global Nursing Network for Rare Disease and its role and commitment in supporting nurses and midwives in the identification of rare disease and the delivery of appropriate care and interventions to care for people living with rare and undiagnosed disease. Globally, nurses and midwives are often the first healthcare provider a patient will engage with. Combined with the estimated 300 million living with a rare disease across the globe, nurses and midwives are well positioned when assessing patients to have adequate awareness and suspicion to consider the presence and impact of rare disease. To enable this awareness and knowledge to ensure timely assessment and referrals, specific knowledge is required. There is a current paucity of learning programs about rare and undiagnosed disease specifically for nurses and midwives. Methods: The proposed learning program comprises seven modules designed to address the learning needs of novice to expert nurses and midwives from across the globe. Increased knowledge will in turn increase awareness and confidence to inform decision-making for patients presenting with undiagnosed signs and symptoms by ‘thinking rare’. Results: The proposed learning program comprises seven modules and a number of individual lessons which will be suitable for the needs of novice to expert nurses and midwives from across the globe.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing in the World of Rare Diseases)
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Open AccessArticle
Nursing Complexity and Health Literacy as Determinants of Patient Outcomes: A Prospective One-Year Multicenter Cohort Study
by
Antonello Cocchieri, Elena Cristofori, Mario Cesare Nurchis, Nursing and Public Health Group, Gianfranco Damiani and Manuele Cesare
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(4), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15040135 - 17 Apr 2025
Abstract
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Background/Objectives: Although nursing complexity and health literacy (HL) are critical determinants of patient outcomes, their combined impact on mortality, hospital re-admissions, and emergency department (ED) visits remains poorly understood. This study aims to measure nursing complexity and HL in hospitalized patients, examine their
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Background/Objectives: Although nursing complexity and health literacy (HL) are critical determinants of patient outcomes, their combined impact on mortality, hospital re-admissions, and emergency department (ED) visits remains poorly understood. This study aims to measure nursing complexity and HL in hospitalized patients, examine their interaction, and analyze their impacts on mortality, hospital re-admissions, and ED visits over a one-year follow-up period. Methods: Adult patients from two hospital centers were enrolled, excluding those with stays under two days or cognitive impairments. Data were collected at baseline to assess nursing complexity (measured according to the number of nursing diagnoses assigned to patients within 24 h from hospital admission) and HL (assessed using the Single-Item Literacy Screener, SILS). Patients were followed during a 12-month follow-up period to track mortality, hospital re-admissions, and ED visits. Latent class analysis classified patients into distinct nursing complexity and HL profiles. Survival analyses and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the relationships between variables. Results: At baseline, among the 2667 enrolled patients, 55.9% were classified as having high nursing complexity, and 32% had inadequate HL. High nursing complexity was associated with lower HL (r = 0.384; p < 0.001). During follow-up, 387 patients (14.5%) were lost. Of the remaining sample, mortality occurred in 8.3% of the patients, hospital re-admissions in 27.2%, and ED visits in 16.8%. Nursing complexity was significantly associated with higher mortality (HR: 1.84, adjusted HR: 1.81), but not with hospital re-admissions or ED visits. The patients with inadequate HL (32%) had increased risks of mortality (HR: 11.21, adjusted HR: 7.75), hospital re-admissions (HR: 3.61, adjusted HR: 3.58), and ED visits (HR: 20.78, adjusted HR: 14.45). The patients with both high nursing complexity and inadequate HL had the highest mortality risk and the lowest 12-month survival rate (75%; 95% CI: 71.1–79.1%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that both high nursing complexity and inadequate HL independently and jointly contribute to adverse patient outcomes. Interventions targeting HL and supporting patients with high nursing complexity could reduce risks, enhance care, and improve patient survival. While these findings underscore the critical role of both factors in patient outcomes, the limitations include this study’s single-country setting and reliance on a single-item HL measure. Future research should validate these findings in broader healthcare contexts and integrate multidimensional HL assessments for a more comprehensive evaluation.
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Open AccessArticle
Care Plan Writing in Nursing Education: Challenges, Competence, and Clinical Preparedness
by
Florence Mei Fung Wong
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(4), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15040134 - 16 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: Care plans are a critical tool in nursing education because they enhance clinical competence; however, undergraduate students often face challenges in writing them effectively, which can impact their readiness for clinical practice. While existing research predominantly focuses on care plans within
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Background: Care plans are a critical tool in nursing education because they enhance clinical competence; however, undergraduate students often face challenges in writing them effectively, which can impact their readiness for clinical practice. While existing research predominantly focuses on care plans within specific clinical contexts, little is known about how students experience the learning process and how these experiences shape their professional development. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing students in writing care plans to understand the impact on their clinical competence and identify strategies for improvement. Design: A qualitative phenomenological study utilizing focus group interviews was conducted. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with 15 undergraduate nursing students in six focus groups. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method to identify key themes. Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) enhancement and integration of knowledge and skills, (2) initiative learning and motivation, (3) adequate support and feedback from tutors, and (4) difficulties in transitioning from classroom learning to clinical practice. The findings highlight that care plan writing enhances students’ competence in patient care, with positive learning attitudes and tutor feedback playing crucial roles. However, students encounter difficulties in applying theoretical knowledge to complex clinical scenarios, particularly in prioritizing interventions and managing time effectively. Conclusions: Writing care plans not only fosters personal and professional development but also enhances students’ clinical competence, preparing them for real-world practice. Nurse tutors are encouraged to promote consistent practice in care plan writing, provide timely feedback, and share clinical experiences to support students’ learning. These findings underscore the need to reframe care plans as developmental tools rather than mere tasks for clinical transition, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nursing Education and Leadership)
Open AccessArticle
The Rehabilitation of Women Who Have Had a Mastectomy
by
Rogério Ferreira, Carla Jeronimo, Ana Mira, André Pereira, Soraia Serrano, Maria Fatima Marques, Cristina Lavareda Baixinho, César Fonseca and Luis Sousa
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(4), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15040133 - 16 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is one of the main causes of mortality among women, and mastectomy has a significant effect on the body image, sexuality and psychology of women. The aim of postmastectomy rehabilitation is to improve functionality, minimize complications and promote well-being
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Background: Breast cancer is one of the main causes of mortality among women, and mastectomy has a significant effect on the body image, sexuality and psychology of women. The aim of postmastectomy rehabilitation is to improve functionality, minimize complications and promote well-being and quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to understand the role of nurses specializing in rehabilitation nursing in the rehabilitation of women who have had a mastectomy. Methods: This was a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study. The participants included seven nurses specializing in rehabilitation nursing who provided structured narratives about their experiences and care strategies in the rehabilitation of women who have had a mastectomy. The interviews were analyzed by thematic categorization via content analysis. Results: Three main categories emerged: the meaning of care, professional intervention strategies and health gains. Care is seen as a developmental and person-centered experience, with a focus on preventing complications. The interventions prioritize personalized projects, emotional support and self-care training. Conclusions: The rehabilitation of women postmastectomy depends on a holistic and individualized approach centered on the person through emotional and functional support. Rehabilitation interventions improve the functionality, quality of life and autonomy of women and are essential for preventing complications and promoting the acceptance of new health conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
Open AccessArticle
Why Go to the Psychiatric Hospital? The Experiences of People Living with Mental Disorders Hospitalized Multiple Times in One Year: A Qualitative Study
by
Patrick Martino, Michael Saraga, Jérôme Dubuis and Milja Kovacevic
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(4), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15040132 - 14 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: Recent trends in public psychiatry have resulted in increasingly shorter hospital stays. In parallel, a number of patients seem to require frequent rehospitalization. Several studies have examined the subject of rehospitalization in psychiatry from a quantitative point of view, but little
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Background: Recent trends in public psychiatry have resulted in increasingly shorter hospital stays. In parallel, a number of patients seem to require frequent rehospitalization. Several studies have examined the subject of rehospitalization in psychiatry from a quantitative point of view, but little qualitative literature exists on patients’ experiences. Objectives: This qualitative study, conducted in a Swiss university hospital, explores the lived experiences of patients who are hospitalized multiple times within a year. Methods: Using criterion-based purposive sampling, we conducted 20 semi-structured interviews. Results: Our findings show that patients explain their return to the hospital either by external factors, such as social and housing difficulties, or by their state of suffering and the sense of security that the hospital can offer them. From their perspective, hospitalizations are not always failures but can also meet a specific need for safety and stabilization. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of better understanding the needs of frequently hospitalized patients to optimize their care, while also emphasizing the value of exploring their lived experiences through qualitative research.
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(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health Nursing)
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