Being a seasoned nurse in active practice.

Aim: The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover what rewards and inspires seasoned nurses to continue to practice in acute care after the normal age of nurse retirement, and to identify best practices in retention.

Background: An aging population and an aging nursing workforce are twin issues that bring urgency to this issue. Seasoned nurses have much to contribute to the workforce, but very few studies have examined strategies to retain them.

Reflecting on research: sharpening nurses' focus through engaged learning.

Background: The Bedside Scientist Institute is a basic research course provided for nurses using an engaged, interactive learning environment. This qualitative study evaluated the course outcomes.

Methods: A large Magnet®-designated teaching hospital provided the setting for both the education and the study.

Stress and coping on the home front: guard and reserve spouses searching for a new normal.

During deployment of National Guard or reserve troops to Iraq or Afghanistan, spouses on the home front have been largely invisible to our collective consciousness. A total of 18 spouses living in rural Wisconsin were interviewed to identify sources of stress and coping strategies. Stressors varied from predeployment through postdeployment, as did coping responses.

Consequences of uninsurance in Wisconsin.

Background: More than 9% of Wisconsin residents are without health insurance. Several states have passed legislation to increase access to health care and move toward universal coverage. Wisconsin legislators are also considering health care reform proposals that present alternatives to the current system.

A descriptive analysis of health care coverage and concerns in West Central Wisconsin.

This study examines the level of health care coverage and health care concerns among a sample of 222 West Central Wisconsin residents. More than 68% of respondents felt that Wisconsin health care has at least major problems, and only 2.7% felt that there were no problems.

Spiritual crisis: a concept analysis.

Aim: This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of spiritual crisis.

Background: The term spiritual crisis has been used ambiguously in the literature, resulting in lack of clarity. A holistic approach includes spirituality in nursing care of the whole person.

Strategies to promote success on the NCLEX-RN: an evidence-based approach using the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation.

This article describes an evidence-based project undertaken to develop and implement educational strategies to improve NCLEX-RN scores in a baccalaureate nursing program. The ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation, a tool used to assist in understanding the process of knowledge discovery and transformation in evidence-based practice, guided this project. A review of the literature revealed a downward trend in successful completion of the NCLEX-RN along with anecdotal reports of educational strategies intended to improve success on the exam.

Preparing for practice: students' reflections on their final clinical experience.

Nursing students in their last clinical experience before graduating often encounter stressful situations and face unique challenges. To help students prepare for their transition into practice, both faculty and nurses in the clinical setting need a thorough understanding of what nursing students are thinking and feeling as they near the end of their academic program. This study was conducted to explore the cognitive and emotional responses of baccalaureate nursing students during their final clinical experience.

An osteoporosis and fracture intervention program increases the diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis for patients with minimal trauma fractures.

Background: As fewer than 25% of patients with an osteoporotic minimal trauma fracture (MTF) are evaluated and treated for osteoporosis, an osteoporosis and fracture intervention program (OFIP) was developed.

Methods: Patients hospitalized with MTF were educated about and treated for osteoporosis and were evaluated by the osteoporosis team at 6 and 12 months after discharge. Patients seen in the emergency department were given information about osteoporosis and encouraged to seek medical care at the osteoporosis office.

Examining the role of technology in learning: an evaluation of online clinical conferencing.

The rapidly expanding use of instructional technology requires faculty openness to new teaching and learning situations. This study compared two instructional methods of conducting clinical conferences for baccalaureate nursing students: online versus face-to-face. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 77 students in 10 clinical sections of a senior capstone nursing course.

Oral history: Validating contributions of elders.

Recording memories of World War II is an intervention that can humanize geriatric care in addition to the historical significance provided. Participants in this oral history project described memories of World War II and expressed themes of patriotism, loss, tense moments, makeshift living, self-sufficiency, and uncertain journey. Their ethnic roots were primarily Scandinavian, Dutch, German, and English.