Organizational Support for Social Justice in Public Health Nursing Practice: A Conceptual Framework

Notwithstanding the significant representation of social justice as a theoretical ideal of public health nursing (PHN), there is little agreement about how the concept is applied in PHN practice and supported by nurse leaders and organizations. A framework for social justice praxis in PHN was developed after a critical review of the literature to advance the ability of nurse leaders and healthcare administrators to support social justice praxis in PHN. This conceptual framework provides a foundation from which nursing leaders can launch meaningful conversations and make specific efforts toward achieving social justice to improve health equity.

The development of academic identity in graduate nursing students: An interpretive descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Mentorship is an important element in the development of academic identity among graduate students in nursing. Although most often occurring within the context of faculty advisor-student relationships, mentorship should extend beyond formal advisor-advisee relationships. Peer mentorship is known to be beneficial for graduate students, yet little is known about how peer mentorship specifically impacts the development of academic identity.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore how peer mentorship, within the context of an international research conference, impacts the development of academic identity.

DESIGN

Qualitative descriptive study. Graduate nursing students from a research-intensive university in Canada were invited to participate in a peer mentorship initiative. Data were collected through reflective journals. Data analysis was conducted iteratively and collaboratively using an interpretive descriptive approach.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight mentees, two peer mentors and five faculty mentors participated in the initiative. With the exception of one faculty mentor, all participants provided reflective journals on their experiences, in response to journal prompts.

RESULTS

Findings centered on five themes: walking through quicksand, navigating a complex academic world, developing academic identity through relationships, intentional cultivation of community, and finding solid ground. Our findings highlight the relational nature of academic identity development, and the significant benefit of providing mentorship to graduate nursing students outside of formal learning spaces.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the urgent need to increase the numbers of nurses with advanced research training, it is important that effective strategies like this innovative mentorship initiative, that enhance professional identity development, are integrated into graduate education programs.

Exploring Social Support, Sport Participation and Rural Women’s Health using Photovoice: The Manitoba Experience

Background

Health and well-being are multifaceted, with several lifestyle factors contributing (positively or negatively) to one’s health status.

Purpose

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the health of rural women in the context of the sport of curling and curling clubs. As part of a national study, this study highlights findings from 17 female participants from two rural communities in Manitoba.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected using photovoice. Participants were asked to photograph images they felt represented health in the context of the curling rink. Researchers then conducted focus groups in which each participant was asked to choose and discuss two photographs.

Results

The participants photographed a total of 333 images, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. A total of six main themes emerged from the photographs and transcripts: facilitating social connections, enhancing physical health, promoting mental health, pride in the sport of curling, contributing to personal growth, and promoting gender equality.

Conclusion

Similar to the national study results, the findings in this study indicate that nurses, particularly community health nurses, as well as policy-makers, local communities, and others need to recognize the value of curling clubs to the health and well-being of rural populations.

Promoting Face-to-Face Dialogue for Community Engagement in a Digital Age

Background Health researchers in urban centers recognize the need to engage with inner-city community-based organizations. Funding for face-to-face engagement is often limited because most work done by agencies and academics now focuses on the use of digital technology. Purpose This article presents reflections from a grant project aimed at establishing community engagement between academic health researchers and interdisciplinary inner-city community health and social service providers. Method This study utilized a community-based participatory action approach. This study included a 1-day collaborative meeting to promote academic-agency engagement. During this meeting, the research participants brainstormed research priorities and used colored stickers to rank them. The research team met the following day to debrief the meeting and to begin analyzing the data together. Results The findings from this project have stimulated dialogue among the agency partners and project team researchers with respect to current collaborations, services provided, and research priorities. Although digital or virtual meetings have their place, fostering community engagement through a face-to-face meeting proved invaluable to the participants. Conclusions The success of this Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded project demonstrates the value of academic-agency partnership, the positive aspects of gathering community, and engagement in better meeting the research needs of inner-city organizations.

Public health nurses' (Phns) perceptions of their role in early postpartum discharge

OBJECTIVES

Following the introduction of hospital early postpartum discharge (EPD), public health nurses (PHNs) have provided large-scale in-home follow-up to promote the safety and well-being of mothers and babies. Given high numbers of births per year, this program has affected PHNs' practice. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore PHNs' perceptions of EPD and its effects on their practice.

METHODS

Data were collected in focus groups (n = 24) consisting of PHNs in four community health areas (CHAs) in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). Audiotaped data were transcribed, entered into Microsoft Word XP, and analyzed using constant comparison.

RESULTS

The female participants had a mean of 10 years of PHN experience. Three main themes and 10 subthemes were identified. The main themes were: passion for the PHN role, influence of EPD on practice, and building a PHN future. The subthemes included: valuing public health nursing, building capacity and developing relationships, changes in practice, erosion of health promotion, a new role, proper tools, continuity of care, relationships with community partners, and resources to support public health programs.

CONCLUSION

The PHNs indicated the introduction of EPD altered their practice by reducing their role in community-level intervention and health promotion activities. Although they identified benefits from undertaking EPD activities, they wanted resources and funding shifted into the public health system to better support PHNs' increase in scope of practice and historical roles in promoting the health of individuals, families and communities.

Public health nurses' (Phns) perceptions of their role in early postpartum discharge

OBJECTIVES

Following the introduction of hospital early postpartum discharge (EPD), public health nurses (PHNs) have provided large-scale in-home follow-up to promote the safety and well-being of mothers and babies. Given high numbers of births per year, this program has affected PHNs' practice. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore PHNs' perceptions of EPD and its effects on their practice.

METHODS

Data were collected in focus groups (n = 24) consisting of PHNs in four community health areas (CHAs) in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). Audiotaped data were transcribed, entered into Microsoft Word XP, and analyzed using constant comparison.

RESULTS

The female participants had a mean of 10 years of PHN experience. Three main themes and 10 subthemes were identified. The main themes were: passion for the PHN role, influence of EPD on practice, and building a PHN future. The subthemes included: valuing public health nursing, building capacity and developing relationships, changes in practice, erosion of health promotion, a new role, proper tools, continuity of care, relationships with community partners, and resources to support public health programs.

CONCLUSION

The PHNs indicated the introduction of EPD altered their practice by reducing their role in community-level intervention and health promotion activities. Although they identified benefits from undertaking EPD activities, they wanted resources and funding shifted into the public health system to better support PHNs' increase in scope of practice and historical roles in promoting the health of individuals, families and communities.

Evaluation of bereavement intervention

We report the first phase in a research program aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of bereavement counselling as a health promotion strategy. The Lindemann Model of grief management is used as an effectiveness measure of bereavement counselling via the Heimler Scale of Social Functioning. Thirty key persons of cancer patients cared for on a palliative care unit were involved in a longitudinal randomized experiment. Analysis of the data suggests further work is required regarding the timing of bereavement intervention. The traditional idea of bereavement intervention beginning after the death of the patient is challenged. In addition, the data suggest further tool development specific to a bereaved population. Strengthening community health services for the survivors of the terminally ill is supported.

The future of nursing: combining humanistic and technological values

Technology is increasing. "The most stable characteristic of the present health care system, is change, characterized by expansion and experimentation . . ." To date, nursing has taken a reactive role, adapting out of necessity rather than taking an active part in initiating or promoting specific change. Consequently the health care system has had and continues to have a greater impact on nursing than nursing on the health care system. Two hypothetical frameworks, humanistic and technological, are presented with which to approach the problem of increasing technology. The values and implications of each are examined within the context of the nursing profession.