NCLEX-RN© preparation resources available online in French: An integrative review

AIM

This review describes the availability of online French NCLEX-RN^© preparation resources for candidates BACKGROUND: One entry to practice requirement for Canadian nurses is to successfully pass a licensing exam upon graduation from their educational program. In 2015, the American NCLEX-RN^© replaced the Canadian entry to practice licensing examination which was offered in Canada's two official languages: English and French. The NCLEX-RN^© was developed in English and later translated to French. Since its implementation, Francophone candidates and educators in Canada have reported a lack of preparatory resources available in their language and have had substantial lower NCLEX-RN^© pass rates, consistently below 50% METHODS: An integrative review using Whittemore and Knafl's framework was conducted between February and May 2019, and updated in September 2020, through online searches of CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases. Grey literature was included from 2012 onwards. Results are presented narratively.

RESULTS

A total of 17 French language preparatory resources were found. These resources were categorised into four main groups: (1) What is the NCLEX-RN^© ?; (2) What do I need to do prior to writing the NCLEX-RN^© ?; (3) What is assessed through the NCLEX-RN^© ? and finally, (4) How can I practice before taking the NCLEX-RN^© ?

CONCLUSION

Limited French-language NCLEX-RN^© preparatory resources exist for Francophone candidates. Furthermore, practice questions in French are few compared to what is available in English IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND NURSING POLICY: Other countries may consider implementing an entry to practice exam such as the NCLEX-RN^© because of its availability in both the French and English language, as well as the possibility of translating the exam to other languages, creating a potential market for this test around the globe. The lack of preparatory resources in French is a major concern to Francophone candidates undertaking such a high-stakes examination in their language. Nursing stakeholders and policy leaders should acknowledge that such gaps place Francophone writers in a disadvantaged position in comparison to their Anglophone counterparts.

Use of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) in gastrointestinal applications. A consensus report based on clinical evidence

BACKGROUND

Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) provides microscopic imaging during an endoscopic procedure. Its introduction as a standard modality in gastroenterology has brought significant progress in management strategies, affecting many aspects of clinical care and requiring standardisation of practice and training.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide guidance on the standardisation of its practice and training in Barrett's oesophagus, biliary strictures, colorectal lesions and inflammatory bowel diseases.

METHODS

Initial statements were developed by five group leaders, based on the available clinical evidence. These statements were then voted and edited by the 26 participants, using a modified Delphi approach. After two rounds of votes, statements were validated if the threshold of agreement was higher than 75%.

RESULTS

Twenty-six experts participated and, among a total of 77 statements, 61 were adopted (79%) and 16 were rejected (21%). The adoption of each statement was justified by the grade of evidence.

CONCLUSION

pCLE should be used to enhance the diagnostic arsenal in the evaluation of these indications, by providing microscopic information which improves the diagnostic performance of the physician. In order actually to implement this technology in the clinical routine, and to ensure good practice, standardised initial and continuing institutional training programmes should be established.

Proposed nurse-led initiatives in improving physical health of people with serious mental illness: a survey of nurses in mental health

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To identify nurse perceptions on the potential value of general and specific nursing approaches to improving physical health outcomes of people with serious mental illness.

BACKGROUND

People diagnosed with serious mental illnesses experience heightened rates of physical illnesses and can be supported better via healthcare system prevention and management. Nurses working in mental health are a critical part of a system-wide approach to improving physical health care, but there is little known on their views on specific approaches within Australia (e.g. screening for risks, stigma reduction).

DESIGN

A national, cross-sectional and nonrandom survey study delivered online.

METHODS

Members of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (n = 643), representing nurses employed in mental healthcare services across Australia (71·6% from public mental health services). Participants were asked to rate the potential of nine nurse-based strategies for improving physical health (options: 'yes', 'no', 'not sure') and the potential value of 10 nursing and general strategies for improving physical health (rating from 'negative value' to 'significant value').

RESULTS

There was a high endorsement of all nine nurse-based strategies for physical health (e.g. lifestyle programmes, screening, linking services), although there was less support for reducing antipsychotics or advocating for fewer side effects. Participants mainly viewed all strategies as of moderate to significant value, with the most promising value attached to colocation of primary and mental care services, lifestyle programmes and improving primary care services (reduce stigma, train GPs).

CONCLUSIONS

Australian nurses working in mental health services view a range of nurse-based strategies for improving physical healthcare services and standards as important.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nurses collectively need to work with consumers, health agencies and the general public to further define how to organise and implement physical health integration strategies, towards more comprehensive health care of people with serious mental illness.