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ABSTRACT: This pilot study utilized augmented reality (AR) case scenario posters in foundational coursework to determine if the use of AR posters is an effective teaching strategy when compared with traditional paper case studies. Seventy-nine students participated in this descriptive, comparative study. Overall, the number of correct student responses increased from the pretest to the posttest in all groups; the experimental group was very satisfied with the AR teaching methodology. Because of the increase in knowledge and high student satisfaction, findings suggest that AR posters may be useful in the education of nursing students.

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The Coronavirus pandemic erupted in 2020 and new graduate registered nurses (RNs) found themselves caring for those with devastating illness as they were transitioning into nursing practice. The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of novice nurses working in acute care settings during a pandemic. This qualitative phenomenological study of novice nurses working in facilities providing acute care for COVID-19 patients was conducted in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Purposive sampling identified 13 participants for interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Eight themes emerged: Dealing with death, Which personal protective equipment (PPE) will keep us safe?, Caring for high acuity patients with limited training, Difficulties working short-staffed, Everything is not okay, Support from the healthcare team, Nursing school preparation for a pandemic, I would still choose nursing. Novice nurses felt challenged by the experience and were at times overwhelmed and struggling to cope. Support from peers and coping skills learned during nursing school helped them continue to work during a critical time. Data from this study suggest that some participants may have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, and findings provide foundational insights for nursing education and psychological interventions to support the nursing workforce.

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Emergency department (ED) providers spend a significant amount of time treating low-acuity medical conditions, such as simple laceration repairs. Lacerations account for 5% of all ED visits in the United States (). An extended period of time by the provider is required for traditional wound repair, and there is perceived pain reported by patients (). The closure devices (Zip Closure device) are a latex-free, noninvasive alternative to staples, sutures, and glue and make wound closure an easy, fast process, allowing patients to remove the device after the wound has healed. The purpose/aim of this quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a noninvasive wound closure technique in the ED. The specific aims were to determine whether the Zip Closure device resulted in cost savings for the facility by decreasing the provider time that was needed for the laceration repair and determine whether there was an improved patient satisfaction compared with traditional wound closure methods. Following provider education regarding the use of the Zip Closure device, the device was available to providers over a 4-month period of time for use with patients in the ED. There were 63 lacerations seen in the ED during the 4 months of the quality improvement project, and an evaluation note was completed by a provider on all wounds. Six subjects were treated with the Zip Closure device, and 5 expressed satisfaction with the device. Providers stated that barriers to using the product on more wounds were that the lacerations were nonlinear, complex, high tension, and superficial or involved the finger, hand, scalp, face, or mouth; therefore, the device was inappropriate for treatment of the laceration. This was preliminary work of the noninvasive wound closure device. It is recommended that the study be repeated in a larger ED setting.

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PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore diabetes in adults experiencing homelessness by evaluating diabetes risk, A1C measurement, and achievement of the goals of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. METHODS: Project Homeless Connect Omaha is a 1-day health and social services event for adults who are homeless. The event seeks to meet immediate needs, identify potential future needs, and provide a connection with community resources for further follow-up for these adults. Health professions students and faculty from the university where the event is held volunteer their time to provide these services. Risk assessment for type 2 diabetes, A1C measurement, and evaluation of the ADA Standards of Medical Care were available for participants of this event. RESULTS: Of the 478 participants who completed a risk assessment for diabetes, 91 underwent rapid A1C testing. Four participants at the diabetes station (4%) were newly identified as having diabetes with elevated A1C, and 32% of the participants had elevated A1C levels demonstrating prediabetes. Twelve individuals reported being previously diagnosed with diabetes, and of those, 50% had A1C levels between 7.3% and >13% (56 to 119 mmol/mol). Participants whose A1Cs classified them as having prediabetes or diabetes (n = 40) completed an evaluation of standards of medical care goals. Participants identified eye, foot, and dental examinations; lipid management; and urine protein screening as some of the areas in which the standards were not yet achieved. CONCLUSION: Adults experiencing homelessness have a significant need for diabetes screening and management. Diabetes educators can provide education to equip adults with the ability to effectively manage their illness and prevent complications.

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Student attrition from nursing programs due to academic failure negatively affects students, nursing programs, and the health care industry. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the success of an intervention plan for practical nursing (PN) and associate degree nursing (ADN) students who were at risk for failure in coursework compared with outcomes from years without the plan. Records of 384 students were accessed. A 6% decrease in involuntary withdrawal due to academic failure with the intervention plans was noted. Sixty-four percent of the PN students and 86% of the ADN students with a plan completed the program. Ninety-six percent of the PN students and 84% of ADN students in intervention plans were successful on the NCLEX(®) on the first attempt. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between traditional and nontraditional students in program completion existed prior to the intervention, which was eliminated with implementation of the intervention plans.

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