NURSING

Research for nursing

Papers a nurse can act on, across critical and emergency care, medical-surgical, mental health, paediatrics and neonatal, maternity, older adults, community and primary care, and oncology and palliative care. Each is read in full rather than from its abstract.

10,756 PAPERS · PAGE 184 OF 216 · NEWEST FIRST

• RNSystematic Review2025The Psychometric Properties of the Braden Scale to Assess Pressure Injury Risk in Acute Care: A Systematic Review.Journal of clinical nursingThe Braden Scale used by nurses to flag pressure injury risk in acute hospitals is consistent between assessors, but recommended cut-off scores and accuracy vary widely. Use it with clinical judgement, not as the sole guide.
• RNOther2025Translation, Adaptation, and Criterion Validation of the Family Caregiver Assessment Tool for French-Speaking Cardiovascular Patients in Canada (FAM-CAM-Fr).The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieresIn 100 cardiovascular inpatients, the French caregiver FAM-CAM-Fr detected 58% of diagnosed delirium cases and rarely raised false alarms. Use it to add family observations, not to replace nurse assessment.
• SLPRNOther2026Assessment of Dry Mouth in a Palliative Population: A Comparison Between Patient-Reported Symptoms and Clinical Oral Dryness Scale Measurements.The American journal of hospice & palliative carePalliative patients rated dry mouth severe in 30% and moderate in 52.5%; objective oral dryness was severe in 5%, moderate in 25%, mild in 10%. 85% reported difficulty talking. Ask patients about speech, eating and sleep, not just the mouth exam.
• RNQualitative2026Overcoming Shame to Vocalise During Childbirth: A Qualitative Interview Study.Journal of advanced nursingWomen described shame when labouring sounds made them feel exposed or judged. They used their voice more freely when they accepted it, stayed in their bodies, and had supportive midwives or partners who welcomed or joined them.
• RNQualitative2026Grit in the Workplace Experienced by Taiwanese Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Phenomenological Study.Journal of clinical nursingEmployed Taiwanese adults with congenital heart disease described managing work by choosing low-pressure jobs, pacing shifts, relying on family and colleagues, and seeing grit as persistence that respected health limits rather than pushing through pain.
• RNSystematic Review2026Instruments to Assess Family Focused Care in Nursing Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties.Journal of clinical nursingThe Family Nursing Practice Scale, Iceland Family Perceived Support Questionnaire, and Perception of Family Centred Care Staff and Parents questionnaire are the strongest tools for assessing family-focused care. No instrument is perfect; selection depends on whether you need staff or family perspectives.
• RNCohort2026Predictors of Pressure Injuries in Older Residents Living in Nursing Homes in Sri Lanka: A Prospective Multi-Site Cohort Study.Journal of advanced nursingIn Sri Lankan nursing homes, having a pressure injury at baseline and having more medical devices were the only factors that predicted a new pressure injury in the final analysis. Check skin and device placement closely.
• PTRNQualitative2025Immediate Mobilisation After Elective Colorectal Surgery-Patients' and Healthcare Professionals' Experiences: A Qualitative Study.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesPatients and staff described immediate mobilisation 30 minutes after colorectal surgery as both helpful and hard. Some felt dizzy, nauseated, afraid or reluctant; others felt supported, safer and ready. Staff said it needed time, skill, collaboration and space.
• RNPilot2025Inflammation markers associated with symptoms and neighborhood deprivation in black adults with heart failure.Heart & lung : the journal of critical careIn 41 Black adults with heart failure, higher neighborhood deprivation was linked to more stress and poor sleep, and several blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were linked to worse breathing, fatigue, mood, and symptom burden. These were associations, not proof of cause.
• RNQualitative2025Use of cognitive interviews to develop PrEP education for men in New York and Alabama.Patient education and counselingYoung gay and bisexual men found two HIV prevention videos useful but wanted simpler terms, cost and access details, and more inclusive images. The videos were not tested as effective education.
• RNQualitative2025Try to Look Again: A Phenomenological Study of Recognising Humanness in People Living With Advanced Dementia.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesResidents with advanced dementia expressed humanness through everyday actions, relationships, and attempts to make sense of their surroundings. Behaviours such as aggression, repetition or apathy may be human expressions that need a second look.
• RNRCT2025Exploring Factors Associated with Sleep Quality After Lung Transplantation.Progress in transplantation (Aliso Viejo, Calif.)65 of 88 lung transplant recipients reported poor sleep. Psychological distress was the main factor linked to poor sleep, and wheezing also stood out; daily step count did not differ between sleep groups.
• RNCohort2025Diagnoses Associated With Hospitalization of Nursing Home Residents With Severe Functional Impairment and Terminal Illness.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationNursing home residents with severe impairment or terminal illness had many potentially avoidable hospitalizations and ED visits, often from UTI, pneumonia, head trauma, and feeding-tube problems.
• RNSystematic Review2025Climate Change Integration in Nursing Academic Curricula and Continuing Education: A Scoping Review.The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieresNursing curricula rarely include climate change content, leaving nurses unprepared to manage heat-related illness or vector-borne diseases. Educational interventions improve nurses' awareness and intent to act, but evidence linking this training to actual patient outcomes is missing.
• RNSystematic Review2025Transportation Services in Society for Individuals Living With Dementia in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Scoping Review.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationOnly five studies examined transportation insecurity for residents with dementia in long-term care. None used a standard measure or fully described needs, affordability, accessibility, or dementia type and stage, so there is little evidence to guide care.
• RNQualitative2025A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experience of Double-Duty Nurse Caregivers.Western journal of nursing researchNurses who also care for family members described being unable to stop 'being a nurse,' leading to burnout and financial strain. They valued the insider knowledge for advocacy but needed peer support groups and flexible workplaces to manage the dual role.
• RNCohort2025Is Adherence Theory for Patients With Chronic Disease Robust?: A Critical Evaluation in Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.The Journal of cardiovascular nursingAdherence theory held up over 6 years for the whole group but failed for women. Motivation predicted adherence for men long-term, while informational support linked to positive care results for women. Gender-specific counseling is needed, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• RNSystematic Review2026The Use of Triage in Primary Care in the UK: An Integrative Review and Narrative Synthesis.Journal of advanced nursingNurse-led telephone triage in UK primary care shifted work from GPs to nurses, but some studies increased total contacts and showed mis-triage, low compliance and access inequities.
• RNQualitative2026A Qualitative Study Exploring Nursing Scope of Practice for the Care of People Experiencing Homelessness.Journal of advanced nursingPeople experiencing homelessness and nurses said care should be non-judgemental, flexible and culturally safe, with nurses able to assess physical and mental health, manage wounds and medications, and navigate services. These are perceptions, not tested effects.
• RNRCT2025The Role of Social Support on Self-Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Analysis.Journal of midwifery & women's healthPregnant and postpartum patients with gestational diabetes said family, friends, and support groups helped with appointments, food, glucose checks, and motivation. Some support also caused stress through stigma, limited knowledge, or overly controlling reminders.
• RNSystematic Review2025Self-management interventions to improve health outcomes in youth living with congenital heart disease: a systematic review and narrative synthesis.European journal of cardiovascular nursingTransition support programmes for young people with congenital heart disease did not show better hospitalization or reintervention results, but some improved self-management, transition readiness, and self-efficacy.
• RNQualitative2025Patients' Perspectives on Postoperative Follow-Up Calls in Day Surgery: A Qualitative Study.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesDay surgery patients wanted a nurse to call about a week after surgery, after pain and symptoms settle. They said the call would reduce worry, maintain contact with the unit, and cover wound healing, pain, activity, and coping at home.
• RNCase Series2025Potential Influence of Acute Dysregulated Sleep on Fall Incidence Among Low-Income Older Women: A Case Study.Journal of gerontological nursingTwo low-income older women had sleep differences the night before a fall: one slept 267 minutes versus a 429-minute average; the other had more deep sleep and less REM sleep. This cannot prove sleep caused the fall.
• RNMeta-Analysis2025The Sleep-Enhancing Effect of Lavender Essential Oil in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Holistic nursing practiceAdults given lavender oil had better sleep scores overall, but the result was inconsistent. Scores improved after at least 2 weeks and with placebo controls, not with usual care or no intervention.
• RNSystematic Review2025What Is Known About Family-Inclusive Inpatient Care From Patient and Family Perspectives? An Integrative Review.Journal of advanced nursingPatients and families described culturally safe care, relationship building, and clear information as helping them feel included. Culturally unsafe care, unwelcoming environments, inconsistent rules, and poor communication made them feel excluded. These are experiences, not proof any intervention works.
• SLPRNOther2026Standards of care for pediatric clinical service delivery: A rapid scoping review.Journal of child health care : for professionals working with children in the hospital and communityPediatric service standards were mapped across 53 sources. Frameworks used three, four, and six service levels. Only eight described integration, mainly in pediatric intensive care and palliative care.
• OTRNSystematic Review2026Disempowerment Among Adults With Chronic Illness: A Concept Analysis Using the Walker and Avant Method.Journal of advanced nursingDisempowerment among adults with chronic illness meant dissatisfaction when chances to understand, manage, and control daily life shrank. It can arise from illness itself, not only poor care, and may lead to withdrawal, distrust, or refusing care.
• RNQualitative2025Nurturing Connection: The Emotional and Existential Dimensions of the Relationship Between Older Women and Registered Nurses in Aged Care.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesOlder women and home-care nurses described their relationship as more than task delivery. Women valued nurses who noticed their home, shared life beyond care, and stayed consistent; nurses felt time and turnover made this hard.
• RNOther2025Factors Influencing Mistriage Based on the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.Journal of nursing scholarship : an official publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of NursingEmergency nurses using the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale misclassified adult ED patients, with under-triage linked to low blood pressure and fever, and over-triage to pain, younger age, and less triage experience.
• RNCohort2025Received Knowledge of Care as Evaluated by Patients and Their Significant Others: A Feedback-Register Study.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesPatients and significant others rated knowledge received about hospital care as positive overall, but feedback was less positive before care, among significant others, emergency admissions and lower perceived quality. Nurses should pay attention to education before care, emergency care and significant others.
• RNQualitative2025Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Help-seeking Behaviors: Experiences and Perspectives of Young 1.5-Generation Bangladeshi Women in Toronto.The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieresTen young Bangladeshi women in Toronto said they knew little about sexual and reproductive health screening, feared family doctors would tell relatives, and relied on mothers, peers, apps, and university clinics.
• RNCohort2025Effects of Sociospatial Inequality on Exposure to Stress, Symptoms of Depression, and Cortisol Rhythms in Pregnancy.Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing : JOGNNCortisol slope and total output were not linked to sociospatial inequality. Pregnant women in concentrated privilege areas had fewer lifetime stress exposures, and elevated depression symptoms were more likely in concentrated deprivation. Income extremes showed larger cortisol rhythm fluctuations.
• OTRNMeta-Analysis2025Dyadic Interventions for Promoting Healthy Diets in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nursing & health sciencesDiet interventions that included an adult patient's informal caregiver lowered sodium and improved short-term self-care, knowledge and support. They did not improve lipids, and many benefits faded over longer follow-up.
• RNCohort2025Impact of Nurse-Led Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Management Program on 1-Year Outcomes in Patients on Hemodialysis Post Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.The Journal of cardiovascular nursingPatients on hemodialysis after PCI who received nurse-led risk management had a greater 1-year reduction in cardiovascular risk and fewer major adverse cardiovascular events than usual care. The study was retrospective, so this is not proof the program caused benefit.
• RNOther2026Mealtime Support by Direct Care Workers in Long-Term Care Facilities: Secondary Behavioural Analysis of Videos.Journal of advanced nursingVideo analysis of dementia mealtime care in South Korean long-term care found support was mostly affirmative but narrow. Workers spent most time on one-to-one assistance, rarely used names, comfort checks, or alternatives when residents refused.
• PTOTRNCohort2026How Often Are Hospitalised Children Physically Restrained During Painful and Stressful Procedures?Journal of clinical nursingPhysical restraint was observed in 22.3% of 1210 procedures in stable hospitalised children, rising to 32.9% during painful ones. Restraint clustered on airway suctioning, tube insertion and nasal lavage, and was most likely in infants and children crying or in distress.
• RNMeta-Analysis2026The Effect of Theory-Guided Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Journal of clinical nursingTheory-guided positive psychological interventions improved quality of life in 412 breast cancer patients across five randomised trials, with moderate certainty.
• RNSurvey2026The Relationship Between Quality of Discharge Teaching and Oral Nutritional Supplementation Adherence in Postoperative Patients With Gastric Cancer: A Chain Mediated Role of Readiness for Hospital Discharge and Medication Beliefs.Journal of clinical nursingHigher reported discharge teaching quality was linked to greater discharge readiness, stronger beliefs about supplements, and better oral nutritional supplement adherence in 505 gastric cancer patients at one month. This is association, not proof teaching caused adherence.
• RNQualitative2025Perspectives of Nurses and Adolescents About Pro Re Nata Treatment in Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Units: A Qualitative Study.Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursingAdolescents and nurses described PRN medication as a tool for autonomy and dialogue rather than just symptom control. Nurses used PRN requests to gauge distress levels and build trust, while adolescents viewed the transition to PRN as a step toward discharge and self-management.
• RNQualitative2025Digital Health Applications in Access to Health Service From the Perspective of Older Adults: "It Is Difficult to Keep up With the Digital Age …".Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.)Nine older adults in Türkiye said digital health apps were either easy or hard, often because steps were confusing, they feared mistakes, or they lacked training. Only three used services alone. Nurses cannot assume older patients can use appointment systems independently.
• RNQualitative2025Intercultural Dilemmas in Cancer Care: Perspectives From Family Caregivers of Immigrant Patients.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesFour family caregivers of immigrant cancer patients described being forced to act as interpreters without training. They feared causing medical errors, struggled with translating sensitive sexual health information, and faced ethical conflicts when patients hid symptoms to preserve pride.
• RNSystematic Review2025How Woman-Centred Care Is Experienced and Understood in Maternity Services by Women and Professionals: A Rapid Review.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesWomen and maternity professionals understood woman-centred care very differently. Some women valued choice and continuity, while others prioritised warmth, safety, and medical expertise. Clarify each woman's expectations rather than assuming one model fits all.
• RNCohort2025A Multi-Outcome Prognostic Model for Community-Dwelling Older Adults Admitted to Skilled Nursing Facilities for Post-Acute Care.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationA model using age, diagnoses, hospital stay and comorbidities estimated death within 6 months and successful return to the community after skilled nursing. It can guide goals-of-care and discharge planning, but was not tested outside Medicare data.
• RNSurvey2025The role of aesthetics in promoting health-related quality of life for older adults transitioning to long-term services and support.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Among 376 older adults newly entering long-term care, greater enjoyment of sensory experiences was linked to more positive social interaction and stronger religious or spiritual disposition. Nursing home residents reported lower aesthetic enjoyment than those in home and community services.
• RNNarrative Review2025Overview of the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Clinical Care Considerations for People Living with and at Risk for Tuberculosis in the United States.The Nursing clinics of North AmericaTB care guidance for nurses includes skin or blood tests for infection, shorter latent-TB treatment, and isolation decisions that weigh patient burden.
• RNCohort2025Disparities in breast cancer detection modalities and outcomes among geriatric female cancer patients.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Breast cancers not found by mammography had much higher 5-year mortality (51.1%) than those found by screening (21.4%) or diagnostic mammography (27.8%). However, racial and geographic gaps in detection and stage disappeared after adjusting for age, income, and other health conditions.
• PTRNCohort2025Family Caregiver Availability and Capacity Associated With Home Health Service Types for Patients With Dementia.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationFor home health patients with dementia, clinician-reported lack of caregiver capacity for functional tasks was linked to receiving physical therapy; lack of caregiver availability for medical tasks was linked to receiving skilled nursing.
• RNOther2026Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Informal Carer Experiences of Older Adult Care Transitions From Hospital to Home: A Scoping Review.Journal of advanced nursingCulturally and linguistically diverse family carers often faced language barriers, were left out of discharge planning, and were unprepared for wound care, medication and symptom monitoring. Some interventions helped carers, but support was often not tailored to culture.
• RNQualitative2026A Nurse-Led Family Support Intervention for Families Living With Cancer: An Experience-Based Co-Design Study.Journal of advanced nursingFamilies living with cancer wanted nurses to treat the family as one unit, give timely information, and build trust through conversations after diagnosis, at treatment start and during treatment. This co-design produced a planned nurse-led family support programme, not a tested one.
• RNSystematic Review2026Implementing Transitional Care Interventions for Surgical Patients: A Scoping Review.Journal of advanced nursingAcross 27 studies, hospitals implementing transitional care for surgical patients relied on staff training, role changes, electronic systems, and change management. Few reported who led these steps or how well they were followed, limiting what other teams can copy.