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 73 OF 216 · NEWEST FIRST

• RNSurvey2021Reliability and validation of the Positive Aspects of Caregiving scale among Japanese caregivers of people with dementia.International journal of nursing sciencesDementia caregivers' Japanese nine-item positive aspects scale, tested in 194 caregivers, had consistent scores and was linked with lower depression, but its item grouping differed from the original. It may help nurses assess caregiver strengths, not show a care outcome improved.
• RNOther2021Mental health and developmental disabilities in US children admitted in hospice care.International journal of palliative nursingDocumented diagnoses in 6,195 pediatric hospice Medicaid records included behavioral disorders (28.50%), anxiety (16.4%), depression (12.8%), and developmental delay in almost half (48.1%). Older adolescents had more anxiety and depression; infants had more developmental delays.
• RNOther2021Persistent effect of nurse-led education on self-care behavior and disease knowledge in heart failure patients.International journal of nursing sciencesHeart failure patients who had a one-hour nurse-led education session self-reported more agreement with disease knowledge and self-care statements one day later, and scores remained better at 6-month follow-up.
• RNQualitative2021Lived experiences of the disease journey among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.International journal of nursing sciencesChinese patients with IPF waited 1.5 to 5 years for diagnosis, often after misdiagnosis. They described breathlessness, dependence, and little post-discharge support. They wanted education on oxygen, medication, and daily activities.
• RNSurveyCausal Model of Psychological Empowerment Among People With Spinal Cord Injury in Thailand.Orthopedic nursingIn 260 Thai adults with spinal cord injury, self-esteem was the strongest factor linked to feeling empowered. Daily function, support, and longer injury time related to empowerment through self-esteem. Age and education did not.
• RNQualitative2021Seeking tirelessly for better health and life conditions for the child with myelomeningocele.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemFamilies caring for children with myelomeningocele described a relentless drive for the child's future independence. They faced shock, financial strain, and social isolation, but found strength in shared fathering, school adaptations, and faith. Nurses were largely absent from their care journey.
• RNSurvey2021Quantifying the Influence of Individual, Community, and Health System Factors on Quality of Life Among Inner-City African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes.The science of diabetes self-management and careIn 241 inner-city African American adults with diabetes, depression and low education were linked to worse mental quality of life; employment, reported trauma, and having usual source of care were linked to better physical quality of life.
• RNOther2021Depressive Symptoms and Associated Health-Related Variables in Older Adult Breast Cancer Survivors and Non-Cancer Controls.Oncology nursing forumOlder breast cancer survivors did not have more depressive symptoms than matched non-cancer women: 15.3% versus 15.5% after accounting for differences between groups. Multiple comorbidities and functional limitations were strongly associated with depressive symptoms.
• OTRNQualitative2021Using poetry as data to explore daily and formal care decision making within African American dementia dyads.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)African American persons living with dementia were the final decision makers for daily care in all five dyads. Formal-care decisions varied, with shared decision making and dyadic communication. Ask both who decides.
• RNCase-Control2021Anesthesia for Patients Who Self-Report Cannabis (Marijuana) Use Before Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A Retrospective Review.AANA journalPatients who self-reported cannabis use before an endoscopy did not require significantly more propofol than non-users. The study was too small to detect real differences, so clinicians should not assume cannabis users need higher anesthetic doses based on this paper.
• RNQualitative2021Family perceptions of mouth care for assisted living residents with dementia: Implications for care.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Families of assisted living residents with dementia saw mouth care as vital to eating, comfort, confidence and safety. They described staff time, turnover and inconsistent routines as barriers, and asked for clear communication, oversight and collaboration.
• RNNarrative Review2021Assessment and Monitoring of Sleep in the Intensive Care Unit.Critical care nursing clinics of North AmericaRoutine physiologic sleep monitoring is not recommended in the ICU. Nurses should assess sleep using validated questionnaires or informal nursing assessment, and interpret observed sleep cautiously because it can overestimate sleep.
• RNQualitative2021Opportunities for Interventions That Address Socioeconomic Barriers to Type 2 Diabetes Management: Patient Perspectives.The science of diabetes self-management and carePeople with type 2 diabetes said SNAP, food pantries, and dietitian visits often did not fit tight budgets, busy routines, or diabetes-appropriate eating. They wanted budget-aware cooking help, peer support, and easier food-assistance access.
• RNOther2021Use of a quality improvement strategy to increase drug and alcohol consultation and care opportunities for mental health inpatients in rural and remote New South Wales.The Australian journal of rural healthDrug and alcohol consultations rose from 21% to 35.8% after a combined local effort of daily meetings, education, executive support, staff prompts from family reports, withdrawal signs and urine screens, and modelling that referrals fit existing resources.
• RNSurvey2021Measuring Knowledge of Fertility Preservation in Women With Cystic Fibrosis: Instrument Development and Psychometric Analysis.Nursing for women's healthWomen with cystic fibrosis rated themselves low on fertility preservation knowledge, especially transplant options and immunosuppression effects. A brief questionnaire may help nurses identify gaps before fertility discussions.
• RNOtherThe Association Between Neighborhood Social Vulnerability and Cardiovascular Health Risk Among Black/African American Women in the InterGEN Study.Nursing researchBlack/African American women in the most vulnerable neighborhoods were 3.29 times more likely to have elevated BP. Poverty and unemployment were linked to higher diastolic BP; overall vulnerability was not linked to BMI.
• RNCohortLimits of the Glasgow Coma Scale When Assessing for Sepsis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients.Nursing researchGlasgow Coma Scale scores were recorded for 625 of 1,655 suspected infections. In the 30 with scores, a score below 15 identified only 60.0% of documented mental status changes, so absent GCS should not be read as no altered mental status.
• RNOther2021Antibody Responses After mRNA-Based COVID-19 Vaccination in Residential Older Adults: Implications for Reopening.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationAll 70 vaccinated older adults in assisted living or independent communities had detectable antibodies, with levels strongly correlating with neutralization capacity. This suggests these residents are likely protected, but the study does not confirm immunity or duration.
• RNSystematic Review2021Transition from hospital to home after elective colorectal surgery performed in an enhanced recovery program: An integrative review.Nursing openPatients after ERAS colorectal surgery often feel vulnerable at home, needing personalised information, family support and an easy way to contact a nurse. Telephone and text follow-up were feasible, but their effect on readmission is not proven.
• RNSystematic Review2021A systematic review of clinical trials affecting anxiety, stress and fear of childbirth in expectant fathers.Nursing openClinical trials for expectant fathers' childbirth anxiety, stress and fear gave mixed results. Some education, music and massage trials reported lower anxiety or fear, but evidence was too varied to show which works best.
• RNQualitative2021Parents' Insights into Pediatric Oncology Phase I Clinical Trials: Experiences from Their Child's Participation.Seminars in oncology nursingParents of children in pediatric oncology phase I trials described burdens from confusing trial information, travel for second opinions, extra research blood draws, rigid protocol rules, and daily oral medicines.
• RNSystematic Review2021Effects of music interventions on sleep in older adults: A systematic review.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Music before bed did not reliably improve sleep quality in older adults. Results were mixed: some studies showed better objective sleep or sleep quality, others did not. Relaxing, familiar music may help, but the evidence is not strong enough to promise benefit.
• RNCohort2021Subsequent Pressure Injury Development in Mechanically Ventilated Critical Care Patients with Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study.Advances in skin & wound careMechanically ventilated ICU patients with an existing hospital-acquired pressure injury developed a second one in 34% of cases despite documented 2-hour turning. Lower hemoglobin, vasopressin use, and longer ICU stay were associated with a second injury.
• RNSystematic Review2021A rapid review exploring nurse-led memory clinics.Nursing openSix descriptive reports suggest nurse-led memory clinics improve access to dementia diagnosis and care, with high stakeholder satisfaction. However, the evidence is anecdotal and lacks rigorous trials, so these clinics cannot yet be proven effective compared to standard physician-led care.
• RNOther2021Structural Validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Among Family Members of Critically Ill Patients.American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care NursesIn family decision-makers of critically ill patients, HADS scores fit one overall distress pattern better than separate anxiety and depression. Do not read anxiety and depression subscale scores as distinct symptoms; use it as a broad distress screen or another validated measure.
• RNSurvey2021The capacity of informal caregivers in the rehabilitation of older people after a stroke.Investigacion y educacion en enfermeriaMost family caregivers of older adults after stroke reported performing feeding, medication, hygiene and dressing, but many struggled with safe transfer posture and stimulating the affected side. Nurses should check these gaps before discharge.
• RNSurvey2021Caregiver Characteristics Associated With Cognitive Complaints in Women With Breast Cancer.Oncology nursing forumCaregiver burden and health were associated with breast cancer patients' reported cognitive complaints during chemotherapy. Patient anxiety, depression, and fatigue were also associated with impairment. The study cannot show cause.
• RNOtherPain Behaviors and Pharmacological Pain Management Among Newly Admitted Nursing Home Residents.Nursing researchNewly admitted nursing home residents unable to self-report pain were less likely to receive scheduled and as-needed pain medication when staff documented only facial, nonverbal, or protective pain behaviors instead of vocal complaints.
• RNCohortRacial Discrimination and Stress Across the Life Course: Associations With Prenatal Inflammation, Perceived Stress, and Depressive Symptoms.Nursing researchPregnant Black American women who reported more racial discrimination felt more stress, and some blood inflammatory markers varied with life-course stress ratings. Depressive symptoms were not predicted by discrimination or total life-course stress. No treatment was tested.
• RNSurveyIntersectional Effects of Sexual Orientation Concealment, Internalized Homophobia, and Gender Expression on Sexual Identity and HIV Risk Among Sexual Minority Men of Color: A Path Analysis.The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANACConcealing sexual orientation was linked to lower health literacy and more transactional sex; internalized homophobia was linked to lower HIV knowledge and health literacy. Some links varied by masculine, feminine, or mixed gender expression.
• RNRCTEffect of Nurse Practitioner Interventions on Hospitalizations in the Community Transitions Intervention Trial.Nursing researchAdding nurse practitioner transitional care, with or without a health coach, to usual home care did not reduce hospitalizations more than usual home care alone in Black and Hispanic adults after stroke or TIA. All groups had fewer hospitalizations over time.
• RNOtherThe Implementation of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth Center: A Program Evaluation.Journal of forensic nursingLocal nurses delivered sexual assault exams with remote expert support in three rural hospitals. Three eligible patients declined telehealth; nurse confidence rose, and hospitals made system changes, but there was no comparison group.
• RNSystematic Review2021The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions on people with pre-existent mental health conditions: A scoping review.Archives of psychiatric nursingMost people with pre-existing mental health conditions experienced worsened anxiety, depression, and distress during COVID-19 restrictions. However, some studies found stability or even improved well-being. Nurses delivering patient care must monitor for both deterioration and resilience.
• RNSurvey2021Relationship of fear of COVID-19 and pregnancy-related quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.Archives of psychiatric nursingPregnant women with higher fear of COVID-19 reported lower pregnancy-related quality of life, even after accounting for health, income and spouse factors. This is an association, not proof that fear caused lower quality of life.
• RNSurvey2021Multi-dimensional frailty and its risk factors among older residents in long-term care facilities in Shanghai, China.International journal of nursing sciencesDepressive symptoms, lower grip strength, poorer cognition, and less activity participation were associated with frailty in older long-term care residents. Screen for these, not daily task ability alone.
• RNOther2021Use of a quality improvement strategy to introduce co-design of the mental health discharge plan in rural and remote New South Wales.The Australian journal of rural healthIn a rural mental health unit, all discharges in the audit month had completed summaries, and most plans were co-designed with patients and next of kin. Nurses can use a simple checklist to include family, medications, follow-up and cultural needs.
• RNNarrative Review2021Providing Palliative and Hospice Care to Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer.Seminars in oncology nursingFor children with cancer, early palliative care alongside treatment may improve symptom management, communication and family support, while hospice and concurrent care allow comfort-focused care without stopping treatment.
• RNCohort2021Excess Mortality After COVID-19 in Swedish Long-Term Care Facilities.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationSwedish long-term care residents with confirmed COVID-19 had 30-day mortality of 39.9%, versus 5.7% in matched controls without confirmed infection. Severe neuropsychological conditions, poor walking ability, and urinary and bowel incontinence were linked to higher mortality.
• RNOther2021A Digital Mobile Community App for Caregivers in Singapore: Predevelopment and Usability Study.JMIR nursingCaregivers in Singapore want a local, private digital community to reduce isolation. They rated a new app prototype as useful and easy to use, but flagged privacy concerns about location sharing and asked for self-care features.
• OTRNSystematic Review2021Intersectoral actions in decreasing social inequities faced by children and adolescents.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemChildren and adolescents in vulnerable settings were reported to have gains in school participation, nutrition, mental health access and community support when health, education and social services worked together. Most reports were qualitative, so this is not evidence these programs work.
• RNOther2021Development and validation of a pocket guide for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)A pocket guide for preventing diabetic foot ulcers was validated by 11 experts, with all items scoring above 0.78 and the overall model above 0.90. It outlines five cornerstones: risk identification, classification, education, footwear, and treating pre-ulcerative lesions.
• RNNarrative Review2021Management and support of patients with fibrosing interstitial lung diseases.The Nurse practitionerSuspected fibrosing ILD needs specialist referral, high-resolution CT review, and multidisciplinary discussion. Nurse practitioners should explain prognosis, watch antifibrotic side effects, and support oxygen, rehabilitation, and education.
• RNMeta-Analysis2021Meta-analysis of ICU Delirium Biomarkers and Their Alignment With the NIA-AA Research Framework.American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care NursesSerum Aβ1-40, IL-RA, and IL-6 were linked with ICU delirium in pooled studies, but S100β and CRP were not. Too few studies to change bedside care.
• RNPilot2021A family nurse-led intervention for reducing health services' utilization in individuals with chronic diseases: The ADVICE pilot study.International journal of nursing sciencesOlder adults with chronic disease had fewer readmissions and emergency visits after home teach-back education by family nurse practitioners (71.4% before, 28.6% after). No control group, so this pilot cannot prove the education caused the drop.
• RNSurvey2021The Mutual Effects of Perceived Spiritual Needs on Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Cancer and Family Caregivers.Journal of hospice and palliative nursing : JHPN : the official journal of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses AssociationHospice patients with advanced cancer and family caregivers shared spiritual needs, especially being with family and unmet religious services. Their own needs related to their own quality of life, not the other person's.
• RNSurveyUse of Food to Cope With Culturally Relevant Stressful Life Events Is Associated With Body Mass Index in African American Women.Nursing researchIn 189 African American women, self-reported race-related stress was associated with self-reported food coping, and food coping was associated with higher BMI. This is an association, not proof of cause or treatment effect.
• RNSurveyRacialized Experiences Differentiate Food Security Among African American Adults.Nursing researchAfrican American adults who thought often about race and reported health effects from discrimination were less likely to be food secure and more likely to have very low food security. Diet quality did not differ.
• RNQualitativeCommunication Among Southeast Asian Mothers and Daughters About Cervical Cancer Prevention.Nursing researchDaughters acted as interpreters and health advocates for their mothers, yet neither generation discussed cervical cancer screening. Mothers viewed Pap tests as unnecessary without symptoms, while daughters avoided the topic to prevent embarrassment, leaving a gap in preventive care communication.
• RNCohortPain and Self-Efficacy Among Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: A Scleroderma Patient-Centered Intervention Network Cohort Study.Nursing researchIn adults with systemic sclerosis, pain and confidence managing pain did not change detectably over three years, although at baseline higher confidence was linked to less pain.
• RNMeta-Analysis2021Effect of Educational Interventions to Reduce Readmissions due to Heart Failure Decompensation in Adults: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Investigacion y educacion en enfermeriaIn adults with heart failure, education showed no reduction in readmissions at under 3 months or at 3, 9, or 24 months, but reductions at 6 and 12 months; hospital stay fell about two days at 12 months.