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Aims: To investigate which morality traits are more important for nurses to determine positive opinions of their nurse manager. Background: People selected morality more often than sociability and competence when forming a positive opinion towards an ideal or a newcomer manager. Methods: A multicentre, cross‐sectional study was carried out by administering two questionnaires to 775 nurses on the influence of morality, sociability and competence traits on their impression formation processes. Results: Regarding nurses' perceptions about the morality, sociability and competence traits of an ideal nurse manager, the total score for morality was 20.0; for sociability, it was 14.2; and for competence, it was 19.6. For nurses' opinions about a new nurse manager, the total score of the morality section was 16.2, which was very similar to the total score of the competence section (mean = 16.1). Conclusion: Morality positively influences nurses' initial impression of an ideal manager, and though it seems to be a necessary condition, it is not sufficient by itself to support the nursing staff's perception towards a new manager. Implications for Nursing Management: Our findings could be useful in better understanding the role of morality in social perceptions and behavioural consequences of staff nurses towards their nurse manager. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)‐led programme on the degree of adherence of current recommendations on home blood pressure self‐measurement (HBPM) as compared to routine care and management. Background: HBPM plays an important role for monitoring hypertensive patients; however, patients' adherence to current guidelines is unsatisfactory. A nurse‐led training programme in the community setting could be an effective strategy to achieve high level of patients' adherence to recommendations. Design: A multicentre randomised controlled trial was carried out from September 2016 to September 2017. Methods: In total, 170 patients were randomly allocated into the intervention group (n = 83) and the usual care (n = 87). All participants received usual care (written and verbal information on HBPM recommendations); subjects in the intervention group also received 1‐hour training session on how to correctly self‐measure BP. Clinical trial registration was done (ClinicalTrials.gov.: NCT04681703). The CONSORT checklist for randomised controlled trials was used in this study. Results: At baseline, the level of adherence to the recommendation was similar in the two groups (p <.05). After 1 month, the adherence significantly increased in the intervention group, where patients were more likely to measure BP at the same hour and from the same arm, in a quiet environment, with the back and uncovered arm supported and the legs uncrossed; recording BP more than once in each measurement session; keeping a diary of blood pressure measurements; use of the appropriate cuff and proper placement of the cuff; and resting for >5 min before performing the measurement (all p <.05). Conclusions: The FNP‐led programme is effective in improving patients' adherence to guidelines on the correct technique to self‐measure BP at home. Relevance to clinical practice: This programme may be added to the existing interventions in the community setting or considered into specifically nurse‐led hypertension management models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objectives: To assess the prevalence of anxiety, sleep disorders and self‐efficacy and their predicting factors among nurses facing COVID‐19. Background: The spread of COVID‐19 throughout the world determined a series of modifications of several National Health Service organisations, with a potential series of psychological consequences among nurses, who were particularly afflicted by this situation of changes and precariousness. Design: A cross‐sectional study was carried out from February–April 2020. Methods: A total of 1,005 nurses employed in different Italian hospital wards, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, were recruited. Analyses were based on descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was used in this study. Results: The prevalence of sleep disturbances, moderate anxiety and low self‐efficacy was 71.4%, 33.23% and 50.65%, respectively. We found a positive correlation between anxiety and sleep quality (0.408; p <.0001) and negative correlations between self‐efficacy and anxiety (−0.217; p <.0001) and sleep quality and self‐efficacy (−0.134; p <.0001). The factor independently associated with all variables was gender. Females were more prone to sleep disturbances, anxiety and low levels of self‐efficacy than males (p <.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety, sleep disorders and low self‐efficacy among Italian nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic was high. Healthcare managers should recognise and consider these results to reduce the risk of the onset of major mental problems that could result in post‐traumatic stress disorder. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses facing major incidents as COVID‐19 pandemic are among healthcare personnel exposed to a high risk to develop psychological disturbance that should be assessed and recognised, in order to find helpful coping strategies to inform support services and avoid to hesitate in post‐traumatic stress disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aims and objectives: To investigate factors involved in the blood donation (BD) in a population of Italian nursing students (NSs). Background: Young people are still numerically limited among potential blood donors. Recent research on this topic has underlined the need to promote recruitment programmes and focused advertising campaigns to specific targeted population. Design: Cross‐sectional study. The STROBE checklist was used to grant adequate and complete reporting of research. Methods: The study was carried out in five Italian Universities, and a structured, 22‐item questionnaire was distributed to 532 NSs (mean age = 24.64, SD = 7.41, min = 19; max = 55; population, female = 80.8% of total) to explore propensity, obstacles, knowledge of BD and to assess associations between variables. Descriptive (frequency, mean and SD) and inferential (χ2) statistics were conducted. Results: The overall level of knowledge among NSs donors is high, when compared with non‐donors (p < 0.05); the propensity for donation is acceptable (34.8% of the total are donors; mean = 3.17 donation). The obstacles perceived by participants are "practical" (20% and 22.8% think they do not have enough time to donate or are unsuitable because of lifestyle reasons; respectively). A relevant aspect regards the NSs' perceived role as future healthcare professionals to be responsible to educate and influence potential donors (81.5%). Conclusions: Specifically tailored BD campaigning should be implemented to sensitise University students. NSs could become effective motivators among students of different Universities or faculties. Thanks to their role and capability to put themselves in the peer group. NSs could contribute to the promotion of this selfless practice and to the development of a mature, responsible civic attitude. Relevance to clinical practice: Nursing educators should play a pivotal role in developing teaching methods to promote BD among NSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To assess Italian nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards gay and lesbian sexual orientation and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients, as there is currently no literature exploring the attitudes of nurses in Italy. Methods: A multicenter, cross‐sectional study was conducted between May 2015 to January 2016, using a data collection tool composed of three validated questionnaires and a sociodemographic form. Findings: Eight hundred twenty‐four nurses filled out the questionnaire. Despite their awareness of homosexuality as a “natural expression of one's sexuality,” Italian nurses showed only moderately positive attitudes towards lesbian and gay patients. A more positive attitude was displayed by women when compared with men (p < .001). Greater knowledge of homosexuality was associated with female gender (p = .042), moderate‐wing political affiliation (p = .014), and more affirmative behaviors (p = .008). Men were found to have greater awareness of being prepared to care for LGBT people (p = .022). Conclusions: Although Italian nurses displayed moderately positive attitudes and affirmative behaviors, there is the need to increase their cultural competencies regarding sexual minorities. Clinical Relevance: LGBT patients feel some discomfort in approaching physicians or nurses. It is important to know nurses’ attitudes in caring for LGBT patients in order to modify inappropriate and discriminatory behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: This study explored children's perceptions about the quality of nursing care and the determinants of their evaluations according to different categories of children's ages. Design: Multicenter cross‐sectional study carried out on 692 pediatric patients in eight large Italian regional hospitals. Methods: We used a validated questionnaire, translated and adapted to the Italian context, consisting of 49 items (5‐point Likert scale) exploring nurse characteristics, nursing activities, and nursing environment. Findings: The mean score of children's perceptions of their overall experience of hospitalization was 3.96; the nurse characteristics factor obtained the highest score (mean = 3.79), and it was in positive correlation with the satisfaction level across different age categories: 4 to 6 years, β = .37; 7 to 11 years, β = .31; and 12 to 14 years, β = .32. Conclusions: Nurse characteristics is the only significant factor contributing to children's satisfaction across the three different age categories. Clinical Relevance: In pediatric nursing care, it is important to emphasize that nurses’ personal characteristics and the ability to connect with children are essential compared to the ability to perform tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To assess the levels of health literacy of Italian caregivers of patients with heart failure. Background: Health literacy is related to patients’ health outcomes. Low health literacy has been found in older people with heart failure, and less is known on the health literacy of caregivers whose patients are suffering from heart failure. Design: Observational, multicentre, cross-sectional study. Methods: From July 2015–May 2016, caregivers were recruited in five hospitals from Central and Southern Italy. To assess health literacy, the Italian version of the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy tool was used. Results: A total of 173 caregivers participated in the research, the majority being females (60.1%), aged between 46–60 years (52.6%) and 96 (55.5%) were from Central Italy. 33.5% of caregivers were patients’ children, and 16.2% were paid caregivers of foreign origins. The average level of health literacy was adequate; however, lower levels were found among patients’ spouses and those of older age. Conclusion: Our results, in contrast with previous studies, showed adequate health literacy levels of caregivers. However, caregivers older in age and with a low education level showed the lowest health literacy, emphasising the need for healthcare workers, to check caregivers’ health literacy, before entrusting them with the care of patients. Relevance to clinical practice: As this research gives, for the first time, an overview on Italian caregivers’ levels of health literacy, its results may be used to improve Italian healthcare professionals’ knowledge of caregivers’ health literacy, before entrusting them with the care of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To ascertain the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the Stanford Presenteeism Scale ( SPS-6). Background Presenteeism has been associated with a work productivity reduction, a lower quality of work and an increased risk of developing health disorders. It is particularly high among nurses and needs valid tools to be assessed. Methods A validation study was carried out from July to September 2014. A three-section tool, made of a demographic form, the Stanford Presenteeism Scale ( SPS-6) and the Perceived Stress Scale ( PSS-10) was administered to a sample of nurses, enrolled in three Italian hospitals. Results Cronbach's α for the entire sample (229 nurses) was found to be 0.72. A significant negative correlation between SPS and perceived stress scores evidenced the external validity. The factor analysis showed a two-component solution, accounting for 71.2% of the variance. The confirmatory factor analysis showed an adequate fit. Conclusion The Italian SPS-6 is a valid and reliable tool for workplace surveys. Implications for nursing management Since the validity and reliability of SPS-6 has been confirmed for the Italian version, we have now a valid tool that can measure the levels of presenteeism among Italian nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To correlate workgroup engagement in nursing teams and the clinical learning experience of nursing students. Background Work engagement plays a pivotal role in explaining motivational dynamics. Nursing education is workplace-based and, through their clinical placements, nursing students develop both their clinical competences and their professional identity. However, there is currently a lack of evidence on the role of work engagement related to students' learning experiences. Methods A total of 519 nurses and 519 nursing students were enrolled in hospital settings. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale ( UWES) was used to assess work engagement, and the Clinical Learning Environment and Supervision plus nurse Teacher ( CLES+T) scale was used to assess students' learning experience. A multilevel linear regression analysis was performed. Results Group-level work engagement of nurses correlated with students' clinical learning experience (β = 0.11, P < 0.001). Specifically, the 'absorption' and 'dedication' factors mostly contributed to enhancing clinical learning (respectively, β = 0.37, P < 0.001 and β = 0.20, P < 0.001). Conclusions Nursing teams' work engagement is an important motivational factor to enhance effective nursing education. Implication for nursing management Nursing education institutions and health-care settings need to conjointly work to build effective organisational climates. The results highlighted the importance of considering the group-level analysis to understand the most effective strategies of intervention for both organisations and nursing education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. The aims of the study were to describe which of the core techniques of the physical assessment are regularly performed by a sample of Italian nurses, and to investigate the potential predictors of a more complete examination. Background. Physical examination is among the essential tasks of nursing professionals, who are requested to perform a correct and complete physical assessment. Design. Cross-sectional survey. Methods. The study was performed between August 2013 and January 2014 in 17 Italian regions. A total of 1182 questionnaires were collected. Results. Most participants were females (age range 41-50 years), and worked in Internal Medicine, Intensive Care and Surgical hospital units. Of the 30 core techniques that are currently taught and performed according to the Italian Baccalaureate degree requirements, 20 were routinely performed, 6 were seldom used and 4 were learnt but almost never performed (auscultation of lung, heart and bowel sounds and spine inspection). Graduate and postgraduate nurses, working in Intensive Care Units and Nursing Homes, were more prone than the others to carry out a more complete physical assessment. Conclusions. The skills to perform a physical assessment are suboptimal among this sample of Italian nurses. Health and educational providers should pose more attention and efforts to provide nurses with an acceptable training in physical examination practice. Relevance to clinical practice. This study describes the specific physical techniques performed by nurses in real practice and provides information on which skills require more attention in nursing educational programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To assess Italian nurses' cultural competence, as they are increasingly called upon to care for people of foreign origins. Design A cross-sectional, multicentric study. Methods From September 2013 to May 2014, a survey was carried out among Italian nurses. Cultural competence was assessed by the Cultural Competence Assessment tool, translated and adapted to the Italian context. Findings Nurses who completed the survey numbered 1,432; 70.6% were female; 42.6% ranged in age from 41 to 50 years; and 50.0% were bachelor's prepared. More than 50% had participated in some kind of cultural diversity training. Overall, cultural competence was moderate, showing a moderately high level of cultural awareness and sensitivity (mean = 5.41; SD = 0.66) and a moderate level of culturally competent behaviors (mean = 4.33; SD = 1.10). Conclusions Although Italian nurses' cultural competence was acceptable, given the growing diversity of the patient population, nurses should be better prepared to face the changing health requests. Clinical Relevance Providing culturally competent care has been associated with improved provider-client communication, higher satisfaction with care, and health status improvement, as full comprehension of health status, adherence to medications and lifestyle recommendations, and appropriate utilization of the health system. Healthcare providers need to be adequately trained to provide culturally competent care. This research provides, for the first time, a report on Italian nurses' levels of cultural competence, and strengthens the current literature underlining the need for continuous education to enhance cultural competence among nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To evaluate nurses' knowledge of guidelines for preventing infections associated with peripheral venous catheters. Background Guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections are an important tool to help healthcare professionals minimise the risk of infection. However, they are not always applied by nurses. The literature on this topic is limited, and no study examined this matter for peripheral venous catheters. Design This cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2011-June 2012. Methods The nurses' knowledge of peripheral venous catheter guidelines and its association with gender, experience, education and the ward membership was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Results Sixteen hospitals from six regions of Italy participated, and 933 questionnaires were collected. Most participants were female (70·1%), undergraduate (51·8%), worked in medical (35·8%) and surgical departments (28·0%), and had >10 years of experience (55·0%). The median score on 10 questions was 6 of 10. A majority of nurses knew it is recommended to replace peripheral venous catheters routinely (90·0%), to perform an aseptic technique during connecting/disconnecting the infusive lines (55·2%), and to replace the administration set <24 hour when lipid emulsions have been infused (88·4%). Of note, 52·6% of nurses advocated the use of steel needles, a potentially dangerous practice. In multivariate analysis, a higher level of education and the area of work were associated with better test scores. Conclusion The sample of nurses' knowledge to some recommendations is frequently low. This could be a potential risk factor for patient safety. The results should sensitise healthcare managers to improve nursing training and education, according to clinical risk management perspectives. Relevance to clinical practice These data request for more emphasis on international guidelines in infection prevention initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]