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To examine Chinese-immigrant cancer patients' openness to advance care planning (ACP) in an outpatient oncology setting. Retrospective review of social work assessment data. 150 Chinese-immigrant patient charts were reviewed (55% Cantonese, 45% Mandarin). Data were summarized descriptively and with logistic regression analyses. Sixteen percent of patients had completed ACP prior to meeting with the oncology social worker (OSW). Twenty percent of patients agreed to complete a health care proxy (HCP) after receiving culturally-tailored education in their language of origin from the OSW, while 75% remained open to ongoing consideration of ACP and HCP completion. This study illuminates how Chinese immigrants engage in ACP discussions in an oncology setting. OSWs can play an integral role in advocating, educating, and intervening with this population and can assist the interdisciplinary team in understanding the importance of the cultural differences, even if the OSW's primary language differs from that of a patient's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Neonatal palliative care is widely endorsed as an essential aspect of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) practice, yet inconsistencies in its use continue to exist. We examined neonatal nurses' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to palliative care in their NICU setting. Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional design using the Neonatal Palliative Care Attitude Scale (NiPCAS ™©) was administered using an online survey distributed to neonatal nurses through the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). Parametric statistical analyses were conducted to explore relationships between unit policy and neonatal palliative care (NPC) education, and the nurses' perceptions. Results: Ninety-nine of 1,800 AWHONN members who identified as NICU nurses completed the survey, representing a response rate of 5.5% and 101 of 4,000 NANN members who subscribe to the MYNANN message boards completed the survey, reflecting a 2.5% response rate. N = 200 surveys were completed with minimal data missing, resulting in a final sample of 200. Exploratory factor analysis yielded these subconstructs: Unit Culture, Resources, and Perceived Inappropriate Care. Barriers identified were Perceived Inappropriate Care and Societal Understanding of NPC. A positive correlation was noted for NiPCAS ™© scores and unit culture support (r(185) = .66, n = 187, p < .01), unit NPC policy (r(184) = .446, n = 186, p < .01), and NPC education (r(185) = .373, n = 187, p < .01). Clinical Implications: Nurses who work in a NICU with an NPC policy and who have received palliative care education demonstrated more favorable attitudes toward NPC. Policy and educational programs are important strategies to promote high-quality care for high-risk infants and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the importance of frontline nurse managers to an organization and discusses the ways in which organizations can help in development of nurse managers. Nurse Managers are the crucial component linking together the nursing staff, medical teams, support services and administration. They are responsible for quality, safety, resource allocation and patient advocacy. However, to do all this they need support from their peers as well as from the organization. The new or even experienced managers can be supported by a mentor who would guide them to successfully understand the organizational structures and its systems. A trusting and nurturing environment with empowerment of frontline nurse manager will enable success throughout the many levels of a healthcare organization.

The article discusses the role of a nurse manager to the development of full partnership of registered nurses (RNs) and interdisciplinary teams in the U.S. It states that a nurse manager is the crucial component linking nursing staff, medical teams, support services and administration together, and plays a central role in quality, safety, resource allocation, patient advocacy and customer service. Moreover, the nurse manager is responsible for the development of the health organization's employees.

Background: Ashkenazi Jewish descendants have a higher incidence of BRCA mutations and a significant increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Our medical center serves the largest Orthodox-Jewish population in the US. Experience with healthcare decisions has demonstrated that Orthodox Jews often seek input from their Rabbi or Rabbinic spouses, Rebbetzins, and community organizations. There is speculation regarding these leaders' views of BRCA testing, yet there is no research to date exploring this topic in this community. Purpose: Our aim was to explore and understand views of Rabbis and Rebbetzins in the Orthodox Jewish community on BRCA genetic counseling and testing. Methods: Using qualitative methodology. Ninety-minute focus groups for Rabbis and Rebbetzins were held. Descriptive analysis was used to cull themes from de-identified transcripts of audio recordings of the sessions. Transcripts were read independently for content validity of themes. IRB was obtained. Results: Four primary themes were identified: 1) The Rabbi's role in medical decisions; 2) tampering with G0ds plan;3) shifting community norms and 4) cancer as a concern. Recommendations include forming educational initiatives for faith-based leaders related to genetic counseling, proactively involving the Rabbi and an enhanced alliance between faith-based leaders and healthcare professionals in appreciating one another's roles. Respectful awareness of family and social dynamics and the religious ramifications of genetic testing and counseling is crucial. Conclusions/Implications: This research provides a deeper understanding of attitudes and beliefs of Orthodox Jewish thought-leaders regarding BRCA testing which can be used in developing community outreach and educational initiatives to meet the needs of this faith-based minority group. Social networks and the opinions of family, friends, community members and faith-based leaders can profoundly impact health care decisions, including the BRCA testing decision. By understanding and incorporating opinions of these thought-leaders, we hope to provide services respectful of this community's traditions, leading to increased use of genetic counseling and improved health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Neonatal palliative care is widely endorsed as an essential aspect of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) practice, yet inconsistencies in its use continue to exist. We examined neonatal nurses' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to palliative care in their NICU setting., Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional design using the Neonatal Palliative Care Attitude Scale (NiPCAS™©) was administered using an online survey distributed to neonatal nurses through the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). Parametric statistical analyses were conducted to explore relationships between unit policy and neonatal palliative care (NPC) education, and the nurses' perceptions., Results: Ninety-nine of 1,800 AWHONN members who identified as NICU nurses completed the survey, representing a response rate of 5.5% and 101 of 4,000 NANN members who subscribe to the MYNANN message boards completed the survey, reflecting a 2.5% response rate. N = 200 surveys were completed with minimal data missing, resulting in a final sample of 200. Exploratory factor analysis yielded these subconstructs: Unit Culture, Resources, and Perceived Inappropriate Care. Barriers identified were Perceived Inappropriate Care and Societal Understanding of NPC. A positive correlation was noted for NiPCAS™© scores and unit culture support (r(185) = .66, n = 187, p < .01), unit NPC policy (r(184) = .446, n = 186, p < .01), and NPC education (r(185) = .373, n = 187, p < .01)., Clinical Implications: Nurses who work in a NICU with an NPC policy and who have received palliative care education demonstrated more favorable attitudes toward NPC. Policy and educational programs are important strategies to promote high-quality care for high-risk infants and their families., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)