PURPOSE: Since the outbreak of the unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis, Filipino nurses are one of the vital health workers in fighting its devastation in the Philippines. The study aimed to describe the lived-experiences of Filipino next generation nurses as frontliners in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: The paper espoused the qualitative research design of inquiry exclusively Husserlian descriptive phenomenology. Study participants were selected using non-probability, purposive sampling design. The sample (N=19) was consisted of Filipino nurses with less than 10 years of practice experience, referred to as next-generation nurses, who function as frontline healthcare workers in healthcare settings, both male and female. The study was conducted in the national capital region (NCR), which has the most COVID-19 cases in the country. Due to the community quarantine imposed by the national government, the corpus of data was collected through virtual semi-structured interviews and from the participants' testimonies posted in social-media. METHOD: An adaptation of Colaizzi's empirical phenomenological research approach was utilized to obtain an in-depth understanding and analysis of study participants' experiences. FINDINGS: The profound, life-changing experiences of a select group of Filipino next- generation nurses were unified in three interesting themes, namely,: acclimatization to the challenges of the novel clinical situation, affirmation of the spirit of resiliency, and actualization of the valued calling. CONCLUSION: The contagion has demanded a new way of working, and these nurses have risen to the challenge, and demonstrated how capable they are at responding to new situations and uncertainty. Despite facing dire challenges, they demonstrate the spirit of resiliency. This health crisis enables them to impart the value of the nursing vocation. As they navigate this unprecedented contagion, their experiences and status could likely alter at different phases of the pandemic. Hence, the provision of long-term and holistic support for them is necessary to preserve their welfare.
COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; Family Characteristics

This research endeavored to explore, describe and document the saga of experienced nurse administrators to come up with reflective learning in nursing leadership and management. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized, specifically descriptive and interpretative methods of Husserl and Heidegger. Purposive sampling and referral were employed to select eight participants from the three fields of nursing administration(academe, hospital, and community) within Luzon, Philippines. An in-depth interview about the participants' experiences in nursing and nursing administration, together with a review of historical narratives and personal accounts were engaged to generate data. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed following hermeneutic interpretive phenomenology. An integrated analysis of literature showed parallel descriptions of participants' responses and the context of historical accounts and events in nursing in the Philippines. Four main themes have emerged in the saga of Seasoned Nurse Administrators (SNAs): 1) Nurse administrators' responses according to the need and context of nursing in their times; 2) Nursing foundations and training are geared towards the values of nursing as a service profession, 3) The pathways towards becoming a nurse administrator are marked with competence in the roles undertaken and living the passion for service; 4) SNAs facing challenges are towards the improvement of life conditions, excellence in their profession, and setting advocacies to elevate the nursing profession in the country in the 21st century. A conceptual model was formulated in understanding the paths towards a seasoned nurse administrator.
Nurse Administrators ; Learning

PURPOSE: People living with diseases where symptoms are not visible to the naked eye, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), are frequently misunderstood by the public and consequently face numerous conflicts in their lives. The study aims to develop an explanatory framework towards the constructions of coping of adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DESIGN: The study made use of the Straussian Grounded Theory Method. 15 adults with ages ranging from 21 to 50 years old, diagnosed by a licensed physician with rheumatoid arthritis for at least six months at the time of the study, with an active social media account, and are in the convalescence or remission phase participated in the study. The study setting was based on the participants' preferences within the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon areas. This study has been reviewed and approved by UP Manila Research Ethics Board (UPMREB). METHODS: Purposive sampling and theoretical sampling were used in selecting the participants. Unstructured interviews and observation played central roles in the data collection. Consistent with the Straussian Grounded Theory method, the analysis was based on data immersion and iterative open, axial, and selective coding. FINDINGS: The constructions of coping in persons with Rheumatoid arthritis was presented through a “coding paradigm” of causal conditions (disconnect and invisible suffering), context (isolation and psychosocial burdens), intervening conditions (cultural values and family attitude, values, beliefs, and dynamics), strategies (joining online RA group and sticking with people who understand), and consequences (regaining control and helping others with the same condition) which were further explained in this paper. CONCLUSION: The study presents experiences of persons with RA and their constructions of coping, shedding light on the often misunderstood course of symptomatology and the struggles the afflicted persons go through. Despite having social media as the milieu by which these concepts emerge, this study's theoretical model may help health practitioners understand persons afflicted with diseases with imperceptible symptoms. Understanding their experiences in the context of the theoretical model presented could suggest information and support modalities for these groups of people.

PURPOSE: This study was done to explore the experiences of young adult males with below-knee amputation at surgical wards and clinics in Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. DESIGN: The study used the phenomenology design of qualitative research. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted for data collection using a theme list with a saturation point reached at 16 participants. The duration of an interview was 30-45 minutes and was recorded on audiotape and transcribed later. Phases of familiarization with the data, coding, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and writing up were conducted accordingly to thematic analysis. FINDINGS: The young adult male below-knee amputees showed changes in lifestyle with dependence on others, supporting aids, and experiencing discomfort. They showed mental distress with dissatisfaction with life and suffering of life. Additionally, they lacked power with identity changes and encounter economic problems in their lives. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: It is essential to give special education to the staff caring for the below-knee amputees to minimize their unpleasant and challenging experiences. Health staff can motivate family members and friends for individuals' mental adjustment to their new life. Additionally, the social attitude of the community should be changed positively regarding amputated patients.
Male ; Sri Lanka ; Disarticulation ; Musculoskeletal System

PURPOSE: This study examined the predictive ability of Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) standardized tests on Fundamentals of Nursing (FON), Pharmacology (PHARM), Medical-Surgical Nursing (MSN), and RN Comprehensive Predictor (RNCP) on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) performance of nursing graduates. BACKGROUND: Various assessment tools in nursing education are used to predict the success of students in nursing licensure examinations. There are inconsistent findings on the predictive ability of course-specific standardized tests on NCLEX-RN success. METHODS: A retrospective correlation research design was used to determine the association between ATI standardized tests and NCLEX-RN success. Secondary data analysis of 141 ATI student scores from 2017 to 2018 from a Southeastern university in the United States were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, set at 0.05 level of significance. Three models of logistic regression were used to determine the predictive ability of ATI standardized exams on NCLEX-RN success. RESULTS: ATI MSN standardized test is the strongest predictor of NCLEX-RN success, followed by ATI FON and ATI RNCP tests. ATI PHARM standardized test is not predictive of NCLEX-RN success. CONCLUSION: Standardized tests can help in identifying students who are at-risk for failing the NCLEX-RN prior to taking the examination. Understanding the impact of standardized testing on NCLEX-RN performance is essential in addressing the students' ability to become successful in the nursing program and NCLEX-RN.
Students, Nursing ; Education, Nursing ; Educational Status ; Teacher Training

One of the greatest healthcare challenges for today's generation is the improvement of the nursing work environment. Despite the challenges brought by the unhealthy working environment and high workload demand, Filipino nurses stood up high in maintaining professionalism towards their work. The goal of this study is to determine the relationship between the work environment and the workload of staff nurses in level 2 hospitals in Cavite, Philippines. Quantitative non-experimental descriptive correlational design was used, and the standardized questionnaires namely: Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) were used to gather data from 70 respondents. Results showed that majority were female, belonging to Millennial age (23-38 years old), had baccalaureate degree in Nursing, with a gross monthly salary of Php 15,000.00- 19,999.00, being in the institution for more than 6 months to 5 years, and have an average nurse to patient ratio of 11.30. Their level of work environment was favorable in all subscales with a composite score of 3.13 (SD= 0.570). Their perceived workload was high, with a mean score of 71.24 (SD= 12.78). Likewise, nurse to patient ratio had a significant relationship with nurse manager ability, leadership, and support of nurses (X2= 94.26, p= <.001) and staffing and resource adequacy (X2= 75.06, p= 0.002). Moreover, significant relationships among the variables of age and physical demand (p= .004), length of institutional experience and physical demand (p <0.001), educational attainment and performance (p= .018), educational attainment and effort (p= .005), and length of institutional experience and effort (p= .001). Last, there is no statistically significant correlation between the overall work environment and the overall workload of nurses (r= -.084, p= .491). These findings underscore the importance of measures aimed at enhancing the work environment and workload of staff nurses to prevent further challenges among them.
Workload ; United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration ; Workplace

This descriptive cross-sectional study presents the health-seeking behaviors among older adults in Central Aurora, Philippines. Using a survey questionnaire, 179 older adults from 4 municipalities were interviewed. Participants were mostly 60-64-year-old married females, living with spouse, children, and grandchildren, with an average monthly income of 1001-5000 pesos, working as farmers, were self-employed, were Roman Catholics, and with an elementary level of education. The health-seeking behaviors were described in terms of physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions, with the spiritual dimension garnering the highest average mean of 4.01 (scale of 1 or never to 5 or always), and physical and mental dimensions the lowest average means of 3.58 and 3.31, respectively. These results attest to the Filipino value for the spiritual realm as an important dimension of health seeking behaviors and the physical and the mental dimensions of lesser concern. Recommendations include creating a wellness program to enhance health-seeking behaviors in all dimensions.
Humans ; Female ; Child ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Spouses ; Catholicism ; Farmers ; Cities ; Philippines ; Marriage ; Health Behavior ; Family ; Health Promotion ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Educational Status

BACKGROUND: Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health problem in the Philippines wherein teenage pregnancy has been declared as a National Social Emergency. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the received services and interventions during prenatal and postnatal visits and investigate the relationships between the received services and interventions during visits and the completeness of received services to neonatal death among adolescent pregnancies in the Cordillera Administrative Region. METHODS: This study used a descriptive correlational study design. A survey questionnaire was distributed to target participants among selected municipalities in the Cordillera Administrative Region and asked about the received services/interventions during and after pregnancy. Responses were analyzed using frequency and percentage, Chi-square and Phi Correlation Coefficient. RESULTS: The study showed that a high incidence of neonatal deaths occurs during the first delivery while decreasing prenatal and post-natal visits have been noted. It was also observed that neonatal mortality is high particularly among the category of middle adolescents. The study also demonstrated a significant correlation between Blood Testing and Measurement of the Abdomen or fundal height measurement provided to the respondents and neonatal mortality in the third trimester. However, no significant correlation coefficients have been noted between neonatal mortality and completeness of prenatal and postnatal services. CONCLUSION: Policies and programs on adolescent health development should be enhanced, first, to focus on preventing adolescent pregnancy and repeat pregnancies during the adolescent period, while strengthening the access to health services for all pregnant women, especially adolescent mothers.
Pregnancy ; Adolescent ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy in Adolescence ; Infant Mortality ; Adolescent Health Services ; Primary Health Care

PURPOSE: Mentoring is an essential variable in the learning process of student nurses. This study aimed to identify effective mentoring practices in the clinical placement of student nurses. DESIGN AND METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. The main databases used were PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, CINAHL, and Medline. The risk of bias was assessed utilizing the JBI appraisal tool. The data were summarized and statistically analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.0 software. RESULTS: Out of 17,946 records screened, six studies met the inclusion criteria. Peer and nurse-led mentoring practices were reported to have positive outcomes in the students' clinical placement. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant effect of mentoring in the students' clinical placement (SMD 0.357, 95% CI 0.038, 0.677, I2 = 69.26%, p = 0.028). A subgroup analysis resulted in a statistically significant effect of mentoring by nurses and peers in the improvement of students' knowledge and skills (SMD = 0.426, 95% CI, 0.202, 0.650, I2 = 0%, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Mentoring can positively influence the interaction between a conducive clinical learning environment and positive learning outcomes. Specifically, this meta-analysis suggests that student nurses can benefit from peer and nurse-led mentoring in improving knowledge and skills. It is suggested that effective mentoring practices be utilized to inform the development of a student mentoring program.
Mentoring ; Mentors ; Students

Understanding the patients' views on the care they receive is essential for the development of quality health care services. The study aimed to determine the patients' experiences and level of satisfaction on the care rendered by student nurses in the medical and surgical wards of a private hospital . Furthermore, it determined any significant difference in the patients' experiences and level of satisfaction when grouped according to demographic variables. A descriptive research design was utilized in the study. The participants were recruited from the medical and surgical wards of the hospital from September 5 to October 15, 2016. A total of 100 patients who received care from the student nurses for a minimum of 2 days were included in the study. The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale (NSNS) was used to determine the patients' experiences and level of satisfaction on the care rendered by student nurses. Frequency, percentage, mean score, T-test, and ANOVA were utilized for the data analysis. Results showed that patients' experiences were above good (category mean of 4.97) and were completely satisfied (category mean of 3.53) with the care rendered by the student nurses. A significant difference was also found between the highest educational attainment and patients' experiences (P< 0.05). These findings are important in improving the quality of care rendered to the patients by student nurses. Furthermore, it helps the nursing education in determining and enhancing the competencies of the students in some focused areas.
Humans ; Patient Satisfaction ; Students, Nursing ; Personal Satisfaction ; Patient Care