Constance F. Swenty

The study purpose was to describe nursing students’ perception after an experiential learning activity of wearing an ostomy device. A qualitative research design to determine themes was used. Students enrolled in a nursing skills course, wore an ostomy appliance for a four-hour lab. After completion of the lab, students submitted a written reflection assignment describing their perception of wearing an ostomy appliance. Results from the thematic analysis revealed three distinct recurring themes: student affective response, student perceptions of the patient experience, and student perceived outcomes. Student comments indicated the affective domain and empathy for the patient was reached.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a leading health concern in the United States, with an estimated prevalence of 8.5 million. The incidence of PVD is growing due to increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, as well as an aging population. Peripheral vascular disease is categorized as either venous, arterial, or mixed. A differential assessment is essential to identify the type of PVD and to plan management strategies to prevent further vascular dysfunction. This article describes assessment of patients with PVD, risk factors, treatments, and patient education.

To review and examine the literature supporting a professional sabbatical, a potentially viable and innovative change strategy that could renew, revitalize, and retain nursing staff practicing in the acute care setting. A literature search was completed using multiple search engines to procure articles that could answer the question: What is the evidence related to professional sabbaticals in nursing? The search yielded 19 articles: one historical document, eight scholarly business articles, and 10 nursing publications. The literature review revealed most sources described sabbaticals using anecdotal data and 14 of the 19 articles were labeled as expert opinion or consensus. Borrowing from the successes in academia and other non-nursing professions, a human capital investment opportunity exists to design and test nursing sabbaticals. The authors identified a nursing sabbatical as a viable option, which can enhance nursing retention and revitalization.