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Can Intentional Distractions Affect Endurance Performance Positively?
No full textDistractions are often associated with negative outcomes however, distractions can also benefit people. Using the hypothesis of internal-external distractions in the competition for cue, this study examined the effects of an active (controlled) and passive (uncontrolled) distraction on three endurance tasks. Participants (N=42), aged 20 to 23 years were assigned to three groups. Tasks and conditions were counterbalanced across groups to minimize the residual effects of fatigue, learning an intervention and other confounding variables. Performance time, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion and perceived fatigue were measured. Results showed that active distraction significantly improved performance and lowered Rate of Perceived Exertion in one task. As expected, the active distraction group was the least accurate for estimating time spent. Passive distraction caused minimal performance change. More investigation is needed to understand why an active distraction only affected one trial. Future studies should delve into means for better understanding the hypothesis of competition for cue
Opioid Crisis: A Qualitative Analysis of Financial Influences and Addiction
No full textThe province of Ontario is currently engaged in a public health crisis centered around the use of opioids. As the number of opioid-related harms continues to grow, reports have identified a need for further investigation and understanding of opioid use. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the differences in motives for opioid use amongst a diverse population. Data collection occurred by interviewing 14 participants at an Addictions Treatment Centre in Northern Ontario. Theoretical thematic analysis and an interpretive framework were used to analyze participants’ lived experiences with opioid use. Analysis of the results revealed the theme of financial influence in addiction and recovery. These insights are helpful in strengthening effective prevention and treatment strategies.  
Case presentation of Safe and Effective Use of Medical Cannabis in the Elderly: Medical Cannabis in the Elderly
No full textIntroduction: The therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis have been demonstrated for a number of chronic conditions impacting the elderly population, such as pain management, and as alternatives to antipsychotic and opioid interventions, as well as end of life treatments. However, this therapeutic intervention has not become part of routine care for seniors living in long-term care facilities because of reduced public acceptance and stigma. The aim of this paper was to present case studies outlining the effective use of medical cannabis to treat elderly patients with a variety of medical conditions and symptoms such as: post traumatic stress disorder, pain, anxiety, delusions, as well as palliative care. Cannabis was also used to taper antipsychotic medications, and for managing those in palliative care.
Case Presentation: Three cases highlighting the use of medical cannabis are described, from the perspective of a nurse practitioner-led interdisciplinary team approach.
Management and Outcome: Using a variety of combinations of medical cannabis (cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in oral formulations, the long-term care facility has achieved a dramatic reduction in the use of antipsychotic medications. Medical cannabis has shown alleviation of many symptoms such as: pain, dyspnea, agitation, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and twitching. Positive results were noted in several palliative care patients who received medical cannabis for pain and symptom management.
Conclusion: As an adjunct therapy for managing post traumatic stress disorder and other conditions, medical cannabis has been effective in reducing symptoms and for improving the patients’ overall quality of life. Continued evaluation into the long effectiveness of medical cannabis provided to individuals over the age of 65 years is suggested. This nurse practitioner-led therapeutic intervention highlights the potential health benefits of medical cannabis and has clinical implications for practice and education
Underground workers who received aluminum dust prophylaxis and its personal impact
No full textBackground
From 1943 to 1980, some underground gold and uranium workers in Ontario, Canada were required to inhale aluminum dust daily for silicosis prevention. This study explored the perceived personal impact of aluminum dust exposure for some Northeastern Ontario workers.
Methods
This qualitative descriptive study included 16 respondents who participated in individual semi-structured interviews. All respondents were Northeastern Ontario workers who were exposed to aluminum dust prophylaxis for at least one year. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.
Results
Themes that emerged included: 1) compulsory exposure, 2) hesitancy to complain, 3) feelings of betrayal, and 4) concerns about health impact and dying.
Conclusion
Exposed workers perceived that their long-term health was impacted on a personal level. The results will contribute to the literature about workplace aluminum dust exposures and to better inform workers and companies about exposure impact and management of aluminum dust.
 
I Have Never Felt so Novice: Using Narrative Reflection to Explore the Transition from Expert RN to Novice NP Student
No full textAim: To explore the experiences of nurse practitioner students moving from expert registered nurses to novice nurse practitioner program students.
Background: Moving from registered nurse to nurse practitioner can be a time filled with mixed emotions, lack of confidence, adaptation, and competency development. Learning about and navigating the advanced practice nursing role can be challenging. Students in the nurse practitioner program are encouraged to engage in regular reflective writing to foster role development and learning. This paper aims to reflectively explore the experiences of transition from registered nurse to nurse practitioner student.
Methods: Inspired by Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory and Carper’s ways of knowing, the authors personally reflected on their transition experiences during NP schooling and then collectively developed a composite reflection of the shared experience. From this exercise common themes were identified.
Conclusion: This unique reflective paper identified common themes in the experience of transitioning to the student role. Potential areas for future research-based exploration of the nurse practitioner student experience were identified. By understanding these experiences, students can be better prepared in advance and faculty can design both formal and informal support measures to better support the student experience.
 
Theory of the Evolution of Nurse Practitioner Practice: Evolution of NP Practice
No full textAim: To determine the nurse practitioner\u27s perception of scope of practice and understanding of changes to practice over time.
Background: A great deal of research about nurse practitioners has been conducted related to such things as role clarity, transition, or preparedness to practice and job satisfaction. Conceptual models of nurse practitioner practice have been developed to highlight practice processes, interprofessional relationships and more. However, none of this literature addresses nurse practitioner\u27s perception of scope of practice, the impact of their changing practice experiences and how the understanding of their practice changes over time.
Methods: This grounded theory study was undertaken in Ontario, Canada, with interviews of primary health care nurse practitioners which resulted in the Theory of the Evolution of Nurse Practitioner Practice.
Conclusion: Within this theory, scope of practice is defined as nurse practitioners working to their maximum potential. There are both intrinsic and extrinsic elements which render maximum practice potential a fluid and changing state
E-Learning for Nurses - An Integrative Review
No full textE-learning is a common method of continuing education for hospital staff registered nurses and there have been many studies related to the value of e-learning. However, no systematic review of studies on nurses’ e-learning could be found. An integrative review was conducted on the published literature between 2010 and 2018 on e-learning for registered nurses. The review’s goal was to systematically analyze and summarize what is known about nurses’ e-learning and elucidate where future research could explore. The final review included 21 out of 497 potential articles. Analysis revealed key themes of: Benefits of e-learning to the nurse, the patient, and the hospital, Barriers to e-learning, and Improvements for e-learning. E-learning has many suggested benefits for continuing education for registered nurses, but there are also barriers and areas for improvement. Additional research with a focus on specific jurisdictions is needed to explore how nurses perceive e-learning in specific contexts
Using the PEPPA Framework to Develop and Implement a Nurse Practitioner Role Within Canada’s National Ballet School
No full textAim: To outline the successful development and implementation of a nurse practitioner role within a professional ballet school.
Background: Nurse practitioners are well integrated into primary and acute care in Ontario, yet the role within schools and private athletic institutions is not well documented. Canada’s National Ballet School is a professional ballet school with a combination of day students and those living in residences. Students complete both dance training and academics at the School. The physical and mental health of students was identified as a key priority by the school, leading to the development of an integrated health and wellness program. To facilitate more timely access to healthcare and provide an opportunity for collaboration and consultation within the school, a plan to implement a nurse practitioner role into the school was developed.
Methods: In order to develop and implement the role of the nurse practitioner within the institution, the participatory, evidence-based, patient-focused process for advanced practice nursing role development, implementation, and evaluation (PEPPA) framework was used. The first seven steps of the PEPPA framework were applied in this project.
Findings: The PEPPA framework allowed for us to identify key barriers and facilitators for the role implementation and successfully implement the nurse practitioner role. While the initial plan was for a slower implementation, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a nurse practitioner in the institution more urgently.
Conclusion: The PEPPA framework provided us with an organized process for developing and implementing the nurse practitioner role at Canada’s National Ballet School
Nurse Practitioners and The Use of Antipsychotic Medications in Long Term Care in Ontario, Canada: NPs Role in Antipsychotic Medications in LTC
No full textIntroduction: Antipsychotic use in Long-Term Care (LTC) in Ontario, Canada continues to pose a challenge in the care of older adult patients living in these institutions. The dangers and patterns of inappropriate prescribing have been documented frequently. Most of the current literature focuses on dementia and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, the role of prescribers, or on interprofessional interventions with person-centered care to address the behavior. Very little discussion has focused on the role of nurse practitioners and other frontline long-term care staff in the assessment and interactions with residents that may result in prescriptions of antipsychotics.
Objectives: The purpose of this population based retrospective study of data from all LTC facilities in Ontario, Canada in 2019-2020 was to determine the extent to which antipsychotic medications were used in and the factors associated with this use. Reflections about the NP role are discussed.
Results: The results demonstrate that over thirty percent of residents in LTC continue to receive antipsychotics and those with the responsive behaviours are significantly more likely to be prescribed antipsychotics.
Conclusions: The findings identify a potential link between over-burdened front-line staff and increased antipsychotic prescriptions, as well as continued use of antipsychotics in attempts to prevent harm to residents and staff at long-term care homes. Recommendations are made that include changes to legislation that will ensure optimal front-line care and time for care, increased training for front line staff and, in particular, how the role of the nurse practitioner in LTC can be utilized to optimize the appropriate use of antipsychotics, and the support of discontinuing or decreasing the dose of antipsychotics when required
Exploring the Benefits of an Arts-Based Mindfulness Group Intervention for Teachers, University Students, and Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
No full textMindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) teach practices that encourage the development of present moment awareness through paying attention on purpose and non-judgmentally to one’s experiences, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. We describe three graduate student research thesis projects that explored the suitability and benefits of an arts-based MBI with three different populations; teachers, university students, and women survivors of intimate partner violence. These three populations have been identified as experiencing heightened levels of stress and in need of resilience building supports. All three projects were qualitative pilot studies that explored whether participants would experience increased understanding and development of mindfulness-based skills, and improved coping with stress through participating in the program. Pre- and post-MBI group interviews were conducted, and interview data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Across the three projects, the student researchers found self-reported benefits with no adverse effects. Developing mindfulness-based skills helped the participants to build their self-awareness/understanding which in turn helped to develop emotion regulation. This is consistent with our understanding of how MBIs can build people’s capacity to make conscious choices about their feelings rather than reacting to emotional triggers. Improved coping with stress was also reported in all three projects. Developing present-moment awareness and mindfulness can help people appreciate life’s moments, and cope better with daily life stressors. Also important was the growth of self-compassion and acceptance. The results are promising and indicate that further exploration with these populations is warranted. Future research could explore an arts-based approach to facilitating mindfulness with larger numbers of participants and using control and/or comparison groups