Nancy G. Russell’s research while affiliated with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and other places

Background Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide essential patient care services. Most (88%) are primary care certified, and 70% practice in primary care settings. National NP organizations and state practice authority regulations influence the training and level of independence of performing procedures common in primary care practice. National standards reference the ability to select and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests related to clinical reasoning or management functions, but not competency in the procedures. Although the blueprint for certification examinations includes procedures as part of evidence-informed practice, none are specifically named. Purpose There are limited data concerning procedural training for NPs. The study aims were to describe the training practicing NPs received for procedures they perform, define areas of research concerning the development of uniform training, and identify advocacy initiatives for competency acquisition for procedures. Methodology Practicing NPs completed a survey concerning the procedures they perform in their practice. In addition, they reported their level of perceived competency, independence in performing, and method of training. Results The majority of respondents (87.8%) hold certifications in primary care specialties. In this sample of practicing NPs, 74% of the respondents perform procedures independently, but only 67% had procedure training as part of their initial NP education. Additional training (60%) was completed through professional development programs. Conclusions Many NPs surveyed perform procedures independently. Training occurred in their NP programs and through continuing education. Implications Further studies are needed concerning procedural training and the setting that is most appropriate for competency achievement.

Overweight and obesity are common in school-age children. Policy, system, and environmental (PSE) approaches-which entail making upstream changes to a school's context-can be leveraged to reduce childhood obesity. Nurses can advance PSE approaches in schools to promote healthy living habits. This review examines the effect of nurse-involved PSE interventions globally to promote healthy nutrition and reduce obesity in schools. We conducted a literature search using multiple databases from 2010 to 2023 for nurse-involved studies that implemented interventions focused on PSE change related to promoting healthy nutrition or reducing obesity in school settings. Twenty interventions globally were included in the systematic review synthesis. Improvements in anthropometrics, health and nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs were observed. PSE interventions can be leveraged to promote healthy nutrition and reduce obesity in school settings. Nurses in varying roles are uniquely qualified to advocate for and implement school-based interventions focused on PSE change.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), which is typically seen in the younger pediatric population, is uncommon in older adolescent and young adult populations. We report on an atypical outbreak of HFMD among college students at a mid-size university in the mid-Atlantic U.S. The outbreak included 138 qualifying cases of HFMD among students at the institution between August and November 2018. All tested samples were positive for CVA6, a less common cause of HFMD. Signs and symptoms and campus mitigation strategies are described. This case report aims to highlight an atypical outbreak of HFMD for clinicians who care for older adolescent and college-aged patients in primary care and community settings, and may see cases and/or outbreaks of HFMD in these populations.

Hamate fractures are uncommon, but early and accurate diagnosis is critical to prevent negative outcomes. Hamate fractures may present initially to emergency departments, and diagnosis can be challenging. This case report of a common hamate fracture may aid in increasing emergency advanced practice nurse knowledge to identify these fractures in practice.

The PRIME-NP (Professional-Reporter-Interpreter-Manager-Educator/Evaluation-Nurse Practitioner) Model is adapted from the RIME (Reporter-Interpreter-Manager-Educator) model used in medical education to guide medical student and resident education. The Delphi technique was used to validate the PRIME-NP Model. After two rounds of review by a group of experts in NP curriculum, the model was determined to be valid based on expert consensus. Agreement percent increase from the first round to the second round in all categories. Interrater reliability (IRR) was assessed using interclass correlation after instrument validation was completed for each of the five levels of the PRIME-NP model. Overall, the IRR of the instrument was found to be acceptable with some notable exceptions. No variance was noted in professional behaviors at any level. Variance was increased in management and educator/evaluator behaviors in higher/later course levels. The PRIME-NP Model and PRIME-NP OSCE Rubric is a valid and reliable instrument to assess NP student progression in objective structured clinical examinations. This instrument has the potential for adaptation for use in other types of health sciences education and settings.

Objective Screening for intimate partner violence in the home is often challenging due to the lack of privacy. The aim of this study was to compare two different screening methods (paper‐pencil vs. tablet) for identifying intimate partner violence during perinatal home visits. Design Randomized control trial. Sample Pregnant women ( N = 416) in perinatal home visiting programs were randomized to either paper‐pencil or computer assisted, intimate partner violence screening. Measurements The Abuse Assessment Screen was used to screen for physical and sexual IPV and Women's Experiences with Battering for emotional intimate partner violence. Results No significant differences in prevalence were found between the screening methods. Intimate partner violence prevalence rates for the year before and/or during pregnancy using paper‐pencil was 21.8% versus 24.5% using tablets ( p = .507). There were significant differences in prevalence among the three race/ethnic groups (Caucasian, 36.9%; African American, 26.7%; Hispanics, 10.6%; p < .001) and significant differences in rates across three geographical areas: urban 16.0%; rural 27.6%, suburban women 32.3% ( p < .001). Conclusions This study provides evidence that both methods are useful for identifying intimate partner violence during perinatal home visits.

Rates of depression among the college-aged population are alarming, particularly in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. It is important for providers who care for this population to have proper screening and referral processes to meet growing student needs. The purpose of this literature review was to examine current best practices for depression screening among college students. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane databases were completed with the assistance of a medical librarian. A total of 775 studies were screened, and 17 articles were included in the review. Evidence supports universal-based depression screenings; use of screening methods to include brief and online screenings; use of validated screening tools, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) -2 and PHQ-9; and the importance of a proper referral process and adequate access to treatment measures. An appropriate depression screening and referral process within campus health centers is critical to meet the needs of college students. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx (x), xx–xx.]