No abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to preliminarily examine the effects of an exercise program on the symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood disturbance, symptom distress, and physical fitness for Thai women with breast cancer. Twenty-three eligible women were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 11) or to a control group (n = 12). Data were collected and analyzed at baseline and again at 4, 7, and 10 weeks. At each time point, fatigue was measured at an expected high point during treatment. Participants in the exercise group demonstrated a trend toward improving the symptoms with mean score changes. Using generalized estimating equations analysis, a significant decrease in mood disturbance was found in the exercise group compared with control at 10 weeks (β = 0.03, P = 0.04). The participants exhibited significantly longer 12-minute walk distance at 10 weeks than those in the control group (t = 2.28, P = 0.04). These results indicate that exercise during adjuvant chemotherapy may be beneficial for Thai women with breast cancer.

Staff development departments are challenged with addressing the entry of new graduates into the work force, updating the competencies of practicing nurses, and providing nurses with educational support to reduce turnover. Knowing how to develop simulations, integrate them into teaching, and effectively assess simulated performance is becoming a core role for educators in health care. For many educators, a knowledge and skill gap exists between the demand for simulation and competence in developing and using simulation. This article shares a cost-effective, three-step train-the-trainer model to prepare nurse educators to use simulation effectively. The three steps include champion identification, champion development, and champion integration. Strategies for addressing the challenges and lessons learned in implementing this model are outlined. The model is an effective and efficient approach for developing a core of champions in any topic area. These champions can then mentor and train others throughout the organization.

Nurses, particularly advanced practice nurses and nurse managers, play a key role in leading program development. A logic model can be used to guide program development, implementation, and evaluation. It serves as an excellent framework for developing a program that integrates service, practice, and research.