At times when populations are aging and nursing services for elders are needed, gerontology as a nursing specialty is not a highly sought career choice. The purposes of this study were to assess the overall attitudes of nursing students at a Turkish university toward the elderly and to identify the effects of demographic and social factors on attitudes. Using a non-experimental design, the Turkish version of the Kogan's Attitudes towards Old People (KAOP) Scale was given to undergraduate nursing students. Significant findings demonstrated that the older the student, the worse the attitude and that students willing to work with elders had significantly better total KAOP and better positive item scores than those not willing to work with elders. The findings support educational preparation as a major factor in shaping student attitudes. Geriatric education should be integral to nursing education to help ensure sustainability of nursing services for the elderly population.

The rate of low birth weight (LBW) is a national concern. In New York counties in 2009, the LBW rate was 8.2%. Reducing LBW has significant humanitarian and economic implications. At an average cost of $51,600 per infant, care for infants weighing less than 2,500 grams at birth is substantial. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic, socioeconomic, and health service factors that contribute to LBW among counties in New York. Analyses of data indicated that the number of MOMs providers and teen pregnancy rate were the strongest predictors for LBW. These findings reinforce the fact that LBW is a correctable phenomenon that can be addressed through public policy. With increasing budget cuts, provision of health services and implementation of programs that address teen pregnancy have become challenging. Public policy decisions and stewardship that support programs that increase the number of providers for the uninsured, underinsured, and economic underclass and maintain programs for the pregnant adolescent will help New York counties in their fight against LBW.

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Background and purpose Possible mental health issues for post‐bariatric surgery patients include the development of cross‐addictions after the rapid weight loss period. No validated screening tool to assess for possible cross‐addictions exists. The main purpose of this study was to develop recommendations for modifying an existing addiction screening tool (the Shorter PROMIS Questionnaire) for use by primary care providers. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used with triangulation of input from the scholarly literature, content experts (CEs), and post‐bariatric surgery patients. Three focus groups were conducted with post‐bariatric surgery patients (n = 12) with the same questions asked of the CEs (n = 3). Content analysis was used to analyze the transcripts. Conclusions The following themes regarding addictions after bariatric surgery were identified through consensus: alcohol, gambling, shopping, exercise, food starving/bingeing, and sexuality/relationships. Dissonant themes included caffeine and tobacco by the post‐bariatric surgery patients and prescription/illicit medications by the CEs. Implications for practice Targeted screening for early identification of problem behaviors by primary care providers may result in appropriate referral to and management by mental health providers, assisting ongoing success of bariatric surgery.

Improvement in students' attitudes is beneficial for promoting nonjudgmental, compassionate care for the HIV+ population.

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Decades from its first reporting, incivility remains a pervasive professional issue in health-care environments. Nursing is recognized as a profession based on the art of caring, but the nursing field is also an environment in which harsh treatment of coworkers has become normative in some workplaces. The realities of high-stress environments, high levels of acuity, and heavy workloads abound on most nursing units. Negative behaviors associated with these realities are issues needing resolution. This article presents a positive approach to incivility, with principles illustrated in a fictitious vignette. This positive approach may help reduce the prevalence of negative behaviors.

Technology-enhanced simulations such as virtual reality and computer-based experiences allow students to improve their understanding of patient perspectives and increase empathy for patients. These technologies can be daunting to nursing faculty without robust technology and video development resources. The purpose of this project was to share a guide for creating and implementing a patient-centered immersive virtual reality scenario within a nursing program. The research team developed, filmed, and produced a cost-effective virtual reality simulation scenario for use with smartphones and inexpensive virtual reality headsets, which could be widely disseminated for students to watch in class or online. The virtual reality simulation allowed an immersive first-person view and was well received by both faculty and students. The virtual reality scenario was implemented with ease in classroom, virtual, and laboratory settings. These virtual reality simulations work in the live setting or remotely, and synchronously or asynchronously with minimal equipment, which reduces barriers to access.