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Background: COVID-19 and the associated measures to mitigate the spread of the virus have significantly disrupted nursing education.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between quality of life (QoL), resilience, and associated factors among nursing students during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing requirements. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an anonymous survey with nursing students (n = 152) was conducted at a public university in rural Appalachia in April 2020. Instruments included World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, demographics and school-related questionnaires, and an open-ended question. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: Resilience, having online experience, and being well prepared for online learning were associated with each QoL domain. Remarkably, 21% to 54% of nursing student QoL scores indicated poor QoL. Conclusions: Cultivating resilience among nursing students may improve QoL, help with academic success, and prepare students to sustain the demands associated with the nursing profession.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing guidelines greatly impacted the quality of life (QoL) of nursing faculty. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of QoL, resilience, and associated factors among nursing faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods In April 2020, a cross-sectional, anonymous survey was conducted with nursing faculty in a public university in rural Appalachia (n = 52). Instruments included QoL, resilience scales, work-related, and demographic variables. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze data. A content analysis was used to analyze an open-ended question. Results Resilience was the strongest variable to predict each of the QoL domains. Nursing faculty who reported better QoL were those who were able to adapt to changes and challenges mandated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions Evidence-based programs to build resilience and improve nursing faculty working conditions and their QoL are needed.

This study is a secondary analysis of data gathered during baseline data collection prior to a cognitive-psychosocial-respite intervention provided in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Content analysis was used to identify themes in parents' responses to an open-ended item about their perceptions of the effects on siblings of having a brother or sister who has either cancer or cystic fibrosis (CF). Of 91 themes tallied in the cancer group (n = 29), 74.5% reflected negative manifestations of increased risk in siblings, 1.1% no risk; and 24.2%, positive outcomes. Of 53 themes tallied in the CF group (n = 15), the same three categories had 67.9 %, 0%, and 32.1%, respectively. Contemporary life in these families portrayed in parents' descriptions not only validate the rationale for the RCT done, but also suggest the need in ambulatory pediatrics for intervention research on these vulnerable populations.

A descriptive study was conducted on self-reported symptoms and self-care by 37 adults receiving chemotherapy primarily for leukemia, lymphomas, or breast cancer or radiation therapy for head and neck or lung cancers. The Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist and demographic and interview forms on self-care for identified symptoms were used. Severe symptoms on the Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist subscales fatigue, eating, nausea, pain, numbness in fingers/toes, hair loss, and constipation were reported by patients on chemotherapy. Those on radiation therapy reported severe symptoms on the eating, fatigue, skin changes, oropharynx, and constipation subscales.Self-care strategies were in the following categories, using complementary medicine as framework: diet/nutrition/lifestyle change (eg, use of nutritional supplements; modifications of food and of eating habits; naps, sleep, and rest); mind/body control (eg, relaxation methods, prayer, music, attending granddaughter's sports events); biologic treatments (vitamins); herbal treatments (green mint tea); and ethnomedicine (lime juice and garlic). The first category was predominantly used by patients in both treatment types. Medications were prescribed also to help control symptoms (eg, pain and nausea). Symptom monitoring and self-care for symptoms identified may be facilitated by the Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist; based on reported symptom severity, care providers may prioritize interventions. A larger study needs to be done on (a) the use of the Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist as a clinical tool to assess symptoms that oncology patients experience during therapy; (b) whether care providers, based on patient-reported symptom severity, can prioritize interventions--and how this influences the efficiency of care; (c) the self-care strategies used by patients on chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both; and (d) how useful these strategies are in alleviating symptoms.

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Objectives To test the feasibility of delivery and evaluate the helpfulness of a coaching heart failure (HF) home management program for family caregivers. Background The few available studies on providing instruction for family caregivers are limited in content for managing HF home care and guidance for program implementation. Method This pilot study employed a mixed methods design. The measures of caregiver burden, confidence, and preparedness were compared at baseline and 3 months post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize program costs and demographic data. Content analysis research methods were used to evaluate program feasibility and helpfulness. Results Caregiver (n=10) burden scores were significantly reduced and raw scores of confidence and preparedness for HF home management improved 3 months after the intervention. Content analyses of nurse and caregiver post-intervention data found caregivers rated the program as helpful and described how they initiated HF management skills based on the program. Conclusion The program was feasible to implement. These results suggest the coaching program should be further tested with a larger sample size to evaluate its efficacy.

Patient-reported symptom occurrence and severity scale enable health providers to prioritize, evaluate interventions, and promote/assist patients' self-care.