Nursing is a dynamic and rapidly progressing field. As the profession changes over time, it is vital to study how these transformations influence the workforce. In this study, the aim was to explore how diploma-prepared nurses are functioning in the acute care setting and how modifications in educational requirements and technological advancement have affected their nursing practice.

Rubrics are commonly used in academic settings but have not been widely adapted for nursing professional development. Hurdles for the implementation of rubrics in the clinical setting should be noted. However, the benefits for rubrics in replacing the more commonly seen skills checklist should motivate nursing professional development specialists in overcoming these challenges.

The purpose of this study was to examine critical thinking skills among registered nurses who work in a military hospital. Sixty-five nurses were administered the Health Sciences Reasoning Test to obtain scores in inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, interpretation, analysis, and evaluation skills. Results showed no significant association between critical thinking skills and years of experience; however, differences were identified among racial/ethnic groups. It is hoped that findings from this study create a platform for dialogue among staff development nurses who are best situated to develop strategies that address these issues.

Adverse patient events related to preventable errors while hospitalized resulted in need for interventions to improve outcomes. One identified error is the lack of symptom recognition during patient deterioration. Pediatric patients' symptoms during deterioration vary from their adult counterparts and often go unrecognized. A Pediatric Crisis Recognition and Management course was designed to assist the novice pediatric nurse to recognize and respond appropriately through the use of high-fidelity simulation enhancing their clinical skills and improving patient outcomes during a crisis.

Oral mucositis, a cancer therapy side effect, can negatively affect quality of life. This study evaluated the effect of an educational program on nurses' knowledge and perceived need to change oral mucositis management practice. This study revealed that nurses' knowledge and perceived need to change practice were positively affected by the educational program.