BackgroundLeadership is recognized as a core nursing competency, essential for advancing practice and preparing future nurse leaders for complex healthcare settings. Studies show that First Nation nurses are underrepresented in leadership roles. Addressing this requires intentional strategies that center Indigenous worldviews and leadership development. This study explores the role of international experiential learning in supporting the emergence of Indigenous leadership in nursing education.MethodsThe study was embedded in a culturally grounded international exchange project that took place in the summer of 2024. The project involved Indigenous nursing students from the University of Manitoba and a partner Bachelor of Nursing Māori programme in Aotearoa (New Zealand). The study employed Indigenous methodologies grounded in conversational reflection, with themes identified through iterative discussion and validation with Indigenous nursing students.ResultsA total of 6 Indigenous undergraduate nursing students completed the experiential learning project. The students were exposed to the Bachelor of Nursing Māori programme curriculum that included Māori leadership. The students learned about the value of research for advocating. Three overarching and inter-related themes emerged in our thematic analysis of students' reflections and sharing circle, including connecting to people, land and water, empowered by relational leadership and research, and becoming agents of change. Through this experience, students gained confidence and were empowered to lead with cultural authenticity and a commitment to systematic change.ConclusionExposure to the Bachelor of Nursing Māori program enhanced students' cultural confidence, and leadership aspirations and informed the development of Indigenous nurse leadership competencies.
BackgroundThe transition from student to full-scope Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a phase marked by challenges such as patient complexity, expanding scopes of practice, and role ambiguity. NPs expanding presence in healthcare environments, especially those involving complex patient care, necessitates the development of skills, competence, and confidence to practice at their full scope.PurposeThis study evaluated the experiences of NPs participating in the residency program within Fraser Health (FH), British Columbia, to gain insights into how the program impacted their transition to independent practice.MethodsA phenomenological qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured one-on-one interviews with fifteen NPs who completed the residency program. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes associated with various clinical phenomena.FindingsThree themes emerged from the analysis: recruitment, transition to practice, and areas for improvement. The residency program significantly influenced NPs' decisions to join FH, offering structured mentorship and professional development opportunities that attracted NPs from diverse backgrounds. Participants valued the exposure to various specialties and clinical environments, which enhanced their clinical skills and confidence. The program facilitated the building of professional networks, providing support and interprofessional collaboration. Despite the benefits, participants identified areas for improvement.ConclusionThe study highlighted the importance of structured residency programs in supporting new-graduate NPs during their transition to independent practice. Enhancing standardization and incorporating formal competency assessments could further improve residency outcomes. Investing in structured transition programs is essential to ensure new NPs are well-prepared to provide high-quality, independent care.
BackgroundMuslim Nurses in Canada are experiencing Islamophobia in the workplace and in educational institutions. These experiences result in increased mental distress for these nurses, social isolation at the workplace, and considerations of leaving the nursing profession.AimThis study explores the experiences of Islamophobia for Registered Nurses who wear the hijab at work in Canada. This study is grounded in Critical Race Theory and aims to answer the following research question: What are the experiences of Islamophobia for female Canadian Registered Nurses who wear the hijab? The participants in the study described experiences from their workplaces and their experience attending nursing school in Canada.MethodA total of six participants were interviewed, and the findings were analysed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis method. Muslim nurses' experiences were characterized by their sense of belonging.FindingsKey findings consist of the experiences of Islamophobia being related to the negative stereotypical identity of what it means to be a Muslim woman, being associated with these nurses, how they discover their own identity as nurses and finally, how they reconcile their personal and social identities as Muslim women with their identity as Registered Nurses.ConclusionThis study uncovers the process of self-discovery that Muslim nurses undergo after experiencing Islamophobia through being assigned an identity. This process enables them to reconcile what it means to be Muslim nurses, allowing them to practice comfortably at the workplace. Recommendations are that policy changes should be enacted, which protect Muslim nurses and work to prevent incidents of Islamophobia. Secondly, anti-racism training should be provided to both nursing students and staff to foster more supportive workplaces.
BackgroundDialysis as treatment for kidney failure can result in significant physical and psychosocial symptom burden. Kidney supportive care (KSC), encompassing advance care planning (ACP), is an approach to care involving early identification and treatment of symptoms that improves the quality of life of people receiving dialysis. However, ACP is underused and often initiated late in the illness. The delay or lack of engagement in KSC by nephrology nurses until near the end of life may result in people receiving care that is discordant with their values, wishes, and preferences.PurposeThe purpose of our study was to construct a substantive theory about the process of engagement in KSC by nurses in Canadian dialysis settings.MethodsUsing Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory method, 23 registered nurses working in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis were recruited to participate in two intensive interviews. Concurrent data collection and analysis were undertaken, with constant comparative analysis of codes until the attainment of theoretical saturation, as well as memo-writing and researcher reflexivity, to aid the emergence of categories and concepts.FindingsIn the substantive theory "Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling of Engagement-Having That Conversation," three stages of engagement (Transactional, Intentional, Actional) are identified that describe nurses' practice patterns of engagement in communication about goals of care with patients. This engagement is modulated by a boundary of professionalism and familiarity with patients, amid multi-dimensional contextual barriers.ConclusionNephrology nurses have a vital role in discussions about goals of care and require training to enhance their communication skills.
BackgroundA growing body of evidence supports the benefits of family engagement in patient care in intensive care units (ICUs). The English version of the FAMily Engagement (FAME) tool has been validated to measure ICU family engagement. This study aimed to validate the French-Canadian version of FAME.MethodsParticipant-level data from two prospective observational validation studies of the FAME tool, involving family members of patients from eight Canadian ICUs between May 2022 and July 2024, were included. Family members completed FAME in English or French-Canadian. Following discharge, family members completed questionnaires measuring care satisfaction and mental health (anxiety and depression). Reliability was assessed by internal consistency, and convergent and predictive validity by correlation between FAME and related outcome measures. A comparison of French and English scores was also conducted.ResultsA total of 104 family members completed the French-Canadian FAME questionnaire (age 57.0 ± 15.2 years; 62% women; 8% non-White; 53% spouse/partner). This version demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84) and convergent and predictive validity. FAME was associated with care satisfaction, but not anxiety or depression scores. There were no significant differences in overall FAME, care satisfaction, or anxiety and depression scores between the French and English cohorts (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe French-Canadian version of the FAME tool demonstrated reliability and convergent and predictive validity in French-Canadian speakers, supporting the inclusion of French-speaking family members in future studies utilizing the FAME tool to measure family involvement in ICU patient care.This study includes data from Measuring Family Engagement in Care (The FAME Study), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05659485): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05659485.
BackgroundHomelessness among women and children is a growing concern, shaped by intersecting structural inequities. Service providers working with women who are homeless, particularly those who are pregnant and/or parenting young children, navigate complex responsibilities that span legal, medical, housing, child welfare, and psychosocial domains. These responsibilities are often carried out in under-resourced environments and in response to trauma rooted in systemic injustice. A feminist pragmatist perspective recognizes the relational, embodied, and context-specific nature of this work, and values the insights of direct care providers as essential to shaping equitable and responsive care.PurposeOur study purpose is to deepen our understanding of the ethical tensions and emotional and embodied labor inherent in the work of service providers who work with pregnant and/or parenting women who are homeless, while advocating for structural reforms that support both client outcomes and provider well-beingMethodsThis study is part of a larger community-based research initiative. This article draws on a subset of data from 22 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups with service providers, including social workers, nurses, nurse practitioners, psychologists, corrections staff, outreach workers, and health administrators. Data were analyzed thematically, guided by feminist pragmatist principles that center experience, reflexivity, and practical action.ResultsFindings reveal persistent systemic barriers to care, including inadequate housing, fragmented services, and institutionalized discrimination. Despite these challenges, service providers expressed a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment in their work, rooted in relational engagement, advocacy, and bearing witness to the resilience of the women they support.ConclusionAwareness of the human condition and a commitment to relational, justice-oriented care are central to effective service delivery. Health systems must prioritize equity and justice, ensuring that nurses and service providers are empowered and supported as advocates for pregnant and/or parenting women who are homeless.
BackgroundCoronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. For older adults, sustained engagement in physical activity after coronary revascularization is essential for secondary prevention and is strongly associated with improved quality of life. However, participation in traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs remains low in this population, highlighting the need for accessible, age-tailored alternatives.ObjectiveTo describe the development of Changeons ensemble, a French-language web-based nursing intervention designed to promote physical activity and quality of life among older adults with CHD.MethodologyThe intervention was developed by a multidisciplinary participatory planning group following the Intervention Mapping framework. A comprehensive needs assessment was conducted through a literature review and semi-structured interviews with older adults (n = 10). The subsequent steps included objective setting and intervention design guided by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model.ResultsThe needs assessment identified key needs in information, motivation, and self-efficacy and highlighted the importance of individualized professional support. Changeons ensemble was designed as a seven-session web-based intervention integrating educational content, reflexive activities, individualized written nursing feedback, action planning, self-monitoring through an electronic diary, a forum, and case stories. The intervention emphasizes flexibility and sensitivity to older adults' physical and emotional challenges following coronary revascularization.ConclusionThis study presents a systematically developed, theory-informed, web-based intervention that directly addresses the specific needs of older adult with CHD. Changeons ensemble offers a promising approach for supporting sustained physical activity and enhancing in quality of life in a population that remains underserved by conventional cardiac rehabilitation models.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06197347; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06197347.
BackgroundPerinatal loss is a deeply emotional experience that impacts both parents. Yet, much of the literature is skewed toward women to the neglect of Black men whose experiences may be intertwined with masculine expectations.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Black Canadian men navigating perinatal loss and masculine expectations.Methods and ProceduresAn exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used, and a semi-structured interview was conducted with thirteen Black men whose partners experienced perinatal loss. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour key themes capturing the experiences of thirteen Black Canadian men were identified a) responding to unexpected perinatal loss, b) reconciling grief and masculine expectations after perinatal loss, c) contending with a fractured identity after perinatal loss, and d) coping in the face of limited resources after perinatal loss. These themes and their sub-themes highlight the challenges Black Canadian men face navigating perinatal loss in the context of masculine expectations.ConclusionBlack men's experiences of navigating grief after pregnancy are influenced and shaped by masculine expectations as well as cultural norms and beliefs. This study underscores the need for broader and culturally responsive grief support and counseling programs that address the cultural nuances surrounding grief after perinatal loss.
Climate change is one of the greatest global health challenges of the twenty-first century, with wildfires, heat waves, floods, and other extreme events posing profound threats to health systems, communities, and vulnerable populations. Nurses, as the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, are uniquely positioned to respond to these crises, yet climate literacy and climate-health research remain underdeveloped in nursing. While recent progress has been made in embedding environmental health into Canadian nursing curricula, implementation is inconsistent, and research examining the intersections of climate change, health outcomes, and nursing practice is limited. This editorial argues that advancing both nursing education and nursing research is essential to prepare the profession for the realities of a climate-altered world. Climate literacy must be integrated into all levels of nursing education, moving beyond elective or peripheral status to become a core competency. At the same time, nursing research must expand its scope to evaluate disaster nursing interventions, address inequities faced by Indigenous and racialized communities, explore community resilience strategies, and assess the long-term impacts of climate-focused education on workforce readiness. By embedding climate literacy in curricula and prioritizing nursing research, the discipline can generate evidence to inform practice, shape policy, and strengthen health system resilience. Nurses equipped with climate literacy competencies will be able to provide effective care during climate-related disasters, advocate for systemic reforms, and build equitable, sustainable communities. In doing so, nursing can take a leadership role in addressing the health impacts of climate change and advancing global health equity.
BackgroundUnderstanding the career motivations and stress experiences of Generation Z (born after 1997) nursing students is essential for developing effective recruitment, retention, and support strategies in nursing education. Despite global evidence on career motivation in healthcare, limited research has examined these factors within the Canadian context, particularly in the province of New Brunswick.PurposeThis study aimed to assess the factors influencing Generation Z nursing students' decisions to pursue nursing as a career, examine sociodemographic differences in these factors, and explore associations between sociodemographic variables and perceived stress levels.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate nursing students in New Brunswick, Canada (n = 261). Data were collected using the validated Healthcare Career Choice Scale and a single-item stress measure. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to explore relationships between career choice factors, sociodemographic variables, and stress levels.ResultsStudents were primarily motivated by intrinsic and social utility values, including working with patients, professional growth, and contributing to society. Significant sociodemographic differences were observed across gender, age, race/ethnicity, origin, and educational background. Participants reported moderate to high stress levels; however, stress was not significantly associated with any sociodemographic variables.ConclusionFindings highlight the predominance of altruistic and socially driven motivations among Generation Z nursing students and the need for supportive, inclusive, and wellness-oriented educational environments. Addressing structural and psychosocial barriers may enhance student well-being, retention, and long-term workforce sustainability.
In the current mixed methods study, 37 interdisciplinary geriatric care providers in Ontario, Canada, completed a qualitative interview and a series of quantitative questionnaires. The qualitative interview explored their experiences observing, identifying and reporting older adult maltreatment in their work settings, along with their training background and recommendations for professional development. The quantitative measures assessed their abilities to identify risk factors for older adult maltreatment, and their attitudes and willingness to assess for potential indicators of maltreatment. Inductive thematic coding of the qualitative interviews revealed that these providers frequently observe older adult maltreatment in their workplaces, which is most often perpetrated by family members and geriatric care providers. Several barriers to reporting older adult maltreatment were identified, including fear of consequences, older adult apprehension, insufficient reporting knowledge, training and preparedness, and professional and institutional barriers. Although most providers accurately identified the common risk factors for older adult maltreatment on the quantitative measures, they nevertheless expressed clear individual, institutional and professional barriers to maltreatment reporting during the qualitative interviews. These findings underscore the essential need for a culture change in reporting processes, professional and institutional support, training and psychological safety to ensure that all interdisciplinary geriatric care providers have the confidence and preparation to effectively assist older adults who are at-risk for abuse and neglect.
Background & PurposeParents of children with medical complexity (CMC) provide continuous, intensive care that encompasses a range of technical tasks, emotional support, advocacy, and coordination within fragmented healthcare systems. Existing research often treats caregiving as a discrete phenomenon, overlooking how parents make meaning of their roles amid uncertainty and moral distress. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of parents caring for children with medical complexity at home, examining how caregiving is experienced, sustained, and made meaningful in everyday life.Methods & ProceduresAn exploratory qualitative design was used to conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 parents (13 mothers, two fathers) of CMC receiving home care in Ontario, Canada. Purposive sampling was used to recruit parents. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach.ResultsTwo overarching themes emerged from parents' accounts: (1) The Layered and Relentless Nature of Caregiving; and (2) The Transformation of Self Through Caregiving, with effects spanning social life, identity loss, mental and physical health decline, and financial strain. Parents reported role overload, identity loss, chronic fatigue, emotional isolation, and ongoing pressure to advocate within unresponsive systems. The lack of consistent and reliable home care and financial support intensified challenges.ConclusionCaring for a CMC impacts parental well-being and reshapes their identity. Sustainable caregiving requires policies and services that support more than just childcare. Integrated mental health services, equitable access to respite, income protections, and caregiver-informed systems are needed to relieve families of unsupported responsibilities and ensure the long-term sustainability of home-based complex care.
BackgroundMega sporting events rely heavily on volunteers, yet limited evidence exists on nursing students' motivations, a group central to health and public safety at mass gatherings such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.PurposeTo examine nursing students' motivations to volunteer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and identify implications for health-focused volunteer programs.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with nursing students at a large urban Canadian university in Toronto (n = 241). A validated motivation scale assessed career orientation, expression of values, interpersonal contact, extrinsic rewards, patriotism, and love of sport, alongside demographics and prior volunteer experience.ResultsCareer orientation, expression of values, and extrinsic rewards were the most strongly endorsed motivations, while patriotism and love of sport were least endorsed. Prior volunteer experience was not significantly associated with overall motivation. Students identifying as Middle Eastern/North African reported higher patriotic motivation than White students; other demographic differences were minimal.ConclusionsNursing students' motivation to volunteer at a mega sporting event is driven primarily by professional development and prosocial values rather than event fandom or national sentiment. Health-focused volunteer programs should emphasize career-relevant benefits, define clear supervised clinical roles, and provide targeted training, including simulation. Addressing structural barriers such as scheduling may further enhance participation. Findings inform nursing education and public health preparedness for FIFA 2026 and future mass-gathering events.
BackgroundMental health nurses represent only 1.03% of the global nursing workforce, contributing to persistent workforce shortages. Undergraduate nursing students demonstrate limited interest in mental health nursing (MHN), often associated with negative attitudes toward MHN and individuals with mental illness. Understanding factors influencing these attitudes and career intentions is essential to inform targeted educational interventions.ObjectivesThis integrative review aimed to identify factors influencing undergraduate nursing students' attitudes and career interest in MHN and evaluate the impact of MHN education on these outcomes.MethodsGuided by Whittemore and Knafl's framework, a rapid integrative review was conducted across CINAHL, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and PsycINFO for English-language studies published between 2000 and October 2025. Of 362 records identified, 113 underwent screening, and 22 met inclusion criteria following full-text review. Quality appraisal employed CASP and JBI tools. Data were analyzed using constant comparison, with findings organized into structured matrices.ResultsFour themes emerged: (1) attitudes toward MHN varied widely, with more negative perceptions among first-year students; (2) overall career interest in MHN remained low to neutral; (3) influencing factors included attitudes toward mental illness, clinical exposure, and perceived preparedness; (4) MHN education improved attitudes but did not significantly increase career interest.ConclusionsAlthough MHN education enhances attitudes, it does not translate into increased career interest. Strategies such as extended clinical placements, lived-experience education, problem-based learning, and simulation may improve interest. Further rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials, is required to establish causality and inform workforce development strategies.
In an increasingly interconnected academic landscape, research is expanding beyond local and institutional boundaries, creating new opportunities for global collaboration among students, highly qualified personnel (HQPs), and faculty across career stages. While traditional mentorship models rooted in local faculty and student relationships remain valuable, they can restrict the broader relevance and innovation potential of research. Internationalization offers a compelling response by linking scholars across disciplines, cultures, and regions, enriching methodological diversity, cultural perspectives, and global visibility of scholarly work. For faculty, international collaboration strengthens research networks and enhances global impact. For HQPs, such engagement fosters globally minded researchers, builds institutional research capacity, and deepens international academic connections. Programs such as the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship, Academics Without Borders, and Global Affairs Canada mobility initiatives exemplify structured pathways that support cross border research, skill development, and collaborative knowledge creation. Although benefits are substantial, international research and mentorship present challenges, including visa complexities, language barriers, and variations in research training. These obstacles, however, can be mitigated through intentional mentorship strategies such as clear communication, structured orientations, peer pairing, and the use of translation technologies, turning challenges into opportunities for mutual learning and skill development. Ethical mentorship further requires equitable recognition of international scholars' contributions, ensuring reciprocal and respectful collaboration. To realize the full potential of research internationalization, institutions and mentors must intentionally cultivate inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives. By embracing equitable, and globally engaged mentorship, academia can advance research that transcends borders and contributes to a shared pursuit of global knowledge.
BackgroundNursing education is vital to addressing workforce shortages, with occupational coping self-efficacy potentially supporting student resilience, preparedness, and retention despite academic and clinical stressors. There is limited evidence examining how nursing students' coping self-efficacy and perceived educational stressors relate to intention-related outcomes during training.ObjectiveTo examine whether nursing students' occupational coping self-efficacy in nursing (OCSE-N) and perceived stressors (Stressors in Nursing Students Scale; SNSS) differ across intention-related and preparedness variables including satisfaction with choosing nursing, intent to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), and pursue further education, perceived preparedness for the registered nursing (RN) role, and preferred future work setting and location.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online survey completed by 367 undergraduate nursing students in Ontario. Participants completed standardized measures of occupational coping self-efficacy (OCSE-N) and perceived stressors (SNSS), along with author-developed single-item measures assessing intention-related and preparedness indicators. OCSE-N and SNSS total scores were compared across groups using one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc tests.ResultsOCSE-N and SNSS scores differed significantly by satisfaction with choosing nursing and perceived preparedness for the registered nurse role, with higher OCSE-N and lower SNSS observed among students reporting greater satisfaction and preparedness. No significant differences were found across intent to practice as a nurse, plans to pursue further education, preferred work setting, or preferred work location. OCSE-N OCSE-NConclusionOccupational coping self-efficacy and perceived stressors were associated with satisfaction and perceived preparedness, but not with longer-term professional plans among Ontario baccalaureate nursing students.
As planetary health challenges intensify, Canadian nurses are increasingly called to act for human health, health equity, and the health of the living world upon which humans depend. This integrative review explores how Canadian nurses have engaged with environmental justice and equity in the context of planetary health (including environmental health and climate change) over the past 25 years. Guided by Whittemore and Knafl's five-phase framework, 52 documents were analyzed from databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, GreenFILE, Environment Index, Web of Science, and grey literature sources. Two overarching concept areas emerged: Environmental Equity and Justice in Nursing and Nursing for Planetary Health. Findings were organized across research, education, advocacy, and practice domains. Although the term "environmental justice" was used infrequently, its principles were widely reflected across the literature, with Indigenous environmental justice emerging as a distinct and critical area of emphasis. Nurses' primary contributions were situated in advocacy and education. The review highlights key gaps and future directions, including the need to diversify research methodologies, strengthen community-based collaborations, address health impacts among equity-denied populations, and integrate biodiversity, spirituality, and faith into nursing for planetary health. Developing environmental justice-informed planetary health nursing theory is also identified as an important next step. By grounding the profession in environmental justice, nursing is better positioned to engage with and respond to the complex, interrelated health challenges facing people, communities, and ecosystems on a rapidly changing planet.
Virtual violence is facilitated by anonymity and the presence of aggressors on the internet, and the characteristics of this phenomenon amplify both the reach and intensity of the suffering experienced by victims-particularly in the psychological realm of young people. This review aimed to identify the mental health consequences of virtual violence among young students who use digital technologies, seeking to uncover patterns, experiences, and impacts for those involved. The databases consulted were EMBASE, Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, and Web of Science. The sources found were subjected to a two-stage screening process conducted by three reviewers. In the end, 18 articles were included. The studies were organized into five dimensions, and the findings indicated that involvement in cyberbullying-whether as a victim or a perpetrator-predicts greater psychological suffering for both parties. Gender and sexual orientation were found to be contributing factors to the worsening of participants' mental health. By contrast, parental and school involvement in young people's lives had a positive effect, both in reducing the number of victims and in helping to contain aggressors. This review reinforces the importance of recognizing and classifying cyberbullying as a form of violence. It also encourages the development of targeted prevention programs that raise awareness among all involved-especially families and school staff-who play a crucial role in supporting victims and breaking these patterns of violence.
BackgroundThe "1.5 generation" refers to those who immigrated to a new country as children or adolescents. In the context of Canada, 1.5-generation Bangladeshis are underrepresented in the extant literature on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Their cross-cultural positionality and ethnic background have implications for their SRH-related help-seeking behaviors and service utilization.PurposeThis paper explored the SRH related help-seeking behaviors and perspectives and experiences with accessing and utilizing SRH services among 1.5-generation Bangladeshi women in Toronto, Ontario.MethodsTen 1.5-generation Bangladeshi women, aged between 18 and 22, participated in this qualitative study. This study employed a narrative inquiry methodological approach and the Conceptual Framework of Access to Healthcare as a theoretical lens.ResultsKnowledge about routine SRH tests and utilization of these services were found to be low. Mothers, sisters, peers, the internet and mobile apps were identified as sources of informal help-seeking. The family doctor is the most significant source of formal help-seeking. The findings shed light on the demand- and supply-side dimensions of access to SRH care as well as the multiple barriers and facilitators to services. Individual-level social and cultural factors in SRH help- and care-seeking behaviors and attitudes were identified. Structural factors within the health system hindered effective service delivery.ConclusionThe findings highlight the need for SRH-focused educational and informational campaigns in residential neighborhoods concentrated by the Bangladeshi diaspora. Policymakers should address the structural barriers in the health system to improve the quality of SRH care. Further investigation is required to understand what culturally responsive SRH care entails for 1.5-generation patients from South Asian and Muslim backgrounds.
PurposeLiterature documenting mental health concerns among nurses is abundant, as is evidence that working conditions are a significant contributing factor. While conducting a study on the mental health experiences of seven professional cohorts in Canada, an unexpected finding was that for nurses struggling with their mental health, compassion profoundly shaped their experiences. This paper reports findings from a secondary analysis of the nursing cohort of this dataset to examine the role that compassion played in the experiences of nurses, their interprofessional relationships, and engagement with institutional policies and processes. Qualitative analysis of interviews with 52 nurses across Canada was conducted using interpretive description's inductive approach. Analysis was guided by the conceptual framework of Compassionate Communities.ResultsCompassion in the workplace impacted nurses' experiences of mental health, the process of requesting a leave of absence, and negotiating return to work. Nurses described how practicing in uncompassionate environments prompted them to engage in presenteeism at the expense of their own wellbeing, often missing the signs of their distress. Seeking help was deemed more complicated than remaining at work; leave of absence and return to work processes were marked by uncompassionate responses from managers and institutional procedures. Nurses encountered stigma when disclosing a mental health concern, negatively impacting their professional identity and interprofessional relationships.ConclusionsImplementing compassionate organizational practices and processes is instrumental in supporting nurses' mental health experiences and supporting psychologically safe work environments. This paper adds to the literature on compassion, compassionate communities, and nurses' mental health experiences.