A new study published in Pediatrics found that adolescent suicide risk remains elevated in high-violence neighborhoods even as overall post-pandemic shooting rates decline. The study analyzed over 71,000 primary care visits for Philadelphia-area teens and found that community violence continues to impact youth mental health.
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that nearly four in ten inpatient psychiatric mental health registered nurses experience high burnout. However, researchers discovered that a supportive work environment significantly reduces burnout, job dissatisfaction, and nurse turnover rates.
Researchers examine how chronic stress, trauma, and violence shape physical health and well-being across the lifespan. The editorial highlights a special issue of 16 empirical papers synthesizing research on childhood adversity, protective factors, and biological embedding of trauma over time.
Penn Nursing scholar Kathryn Connell argues that nursing's 'dual expertise' is widespread yet structurally invisible. She advocates for systemic reforms to support nurse clinician-scientists, who balance bedside practice, research, and personal experience.
A new study suggests that the specific sedatives used during critical illness in early childhood may have long-term implications for a child's neurocognitive development. The research found that treatment with dexmedetomidine, rather than opioids and benzodiazepines alone, was associated with better neurocognitive outcomes.
A new analysis suggests that shifts in the economic landscape and changing social roles can act as stressors impacting long-term health. The study proposes that more diverse and flexible social expectations for men could lead to better health outcomes across all populations.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that safer nurse staffing levels in Pennsylvania hospitals could prevent up to 3,040 hospital deaths annually and reduce costs by an estimated $239 million. The study analyzed data from over 547,000 patients and nearly 2,800 nurses across 132 hospitals statewide.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research found that nurses' assessments of their staffing adequacy is a more accurate predictor of patient safety on medical surgical units than traditional administrative data. In contrast, objective metrics like RNHPPD proved to ...
A Reproductive Justice (RJ) lens is crucial for addressing systemic inequities in high-risk pregnancy care, argues a new commentary. This approach recognizes that structural forces, not just medical factors, shape the options available to families navigating complex fetal diagnoses.
A new study reveals critical work environment concerns contributing to international migration from the Caribbean region. The report highlights 52 policy actions, but implementation remains inconsistent across the region.
A recent article highlights the need for human moral agency in nursing, as AI systems simulate empathy but lack sentience and accountability. Nurses must be active leaders in AI design and implementation to preserve public trust and ensure compassionate care.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing will honor Diane Dodge with the 2026 Penn Nursing Renfield Foundation Award for her visionary leadership in addressing maternal health barriers. The award supports Tiba Foundation's efforts to scale the Boda Girls model, providing one million health services over five years.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis by Penn Nursing researchers has identified four primary patient-related risk factors that predict chronic opioid use after surgery. These include Medicaid enrollment, preoperative benzodiazepine use, mood disorders, and anxiety. The study's findings provide a roadmap for clinicians to implement...
A landmark study published in Medical Care shows that the Magnet4Europe intervention measurably improves nurse and physician wellbeing and strengthens patient safety. By redesigning hospital work environments with the Magnet Model, hospitals saw significant declines in nurses planning to leave and a corresponding drop in intended leavers.
A new study from Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research surveyed 880 in-hospital nurses about their experiences working alongside virtual nurses. The majority report that virtual nursing programs improve patient care quality, but the benefits are not substantial, according to lead author K. Jane Muir.
Three prominent nursing researchers strongly defend the National Institute of Nursing Research's necessity and impact on public health. They argue that the Institute's research strengths are greater now than ever before, particularly in promoting health across the lifespan with a life course perspective.
A landmark international study finds that hospitals with better nurse staffing and work environments are significantly associated with less physician burnout and job dissatisfaction. Investing in nurses improves both nurse and physician wellbeing, while strengthening patient care.
A new study highlights the success of an international partnership working to strengthen nursing and midwifery in the Caribbean. The initiative led by Penn Nursing resulted in a comprehensive survey with a 100% response rate from country Chief Nursing Officers.
Researchers at Penn Nursing are driving evidence-based changes to enhance lactation care and improve outcomes for families. Critical strategies include empowering frontline healthcare providers, fostering supportive work environments, and standardizing language to promote breastfeeding journeys.
A new study reveals a significant association between neighborhood firearm violence exposure and adolescents' perceived ability to obtain a firearm outside the home. Fighting behavior was found to mediate 32% of the relationship, highlighting the layered risks faced by youth in high-violence settings.
A new collaborative initiative explores the impact of federally funded international bioethics training programs, highlighting both significant achievements and ongoing challenges. The study advocates for continued investment in these programs to build robust bioethics capacity worldwide and address emerging ethical dilemmas.
A new review reveals significant limitations in existing perinatal palliative care (PPC) evidence, leaving critical gaps in understanding its safety and effectiveness. This comprehensive review calls for more rigorous research to inform policy and ensure appropriate care for vulnerable families.
A new study identifies critical barriers and promising strategies to scale up low-barrier wound care services for PWUD. The research highlights the urgent need for accessible and empathetic approach to wound care, proposing practical steps to reach those who need it most.
A study of 1084 hospital nurses highlights six key themes that impact quality care, including patient-centered approaches, adequate staffing, and culturally competent nursing workforce. Nurses proposed solutions to address these issues, aiming to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
A new study published in Science Advances reveals that a single gene plays a big role in how the liver stores energy, which is critical for overall health and managing diseases like type 2 diabetes. The research found that when this gene is more active, the liver tends to store more energy as glycogen.
Patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk who received at least seven medically tailored meals per week experienced a significant reduction in malnutrition and sarcopenia risk. This intervention also kept hospital readmission rates below national averages, translating to better patient care and lower healthcare costs.
A new set of guidance statements has been published for diagnosing malnutrition in critically ill adults, aiming to provide a consistent approach to identifying malnutrition. The guidelines consider both phenotypic and etiologic factors, emphasizing the importance of assessment and reporting of malnutrition variables.
A new study from Penn Nursing found that hospitals serving predominantly Black communities exhibit significantly higher rates of pressure ulcers, postoperative sepsis, and perioperative pulmonary embolus/deep vein thrombosis. Despite having a higher rate of Magnet designation, these hospitals still show compromised patient outcomes.
A new study reveals that expectant and new fathers, particularly Black American fathers, express a significant need for more resources and support to better assist mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. The research highlights a gap in tailored information and resources for fathers within healthcare and social service systems.
A new study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that increased nurse continuity was not associated with improved patient outcomes in ICU settings. The researchers analyzed data from 47,564 ICU patients and discovered a modest increase in mortality rates among shifts with high nurse continuity.
Researchers at Penn Nursing have discovered a critical brain circuit that regulates cocaine-seeking behavior, which they believe can be targeted by developing new GLP-1-based treatments. By understanding how this circuit functions, scientists may develop innovative therapies to treat cocaine use disorder.
A new study published in Journal of Urban Health reveals that childhood trauma and perceived neighborhood disorder significantly impact the mental health of Black men in Philadelphia following serious traumatic injuries. The study highlights the critical role of social and environmental factors in post-injury recovery.
Policies restricting discussions of structural racism hinder efforts to address health inequities, ignoring historical and environmental factors. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing structural racism for achieving health equity.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased rates of falls, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, pressure injuries, and pneumonia in U.S. hospitals. The study highlights the need to address ongoing challenges faced by nurses and invest in supporting them to provide high-quality care.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found a strong association between handheld cellphone use and risky driving behaviors among newly licensed teen drivers. The study identified potential safety risks and recommended strategies to avoid cellphone use while driving.
A new Penn Nursing study found a strong association between the quality of the nurse work environment and COVID-19 mortality rates among socially vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries. Hospitals with high-quality nurse work environments were associated with reduced COVID-19 mortality among these patients.
A groundbreaking article proposes a significant shift in how nursing care is measured within acute and critical care settings. The 'Blueprint for Action' seeks to recognize the full scope of a nurse's work and its impact on patient outcomes.
A research team has identified 34 distinct subtypes of medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain region involved in pleasure and motivation. These subtypes have unique genetic profiles and are conserved across species, suggesting potential implications for human brain function and behavior.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Georgetown University School of Nursing argue that the traditional term
A recent study found that hospitals with chronic understaffed nurses had higher mortality rates among Covid-19 patients. The researchers suggest that investing in nursing services prior to the pandemic could have prevented thousands of deaths. Thorough staffing and nurse education are seen as crucial for hospital preparedness.
A new study published in Medical Care found that substituting registered nurses with non-RN staff increases patient mortality, readmissions, and costs. The researchers studied over 6.5 million Medicare patients and found no evidence of an RN shortage, making the substitution unjustified.
The PES-5 tool offers a condensed and robust way to measure nursing practice environments without sacrificing reliability. This innovation aims to alleviate survey burden while providing vital data for managers and policymakers.
The project builds on a sustained strategic partnership between Penn Nursing, the City of Philadelphia, and Philly CEAL to improve chronic disease self-management. Community Health Workers will receive training in the DECIDE intervention, which enhances their skills in group-based chronic disease self-management.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that nurses are leaving healthcare employment primarily due to poor working conditions. The study surveyed over 7,800 registered nurses in New York and Illinois between 2018 and 2021, revealing insufficient staffing, burnout, and poor work-life balance as top reasons...
Researchers developed a four-week program combining timed daily activities to decrease daytime sleepiness and improve nighttime sleep quality. The study found significant improvements in quality of life (QOL) and sleep quality among participants with memory issues.
A new study will connect dialysis patients with an immersive social VR experience to decrease isolation and increase health literacy. The 18-month study aims to explore the effectiveness of nurse-moderated VR in reducing loneliness among marginalized communities.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores residents' perspectives on police involvement in mental health crises. Residents are divided on the need for police presence during these incidents, but many support co-deploying officers with healthcare professionals to reduce friction and improve response effectiven...
The Transitional Care Model has been successfully incorporated into nurse practitioner curricula to address the challenges of managing transitions in care for older adults. This approach prepares adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners to identify and address gaps in transitional care, resulting in improved cost and quality ou...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explore how spiritual coping behaviors help survivors of urban firearm injury recover. The study suggests that combining culturally sensitive spiritual resources with psychotherapy may lead to effective trauma-informed care for injured urban Black men.
Researchers have identified translation gaps in the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, a tool measuring nursing practice environments. The study found that half of available translations require additional cultural equivalence or psychometric evaluation, highlighting an area for improvement to support worldwide quali...