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University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing


High prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in large population of kids with type 1 diabetes

A study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice reveals that children with type 1 diabetes are at risk of low vitamin D levels, affecting bone health, glucose metabolism, and immune function. The research emphasizes the importance of vitamin D screening for all children with type 1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·DateApr 20, 2016

Child care providers need more education, training on benefits of breastfeeding, human milk

A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that 60% of child care centers do not have staff trained on the benefits of breastfeeding and human milk. The researchers recommend widespread education for child care providers and staff to ensure adherence to breastfeeding support guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing·DateMar 9, 2016

Nurse staffing levels key to keeping rehospitalizations down for hip/knee surgery patients

A cross-sectional study of 112,000 Medicare patients found that inadequate nurse staffing and poor work environments increase risk of postoperative readmissions. Patients undergoing elective hip and knee surgery in hospitals with supportive nursing environments are 12% less likely to be readmitted.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalInternational Journal for Quality in Health Care·DateMar 2, 2016

Is there a digital hood?

A novel study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing reveals a dynamic interplay between physical and digital neighborhoods, where negative interactions are reproduced and amplified. The study found that social media can make tensions worse, but also limit positive opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNew Media & Society·DateFeb 18, 2016

'Housing Policy Debate' publishes Penn Nursing & Cornell study on affordable housing

A recent study published in Housing Policy Debate found that the location of subsidized housing has a significant impact on residents' educational attainment. Residents in poorer neighborhoods with higher crime rates and lower levels of education earned fewer college credits per year compared to those in more advantaged areas.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalHousing Policy Debate·DateFeb 11, 2016

Novel study shows lower surgical mortality in hospitals with best nursing care

A novel study found that Magnet hospitals with excellent nursing care have significantly lower death rates after surgery, especially for sicker patients. The research also revealed that better nurse staffing can be achieved at the same or lower costs by reducing hospital admissions to intensive care units and shortening length of stay.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awards Stevens Institute and Penn Nursing grant for joint project

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded a grant to Stevens Institute and Penn Nursing to use policy flight simulators to determine the usability and effectiveness of the Transitional Care Model. The goal is to accelerate decisions to implement the TCM, which addresses negative effects associated with common breakdowns in care.

Novel study: Lower patient satisfaction in hospitals that employ more nurses trained abroad

A study of over 12,000 patients found that hospitals employing more nurses trained abroad are associated with lower patient satisfaction rates. Patients in these hospitals were less likely to rate their care as excellent or very good, and reported being treated with disrespect and having poor communication with their caregivers.

California nurse staffing

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that California's nurse-to-patient ratio legislation increased registered nurse staffing without decreasing RNs. The law allowed hospitals to hire licensed practical nurses to meet staffing requirements, helping to alleviate a severe nurse shortage.