International Journal of Practical Nursing

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge and knowledge related to practice regarding FOUR score scale among staff nurses working in ICU at selected hospitals, with a view to prepare planned teaching programme. Methods and Materials: The research approach used was quantitative evaluator approach. The research design selected for the univariant descriptive research design. The setting was ICU at selected hospitals. The sample includes 100 staff nurses working in ICU at selected hospitals; sampling technique was used purposive sampling technique. The structure knowledge questionnaire was used to collect data from samples. The pilot study was conducted with 10 samples. Reliability was established by Guttmann split half method. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: For the assessment purpose the total score 21 of knowledge was divided in to three groups like poor (0-7 score), average (8-14 score) and good (15-21 score). For the assessment purpose the total score 9 of knowledge related to practice regarding FOUR score scale was divided in to three groups like poor (0-3 score), average (4-6 score) and good (7-9 score). For the assessment purpose the otal score 30 of knowledge was divided in to three groups like poor (0-10 score), average (11- 20 score) and good (21-30 score). The average knowledge score regarding FOUR score scale among staff nurses working in ICU at selected hospitals was 6.00 with the standard deviation of 1.49. The mean percentage score was 28.57%. The averag knowledge score related to practice regarding FOUR score scale among staff nurses working in ICU at selected hospitals was 2.89 with the standard deviation of 0.98. The mean percentage score was 32.11%. The average knowledge & knowledge related practice regarding FOUR score scale was 8.89 with the standard deviation of 2.03. The mean percentage score was 29.63%. Interpretation and Conclusion: The data were analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study indicated that staff nurses working in ICU at selected hospitals having poor knowledge regarding FOUR score scale.

Background: The FAST HUG BID mnemonic, introduced by Vincent, is a structured framework designed to optimize nursing care quality in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). This study evaluates the knowledge and practice of FAST HUG BID among ICU nursing officers at a tertiary care institute in Central India. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Methods: A total of 105 ICU nursing officers were assessed using a validated 30- item knowledge questionnaire and a 28-item observational practice checklist. Simple random sampling was employed, and data were collected between April and May 2024. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed to examine the relationship between knowledge and practice. Results: The majority of participants demonstrated good knowledge (88.6%; Mean: 22.56, SD: 3.35) and good practice (72.4%; Mean: 21.25, SD: 2.11) of FAST HUG BID. However, a weak negative correlation (r = -0.086, p = 0.382) was observed between knowledge and practice scores. No significant associations were found between demographic variables and knowledge or practice levels. Conclusions: While ICU nursing officers exhibited satisfactory knowledge and practice regarding FAST HUG BID, the knowledge-practice gap suggests a need for continuous education, structured protocols, and institutional support to enhance adherence to evidence-based critical care practices.

Retirement is no longer simply a period of rest after decades of work it is a dynamic phase of life with opportunities for horizontal growth, health, contribution and purpose. While financial planning understandably dominates discussions of retirement readiness, an equally vital dimension is preparation for health (physical, mental and spiritual) and a purposeful life beyond professional roles. This combination results in a happy retirement. Thoughtful planning in these domains can transform retirement from a passive era into a fulfilling new chapter. Retirement is not the end of the road; it is actually the beginning of a new phase with some re-set of routines. This article looks at the physical, psychological and other changes that take place in old age and what should be done to ensure a healthy and happy phase of aging. ‘Retirement’ is generally identified with a phase of life when the person is considered to be unfit for optimum use to a public or private institution, because of his age. This myth has to be busted but, in this article, the authors are clubbing this group with other persons of similar age who need to see the transition as a new chapter in life and to make the most of it. This article focusses on the health and happiness aspects without elaborating on financial security in this age group.

Food taboos are culturally influenced dietary restrictions that prohibit the consumption of certain foods by specific groups of people. In many developing countries, food taboos significantly influence maternal feeding practices, particularly among children under the age of five. Mothers often avoid giving nutrient-rich foods to children due to traditional beliefs, misconceptions, or cultural practices. Such restrictions may contribute to malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and impaired growth and development. The present review aims to explore maternal knowledge regarding food taboos affecting children under five years of age and their impact on child health. Literature from national and international studies was reviewed to understand the socio-cultural determinants, nutritional consequences, and public health implications of food taboos. The review highlights that lack of maternal education, cultural traditions, and misinformation significantly influence feeding practices. Strengthening maternal awareness through health education and community interventions is essential to improve child nutrition and reduce malnutrition. Nurses and other healthcare professionals play a key role in educating mothers and promoting evidence-based feeding practices.

Background: Occupational stress is a major concern among employees and can negatively affect their physical health, mental well-being, job performance, and family life. Bus drivers are particularly vulnerable to stress because of long working hours, traffic conditions, workload, and responsibility for passenger safety. Effective coping strategies are important to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Therefore, this study focuses on assessing occupational stress and coping strategies among bus drivers. Aims and Objective: 1. To assess the level of stress among bus drivers at selected bus depots. 2. To assess the coping strategies among bus drivers at selected bus depots. 3. To find out the association between stress with demographical variables. 4. To find out the association between coping strategies with demographical variables. 5. To develop and distribute, information pamphlet regarding Stress and coping Strategies among bus driver at selected bus depots Material and Methods: A descriptive survey design was conducted to assess the level of stress and coping strategies among bus drivers at selected depot in view to develop an information pamphlet. Total 100 samples were selected by Non Probability purposive sampling method. A perceived stress scale of 10 items was administered to assess stress and structured coping scale was used to assess coping strategies among bus drivers. The conceptual framework based on Modified Stuart Adaptation Model. Results: Assessment of stress score among bus driver at selected bus depots shows, 5% of them had low stress, 44% had moderate stress and 51% of them had high stress level. Average stress score was 25.38 with standard deviation of 4.85. The minimum score of stress was 13 with maximum score of 31. Conclusion: Therefore, the study suggests that majority of bus drivers have high level of stress i.e 51% and they use coping strategies like, Taking guidance from parents and relatives (79%), Doing exercise (75%), Reducing household budget (79%), Sharing problems with parents and colleagues (60%), Praying to God (34). take advice from spiritual leaders, 66%, take balance diet to keep myself fit and healthy 75%, take help from self-help group for Financial support, 75%.

Medical negligence remains one of the most complex intersections of law, ethics, and healthcare practice. A single act of breach of duty by a licensed medical practitioner resulting in unintended harm or death can be actionable under multiple legal regimes: consumer protection law, civil tort law, common law negligence, professional disciplinary proceedings, and criminal law. Each forum applies distinct procedural codes (CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, and Medical Council regulations), with varying standards of proof, thresholds of negligence, and remedies. While civil and consumer jurisdictions focus on compensatory justice, criminal law requires proof of gross negligence beyond reasonable doubt, and medical councils emphasize ethical accountability. Supreme Court jurisprudence, particularly in Jacob Mathew vs. State of Punjab and Martin D’Souza vs. Mohd. Ishfaq, has clarified differential thresholds and directed the National Medical Commission to issue guidelines. These guidelines, though advisory in nature, carry persuasive authority and shape professional conduct standards. This article examines the procedural and substantive distinctions across jurisdictions, the harmonizing role of Supreme Court directions, and the compliance implications for physicians and hospitals in India.