Introduction: Medication errors (MEs) represent a significant threat to global healthcare systems, contributing to patient harm. Introducing artificial intelligence (AI) in rural healthcare enhances patient safety. The aim is to explore the applications and effectiveness of AI technologies in enhancing patient safety and reducing medication errors in rural health settings. Methods: A scoping review was conducted through a systematic literature search spanning 2012 to 2025 across multiple databases, including EBSCohost, Emcare (Ovid), MEDLINE, and the ProQuest Consumer Health Database. Twelve primary studies from nine different nations were examined. Data were analysed thematically to obtain insights on AI interventions across the medication process. Results: AI technologies have been integrated into every stage of medication management, right from prescribing and dispensing to administration and post-administration monitoring. Four key themes came to light: (1) the various types of AI being utilised (like Clinical Decision Support Systems, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and smart pumps); (2) the phases of the medication process that are affected; (3) how effective these technologies are in minimising errors and boosting workflow safety; and (4) rural-specific challenges including infrastructure, staff training, system integration, and alert fatigue. Several studies have demonstrated that machine learning-based surveillance improves incident detection and reduces prescribing and transcription errors by an impressive 34 Conclusion: In rural healthcare, AI technologies hold great potential for enhancing pharmaceutical safety. They can allow data-driven monitoring, automate processes, and offer clinical decision assistance.

BACKGROUND:Graduating nursing students frequently encounter a disconnect between academic preparation and the realities of clinical practice, often feeling underprepared, overwhelmed, and emotionally vulnerable. Contributing factors include inconsistent curricula, variable teaching quality, and limited access to high-fidelity simulation and mentorship. This fragmented preparation framework undermines resilience and readiness for today's complex healthcare environments. AIM:The aim of this scoping review is to identify and map the existing gaps in nurse education that impact the preparedness of student nurses entering professional practice. DESIGN/METHODS:A scoping review conducted in December 2024 and December 2025 mapped the existing literature on nursing education to identify research gaps. The review comprised a comprehensive search of CINAHL, Informit, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, followed by analysis of the 81 relevant studies. The PRISMA-ScR guidelines ensured a systematic and transparent approach to the selection and inclusion of studies. RESULTS:The review identified overarching domains (curriculum, teaching, simulation, clinical education and student readiness) where specific barriers were evident, including the theory-practice gap, inconsistent supervision and feedback, limited evaluation transparency, and transition shock. Evidence suggests that integrating practice-proximal education (simulation and longitudinal placements) with structured supports (Dedicated Education Units, mentorship/residency programs) and robust feedback mechanisms provides a coherent pathway to strengthen graduate readiness and early-career outcomes. CONCLUSION:Nursing students face persistent challenges in achieving clinical readiness due to fragmented curricula, inconsistent pedagogy, and limited academic-clinical integration. Addressing these issues requires a future-focused, evidence-informed education model, such as the Professional Readiness and Education for Practice Framework, which embeds authentic clinical experiences, structured mentorship, cultural safety, and digital health competencies to prepare graduates for the realities of contemporary healthcare practice.

This qualitative study examined stakeholder perceptions of primary prevention to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) among Aboriginal adolescents in the Northern Territory (NT). Fifteen interviews were conducted with 19 participants from 15 organisations (March - May 2024). Each interview followed a semi-structured guide, including questions and prompts. The participants worked in diverse sectors, including two in NT government organisations, 14 in non-government organisations, and three in the private sector. Five participants (26

IntroductionThe cultural backgrounds of Australian populations are increasingly diverse due to trends in globalisation and migration. Specifically, within healthcare environments, the rapid growth of multicultural individuals necessitates a change in nursing practice. Healthcare professionals require culturally competent knowledge, skills, and attitudes to accommodate individualised healthcare needs of a diverse population. Therefore, preparing student nurses with an adequate level of cultural competence remains essential in nursing education.BackgroundPrevious studies indicated that the meaning of cultural competence is ambiguous. Additionally, there is a paucity of research examining the definitions of cultural competence among students with heterogeneous cultural backgrounds. Thus, this study aims to explore undergraduate nursing students' perceptions and learning experiences of cultural competence, with attention to the personal and educational factors that shape their understanding.Materials and MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design was used, and data collection included a survey followed by a series of interviews with undergraduate students. A total of 25 nursing students had completed a full set of Cultural Competence Assessment Tool questionnaires, with five participating in a one-on-one interview. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyse the survey data, while the interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis.ResultsOverall, students have a moderate level of cultural competence and scored low on cultural sensitivity. Additionally, three recurring themes were identified in the qualitative results and encompassed understanding cultural competence is a lifelong journey, factors influencing students' interpretations of cultural competence, and learning cultural competence.ConclusionThe findings highlight intercultural communication barriers and social segregation as contributing factors to demographic differences in cultural competence. The insights gained may benefit cultural content development in higher education curricula, specifically in nursing contexts. Future research may explore the benefits of alternative pedagogical strategies in enhancing students' cultural competency.

AIM:To examine which elements of thriving and PERMA may be associated with thriving and intentions to leave both the job and profession among early career nurses. BACKGROUND:Retention of early career nurses is a global concern, with up to 60% leaving the profession within 2 years. While organisational factors have been widely examined, psychological constructs such as thriving and well-being are underexplored. DESIGN:A cross-sectional design. METHODS:The study surveyed early career nurses (n = 90, response rate 34.1%) across Australia. Validated instruments assessed thriving, PERMA dimensions, organisational support and intention to leave. Multiple linear and logistic regressions identified key factors associated with thriving and intention to leave the job or profession. Reporting adhered to STROBE guidelines for observational studies. RESULTS:Thriving was a significant factor associated with engagement (β 0.039, p = 0.031), relationships with colleagues (β 0.167, p = 032), and occupational hardiness (β 0.502, p = 0.001), while accomplishment was a negative factor associated with thriving (β -0.163, p = 0.001). Intention to leave the job was linked to lower levels of thriving (β -1.303, p = 0.048), reduced perceived organisational support (β -0.180, p = 0.048), and higher negative emotions (β 0.747, p = 0.009). Intention to leave the profession was associated with accomplishment (β 0.222, p = 0.048), perceived organisational support (β 0.193, p = 0.001), and years since graduation (β 0.299, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS:Thriving was associated with engagement, peer support, and resilience, whereas attrition was associated with poor organisational support and negative affect. Accomplishment is negatively aligned with thriving and may reflect unmet expectations, increasing role strain, or other personal factors not directly related to organisational contexts. Results suggest psychologically supportive environments and PERMA-informed strategies may be important for enhancing early career nurse retention. Supporting nurses to thrive should be a key focus for managers seeking to sustain the nursing workforce. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE:This study provides actionable insights for creating psychologically supportive environments that may be associated with improved early career nurse retention. By applying the PERMA framework, healthcare leaders may consider implementing targeted strategies, such as fostering engagement, informing the importance of collegial relationships, and promoting resilience, in order to positively inform well-being and achieve lower levels of attrition in clinical settings. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION:No patient or public contribution.

Background/Objectives: The Thriving at Work model proposes that organisations have a responsibility to provide supportive work environments that identify individual health outcomes, which organisations can use to determine where workforce support is needed. The aims of this study are to (1) identify and compare the predictors of early-career nurses' thriving at work in New Zealand and Australia and (2) provide innovative and theory-informed recommendations to improve organisational support of early-career nurses to increase retention in the profession. Design: A multinational cross-sectional study design was followed. Methods: The methods include a sub-study of an international action research programme to support the thriving of early-career nurses, which evaluates and compares results from surveys of nurses at approximately three months post-registration in 2024 and 2025. A theory-informed survey assesses predictors and outcomes of thriving at work. Results: Early-career nurses (N = 320) from New Zealand (n = 277) and Australia (n = 43) completed the survey. New Zealand early-career nurses experience greater quality of care and authenticity at work; however, they also report greater burnout. For Australian early-career nurses, authenticity at work is the greatest predictor of thriving. In New Zealand, thriving is linked to burnout and colleague support. Conclusions: New Zealand must focus on reducing burnout and fostering workplaces that value social connection if it wants to mitigate early-career nurse attrition to Australia for better working conditions. In Australia, the value of authenticity at work highlights the importance of organisational cultures that enable nurses to express their true selves and professional identity. The findings highlight the need for tailored approaches in each country to strengthen workforce sustainability and improve nurse wellbeing. Implications for the Profession: In New Zealand, additional funding to bolster the recruitment and retention of the nursing workforce is crucial to improve patient ratios and reduce workloads. The remuneration of nurses must also remain competitive with Australia. Additionally, workplaces should incorporate Māori values and practices into workplace policies to strengthen social connections. Australian organisations should include authentic management training, psychological safety initiatives, and policies that value diversity and encourage open communication.

Background: Clinical guidelines, pathways, and protocols assist in coordinating care for individuals with suspected or confirmed acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The recently updated 2025 ACS guidelines in Australia and internationally introduced significant changes to improve outcomes compared with the 2016 versions. However, barriers to implementing these ACS clinical guidelines in healthcare settings can lead to significant delays in the management of ACS patients, poor patient outcomes, and increased healthcare costs. This systematic review aims to identify the barriers that healthcare professionals face in implementing ACS clinical guidelines in primary and tertiary healthcare settings. Methods: Articles were identified through six databases encompassing EBSCO/Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health literature, Cochrane's library, ProQuest, PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science, as well as hand searching. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework. Search terms included “barriers” OR “obstacles” and “Acute Coronary Syndrome” and “guidelines”. A total of 1625 scientific papers discussing barriers to implementing ACS care guidelines were identified. Following the EndNote automated duplicate process, 67 duplicates were removed. A total of 1558 titles and abstracts were screened using the Joanna Briggs Institute System for Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information (JBI Sumari). Of the records screened, 1482 were excluded; 76 full papers were retrieved and reviewed. Of these, 68 full-text articles were excluded; 8 studies were included in the final analysis. Results: The eight included studies were conducted in high-income countries (the USA, Australia, Norway) and low- and middle-income countries (Kenya, Egypt, Indonesia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania). Sample sizes ranged from 9 to 156,328 participants. Barriers to implementation were grouped into patient-, provider/staff-, and system-level factors. Patient factors included age, gender, race, lack of ACS knowledge, inappropriate healthcare-seeking behavior, delays in treatment, nonadherence to ACS management and lifestyle recommendations, nonattendance at diagnostic tests, language barriers, and geographical distance to the nearest healthcare setting. Provider/staff barriers included deficits in staff knowledge of patient triage, lack of confidence in managing patients with ACS, and deficits in diagnosis and in the provision of recommended management. System factors included inadequate training, the availability of guidelines/protocols, the condition/lack of equipment, and the absence of interventional cardiology units. In addition, factors included reduced available beds, high staff-to-patient ratios, shortages of qualified staff, delays in referral systems, delays in transport and treatment, and openness to adopting new guidelines. Conclusion: Accurate triage and risk stratification are essential to reduce ACS-related mortality. Health systems should prioritize timely electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, transport to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-capable centers, and workforce training. Policy actions must address resource gaps, standardize chest pain pathways, and invest in infrastructure to ensure equitable implementation of the updated 2025 ACS guidelines. The PROSPERO Registration: CRD42023409325, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023409325.

AIM:To compare bell-and-pad alarm therapy to body-worn alarm therapy for the management of monosymptomatic enuresis in children 6-16 years of age in Victoria, Australia. METHOD:A sample of 76 children with monosymptomatic enuresis were randomly allocated to a control group (bell-and-pad alarm, n = 38) or an experimental group (body-worn alarm, n = 38). All children were treated for 8 weeks. Children who had not been successful, defined as 14 consecutive dry nights, continued therapy up to 16 weeks. The two alarm types were compared using dichotomous cross-tabulations and chi-squared tests of independence based on the most positive outcome versus the other outcomes. The costs of the treatment were calculated from the service provider's and family's perspective. Costs were in 2023 Australian dollars. RESULTS:Treatment success was achieved in 22 children (68.7%) in the body-worn alarm group and 34 children (94.4%) in the routine (bell-and-pad) group (p = 0.010). The bell-and-pad alarm also performed better on three other indicators: Alarm used every night (p = 0.018), alarm woke parent (p = 0.011), and child was compliant with alarm use (p = 0.015). The body-worn treatment was found to be cheaper than the bell-and-pad treatment ($598 per child) but was not as effective. CONCLUSION:The success rates for treatment were high in both groups but the bell-and-pad alarm was found to be more effective than the body-worn alarm used in this study. Further research is recommended, with a larger population, to establish more definitive support for clinical decision making. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619000354189.

Purpose: Breast cancer has been recognised as a chronic condition, with survivors experiencing long-term physical and psychosocial effects following treatment. Supporting breast cancer survivors to self-manage their health can optimise health-related quality of life and reduce symptom burden. Self-management education (SME) has been advocated at the policy and programme level in Australian primary care, but its uptake is often limited. This study explores healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experiences and perceptions of SME in primary care, aiming to identify factors influencing its implementation and to support survivorship care for breast cancer survivors in Australia. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted involving in-depth semi-structured interviews. Convenience sampling was used to recruit HCPs across the three primary care clinics in the Greater Brisbane area. The interviews were conducted based on an interview guide. Each interview was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Descriptive content analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Fourteen participants were interviewed across three primary care settings, including five general practitioners and nine registered nurses. Three categories were synthesised from the data: (1) Meaning and role of SM/SME; (2) Suboptimal SME in current practice; (3) Perceived factors impacting SME delivery in practice. Each category had two to six subcategories for the participants. Conclusions: The findings highlighted the importance and perceived benefits of SME for breast cancer survivors and HCPs in Australian primary care. However, the integration of SME into primary care remained suboptimal due to a combination of systemic, organisational, and healthcare provider factors. Evidence-based resources, particularly guidelines and training, are essential to equip HCPs to effectively integrate SME into routine care for breast cancer survivors.

Background/Objectives: Anaesthetic nurses play a critical role during surgical procedures. However, research focusing on Australian anaesthetic nurses remains limited. While previous studies have identified inconsistencies in anaesthetic nurse education, the everyday experiences of these nurses have not been comprehensively examined. This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers influencing anaesthetic nursing practice in Australia and to examine anaesthetic nurses' views on their evolving roles and responsibilities. Methods: A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was employed to explore the lived experiences of Australian anaesthetic nurses. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to enable in-depth exploration of participants' experiences, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Participants were interviewed by telephone, videoconference, or in person. Data were transcribed verbatim into Microsoft Word and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, informed by Gadamerian hermeneutics. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines were followed. Results: Four overarching themes were identified, Culture, Education, Leadership, and Institution, each shaping anaesthetic nursing practice in distinct yet interrelated ways, with several subthemes emerging within each category. These interrelated factors contributed to perceptions of being undervalued, restricted career progression, and uncertainty regarding role sustainability. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for enhanced support systems and system-level reform that addresses hierarchical power dynamics alongside standardised, context-specific education and training pathways. Addressing these interconnected issues is essential to better support anaesthetic nurses while ensuring competent, high-quality care is provided. Understanding the structural and cultural concerns underpinning anaesthetic nursing practice may inform the development of coherent curricula, visible nursing leadership, and clearer professional recognition and career pathways.

BackgroundDigital referral platforms can strengthen communication between primary and specialist care and improve continuity for people with COPD. However, adoption in Australian primary care remains uneven across jurisdictions.ObjectiveTo explore general practitioners' (GPs) and practice managers' (PMs) perspectives on barriers and enablers to adopting digital referral systems for COPD management in Australia.Materials and methodsA qualitative study was conducted with 16 participants (ten general practitioners and six practice managers) from urban, regional, and rural settings across five Australian states and territories. Semi-structured interviews (30-45 minutes) were conducted via Microsoft Teams and analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic approach. Inductive coding attended to role and location, and two researchers independently reviewed coding and interpretations to enhance confirmability. The COPD used as an exemplar to examine the barriers, enablers and system gaps associated with digital referral systems.ResultsFour themes described current practice and needs. First, disrupted digital workflows: recurrent technical issues, limited interoperability with existing systems, and gaps in training reduced routine use. Second, fragmented communication: referrals often moved in one direction, with poor visibility of status and minimal feedback to primary care. Third, pragmatic enablers: auto-filled templates, transparent triage processes, and waiting time tracking reduced workload and uncertainty. Fourth, aspirations for integration: participants prioritised cross-sector interoperability, inclusive co-design, and real-time two-way messaging to support continuity, accountability, and timely care.ConclusionStudy participants described Australia's digital referral landscape as fragmented, inconsistently adopted, and hindered by weak feedback loops. Usability features that automate data entry and surface referral status show immediate value and may accelerate uptake. Realising system-level benefits will require nationally coordinated policy, minimum interoperability standards, and targeted investment in regional, rural, and under-resourced settings. These practice-informed priorities translate front-line experience into actionable design and policy levers, offering a roadmap for procurement, co-design, and evaluation of digital referral platforms for COPD and other chronic conditions.

AIM:To explore pre-registration male nursing students' choice of nursing as a career, gender role of a nurse misconceptions and clinical learning experience to inform regional career advice, recruitment, support and shaping the image of a nurse. DESIGN:An exploratory convergent parallel mixed-method study. METHODS:Selected data of pre-registration male nursing students studying in a regional nursing programme was taken from a larger national convergent parallel mixed-method study (n = 1410) involving 16 Australian universities and the Australian College of Nursing. Students were surveyed July-September 2021 using an online survey tool; a 17-item self-report Gender, Attitude and Misconception (GEMINI) scale and a 19-item clinical learning experience (CLEI-19) scale. Qualitative data consisted of responses to three statements. RESULTS:Pre-registration male nursing students (n = 42). Nursing was a first career choice for most males n = 35 (83.3%). The leading education pathway to nursing was higher school certificate n = 12 (28.6%) and diploma n = 11 (26.2%). Gender misconceptions were higher in Australia-born males compared to males born overseas. Males with previous health-related work experience reported a more positive clinical experience and sense of belonging. Qualitative statements did not evoke responses from all male participants. Themes revealed most males are aware of the professional qualities of a nurse and are treated equally during their clinical experience. The view for many males born in Australia is that male discrimination still exists. CONCLUSION:Gender misconceptions of the role of a nurse exist for Australian born males and may reflect the local region cultures' views ingrained from historical epistemes. Males' participation rates in nursing will remain low unless misconceptions of the gender role of the nurse are addressed through a broader societal raised awareness that nursing is a valid career choice for men. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE:Monitoring pre-registration male nursing students' nursing gender role misconception is a needed indicator to assist in measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of career advice, recruitment strategies and support for males within nursing programmes, and shaping the contemporary image of a nurse. IMPACT STATEMENT:Australia is experiencing a nursing shortage. Addressing the cultures' misconceptions of the role of the nurse will increase male participation rates and assist in growing the nursing workforce. REPORTING METHOD:Adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and followed STROBE guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION:No Patient or Public Contribution.

OBJECTIVE:This randomised controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic on the incidence of common infections among children in early childhood education (ECE) settings. METHODS:Prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted using a multi-strain (mixture of 5 strains) probiotic at a daily dose of 10 billion active fluorescent units. Participating children were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The supplementation period lasted 24 weeks, during which weekly questionnaires were administered to track the incidence of infections. RESULTS:A total of 118 children were enrolled in the trial. An intention-to-treat analysis revealed a 62% reduction in the incidence of gastrointestinal tract infections (GITIs) (incidence rate ratio: 1.62, p = 0.055) between the placebo and probiotic groups in the last 16 weeks of the study. Notably, it took up to 8 weeks for probiotics to exhibit a significant protective effect. However, probiotic supplementation had no impact on respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Additionally, probiotic use led to an estimated cost saving of AU$4748 in relation to reducing GITIs for 16 weeks after the protective effect was achieved. CONCLUSION:Multi-strain probiotic has the potential to reduce the risk of GITIs among children in ECE settings, though no beneficial effect was observed on RTIs despite recording over 450 infections. Larger, multi-arm trials are recommended to further investigate this area. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ACTRN12622000153718.

BACKGROUND:Preparing midwifery graduates to be confident, competent, and resilient is essential for workforce sustainability, yet students report a disconnect between academic preparation and clinical realities. Increasing care complexity, workforce shortages, and variable clinical learning environments globally highlight the need to examine how educational strategies support effective transition to practice. OBJECTIVE:To map and synthesise the evidence regarding educational approaches, learning experiences, and transition-to-practice factors that influence preparedness for professional practice among midwifery students, and to identify gaps in the existing literature to inform a coherent and future-ready educational framework. METHODS:A PRISMA-ScR-guided scoping review was conducted across seven databases. Data were extracted through a standardised template and analysed using narrative synthesis. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies were examined for learning approaches, practice conditions, and transition experiences. RESULTS:Three overarching domains and seven sub-domains were identified. Reflective practice, blended learning, simulation, and collaborative approaches were widely valued but inconsistently implemented. Students frequently experienced transition shock, limited scaffolding of higher-order thinking, variable supervision, with misalignment between curricula, competency frameworks, and clinical expectations, leading to uneven confidence and skill development. Educator capacity constraints particularly in feedback, reflection, and simulation pedagogy were recurrent barriers. Positive clinical environments and structured reflective opportunities consistently strengthened competence, identity formation, and readiness. CONCLUSION:Midwifery education is evolving towards contemporary, competency-based pedagogies, yet persistent inconsistencies undermine the reliability of graduate preparation. Strengthening curriculum coherence, standardising key learning experiences, investing in educator capability, and embedding structured reflection and simulation are essential. A unified educational framework that integrates these components is required to enable confident, adaptable, and practice-ready midwives.

Background/Objectives: Nursing students encounter significant stress due to the demanding nature of their academic and clinical training, negatively impacting their mental health and overall wellbeing. Self-care strategies, such as yoga, have been suggested to effectively manage stress and promote resilience. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of self-care in nursing education, there is limited research on the specific benefits of yoga. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceived benefits associated with undergraduate nursing students’ participation in an 8-week yoga study. Methods: A qualitative study using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was conducted. Participants were Baccalaureate nursing students from an Australian university. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Reporting methods followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. Results: Among the 14 students who participated, three main themes emerged: “Me Time”, highlighting the importance of prioritising self-care; “Slowing Down,” emphasising the psychological benefits of yoga; and “Self-Acceptance,” reflecting personal growth and improved self-awareness. Participants reported reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced physical and mental wellbeing. Conclusion: Students who participated in yoga were positively impacted through greater stress management and wellbeing. As nursing students transition into the workplace, the ability to manage stress and maintain mental wellbeing becomes even more critical. The high-pressure environment of healthcare settings can exacerbate stress, leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction. By incorporating self-care practices such as yoga into their routine, nursing students can develop resilience and coping mechanisms that will benefit them as students and throughout their careers.

Background/Objectives: Men have historically contributed significantly to mental health nursing, particularly in inpatient settings, where their presence has supported patient recovery and safety. Despite this legacy, men remain under-represented in the nursing workforce, and addressing this imbalance is critical to workforce sustainability. This study offers a novel contribution by exploring the lived experiences, motivations, and professional identities of men in mental health nursing, an area that has received limited empirical attention. The aim of the study is to examine the characteristics, qualities, and attributes of mental health nurses who are male, which contributes to their attraction to and retention within the profession. Methods: A qualitative interpretive inquiry was conducted among nurses who were male and either currently or previously employed in mental health settings. Two focus groups were conducted using semi-structured questions to explore their career pathways, motivations, professional identities, and perceived contributions. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns in their narratives. Results: Seven participants, with 10–30 years of experience, participated. They had entered the profession through diverse pathways, expressing strong alignment between personal values and professional roles. Five themes emerged and centred on mental health being the heart of health, personal and professional fulfillment, camaraderie and teamwork, a profound respect for individuals and compassion, and overcoming and enjoying the challenge. Conclusions: Mental health nurses who are male bring unique contributions to the profession, embodying compassion, resilience, and ethical advocacy. Their experiences challenge traditional gender norms and redefine masculinity in health care. Fostering inclusive environments, mentorship, and leadership opportunities is essential to support their growth. These insights inform strategies to strengthen recruitment, retention, and the future of mental health nursing.

Background: Healthcare is a dynamic environment for nurses, with early career nurses (ECNs) needing to adapt and learn while also meeting care demands. Effective support systems, mentorship, and continuous professional development are vital in facilitating their transition while navigating competing demands. The aim of this study is to interpret and understand the meaning of ECNs’ professional experiences four years after completing their bachelor’s degree in Australia. Method: A qualitative descriptive design using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used as part of a longitudinal study. Follow-up semi-structured interviews were conducted among twenty-five ECNs between 2022 and 2024 using purposive sampling to recruit ECNs who had graduated four years ago. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data while adhering to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines. Results: Four themes emerged among participants, which encompassed professional growth and unwavering commitment, ongoing professional adaptability, feeling stuck with limited choices, and continual learning amid career challenges and personal life demands. Conclusions: Change is needed to ensure professional learning becomes a shared responsibility among policy makers and healthcare leaders and to ensure that professional learning leads to more nurses taking up further study, thus increasing the safety and quality of care delivered in the healthcare environment.

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a widespread shift to remote work, significantly altering child supervision. In Australia, prolonged lockdowns created unique conditions where many parents were working from home while simultaneously caring for children. This study aimed to investigate potential changes in the epidemiology of paediatric injury-related presentations to emergency health services among children in Southwest Victoria, Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using deidentified emergency presentation data from ten health services in regional Victoria for children aged 0–14 years between 2018 and 2023. Injury data were analysed across three timeframes (Pre-COVID, COVID, Post-COVID). Chi-squared tests assessed differences in injury presentations by age, gender, and service type. Significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 21,072 child injury-related presentations occurred. Males accounted for 57.6% of presentations, with the 10–14 age group comprising 39.8% of cases. During lockdown, injury presentations increased among 0–4-year-old females (from 30.2% to 32.0%), likely reflecting reduced supervision as parents juggled work-from-home responsibilities. Conversely, rates declined among older children, particularly 10–14-year-olds, potentially due to reduced participation in sports and outdoor activities. More than half of all cases (59.1%) were presented to Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD)-reporting emergency departments. Conclusions: The shift to working from home during the pandemic had a measurable impact on childhood injury patterns, particularly among younger children. These findings highlight the importance of considering parental work and childcare arrangements in injury prevention strategies and highlight the benefits of additional regional data to provide a more accurate picture of regional health service use.

INTRODUCTION:The global nursing shortage significantly impacts healthcare sustainability, particularly in rural Australia, where geographic isolation, professional remoteness and resource constraints amplify challenges. OBJECTIVE:To map and synthesise evidence on factors influencing rural nursing workforce sustainability across individual, organisational and systemic levels. DESIGN:A scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines was conducted. Five databases and grey literature were searched for English-language publications (1995-2024) on rural nursing workforce sustainability. A micro-meso-macro conceptual framework guided the analysis of 33 publications, focusing on baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurses. FINDINGS:Key determinants were identified across three levels. Micro-level factors included personal characteristics, professional identity and safety considerations. Meso-level factors, addressed in 32 studies, encompassed health services programmes, organisational culture, management approaches and professional development opportunities. Macro-level factors included community engagement, educational pathways, scope of practice policies and government initiatives. Significant interconnections existed between factors across all levels. DISCUSSION:While targeted interventions show promise, programmes need systematic evaluation using standardised frameworks. Research priorities include longitudinal effectiveness studies, economic impact analyses and the development of practical implementation tools. CONCLUSION:A sustainable rural nursing workforce requires integrated approaches that simultaneously address individual, organisational and systemic factors. Success depends on evidence-based collaboration between healthcare organisations, educational institutions and government bodies to strengthen rural healthcare delivery through coordinated multilevel strategies.