Nurses self-performing and teaching others breast self-examination: implications for advanced practice nurses.
Although there is evidence to suggest that breast self-examination (BSE) aids in the early detection of breast cancer, the underuse of this prevention behavior continues to exist. The purpose of this study was to explore the personal behaviors and professional practices of nurses in the use of BSE and to discuss implications for the advanced practice nurse (APN). The sample (N = 300) consisted of nurses and student nurses. While almost all nurses had performed BSE at least once, fewer than half did this monthly. The majority believed it was the nurse's role to teach BSE, but almost three fourths of the sample taught it only occasionally or rarely. Not thinking of it and not knowing when or how to teach were reasons identified for not teaching. The roles of the APN as an educator, leader, consultant, direct care provider, and researcher are examined in light of these findings to promote nurses' performing and teaching BSE.
Cherry Street Senior Health Center of Gulf Coast Medical Center, Panama City. sdevine@digitalexp.net
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Frank
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D009743:Nursing, Practical / Q000193:education; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires