Background/Objectives: Empathy and emotional regulation (susceptibility and resistance) play an important role in a nurse’s well-being and the provision of high-quality care. This phenomenon has not yet been studied in the context of nurses working in neuroscience. This study aimed to explore the perceptions related to empathy among nurses working in neuroscience contexts. Methods: Employing a mixed-methods approach, we conducted an online quantitative survey with 211 nurses working in various neuroscience settings using the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES) and 15 online semistructured qualitative interviews to delve deeper into empathetic experiences. The mean and measures of dispersion, such as standard deviation, were used to analyze the quantitative data. Thematic analysis investigated qualitative data, and data triangulation was performed. Results: The quantitative findings revealed no significant differences in empathy or emotional regulation across the different neuroscience settings but highlighted an increase in susceptibility related to young age (under 29) and years of service (first 5 years). The interviews brought to light the challenges nurses face in highly emotional situations and the strategies they employ to manage empathy and maintain professional detachment, such as self-care strategies, awareness development, and team support. One hindering factor is managers. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the essential role of empathetic capability in nursing care in neuroscience. The experience of younger nurses and the first 5 years of employment are elements to be considered by managers for burnout risk. Nurses demonstrate susceptibility and resistance and maintain a balance in dealing with high-emotional-stress situations. The implications of these findings are significant and should guide future research and practice in the field of neuroscience nursing.

Background: Although educational and transitional interventions improve preparedness after stroke, it remains unclear whether this translates into real-world capability within stroke survivor–caregiver dyads. The concept of capability may better capture the ability to convert knowledge and resources into meaningful action, yet it remains poorly defined and operationalized in stroke research. Purpose: To systematically review the literature on capability and related constructs in stroke survivors and caregivers and to clarify the concept of dyadic capability through integrated concept analysis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with protocol registration in PROSPERO. Seven databases were searched from inception to May 2025. A total of 2318 records were screened and 373 full-text articles assessed, with 22 studies included. Methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Findings were synthesized narratively and integrated with a Walker and Avant concept analysis. Results: Dyadic capability emerged as a multidimensional construct characterized by 3 defining attributes: self-efficacy, resilience, and motivation. Antecedents included poststroke disability and contextual factors, while consequences encompassed improved autonomy, enhanced dyadic quality of life, reduced caregiver burden, and more effective care management. Notably, no validated instruments specifically measuring dyadic capability were identified. Conclusions: Dyadic capability represents a critical yet underdeveloped construct in stroke care. Its clarification provides a theoretical foundation for future measurement development and for designing nursing interventions that enhance the translation of knowledge into real-world action in stroke survivor–caregiver dyads.

Background: In 2008, the European Association of Neuroscience Nursing (EANN) initiated the NeuroBlend™ project, which aimed to delineate the roles and competencies of neuroscience nurses across Europe. This project resulted in the development of the European Competence Profile (ECP), intended to standardize educational pathways and professional recognition for this specialized field. Aim: This study examines the relevance of neuroscience nursing practices to the competencies outlined in NeuroBlend™ across different Italian care settings, including multiple sclerosis, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric neurology, Alzheimer’s disease, and substance addiction. Methods: A phenomenological approach was employed, utilizing focus groups to gather the perspectives of nurses on the competencies defined by the NeuroBlend™ model. The focus groups were conducted from May 2022 to September 2022. The data collected from the focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Thirty nurses participated in the focus groups. Thematic analysis revealed the core competencies, such as communication, empathy, flexibility, and reflective skills, as critical in all care settings. The main themes that emerged were relationships with patients and families, personalized care, and continuity of care. Conclusions: The competencies outlined in the NeuroBlend™ framework are vital to the role of neuroscience nurses in the settings studied and remain highly relevant in the context of Italian healthcare.

Introduction. Myelomeningocele (MMC) is an open spinal dysraphism characterized by a neural tube defect in which the spinal cord, nerves and meninges protrude through a skin defect, predominantly in the lumbosacral region. Nursing care is essential in the early management of affected newborns, encompassing monitoring, prevention of complications, family support, and interdisciplinary coordination to ensure continuous care. Objective. This scoping review aims to systematically map the available literature on hospital-based nursing care for pediatric patients with MMC and identify knowledge gaps in order to provide an up-to-date overview of the state of the art and to suggest areas for future research. Methods and Analysis. This protocol follows the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The review will include primary research studies, clinical guidelines, and expert opinions published in English and Italian, without time restrictions. We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers will conduct screening and data extraction using Rayyan. Data will be synthesized thematically and presented in tabular and narrative formats. Expected Results. Preliminary evidence highlights three main pillars in the management of myelomeningocele: prevention of complications, optimization of functionality, and enhancement of patient well-being. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to address the complex needs of neonates with MMC, with nurses playing a key role in coordinating care, ensuring continuity, and monitoring clinical status. Current recommendations emphasize specific nursing interventions for early care, including protective positioning, sterile dressing techniques, and allergen avoidance. However, despite the presence of some guidance, perioperative nursing practices remain underexplored in the literature. This review aims to identify, map, and summarize existing evidence to support and improve clinical nursing care for pediatric patients with MMC. Ethics and Dissemination. Ethical approval is not required for this review. Findings will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through academic conferences and institutional training. Protocol Registration. osf.io/rnc9u