Aim To provide insight into how descriptive and interpretive phenomenological research approaches can guide nurse researchers during the generation and application of knowledge. Background Phenomenology is a discipline that investigates people’s experiences to reveal what lies ‘hidden’ in them. It has become a major philosophy and research method in the humanities, human sciences and arts. Phenomenology has transitioned from descriptive phenomenology, which emphasises the ‘pure’ description of people’s experiences, to the ‘interpretation’ of such experiences, as in hermeneutic phenomenology. However, nurse researchers are still challenged by the epistemological and methodological tenets of these two methods. Data sources The data came from relevant online databases and research books. Review methods A review of selected peer-reviewed research and discussion papers published between January 1990 and December 2013 was conducted using CINAHL, Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. In addition, selected textbooks that addressed phenomenology as a philosophy and as a research methodology were used. Discussion Evidence from the literature indicates that most studies following the ‘descriptive approach’ to research are used to illuminate poorly understood aspects of experiences. In contrast, the ‘interpretive/hermeneutic approach’ is used to examine contextual features of an experience in relation to other influences such as culture, gender, employment or wellbeing of people or groups experiencing the phenomenon. This allows investigators to arrive at a deeper understanding of the experience, so that caregivers can derive requisite knowledge needed to address such clients’ needs. Conclusion Novice nurse researchers should endeavour to understand phenomenology both as a philosophy and research method. This is vitally important because in-depth understanding of phenomenology ensures that the most appropriate method is chosen to implement a study and to generate knowledge for nursing practice. Implications for research/practice This paper adds to the current debate on why it is important for nurse researchers to clearly understand phenomenology as a philosophy and research method before embarking on a study. The paper guides novice researchers on key methodological decisions they need to make when using descriptive or interpretive phenomenological research approaches.

Background: Ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant healthcare‐associated infection. Compliance with VAP guidelines reduces infection and leads to better patient outcomes. Aim: The study investigated the VAP rate, nurses' compliance with the VAP bundle and the correlation between nurses' compliance with the VAP bundle and key patient‐related outcomes. Study Design: This descriptive correlational prospective study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals. All intensive care unit patients on mechanical ventilators who met the inclusion criteria for 48 h or more were recruited. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi‐square, independent t‐test and Spearman's rank correlation. Results: Out of the 103 patients recruited, 22.3% of patients developed VAP, with a VAP rate of 5.6 per thousand ventilator days. Nurses' compliance with VAP guidelines in both hospitals was 69% and decreased over the admission period. Compliance with the VAP bundle was linked to less length of stay (rho = −0.260, p < .008), fewer mechanical ventilation days (rho = −0.300, p < .002) and less hospital cost (rho = −0.266, p < .007). The mean compliance with the VAP care bundle was higher in the non‐VAP group (M = 72.9, SD = 23.79) than in patients who developed VAP (M = 56.6, SD = 18.96). Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical need for healthcare organizations to prioritize strategies to enhance compliance with VAP guidelines for improved patient outcomes. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Ongoing quality improvement efforts through regular audits of the VAP bundle implementation are crucial for reducing infections and complications and improving patient outcomes. Future research is recommended to investigate factors that impact nurses' adherence to VAP guidelines to develop interventions to enhance compliance.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the challenges encountered and strategies used by nurse preceptors to build effective professional relationships during the preceptorship of final year nursing students. Methods: This study was conducted in November 2012 at the College of Nursing in Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. A qualitative research design consisting of focus group discussions was used to investigate the challenges that preceptors encounter and the strategies that they use to build effective relationships with preceptees. A total of 21 preceptors from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital participated in the study as part of a training workshop for nurse preceptors. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results: The main challenges faced by preceptors included discrepancies in applying theory to practice; lack of trust; lack of time, and perceived lack of knowledge. The effective strategies identified by the preceptors to be used in building a healthy preceptor-preceptee relationship were proper orientation; effective communication; preparation for complex situations; appreciation and acknowledgment; positive feedback; assurance of support; spending time together; knowing preceptors personally; giving breaks, and encouraging self-commitment. Conclusion: Preceptors should be encouraged to identify challenges that hinder the building of effective relationships with preceptees early during their preceptorship. The incorporation of appropriate and evidenced-based strategies, such as those identified in this study, can transform the preceptorship experience into one that is fulfilling for both preceptors and preceptees. This may lead to greater job satisfaction, personal and professional growth as well as higher self-esteem levels for preceptors and the realisation of clinical objectives for preceptees.

The Ebola virus is a highly virulent, single-stranded ribonucleic acid virus which affects both humans and apes and has fast become one of the world’s most feared pathogens. The virus induces acute fever and death, with haemorrhagic syndrome occurring in up to 90% of patients. The known species within the genus Ebolavirus are Bundibugyo, Sudan, Zaïre, Reston and Taï Forest. Although endemic in Africa, Ebola has caused worldwide anxiety due to media hype and concerns about its international spread, including through bioterrorism. The high fatality rate is attributed to unavailability of a standard treatment regimen or vaccine. The disease is frightening since it is characterised by rapid immune suppression and systemic inflammatory response, causing multi-organ and system failure, shock and often death. Currently, disease management is largely supportive, with containment efforts geared towards mitigating the spread of the virus. This review describes the classification, morphology, infective process, natural ecology, transmission, epidemic patterns, diagnosis, clinical features and immunology of Ebola, including management and epidemic containment strategies.