Volume 42, Issue 4 of the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing (AJAN) is now live.
As the official peer-reviewed journal of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), the AJAN is committed to publishing high-quality scholarly work that is of critical relevance to nursing and midwifery audiences in professional, clinical, research, education, management, and policy roles.
In this issue of the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing:
Alqalah investigates the impact of workplace stressors on critical care nurses’ turnover intentions, with a focus on the mediating roles of emotional intelligence and sense of belonging. Alqalah demonstrates that moral distress, fatigue, and work stress are strongly associated with increased intentions to leave, while emotional intelligence and a strong sense of belonging act as protective buffers. The study highlights how supportive organisational environments and the cultivation of emotional competencies can mitigate the negative effects of high-acuity work, offering important implications for workforce retention strategies in critical care settings.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37464/2025.424.2348
Ball and colleagues explore undergraduate nursing and midwifery students’ experiences of peripheral intravenous catheter insertion training in a descriptive qualitative study. The authors identify variability in students’ confidence, supervision, and opportunities for practice, noting that inconsistent training and limited clinical exposure can undermine skill development. They emphasise the importance of structured education, simulation, and supportive clinical environments to ensure graduates are competent and confident in performing this essential clinical skill.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37464/2025.424.2182
Moloney and colleagues examine emergency department presentations from residential aged care facilities through the perspectives of nurses working in aged care. The authors identify systemic factors contributing to potentially avoidable transfers, including limited access to primary care, inadequate resources, and risk-averse decision-making. They highlight the emotional and professional challenges faced by aged care nurses and call for improved support, clearer clinical pathways, and stronger integration between aged care and acute services to improve outcomes for older people.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37464/2025.424.1806
Timmins and Yen present a discussion paper advocating for a paradigm shift in novice nurse leadership development. The authors challenge traditional hierarchical models and argue for early, relational, and strengths-based leadership cultivation. They propose that embedding leadership development at the novice stage can enhance confidence, retention, and professional identity, ultimately strengthening the nursing workforce and improving patient care.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37464/2025.424.1512
Mahoney and colleagues present a case study of an educational intervention designed to support novice nurses in perioperative practice. The authors describe how structured education, mentorship, and targeted skill development improved confidence, competence, and transition into the perioperative environment. The case study highlights the value of tailored support programs in retaining novice nurses and building a sustainable perioperative workforce.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37464/2025.424.2057
We thank all contributors and reviewers for their thoughtful work and dedication to advancing nursing and midwifery scholarship. We hope the articles in this issue provoke critical discussion, inform best practices, and inspire continued innovation across the profession.
You can read the latest AJAN issue here.
