Journal of Nursing Science Practice, Research and Advancements

Biomedical Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review of Regulations, Practices, Challenges and Recent Advances

T. Vidyashree — 2026-09-09

Background: Biomedical waste management is an essential component of healthcare systems, as improper handling and disposal of biomedical waste can pose significant risks to healthcare workers, patients, public, and the environment. Effective management requires appropriate segregation, collection, storage, transportation, treatment, and final disposal.

Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of biomedical waste management in healthcare settings, with particular emphasis on the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, waste segregation, treatment methods, implementation challenges, and recent advances.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and other reliable academic sources. Literature published from 2007 to 2026 was reviewed. Studies, review articles, government guidelines, and reports addressing biomedical waste generation, segregation, treatment, disposal, regulations, environmental impacts, occupational hazards, and recent developments were included.

Results: The reviewed literature highlights that segregation at the point of generation is the cornerstone of effective biomedical waste management. The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 established a simplified four-category colour-coded segregation system and emphasized appropriate treatment, disposal, staff training, immunization, monitoring, and waste tracking. Various treatment methods, including incineration, autoclaving, chemical disinfection, and other advanced technologies, are used according to the type of waste. However, inadequate infrastructure, poor segregation, insufficient training, delayed collection, and inconsistent compliance remain important challenges. Recent developments include barcode tracking, digital monitoring, Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities, and environmentally sustainable treatment technologies.

Conclusion: Effective biomedical waste management is both a regulatory requirement and an important public health and environmental responsibility. Strengthening healthcare-worker training, regulatory compliance, infrastructure, monitoring, waste minimization, and sustainable treatment technologies is essential for achieving safer and more environmentally responsible biomedical waste management.

Interventions to Improve Workforce Well-being Among Nursing Teaching Faculty: A Narrative Synthesis

Priyadharshini R — 2026-08-27

Background: Workforce well-being has emerged as a key determinant of faculty performance, educational quality, and the sustainability of nursing education. Nursing teaching faculty encounter increasing demands related to teaching, research, clinical supervision, administration, and digital education, making them vulnerable to occupational stress, burnout, and reduced job satisfaction. Evidence-based interventions are therefore essential to support faculty well-being and ensure high-quality nursing education.

Objective: To synthesize evidence on individual-, organizational-, and multi-level interventions for nursing teaching faculty in academic settings, focusing on well-being, resilience, job satisfaction, burnout, and professional sustainability, based on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies.

Methods: A Narrative synthesis was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published in English from 2015–2026 were included. Study selection was reported using a SANRA flow diagram, with numbers of records identified, screened, assessed, and included. Themes were developed using a predefined framework covering determinants, intervention strategies, effectiveness, and implementation challenges. Two reviewers independently screened and synthesized the evidence, with disagreements resolved through discussion.

Results: The review identified a wide range of interventions that positively influence workforce well-being. Individual-level interventions, including mindfulness, resilience training, stress management, and self-care, reduced stress and burnout while improving psychological well-being. Organizational strategies such as healthy work environments, workload optimization, mentorship, recognition systems, and employee assistance programmes enhanced job satisfaction and faculty retention. Leadership-focused approaches, professional development initiatives, technology-assisted interventions, and supportive institutional policies further strengthened faculty engagement and organizational commitment. Multi-component interventions integrating strategies across different levels demonstrated the greatest and most sustainable improvements in workforce well-being.

Conclusion: Workforce well-being is essential for maintaining a productive, resilient, and sustainable nursing academic workforce. Comprehensive interventions addressing individual, organizational, leadership, technological, and policy-related factors can effectively improve faculty well-being, teaching effectiveness, and educational outcomes. Nursing education institutions should prioritize evidence-based well-being initiatives and supportive workplace policies to foster healthier academic environments and strengthen the future nursing workforce.

Perceptions and Challenges of Nursing Students Regarding the Peer Mentorship Programme: A Study in Selected Nursing Institutions in Mangalore

Asritha Sahadevan — 2026-09-08

Background: Peer mentorship programs offer academic and psychosocial assistance to nursing students and have positive effects on their well-being and confidence. Nursing students experience challenges in relation to academics, psychosocial adjustment, and clinical settings. Awareness of perceptions and challenges will help build effective mentor-mentee relationships and successful execution of the program.

Aim: To evaluate the perceptions and challenges of peer mentoring among nursing students in selected nursing institutions in Mangalore.

Objectives of the Study:

To assess the perception of student mentors towards the peer mentorship program.
To assess the perception of the student mentees towards the mentorship program.
To identify the challenges faced by student mentees in the mentorship program.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing, Mangalore, using purposive sampling; the sample comprised second-year BSc Nursing and G.N.M. students. Ethical and institutional approvals were obtained. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Most mentees were females (86.25%), and the highest proportion (65.62%) were aged over 18-20 years. They felt that mentoring brings about theoretical-to-practical learning (84.37%) and is an important form of support for students (81.25%). The main barriers were the absence of mentee support (41.88%), lack of time (48.13%), and negative behavior of the mentors (51.88%). Of the mentors, most were female (77.5%) and over 22 years old. They found that peer mentoring boosts self-esteem (87.5%), self-confidence (75%), and leadership skills (57.5%). Barriers include taking too much time and energy (67.5%), lack of recognition by nurse educators (42.5%), and dependence of the mentees on them (42.5%).

Research Gap: Evidence on the perceptions and challenges associated with peer mentoring among both student mentors and mentees in nursing institutions in Mangalore is limited, highlighting the need for the present study.

Conclusion: Peer mentoring positively supports nursing students’ growth in academia, personally, and professionally. Issues such as time limitations, lack of recognition, and negative behaviors can be sorted out to enhance peer mentoring programs.