Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating Nature-Based Mindfulness In Nurse Anesthesia Students: A Pilot Study, Douglas Lovern

Dissertations

Across the country, the mental health crisis continues to rage. Varying degrees of depression, stress, and anxiety are commonly found in college-age students. The COVID-19 pandemic augmented this crisis, but the pandemic is not the sole culprit for the escalation of mental health disorders in the United States. Students across the globe suffer mental health disorders that include depression, anxiety, and stress. Research has shown that graduate students are six times more likely to develop anxiety and depression than the general population. Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) are vulnerable to mental health disorders. SRNAs enter labor-intensive doctoral programs fraught with …

Faculty Attitudes Toward The Preparation Of Baccalaureate Nursing Students For Practice In Hospital And Non-Hospital Settings, Lisa Radley

Dissertations

The ongoing nursing shortage worsened in recent years following the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in increasing concerns about future deficits in the nursing workforce. Many nurses are approaching retirement age at a time when the overall demand for healthcare services is expected to increase. Changes in nursing education have been recommended to ensure that the next generation of nurses are willing and prepared to meet the needs of an ageing population. Nursing faculty will have important roles in the education and mentoring of students to prepare them to care for diverse populations in a variety of practice settings. Understanding faculty …

Exploring The Relationship Of The Noncognitive Variables Of Grit And Mindset In Baccalaureate Nursing Students And Their Impact On Academic Success, Alecia Hollis

Dissertations

The study aimed to evaluate how the noncognitive variables of grit and mindset could impact the academic success of baccalaureate nursing students. With the present and growing shortage of nurses, attrition within nursing programs is cause for concern. Attrition is a multifaceted problem; however, academic failure is one contributing factor. While cognitive factors, such as the standardized aptitude test (SAT), pre-nursing science GPA, pre-nursing GPA, and standardized entrance exams (Al-Alawi et al., 2020; Chisholm-Burns et al., 2021), have traditionally been used for admission criteria, increasing evidence suggests that noncognitive factors, like grit and mindset, play a crucial role in academic …

Vaccines At The Intersection Of Religion And Politics, Charles Downey

Master's Theses

Vaccine hesitancy – a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite their availability – is a rising threat to global health and has increased in recent years in higher income countries. This is a complex phenomenon with the potential to undo decades of progress toward eradicating communicable diseases. The recent COVID-19 pandemic introduced a new wave of vaccine hesitancy, with evangelical Christians as leading actors in the movement away from vaccines in the United States. The present study investigated factors related to vaccine hesitancy and sources of health-related information among members of evangelical Christian churches in and around Hattiesburg, …

Second Victim Syndrome: Nurses Suffering In Silence, Matthew Riehm

Dissertations

Medication errors are inherent in health care due to human fallibility and inherent systemic complexities. Nurses are often unjustly blamed after committing a medication error despite the multitude of contributing factors. Formal education and healthcare organizations focus on preventing medication errors, but little has been done to support nurses involved in these tragic incidents. Recent cases, including RaDonda Vaught and Kimberly Hiatt, demonstrated the victimization of nurses after committing medication errors that plague the healthcare system potentially causing profound psychological trauma, often known as Second Victim Syndrome, SVS. There is limited research on the phenomenon of SVS in nursing due …

Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health On Skill Of Involvement: Differences In First Year Adn And Bsn Nursing Students In Rural Oklahoma, Cynthia Brown

Dissertations

The impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) on Skill of Involvement (SOI) has not been adequately studied in nursing education. The skill of involvement is defined by Benner (2022) as necessary to expert-level nursing and it brings humanity, meaningfulness, acute situational awareness, and rapid thinking required for strong clinical decision-making in crisis management of the deteriorating patient. It is important for nurse educators to understand how SDOH impacts SOI on nursing students in order to transform the delivery of nursing education. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of SDOH on SOIs in first-year nursing students …

Supplemental High-Tech Augmentative And Alternative Communication Experiences: A Study On Graduate Student Self-Efficacy, Confidence, And Knowledge With Pre-Service Training, Emily Sikes

Master's Theses

Providing assessment and intervention with high-tech augmentative and alternative communication is within the scope of practice of American Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPS). Therefore, SLPs should be able to properly identify and implement assessment, intervention, and caregiver coaching strategies in this area of practice. Due to the lack of confidence ratings of current SLPs in providing assessment and intervention in AAC that is found in current research, this study was designed to find plausible solutions for which confidence ratings can be increased beginning at the graduate level of a Speech-Pathology Master’s program. The researchers sought to answer the following questions: “Do students …

Gestalt Language Processing In Accredited Communication Sciences And Disorders Programs, William Harris

Master's Theses

The language development and usage of autistic individuals has become a controversial topic in many of the disciplines and professions providing support to these individuals. As a result, two theories of language processing have been proposed. Analytical language processing suggests that children process and develop language from its most simple form, a phoneme, to its most complex form, a word or phrase. However, the theory of gestalt language processing proposes that some children may instead extract larger, more complex language such as whole words and phrases first and break it down to the simpler language. Gestalt language processing is often …

Psychiatric Clinicians' Perspectives On Pharmacogenetic Testing In An Inpatient Setting And A Proposal Of A Guideline For Patients With Extended Hospitalization, Michelle Dickerson, Jessica Lewis

Doctoral Projects

The purpose of this doctoral project is to enhance the understanding and application of pharmacogenetic testing among inpatient psychiatric clinicians. In addition, it proposes a guideline for PGx use in patients who have been hospitalized for a duration exceeding 90 days. In modern mental health care, psychotropic medications are extensively prescribed in the treatment of numerous mental health conditions. However, the use of psychotropic medications raises concerns among patients regarding their effectiveness and possible adverse reactions, leading to a lack of adherence to therapy. Over the past two decades, researchers have been exploring the effects that genetic variants have on …

The Association Between Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, And Social Determinants Of Health Among Accelerated Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Students: A Multi-State Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study, Kwanza Thomas

Dissertations

This study investigated the association between emotional intelligence (managing and understanding), empathy, and social determinants of health (SDOH) among accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) students. Despite the exponential increase in ABSN programs in the United States, little is known about the association between these variables among this nursing student population. A cross-sectional, correlational descriptive design was used to survey 104 students completing ABSN programs in Georgia, Mississippi, Philadelphia, and Texas. Participants self-reported their socioeconomic and programmatic characteristics using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Emotional intelligence (managing and understanding) was measured using two instruments, including the Situational Test of Emotional Management …

How Speech-Language Pathologists Account For Self-Determination Across The Progression Of Dementia, Emilee Mcgahee

Master's Theses

Dementia diagnoses are continuing to increase, with the number of diagnoses expected to reach 231 million globally by 2050 (World Alzheimer’s Report, 2019). With this comes a greater need for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who are able to best treat those who are diagnosed. Providing person-centered and strengths-based treatment approaches for people with dementia (PWD) has been proven to increase positive engagement responses while decreasing negative engagement responses (Skrainer et al., 2007). The primary objective of this research study was to assess treatment approaches used by SLPs in dementia care setting, along with how SLPs provide person-centered dementia treatment throughout the …

Speech-Language Pathologists' Experiences Diagnosing Swallowing Disorders, Katelyn Baxter

Honors Theses

This study explores the factors that inform a Speech-Language Pathologist’s (SLP’s) process for diagnosing dysphagia (disordered swallowing) and seeks to determine what barriers they perceive to performing their standard of care. To achieve a qualitative data set, 10 SLPs were interviewed using a semi-structured format and their responses were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to produce four themes. Theme one gave insight into the SLPs prerogative to provide patient-centered care. Theme two expounded upon this, emphasizing how the SLPs treat dysphagia as part of a collection of disorders, and not in isolation. Theme three explained a lack of understanding as …

The Implementation Of Music Within Communication Intervention And Its Effect On Communication Development, Rebecca Dunn

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how and under what circumstances licensed speech-language pathologists incorporate music within communication intervention and to better understand perceptions towards the incorporation of music within speech or language therapy. A survey was developed based on the review of related literature and then entered on the Qualtrics^ã server for data collection and analysis. Once IRB approval was secured, the survey was then disseminated via a Facebook group for licensed speech-language pathologists. The author used Qualtrics^ã to collect and analyze the data, which was then used to determine when and how music was …

Full-Body Movements In Speech Treatment Sessions: Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perspectives, Natalie Hurdle

Honors Theses

This author aims to determine the speech-language pathologist’s perspective on the use of full-body movements during speech therapy sessions with children with autism. A survey was distributed to speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology aides/ speech-language teachers. The author used the source, Qualtrics, to obtain and analyze data. The findings of the current study were promising, as most speech-language pathologists were incorporating full body-movements and reported beliefs that this positively impacted children’s engagement. This study provided additional knowledge about the benefits of using full-body movements in speech treatment sessions and some insight on how much time is misused when full-body movements …

Understanding The Clinician's View Of Pragmatics In Pediatric Therapy, Shelby Oliver

Honors Theses

Pragmatics is one of the most integral components of language, yet it often seems to receive little attention in therapy settings. Previous research indicates the importance of intentionally targeting pragmatic skills for children with language disorders and/or autism spectrum disorders, as well as the lack of current pragmatic evaluations. This thesis used an online survey to record how clinicians view pragmatics, how they evaluate pragmatics, and how they target pragmatics. Participants were all certified clinicians, and the research survey featured a variety of open and closed questions. Results revealed a deep pragmatics knowledge base. However, results indicated the use and …

Perceived Power By Nurse Managers In Dialysis Units: A Qualitative Case Study, Janie Griner

Dissertations

Nurses comprise the largest workforce in health care but lack power despite their numbers. Nurses have suffered short-staffing, burnout, job dissatisfaction, unsafe work settings, and cumbersome technology for decades. The dialysis nurse manager is an important component of the dialysis unit and plays a role in the retention and recruitment of nurses. Using a case study approach this qualitative, thematic analysis described dialysis nurse managers’ perception of power in dialysis units. A review of the current research revealed a gap involving dialysis nurse managers’ perception of power in the dialysis unit. The following research question was developed: • How do …

Perceptions Of Stress In Community Clinic Nurses During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jomeka Smith

Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the largest healthcare crises that has affected the entire healthcare industry. Community health nurses in the front-line roles are greatly threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic that has decimated healthcare systems. The well-being of nurses is vital to perform their full potential of adequate patient care. Increased demands and pandemic related stressors can increase the risk of mental health problems. Nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, however, the expectations, the fear of the unknown, and changes in demands have largely contributed to the unprecedented stressors that accompany nurses in clinical settings. Stress among …

The Leadership Experience Of Academic Chief Nurse Administrators In The State Of Georgia During The Covid-19 Pandemic Upon Return To Campus After Full Virtual Instruction: A Qualitative Study, Susie Jonassen

Dissertations

The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic has been rated as the highest factor of intent to leave the profession in nurses serving in a leadership role. During the pandemic, crisis leadership swept across academia partly because nursing academia was not prepared for the rapid transition to virtual instruction. The reopening of nursing programs, while pandemic restrictions were still required, caused unprecedented disruptions and stress for academic leaders. One-third of nursing faculty anticipate retirement within the next two years. With the present burnout and shortage of nursing academia leaders, there was a need to explore the lived experience of academic …

Perioperative Chest X-Ray Interpretation For Anesthesia Providers, Kaitlyn Brown, Jessica Parsons

Doctoral Projects

Currently, a knowledge gap exists among anesthesia providers regarding perioperative chest x-ray (CXR) appropriateness and interpretation (Collins, 2022). The Council on Accreditation (COA) requires that students graduating from a nurse anesthesia program (NAP) interpret a minimum of five CXRs before program completion (Council on Accreditation [COA], 2020). This DNP project aimed to address the knowledge gap by offering an easily accessible online forum that guides anesthesia providers on CXR indications in surgical patients, and in identifying pathologies and invasive line and tube placement using CXR.

The authors created four learning modules regarding perioperative CXRs using Microsoft PowerPoint presentations with animation …

Surgical Fire Prevention And Management: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination For Nurse Anesthesia, Tate Fazio, Kaleb Killens

Doctoral Projects

Sentinel events in health care are rare events, often corresponding with permanent injury or death. Fires in the operating room (OR) are one type of sentinel event. Although rare due to possible life-threatening injuries to patients and staff, appropriate surgical fire education is critical in nurse anesthesia education, as anesthesia providers play a significant role in surgical fires (Wunder et al., 2020). The development of simulation exercises has the potential for students to experience and become competent in managing high-acuity, low-frequency events, such as surgical fires (Wunder et al., 2020). The Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP) at The University of Southern …

Preventing Diabetes Through Prediabetes Screening And Treatment In Primary Care, Dewona Beal

Doctoral Projects

Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. There are three types of diabetes: type 1, 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common type of diabetes. This type of diabetes can be prevented or delayed. In persons with T2DM, the body cannot use insulin well to keep blood glucose within normal limits. Several factors, including genetics, lifestyle such as poor diet and physical inactivity, obesity, insulin resistance, hormones, and certain medications, can cause it. A precursor to T2DM is prediabetes. Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are elevated but not elevated enough to be …

Increasing And Monitoring Medication Adherence By Implementing A Long-Acting Injection Screening Tool, Analee Ryals

Doctoral Projects

Medication nonadherence leads to a high risk of deterioration in patients diagnosed with a mental illness. Medication nonadherence is more likely in patients who are taking daily oral medications when compared to patients on long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) (Chakrabarti, 2014). Millions of people are diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and treated with various medications. However, LAIs are under-utilized as a long-term treatment option for patients diagnosed with a mental illness. Patients who are prescribed LAI have a better quality of life and are more closely monitored by their healthcare providers (Kaplan et al., 2013). The implementation of an LAI …

Assessing Social Determinants Of Health In Primary Care, Vicki Carpenter

Doctoral Projects

The social determinants of health encompass the various circumstances and environments in which individuals reside, develop, labor, and experience aging (Social Determinants of Health, 2022). These variables significantly contribute to the existence of health inequities and disparities within populations. In order to effectively mitigate health disparities, it is imperative to consider the various determinants that influence health outcomes, as this consideration is crucial for advancing the goal of achieving health equity. This public health concern encompasses multiple sectors within our society, necessitating the collaboration of various organizations and communities to effectively address and mitigate its impact.

The fundamental …

Encouraging Medication Compliance By Implementing A Medication Adherence Tool, Regina Taylor

Doctoral Projects

Medication non-adherence has been a common and challenging problem in health care, especially among mental health patients. Studies show medication compliance among psychiatric patients has been at a lower rate than patients with physical conditions. Non-compliance with medications has been one of the considerable contributions to rapid psychiatric hospital readmission. Rapid readmissions have been costing health care billions of dollars annually. The stigma behind mental health has a large contribution to why mental health patients are non-compliant with their psychotropics. Utilization of the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) on a patient to evaluate the patient's willingness and ability to take …

Implementing A Systematic Depression Screening In The Primary Care Setting, Cassandra Moore

Doctoral Projects

The Advanced Practice Nurse is responsible for providing quality care and treatment for the whole person. 3 John 1:2 KJV states, “I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers” (King James Bible, 2023, para. 2). To prosper and be in health refers to a holistic approach in which the mind, body, and spirit of an individual is considered. Mental health care is an integral part of the holistic health approach.

Mental illness affects approximately one in five adults (52.9 million) in the United States alone (National Institute of Mental Health …

A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Awareness And Utilization Of Employee Assistance Program Services Among Healthcare Providers, Scarlet Gould

Doctoral Projects

Mental health distress among healthcare providers (HCP) is a common problem, yet Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are consistently underutilized. Unmanaged workplace stress can lead to problems such as provider burnout and increased rates of turnover, which can result in decreased access to patient care. The purpose of this project was to increase awareness and utilization of EAP services by using the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle (PDSA) for quality improvement. Nurse Practitioners at a community-based hospital were provided with a PowerPoint^® presentation via email that contained information regarding the facility’s employee assistance program, mental health wellness education, as well as ways to …

Investigating The Relationship Between Consistent Workout Regimen On Quality Of Life Among Crossfitters In South Mississippi, Christian Glass

Honors Theses

Robust literature exists to support the utility of CrossFit in improving metabolic and cardiovascular well-being. However, a metaphorical chasm exists not in the study of the physiological effects of CrossFit but in the psychological effects, namely quality of life (QOL). This thesis aimed to offer an installment into this gap by investigating trends among a population of 81 CrossFitters in south Mississippi. To best fulfill this task, a quantitative study was conducted using a 32-item survey composed of a mixture of questions from the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL- BREF) to assess reported quality of life …

Improving Screening Mammography Recommendation And Referral In Primary Care Through Implementation Of A Provider Prompt, Christon Elfring

Doctoral Projects

In the United States, breast cancer has been established as the second most prevalent cancer among women (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2022a). There may be no symptoms present in the early stages of breast cancer and a low potential to spread during the early phases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Mammography is the only test that has been shown to reduce deaths from breast cancer as it allows for early detection when cancer is in its most treatable stage improving survival and lessening the need for extensive treatment (American College of Radiology [ACR], n.d.). While the effectiveness of screening …

Implementing Low-Dose Ct Scans To Screen For Lung Cancer In The Primary Care Setting, Monifa Ri'ana Beal

Doctoral Projects

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. By the end of 2023, lung cancer will have been diagnosed in approximately 238,000 Americans and claimed the lives of about 127,000 of those that are diagnosed.(American Cancer Society, 2023) Currently lung cancer accounts for more deaths among Americans than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). Despite being one of the most preventable cancers in the world, lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related death among Americans and more so in …

A Quality Improvement Project On Blood Pressure Measurement: Are We Failing Our Patients?, Michael Baker

Doctoral Projects

Despite billions of dollars invested in research, education, and equipment, high blood pressure remains a significant contributor to mortality rates across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2019), hypertension was listed as a primary or contributing cause of over a half-million deaths in the United States (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2021). Without regard to race, gender, background, or socioeconomic level, this “silent killer” the Mississippi State Department of Health estimated that over 700,000 Mississippi adults were diagnosed with high blood pressure and thousands more at an increased risk each year (MSDH, 2019). Failure to identify and …