Digital Commons Network^™

Peer Mentorship: Reported Outcomes Among Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Aja Rivera, Champagna Conner

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNAs) experience high levels of stress and anxiety while enrolled a demanding nurse anesthesia program; a peer mentorship program fosters an encouraging support system for SRNAs. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate if a peer mentorship program was effective at diminishing stress & anxiety, social isolation, enhancing preparedness amongst the first and second-year SRNAs, and to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of mentorship amongst students enrolled in the NorthShore University HealthSystem School of Nurse Anesthesia (NSUHS SONA). Methods: This quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study design involved three cohorts of SRNAs. Participants communicated through personal …

Cultural Competence In Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists In Illinois, Lisa Brown, Saad Iqbal

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To determine the level of perceived cultural competence in student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) in Illinois and make educational recommendations. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was completed using the Clinical Cultural Competency Questionnaire (CCCQ) to evaluate the perceived level of cultural competence among SRNAs in Illinois. Four domains of clinical cultural competency [knowledge, skills, attitudes (awareness), and encounters] were evaluated and reported. Results: The survey response rate was 16.7% (N=57). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between cultural knowledge and age (p=0.03). There is a statistically significant difference in cultural knowledge between students attending a nurse anesthesia program …

Improving Knowledge And Self-Efficacy In Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists Through Simulation Based Learning On Pulmonary Artery Catheter Insertions, Neal Allen Johnson, Amanda Lipa

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Simulation is increasingly being used within the educational setting for invasive procedures, such as pulmonary artery (PA) catheter insertion. The purpose of this study was to assess how student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) knowledge and confidence is effected by viewing an educational video and participating in a low-fidelity simulation. Dual coding theory was used to develop a single group pre-test and post-test study. A convenience sample of second year SRNAs was used. Participants completed a knowledge assessment tool and a confidence survey. Each participant then viewed the video and completed a hands on low-fidelity simulation. Following both these, each participant …

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist’S Awareness And Knowledge Of Herbal Supplements And Perioperative Interactions, Catherine Carman, Victoria N. Rosinski

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have asserted that anesthesia providers are deficient in their knowledge of herbal supplements and their perioperative interactions. The purpose of this project was to examine the impact of an educational handout on Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ (CRNAs) knowledge and attitudes of herbal supplements and their perioperative interactions utilizing a pre-posttest project design. The survey components were sent to approximately 1,600 members of the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IANA) with a response of 140 surveys. Data was analyzed using descriptive Cohen’s d and nonparametric statistical tests. Reliability of the instruments used were assessed using Cronbach’s ɑ coefficients. The …

What We Say Matters: A Survey Of Anesthesia Providers’ Knowledge And Beliefs, Stefanie Glasgow, Lindsey Harris

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Pain is a serious concern and fear of patients. Due to the Joint Commission’s introduction of standards to address undertreatment of pain, it is now a focus of healthcare providers. Emerging research is focused on language in assessing pain. This study investigated the knowledge gap among anesthesia providers on positive language and pain assessment. The study objectives were to conduct a survey of Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IANA) members’ current knowledge and beliefs on Positive Language and the Nocebo Effect related to patient outcomes, and to educate anesthesia providers with an evidence-based fact sheet. The fact sheet and Qualtrics …

Identifying Pediatric Obesity In The Retail Health Setting And Implications For Quality, Jodie Nicole Guardi

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Pediatric obesity has reached an epidemic status. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of overweight and obese patients, as well as how often and how accurately a diagnosis was coded. The population for this study included children ages 3-18. This cohort presented to retail health clinics in a large urban health system for school or sports physicals from June 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017. Method. A retrospective chart review was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed to determine if there was a relationship between obesity and age, ethnicity, race, and gender. Results. The study identified 15.9% …

Cost Differences Between Sugammadex And Neostigmine Use In Non-Operating Room Anesthesia Care, Lindsey Marie Kilsdonk, Mindy Ruan

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

rior to the introduction of sugammadex, the only option to reverse rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade (NMB) were cholinesterase inhibitors (i.e. neostigmine) and anticholinergics (i.e. glycopyrrolate). Sugammadex administration has been shown to provide a more effective and complete reversal of rocuronium. However, the higher cost of sugammadex has been cited as a limiting factor to its use. The medication costs of sugammadex and neostigmine with glycopyrrolate have been studied in the operating room setting. There is a lack of information regarding the usage and medication costs of sugammadex and neostigmine with glycopyrrolate for non-operating room anesthesia care (NORA). A retrospective chart review …

Pre-Anesthetic Evaluation: A Needs Assessment Of Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists Transitioning To Clinical Practice, Amanda B. Munnich, Cara A. Murphy

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

The pre-anesthetic evaluation (PAE) is a critical part of providing anesthesia, and an important component of patient safety. Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) are often required to independently perform the PAE upon entering their clinical training. Stress, anxiety, doubt, a novel environment and time constraints can lead to a lack of confidence and competence at this time. These barriers can result in an inefficient and inadequate assessment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to conduct a needs assessment to determine the overall readiness of SRNAs to independently perform a thorough PAE upon entering clinical residency. A focus group was …

Exploring The Protective Effects Of Judaism On Risky Behaviors In College Students, Michelle E. Neuman

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Common risky behaviors among college-aged young adults include risky sexual behaviors and substance use. Purpose: This study examines the protective effects of Judaism on students’ engagement in risky behaviors, building on a body of research on the protective effects of religious beliefs on risky health behaviors. Methods: Validated and reliable measures were used to assess religiosity and risky behaviors through anonymous surveys. Data was collected in Fall 2018 from a small cohort (N=15) of Jewish day school students. Results: Higher religiosity was more associated with delayed sexual activity than substance use behaviors. Judaism and religiosity were more strongly associated …

Examination Of Reflections From Nurse Anesthesia Trainee Volunteers In Honduras, Thomas M. Boyce

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

There is a lack of surgical and anesthesia services in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) which creates an increased burden of disease from otherwise surgically treatable conditions. Nurse anesthesia trainees (NATs) can serve to fill this lack of anesthesia services while also gaining real life experience that can enhance their training. Identifying common experiences and barriers among NATs that have volunteered on a surgical brigade is important to understand the benefits experienced by NATs and to increase volunteer surgical brigade programs among nurse anesthesia programs. A retrospective thematic analysis of 23 written reflections of NATs who participated in a one-week …

Anesthesia Alarm Fatigue Policy Recommendations: The Path Of Development, Kelsey J. Leveille, Kelsey Anne Simoens

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Healthcare workers are inundated with alarms every minute, yet 80-95% of these alarms do not result in provider intervention. False alarms cause a “cry-wolf” phenomenon among providers resulting in cognitive stress and workflow interruptions. A cross-sectional design was used to examine the perceptions of alarm fatigue and alarm management of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) and Anesthesiologists. This Likert-scale questionnaire was sent to approximately 150 anesthesia providers at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NSUHS) through an online survey. Data analysis revealed anesthesia trainees and providers with less total years in practice and less clinical experience exhibit statistically …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Video-Based Education Of Venous Gas Embolism For Nurse Anesthesia Trainees, Danielle Balzano, Brianna E. Mcnamara

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background/Significance: Video-based learning is a growing method being utilized to train nurse anesthesia trainees (NATs) in crisis management, such as a venous gas embolism (VGE). Use of this educational modality may improve crisis management skills, competence, and confidence in the NAT. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational video in enhancing the appropriate crisis management of VGE among NATs as measured by their knowledge and confidence levels. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design on a single group of participants was utilized for this project. A total of 14 first year NATs were recruited from …

Examining Predictors Related To Intent To Leave Nursing Among Advanced Beginner Nurses, Laura M. Domagala

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Advanced beginner nurses are at risk of leaving the nursing profession prematurely and therefore further contributing to the nursing shortage. After a review of the literature, there are no known studies to date that examine the impact of compassion fatigue (including burnout and secondary traumatic stress), and compassion satisfaction on intent to leave nursing in the advanced beginner nurses. Objective: The objective of this study is (1) to examine the difference between demographic characteristics and compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction, and (2) to examine significant predictors for intent to leave nursing in the advanced beginner nurse measured by compassion …

Implementation Of Lgbt+ Health Education For Master’S Entry Nursing Students, Daniel R. Mead

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: There is a paucity of evidence linking Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT+) health education with improvement in nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and comfort of LGBT+ health considerations.

Methods: In a pre- and post-test study design, a total of 77 master’s entry to nursing practice students completed the LGBT+ health educational module during the Community Health Nursing course.

Results: Statistically significant results were found between pre-test to post-test data for knowledge (p < .001, Cohen’s d 2.52), attitudes (p < .001, Cohen’s d 0.35), and comfort (p = .001, Cohen’s d 0.31) of LGBT+ health considerations.

Conclusion: The LGBT+ health education module …

Infection Control Of The Anesthesia Workspace – Double Glove Technique, Debra Farida, Megan E. Callow

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Current infection control practice has proven to be inadequate and pathogen transfer from anesthesia provider to patient is well established in literature, especially pertaining to contamination during direct laryngoscopy (DL), which exposes both surface and patient to disease, viruses, and bacteria.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acquisition of confidence and perceived knowledge of proper handling of potential contaminants during induction and DL utilizing video simulation among junior level (second year) nurse anesthesia trainees (NAT-2s) enrolled at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NSUHS).

Method: Eighteen NAT-2s were evaluated using single group, pre-test post-test design, …

Transitioning The Family Nurse Practitioner Into Specialty Practice, Katelyn M. Anhut

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background

There is minimal existing data regarding the significant transition into practice for Nurse Practitioners, especially Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) transitioning into specialty clinical practice.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine whether FNPs are able to successfully transition into specialty practice through self-report of their perceived comfort and competence, understanding of their advanced practice role by others, collegial support, and communications and relations with patients.

Methods

This study used the 16-item, 7-point Likert Scale Nurse Practitioner Role Transition Scale (NPRTS) in addition to 5 open-ended questions to measure confidence and support related to transition into specialty practice. …