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Differentiation In Roles Of School Nurse And Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, Lynn Shieh

Master's Projects

School nurses provide a vast number of health services for students, teachers, and staff. Despite school nurses' important contributions to the health status of students, through the years their positions have been gradually supplemented by Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)/ Health Clerks. With the number of UAPs increasing in the school setting, roles and responsibilities of school nurses and UAPs need to be clearly differentiated in order to utilize the UAP's services legally and efficiently. This research used a descriptive survey to investigate the perceptions that differentiate the role of school nurses and UAPs among school administrators, nurses, UAPs, secretaries, and …

Yale Nursing Matters Fall 1999 Issue 1 Volume 1, Yale University School Of Nursing

Yale School of Nursing Alumni Newsletters and Magazines

"I hope that as you read through this first issue of Yale Nursing Matters, you will realize how exquisitely Yale faculty discharge tile responsibility to advance nursing science while also contributing as leaders in practice and educating the next generation of nursing leaders." - Catherine Lynch Gillis, Dean and Professor

Please contact the Medical Historical Library if you need a higher resolution version.

The Effect Of Chelation Therapy Upon The Perceptual Quality Of Life And The Perception Of Pain In Clients Receiving Infusions, Francine Glenn

MSN Research Projects

The use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for chelation in patients with diseases of the circulatory system has been a controversial issue for several decades. However, there was a lack of studies substantiating the perceived benefits of patients receiving chelation therapy. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect on pain and perceived benefits related to the quality of life for patients receiving chelation infusions. The theoretical framework that guided this study was the Health Promotion Model developed by Nola J. Pender. The research questions were what are the effects of chelation therapy on the perceptual quality of life …

Current Sexual Behaviors Of Hiv-Positive Women, Nina Sublette

MSN Research Projects

The incidence of HIV among women of childbearing age in the United States continues to rise. Literature and statistics show that the number of new HIV infections continue to increase, despite the fact that the transmission of the disease is preventable. The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe the current sexual practices on HIV-positive women and to determine whether these behaviors had changed since the diagnosis of HIV. A convenience sample (N = 13) of HIV-positive women was obtained from a support group for HIV-positive women in a metropolitan city in the Southeastern United States. Albert Bandura's Social …

Screening Practices Of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners For Domestic Violence, Amy Branyon

MSN Research Projects

Domestic violence is prevalent in our society, affecting 2 million women each year (Butler, 1995). This creates a significant health problem for women, yet research has shown that few health care providers routinely screen for domestic violence. The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the number of nurse practitioners screening for domestic violence among their clients, identify the methodology used for screening, and identify barriers to screening. The theoretical framework was based on the Health Promotion Model (Pender, 1997). The research questions for this study were as follows: What are the screening practices for domestic violence of nurse …

Children's Health Perceptions, Amy Forrest

MSN Research Projects

Little empirical knowledge exists regarding children's perceptions of health. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to determine the health perceptions of children with a convenience sample of fourth-grade students at a small elementary school in Northeast Mississippi. The theoretical framework utilized was Bandura's Social Learning Theory. The directional hypothesis in the proposed study was school-age children have a positive perception of health. The Children's Health Rating Scale was utilized as a measurement tool that ranked 17 health-related questions on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = most negative, 5 = most positive). A high cumulative score indicated …

Screening And Intervention Practices Of Family Nurse Practitioners For Smoking Tobacco Usage, Joseph H. Maness

MSN Research Projects

Smoking tobacco usage and it’s related health problems are a significant problem addressing the health care industry. Clients depend on primary health care provides to help identify potential health problems and to assist them in improving their health. The family nurse practitioner is in an ideal position to screen for smoking, and to intervene with those clients found to be at risk, to promote wellness within their client populations. Erikson, Tomlin and Swain’s theory o f Modeling, Role-Modeling served as the theoretical fi-amework for this research. This descriptive study explored the screening and intervention practices utilized by family nurse practitioners …

Nurse Pracitioners' Assessment Of Sexuality Among Elders, Michelle Banks

MSN Research Projects

As older adults age, they are presented with a perplexity of lifestyle adaptations. Primary care providers often view physiologic losses elders have as inevitable. Sexuality accounts for one example of these losses that elders feel are important, but have difficulty discussing with health care providers. Thus, the purpose of this descriptive/exploratory research study was to explore the nurse practitioner's assessment of sexuality among elders. The theoretical framework used in this study is Shippee-Rice’s Conceptual Model of Sexuality. The model focuses on four elements: the self, the components of sexuality, significant others, and environmental variables. The research questions were: 1) How …

Bedtime Routines And Sleep-Rest Patterns Of Elders, Leanne Lott Tew

MSN Research Projects

Changes in elders" sleep patterns such as a decrease in sleep time, an increase in sleep latency, and changes in the sleep cycle often lead to sleep that is lighter, shorter, and interrupted (Foreman & Wykle, 1995) . Studies in the past have suggested that the presence of a bedtime routine may enhance sleep, but only minimal research has been done. The purpose of this descriptive study was to further evaluate nightly bedtime routines and sleep-rest patterns of elders. Two research questions were generated: What are the bedtime routines of elders and what are the sleep-rest patterns of elders? Orem"s …

The Use And Effectiveness Of Coping Mechanisms In Parents Of Children With Type 1 Diabetes, J. Shelley Dornan

MSN Research Projects

Coping with the responsibility of raising a child with diabetes is a serious challenge for parents. The methods parents use to cope can influence the child's future outcome. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the use and effectiveness of coping mechanisms among parents of children with Type 1 diabetes. A convenience sample of 4 0 parents with a diabetic child was obtained from a diabetic support group and a pediatric endocrinology clinic in the Southeastern United States. Data were collected using the Jalowiec Coping Scale and the researcher-designed Demographic Survey. Analysis of data was conducted using …

Outcomes Of A Teaching Intervention On College Cigarette Smokers, Jeanne Benson

MSN Research Projects

Even though there has been a significant decrease in the number of adults who smoke in recent years, adolescents are initiating the habit at an alarming rate. Cigarette smoking is the number one preventable cause of death and illness in the United States. The purpose of this quasi­ experiment al pretest/posttest study was to explore the knowledge levels and attitudes of college students in Northeast Mississippi regarding cigarette smoking. The study was guided by two null hypotheses. The convenience sample consisted of 53 college students enrolled in a public community college in Northeast Mississippi. The Cigarette Smoking Questionnaire was utilized …

Knowledge And Behaviors Related To Safe Sex In Young Adults, Paula Decanter

MSN Research Projects

Young adults engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unwanted pregnancies. The focus of this descriptive study was knowledge and behaviors related to safe sex behaviors in young adults. Pender's Health Promotion Model served as the theoretical framework for the study. The following research questions were answered: What are the knowledge level of young adults about safe sex and what effect does knowledge about safe sex have on sexual behaviors of young adults? The target population included young adults who answered questions via …

Demographics At Diagnosis Of Children With Type 2 Diabetes, Marcia Fleming Hammett

MSN Research Projects

Since 1991 the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes in children has increased at an alarming rate. Researchers have identified some common descriptors which may be predictive of early assessment and intervention for this population. Further validation of established descriptors and identification of other descriptors are needed. In this retrospective descriptive study, one research question guided the study: What are the demographic characteristics of children with Type 2 diabetes at the time of diagnosis? The Neuman Systems Model (198 9) provided the theoretical framework. Data were collected using the Hammett Chart Survey with 3 9 review variables. Charts from three endocrinology …

Influence Of Music Therapy On Adult Patients In An Outpatient Setting, Cathy Waldrop

MSN Research Projects

Patients requiring medical care frequently experience increased levels of anxiety. This increase in anxiety may be attributed to fear of the medical examination, procedures to be performed, or the findings. Music therapy was tested as a possible intervention to reduce anxiety. The focus of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the influence of music therapy on adult patients in an outpatient clinic. The purpose of this study was to compare responses in adult patients who received music therapy while awaiting medical treatment in an outpatient setting and those who did not. Martha Rogers' Unitary Human Beings served as the theoretical …

Comparison Of Nurse Practitioner Exercise Prescription: Mississippi Versus Retrospective International Internet Data, Lesa J. Mathis

MSN Research Projects

Regular exercise is one of the best types of health promotion and prevention. Researchers have established that exercise decreases the risk for heart disease, hypertension, strokes, cancer, and osteoporosis. The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the exercise prescriptive practices and perspectives of adult, family, and gerontological nurse practitioners in Mississippi compared to an international Internet study. Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory was the theoretical framework for this study. Surveys were sent to adult, family, and gerontological nurse practitioners in the State of Mississippi with a return envelope for response. The final convenience sample consisted of 116 surveys. The …

Effects Of Exercise On Lipid Levels And Muscle Strength In Elderly Women, Lisa Foley

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this comparative, descriptive study was to ascertain the effects of exercise on serum lipid levels and muscle strength in elderly women. The theoretical framework utilized was Pender's Health Promotion Model. The null hypotheses were there will be no difference in lipid levels among elderly women who participate in a structured exercise program, those who participate in an unstructured exercise program, and those who have no exercise program; and there will be no difference in muscle strength among elderly women who participate in a structured exercise program, those who participate in an unstructured exercise program, and those who …

Factors That Influence Family Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction, Jeffrey M. Bishop

MSN Research Projects

Job satisfaction influences employee retention, employee self-actualization, worker productivity, and performance quality. This study investigated the factors that influence family nurse practitioners' (FNPs) job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction. Additionally, the study was an attempt to ascertain the intrinsic and extrinsic factors as well as the general level of job satisfaction. A descriptive survey design with a triangulated approach utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Job satisfaction was conceptualized based on Frank Herzberg's dual-factor theory of satisfaction and motivation. A random sample of 100 FNPs was surveyed with the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form and a researcher-designed Demographic Data Questionnaire that …

Herbal Prescribing Practices Among Nurse Practitioners In Mississippi, Michelle Smith

MSN Research Projects

The focus of this descriptive study was to examine herbal therapy prescribing practices of nurse practitioners in Mississippi.

Job Satisfaction Of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists In Tennessee, Kelly M. Nelson

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Job satisfaction had been linked with improved job performance, increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, decreased job turnover rates and increased quality of care. For these reasons, employers have sought to determine what constitutes job satisfaction and what factors affect it. A wealth of information is available regarding job satisfaction in general and job satisfaction of nurses, yet little research has been done related to the job satisfaction of CRNAs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate overall job satisfaction of CRNAs; to evaluate CRNAs' level of intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction as components of overall satisfaction; and to explore the effects …

An Evaluation Of A Nurse Case-Managed Program For Children With Diabetes, Jean Y. Caravalho

Master's Projects

This study evaluates an integrated model of care for children with diabetes that was developed at an HMO. This model program of 56 subjects included a nurse case manager, a multidisciplinary team clinic, and educational and counseling interventions to empower families to improve self-management of the children's diabetes. The purpose of the program was to improve diabetes self-management as measured by pre- and postintervention glycosylated hemoglobin values, quality of life, and self-efficacy ratings. There were improvements in means of all measures of self-management and a statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy beliefs of the parents. The higher quality of life and …

Assessment Of Nurse Practitioner Management Of Breast Cancer Screening, Renee M. Comee

Master's Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine current practice behaviors of adult nurse practitioners when assessing and screening asymptomatic women over age 50 for breast cancer. Rosenstock's Health Model and Bandura's social learning theory guided this research. One hundred-fifty nurse practitioners were surveyed by questionnaire. Seventy-six surveys were completed and returned. Survey results revealed that those practitioners who had experienced breast cancer themselves were more aggressive in their screening and follow-up practices than those who had never had breast cancer. It was also noted that the nurse practitioners surveyed were performing initial breast cancer screening but not having patients …

Childern Witnessing Domestic Violence, Meghan Denzel

Master's Projects

Statement of Problem: Although witnessing violence in the family may account for many symptoms brought to the attention of the primary care providers, such violence is seldom identified as an issue. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of children witnessing violence in the home, as self reported by victims of domestic violence in a clinical setting. Method: The study was a retrospective chart review. Data was gathered from a survey administered to individuals identified in the emergency department as victims of domestic violence. The survey addressed demographics, child witnesses to violence, and co-factors of violence including …

Sex Education Programs In Schools: Influence On Knowledge And Behaviors Of Teenagers, Tina Graham

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Due to the teenage pregnancy rates and the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that exist in today's society, it is very important for teenagers to be informed of the facts related to pregnancy and STDs and how to prevent them from occurring. With this knowledge, they are able to make informed decisions related to their sexual experiences. The prime opportunity for such sharing of information can be in schools. The purpose of this study is to determine if sex education in school influences the knowledge and behaviors of teenagers toward sexual behavior, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. This research …

A Comparison Of Domestic Violence Screening, Attitudes, And Knowledge Base, Terry Gardner

Master's Projects

Objective: To compare advanced practice nurses' (APNs) and physicians' (MDs) domestic violence screening behaviors, perceived obstacles, and knowledge base so as to determine the efficacy of the collaborative practice model of care. Design: The survey questionnaires were the "Nurse Practitioners' Experience with Partner Abuse in Alaska" and the "Physicians' Experience with Partner Abuse in Alaska". Significant differences were evaluated by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Setting: Two 200-300 bed urban HMO medical centers. Participants: Thirty-five providers (23 MDs and 12 APNs) with the mean age of 40, and with 8 years clinical practice in California. Results: Of total providers, …

Crossing The Line: Experiences Of The Formerly Homeless Living Past Homelessness, Susan Marie Bennett Dnsc, Msn, Fnp, Rn, Cs

Dissertations

This grounded theory study explored the experiences of formerly homeless individuals and families who have moved from homelessness into stable housing. This was an ethnographic study and involved the researcher staying in an east coast shelter where some of the formerly homeless participants had become staff members and reside. Data analysis was informed by dimensional analysis. Moving out of homelessness was the studies perspective. Findings of the study revealed the following dimensions that related the formerly homeless's experiences: (a)reacting to circumstances, or how they became homeless; (b)surviving as homeless, or how they lived while homeless; (c)crossing the fine, or what …

Southeastern Appalachian Community's Acceptance Of The Family Nurse Practitioner In The Emergency Department, Tami Rowland-Khashman

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to examine the acceptance of an Appalachian community's acceptance of a family nurse practitioner in the emergency department.A conceptual framework of leek Ajzen(1988) was used to predict the acceptance of a family nurse practitioner in the emergency department from a sample of participants in a community.Subjects (n=109) from a sample in Maryville, Tennessee who were shopping at Wal-Mart® were used in this study.A tool in which acceptance was acknowledged was used, and yes and no answers were seen as acceptance or nonacceptance.Descriptive statistics suggest that the sample overall was accepting of the …

Can A Multidisciplinary Team Decrease Hospital Length Of Stay For Elderly Trauma Patients?, Beth A. Ramsey

Masters Theses

Elderly trauma patients often experience prolonged hospital stays. This study was done to determine if a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care would decrease hospital length of stay (LOS) for elderly trauma patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Using a descriptive, correlational design, a convenience sample of 74 elderly patients aged 65 to 99 years was obtained from a trauma registry. The hypothesis that hospital LOS decreases for elderly trauma patients in the ICU who have a team approach to care was not supported using the t-test for independent means (t=1.6, df=72, p=.114). A second hypothesis proposed that the …

Effects Of Collaborative Learning On Test Scores Of First Semester Nursing Students, Theresa Sue Rivera

Master's Projects

Thirty-two first-year nursing students enrolled in a first semester nursing fundamentals class at a local community college participated in a study that compared three test score grades between nursing students who studied with a partner(s) and those who studied alone. Four types of study groups were identified from a questionnaire by having students indicate whether they studied alone or with a partner(s) in-preparation for each of the three tests. Test scores were matched with the student I.D. number and recorded. In this study, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOV A) was used to test the effect of studying together and …

A Comparison Of The Use Of Tympanic, Axillary, And Rectal Thermometers In Infants, Russell Wilshaw, Renea L. Beckstrand, Dawn Waid, Bruce Schaallje

Faculty Publications

This study examined the relationship between three instruments used in measuring tympanic, axillary, and rectal temperatures in infants less than 1 year of age. Temperatures were measured by Oto-temp Pedi Q tympanic thermometers, Becton Dickinson axillary thermometer, and rectal thermometers. A convience sample of 5 infants less than 90 day and 54 greater than 90 days with fever, as well as 34 infants less than 90 days and 27 infants greater than 90 days without fever were studied. Correlations of infants less than 90 days and greater 90 days of age, as well as differences between infant temperature with and …

An Examination Of Patient And Nurse Perceptions Of Stressors During The Electrophysiology Study, Donna J. Thurn

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to (a) identify the perceived stressors of patients undergoing an electrophysiology study (EPS) and (b) compare them to the stressors identified by nurses caring for those patients.

A descriptive two group comparative design with a non-probability convenience sample was used. Data were obtained using self report questionnaires. The sample consisted of 25 patients undergoing an EPS and 25 nurse responses. Data analyses included a comparison of the ordering of stressors according to perceived concern by the patient and the nurse. While similar items were identified, there was a difference in the perceived order of …