Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Self-Care In Bsn Students: Developing A Self-Care Plan, Jamie Davis Brandon

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Stress is an issue of concern in nursing practice and nursing education. Stress leads to burn out and compassion fatigue in the nurse and student nurse. To combat stress, professional organizations advocate for self-care practices. Research indicates self-care practice can reduce stress levels and increase health and wellness. An evidenced-based DNP project was conducted over a seven-week time frame during a mental health nursing course to educate senior BSN students on different dimensions of self-care to reduce stress levels and increase use of self-care practices.

Text Message Intervention For Latino Adults To Improve Diabetes Outcomes In An Urban Free Clinic Setting, Sharon R. Allen

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Introduction: This text message intervention sought to help patients at a free clinic in the Southeastern U.S. that have uncontrolled diabetes (DM) (A1C > or = 7) improve their DM clinical and behavioral outcomes, and thereby help them to live healthier, more hopeful and productive lives as they deal daily with this chronic illness. Eight weeks of educational text messages were sent to help improve DM care and outcomes. Method: Free clinic patient Latino adults with DM (n=25) pre-post one group design. Results: Statistically significant results (p < .05) were seen in three (SKILLD, p=.001, DSES, p = .000, and SDSCA, p = .042) of the four tools/surveys administered. A1C improvements were significant from the pre-intervention (M = 9.10, SD = 1.51) and the trended post-intervention values/results (M=8.26, SD = 1.29, t [21] = 2.79, p = .0110). Discussion: Does personalized communication, education and follow up for patients at the free clinic improve diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy and self-care? This text message intervention shows great promise to improve outcomes for diabetes self-management.

Rescue The Clinical Nurse Educator With A Transformative Mentorship Program, Sue J. Beaman

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a transformative mentorship program for clinical nurse educators. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring (THC) was used as the theoretical framework for the development of this program. The population for this evidenced-based project was 12 clinical nurse educators who work in a private baccalaureate liberal arts college. These educators provide supervision for students in the hospital as well as community clinical practice settings. This evidence-based project examined if the implementation of a mentorship program would help increase the confidence level of the clinical educator. The project was implemented over a three-month period …

The Impact Of Quick Response (Qr) Technology On Anxiety With First Semester Nursing Students Related To The Performance Of Psychomotor Skills With Patients In Clinical, Lee-Ann Terri Kenny

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Anxiety seen with first semester nursing students in a clinical setting when performing psychomotor skills can be a root cause of fear, lack of confidence, ill symptoms, and can lead to unsafe practice ultimately causing injury to patients. The learning and practicing of psychomotor skills occur prior to students first clinical experience, and in most cases over a short period of time. Implementation of Quick Response (QR) technology linked to psychomotor skills during didactic, allowed students quick access to review skills prior to performing skills within the clinical setting. In conclusion, a decrease in anxiety was noted by first semester …

Frailty Screening In Cardiac Surgery Patients: Improving Risk Stratification, April P. Hargett

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Frailty has been noted throughout the literature to have a negative effect on patient outcomes especially in patients undergoing major surgical interventions such as cardiothoracic surgery. Preoperative assessments have historically included assessment of all body systems, however fails to evaluate patients for baseline physical functioning or frailty. The American College of Cardiology has recommended frailty screening on all cardiac surgery patients; however, facilities have failed to educate staff providing care to this population on the impact of frailty and use of commonly used frailty screening tools. This project hypothesized that Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurses and providers would have improved knowledge and …

Discharge Risk Screening And Interdisciplinary Communication: A Method To Mitigate Discharge Delays, Tammy Linton

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Identification of discharge barriers early during the hospital stay is essential to coordinate services post-discharge. Timely discharge of patients when medically safe controls costs, promotes positive health outcomes, and increases quality of care. Discharge planning is a multifaceted interaction that relies heavily on effective communication between all disciplines and the patient. Research suggests interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication as leading strategies to mitigate discharge delays. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration on discharge planning and length of stay for medical surgical patients. A daily discharge team meeting was implemented as a best practice …

Nurse Confidence Levels In Malignant Hyperthermia, Paige Wilson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Malignant hyperthermia is a life threatening medical emergency. When individuals with a certain genetic predisposition are exposed to certain pharmaceutical triggering agents, a malignant hyperthermia crisis can occur. If the crisis is not recognized early and symptoms are not treated, the ending result will be patient death. The ability to recognize and intervene in a malignant hyperthermia crisis demonstrates knowledge and confidence by the nurse. Simulation training is an educational tool that nurses can use to increase confidence levels in recognizing and intervening in this type of medical emergency in a safe environment. The findings from this research indicate a …

Improving Self-Efficacy In Persons Experiencing Chronic Back Pain, Mechell Smith

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The effects of chronic pain are extensive and negatively impact the health of an individual. Negative impacts of chronic pain include issues with sleep, cognitive processes, mood/mental health, cardiovascular health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Self-efficacy is an important predictor of outcomes associated with persons experiencing chronic pain. The use of technology in healthcare is supported in the literature and is a promising way to enhance self-efficacy of those experiencing chronic pain. An evidenced-based project was conducted at a rehabilitation and pain specialty office in the northeastern part of North Carolina. The project evaluated if text message reminders of …

Early Fetal Loss In The Emergency Department And Nurses’ Perceptions Of Care: Implementation Of A Framework For Care, Sandy Langheld

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Women and families widely report dissatisfaction with miscarriage care received in the emergency department (ED). Nurses in the ED are not formally trained in principles of perinatal bereavement, including meeting the complex psychological needs of clients experiencing the loss of an early pregnancy. Nurses may lack the confidence, preparedness, and knowledge needed to care for these clients holistically. This project hypothesized ED nurses’ perceptions (knowledge, confidence, and preparedness) would improve subsequent to education and implementation of an evidence-based framework for care. Emergency department nurses’ perceptions (knowledge, confidence, and preparedness) of care significantly increased after education and implementation of an evidence-based …

The Impact Of Social Factors On Readmission Rates Of Heart Failure Patients, Lashwanda Richardson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Heart Failure is the most common reason for readmission among Medicare fee-forservice patients. While there are medical and health related factors such as medication adherence and comorbidities that contribute to heart failure readmissions, there are many social factors that cause readmission as well. This thesis will focus on the impact social factors have on heart failure patients that lead to their readmission. It will also discuss evidence-based interventions that reduce readmissions and improve the performance of hospitals on their 30-day readmission performance measure. Reducing readmissions in patients with heart failure will reduce hospital costs. It will also help to close …

Using End Of Life Care In A Simulation Scenario In An Effort To Help Increase Student Confidence, Amy P. Davis

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

This evidence-based project examined how using the end of life care in a simulation scenario would help in an effort to increase student confidence. A sample size of 28 Practical Nursing Students participated in the simulation scenario. The Confidence Scale (C-scale) developed by Susan Grundy, was administered to the students as a pre-test prior to the simulation and a post-test after the simulation. The C-scale measured student confidence and consisted of five questions asking the students to rate themselves on a scale of one to five in performing a task. The goal was to see if the student’s confidence level …

Stress And Mindfulness Meditation Strategies In Nursing Student Clinical Education And Future Clinical Practice, Joanne Kathryn Mcclave

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of the DNP project was to assist students to recognize, reduce, and manage their stress. The mindfulness meditation interventions are an effective strategy to manage and reduce stress. The project was set in a southeastern part of the United States at a community college that had an associate degree nursing program. At present, nursing education does not include stress and the management of stress in the curriculum. The project targeted associate degree nursing students to teach students how stress influences their lives and evidence-based strategies to alleviate their stress in clinical practice and in future practice through education …

Improving Nurse-Patient Communication Using The Teach-Back Method, Sheila Revis Smallwood

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Effective nursing communication considers health literacy, the person’s ability to understand and make health decisions based on the information given. Health professionals often overestimate the health literacy of patients, thereby affecting patient outcomes. In a hospital environment, patients rate the ability of the nurse to explain things in a way patients understand by completing the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) after discharge. The HCAHPS results are converted to a score which is used in a formula to determine hospital reimbursement; the lower the score, the lower the reimbursement. The purpose of this project was to improve …

Correctional Nursing: Why Is Retention An Issue?, Bethany Jernigan

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The specialty of correctional nursing has its own set of considerations and concerns that impact retention and affect healthcare outcomes for the offender population. The purpose of this research study was to identify specific areas causing poor nursing staff retention and recruitment within the correctional environment. The literature review revealed correctional nursing can benefit from: improved education and training for correctional nurses, emphasis and focus on public health in the correctional environment, role confusion in correctional nursing, and further investigation and research needed in recruitment and retention. Prison nursing staff at a large, rural correctional facility, completed the revised Casey-Fink …

Stress Management And The Novice Nurse, Patrice Lawrency

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The stress of the novice nurse impacts the quality of patient care, emotional, and physical wellbeing of the novice nurse and hospital costs. The aging of the Baby Boomer generation is impacting the nursing profession. These factors should be addressed to promote the retention of novice nurses in the profession. Research has shown that the mitigation of stress in the novice nurse can have a positive impact on the nursing shortage. An inundation of literature exists on the evolution process from the academic to the clinical setting, but few studies identified resources to provide support to the novice nurse. Strategies …

Nursing Documentation Environment In The Hospital Setting, Alice Cavin

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nurses often document in open nurses’ stations exposed to frequent interruptions. Much has been written on the need to limit distractions while collecting and administering medications but little has been published on the effects interruptions have on nursing documentation. The purpose of this study was to examine the environment in which nurses chart and to gather their perceptions of the documentation environment. Marilyn Ray’s Theory of Bureaucratic Caring was the guiding framework for this study. A review of the literature revealed the effects open work spaces, noise, and interruptions can have on work performance. This study, a focus group discussion, …

Improving Professionalism In New Graduate Nursing Behavior, Debra Brendley

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Professional behavior in nursing is a difficult term to define. There are generational, cultural, and regional aspects that affect the definition of this concept. Nursing, as in other professions, has a set of behaviors it has deemed necessary to guide practice. Professionalism is paramount in that it guides the nurse’s behavior in patient care, in collaboration with healthcare team members, and in serving the community. There is a direct correlation between professional behavior in nursing practice and positive patient outcomes. Unprofessionalism has been noted as an issue in nursing, including the new graduate nurse population. This project sought to develop …

Watson’S Theory Of Human Caring: Effect On Nurse Perception Of Care Environment, Shannon Jones

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Psychiatric and mental health nurses face unique problems related to the specifics of the role including low morale and burnout. These problems stem from many factors including insufficient staffing, lack of support from management, and patient behaviors such as aggression or noncompliance which lead to poor patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine what effect adoption of Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring has on nurse perception of the care environment on an inpatient psychiatric unit in a rural community hospital as measured by a modified version of the Combined Assessment of Psychiatric Environments (CAPE) instrument. …

Improving Gender Diversity In Nursing Through A Mentoring Program, Nancy Lynn Hilburn

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Diversity can add value to a team by bringing in ideas and viewpoints from various backgrounds that may not have been thought of otherwise. This is also true in the health care setting. Nurse leaders have identified a strong connection between a diverse nursing workforce and the ability to provide quality, culturally competent care to patients (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, [AACN] 2015). According to the Kaiser Foundation, there were 3,184,283 registered nurses (RN) in the United States in 2016. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing and The Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers 2013 National Workforce …

The Effect Of Training And Recognition On Nursing Assistant Retention In Acute Care Settings, Rachael Austin Swann

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nursing assistants are being hired in acute care settings to alleviate staffing issues associated with the nursing shortage. This has been a great economical solution to ensure adequate staff because of the large number of trained individuals in this vocation. Turnover and retention with nursing assistants in all settings including acute care is an expensive and reoccurring problem. Although several strategies have been implemented to prevent this, few provide a sustainable positive outcome. This situation requires an approach to look at the causes of turnover and provide interventions to reverse the negative impact. The intent of this research looked at …

Child Care Teachers’ Knowledge Of Fun Physical Activities And Healthy Food Choices For Pre-School Children, Elizabeth Gwyn

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The focus of this project was to explore child-care teachers’ knowledge of fun physical activities and healthy food choice activities for preschool children. A four-week educational session was implemented in a rural child-care center. The intervention provided education in relationship to the implementation of fun physical activities and healthy food choice activities for child-care teachers during preschoolers structured playtime. The Child Care Teachers’ Knowledge Evaluation (CCTKE) tool developed by the doctoral student was used to collect responses from participants before and after the intervention. The participants’ data was analyzed using a t-test. There were no statistically significant differences between the …

The Effect Of Individualized Nurse Report Cards And Unit Case Reports On The Awareness And Attitudes Of Nurses Towards Clabsi Contributing Factors, Shannon K. Hawkins

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

This DNP project examined the effect of unit case reports and individualized nurse report cards on nurses’ awareness of and attitudes toward central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) contributing factors. This project also sought to determine whether CLABSI incidences differed across units and if that was affected by nurses’ awareness of and attitudes toward CLABSI contributing factors. A convenience sample of registered nurses (RNs) across four medical units was included in this project. Of the 79 RNs who participated in providing feedback on this project, 48 RNs completed pre-implementation surveys, resulting in a response rate of 61%, and 53 completed post-implementation …

Exploring Patterns Of Health-Promoting Lifestyles Of Academic Nurse Educators, Tracy Campbell

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Participating in health-promoting behaviors is essential for maintaining optimal physical and mental well-being. Nurses play a significant role in supporting the nation’s health, however, nursing shortages impact the ability to meet the complex health demands in a growing population. Guided by Nola J. Pender's health promotion model, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the self-perceived health-promoting lifestyle behaviors of faculty nurse educators. A convenience sample of 13 faculty nurses were studied using a descriptive, non-experimental research design. The 52-item Health-Promoting Lifestyle II (HPLP II) survey was used to evaluate the six dimensions of: health responsibility, interpersonal relations, nutrition, …

Student Perception Of Blended Course Activities, Valerie Bailey

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The flipped classroom has been implemented within the nursing curricula to promote increased student classroom satisfaction, student engagement in the classroom, and improve retention of complex nursing concepts. This research study evaluated how the implementation of the flipped classroom contributed to the overall perception of a new instructional model of teaching within an Associate degree program for a summer nursing course. A variety of research articles were reviewed to assist in the construction of this instructional approach for this nursing course. The research articles reviewed revealed through statistical analysis that overall satisfaction of the flipped classroom approach was successful in …

Telehealth Education And Training For School Nurses, Billie C. Walker

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Telehealth, as a healthcare delivery model, is quickly integrating into various healthcare fields. School health is one area of nursing that is preparing for this integration. This study explored through literature review, the previous studies conducted on this type of service. Evidence found more research was needed on this topic. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate an increase in school nurse’s confidence and commitment level to implementation of telehealth. A purposeful sample was used in the selection of participants for this study. This project was conducted in a small rural county school system located in the North West …

The Impact A Nurse's Work Environment Has On Breastfeeding, Ashley Dawn Hull

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Breastfeeding is a global health initiative, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), because of its numerous health benefits to mothers and infants. Despite breast milk’s documented benefits to mothers and babies, many women are not choosing to breastfeed their infants. A lack of paid maternity leave policy within the United States influences postpartum responsibilities, physically, and psychologically. This paper presents nurses’ responses to the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale survey regarding their workplace environment support of breastfeeding. Nurses providing direct patient care for more than 50% of their shifts revealed 45.5% disagreed in some variance with their comfort in …

Investigating Aromatherapy As A Test Anxiety Intervention For Undergraduate Nursing Students, Brittany Graham

Education Dissertations and Projects

This project seeks to explore the concept of aromatherapy as an intervention for undergraduate nursing student test anxiety in greater depth. Test anxiety is significant in nursing education because of the high stakes weight of exams and difficulties associated with answering multiple choice and multiple response questions. Historically, the Hunt School of Nursing has not provided specific procedures or interventions to assist students with test anxiety; however, this project seeks to outline a pathway for the development and achievement of a successful aromatherapy program for undergraduate students. On an informal trial basis, the use of aromatherapy lotions prior to exams …

I Survived The Icu: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome From Patient And Nursing Perspectives, Catherine Bynum

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Excerpt from Introduction

After a head-on collision with a drunk driver, Kathy Torpie had a long road to recovery ahead of her. After three weeks in the intensive care unit (ICU), sedation, and mechanical ventilation, she was left with a set of symptoms coined Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) (Torpie, 2005). PICS is defined as “a condition that encompasses new or worsening impairments in the patient’s physical, cognitive, or mental status arising after critical illness and persisting beyond the acute hospitalization” (Makic, 2016, p. 172). With technological advancements, ICU survival rates are on the rise. Now that survival has increased, it …

The Impact Of Discharge Teaching On Copd Readmissions, Anita Lane Thurman

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this evidenced-based project was to answer the question: Does using a formalized discharge list identifying key educational topics regarding the patient’s disease process decrease readmission risk for COPD patients? This study used all COPD patients admitted over a two-week period who consented to receiving one-on-one detailed COPD education (n=33). Participants were provided education utilizing a COPD educational tool that addressed topics pertaining to the transition from the hospital back home, inhaler techniques and use, common questions to ask the provider before being discharged, smoking cessation, and identifying the warning signs of an exacerbation were among the few …

Improving Therapeutic Relationships Among Psychiatric Nursing Staff And Adolescent Patients, Carla Kay Cozart

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

This Doctor of Nursing Practice Project examined the effect of an evidence-based staff development education program on the attitudes and knowledge levels of nursing staff regarding the mentally ill adolescent patient population, for which they provide treatment and supervision. A convenience sample of 61 nursing staff members participated in the Improving Therapeutic Relationships among Psychiatric Nursing Staff and Patients project, with 74% of the available sample completing all project surveys. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the scores for the responses of participants to the Community Attitudes toward Mentally Ill (CAMI) pre and post-surveys. Concepts scored by this survey included: …