Exploring Prescribing Practitioners’ Experiences And Perceptions Associated With Opioid Clinical Practice Guidelines Adherence To Treat Older Adults For Chronic Pain In Primary Care Practice Settings In The United States, Dara D. Skinner

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: Chronic pain is a common complaint in older adults,’ and they often seek treatment from their primary care provider who may prescribe opioids to treat their chronic pain. Treating and managing an older adult chronic pain can be complex due to several factors such as the patient’s co-morbidities (other medical conditions), impaired cognition, and advanced age. Opioids have been used since the 1890s for treatment of pain (acute and chronic). Opioid use can cause fractures, falls, kidney failure, addiction, respiratory depression, and overdose in older adults. According to Tong et al. (2016) primary care providers were responsible for writing …

Advancing Maternal Health: Development And Implementation Of A Cognitive Computing Model To Predict Unplanned Obstetric Readmissions Within A Multi-Campus Academic Healthcare System, Glenn Robert Doty

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study aims to develop and validate an OB-readmission cognitive computing model for identifying women at elevated risk of unplanned readmissions after childbirth. The model intends to assist healthcare providers in identifying vulnerable patients and implementing targeted interventions and strategies to reduce readmission rates, improve patient outcomes, and optimize resource utilization.

A comprehensive analysis of relevant literature identified key predictors associated with postpartum readmissions, including maternal age, race and ethnicity, medical comorbidities, obstetric diagnoses and complications, treatment and diagnostic modalities, socioeconomic status, and previous hospitalizations. These factors were incorporated into the proposed OB predictive model, which was based on the …

Prelicensure Nursing Students’ Experiences Of And Reactions To Bullying By Registered Nurses (Rns) In The Clinical Environment, Nancy Chiocchi Mcmorrow

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Bullying within the clinical environment is a pervasive issue that significantly impacts prelicensure nursing students. The aim of this study was to describe prelicensure nursing students' experiences of and reactions to bullying by registered nurses (RNs) during their clinical experience. The qualitative research design involved narrative analysis of participant stories to gain insights into the nature and consequences of these interactions. The findings revealed that bullying manifested through RNs ignoring students, withholding or not accepting help, making wrongful accusations, and engaging in both verbal and non-verbal mistreatment of students. These experiences led prelicensure nursing students to have decreased self-confidence, compromised …

Analyzing The Cognitive Complexity Of The Questions On The Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles Exam, Lauren Zirpoli

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This convergent parallel mixed methods study with qualitative and quantitative content analysis was conducted to analyze and describe the cognitive complexity of the publicly released Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles Exam questions compared to the language of higher-order thinking found in research literature. Hess’ Cognitive Rigor Matrix was used to determine the frequency and percentage of questions categorized as higher-order thinking within each cell of the matrix. The qualitative method consisted of content analysis of the language of each question analyzed, followed by deductive coding, and culminated with categorizing the depth and type of thinking required on Hess’ Cognitive Rigor …

Fluorescence-Based Techniques For The Identification Of Small Biomolecules, Charnette Frederic

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Understanding fluorescence-based methods for detecting small biomolecules is a crucial area of focus in research investigations. Our studies focused on the challenge in two parts: Non-intrinsic fluorescence and intrinsic fluorescence. For studies on Non-intrinsic fluorescence, Rifampicin (Rif), an antibiotic harnessed for treating diverse bacterial infections, including tuberculosis (TB), serves as a focal point. Leveraging the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) process, aptamers emerged from the nonspecific 40-mer Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) library to interact with its target, Rif. During each SELEX cycle, the recovered nucleotides underwent amplification via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) until the most selective aptamers were …

Exploring The Design Space Of Antifungal Peptides, Miryam Kikhwa

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of antifungal activity of peptides FQ15 and FG10 will be conducted to address the hypothesis. The hypothesis of this thesis is that a peptide with similar properties to AS15 would have similar activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. This study addresses the challenge of drug- resistant microbes by developing inhibitors targeting lipid flippase and exploring their potential as antimicrobial agents against Cryptococcus neoformans. Chapter 1 provides a historical context of the background on the development of antimicrobials and common antifungal treatments, as well as an introduction about C. neoformans and its resistance mechanism. Chapter 2 introduces the …

Exploring The Perceptions Of Adolescents And Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease Regarding The Use Of A Mhealth Technology App To Support Their Transition From Pediatric To Adult Care And Adult Self-Management Practices, Jamillah Mansaray

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background and Purpose of the Study: The transition from pediatric to adult self- care management practices for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with SCD is a pivotal period in their life. According to the literature, there is a positive interest and intention toward utilizing mHealth technology apps to support the transition and adult self-management practices. However, mHealth technology apps with appropriate SCD transition and adult self-management features does not currently exist for the AYA population and has not been reported on in the literature. The purpose of thisembedded mixed method study is to explore in AYA’s with SCD, …

Exploring Hispanic Immigrant Parents Literacy Needs In Navigating Life With Children In The United States, Michelle Lowry

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The responsibility of raising a child is demanding on all parents, but immigrant parents with limited literacy skills in English may find parenting even more demanding than native born parents. Hispanic immigrant parents are rarely consulted about their literacy needs. Furthermore, they are often overlooked as experts on their own needs. Using two of the most widely accepted models of literacy, The Simple View of Writing and The Simple View of Reading, this study explored Hispanic immigrant parents' literacy needs in the United States. The current study was conducted on N=30 Hispanic Immigrant parents, ages early 30s to mid 70s. …

The Lived Experiences Of High-Performing Black Male Students With Advanced Placement Courses, Griselda Almonte-Delgado

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Black male students are underrepresented in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Studies on the perspective and experiences of high performing Black male students with Advanced Placement (AP) is limited. Available research indicates that high performing Black students are enrolled at half the rate of White students both nationally and locally in Advanced Placement (AP) courses (Dept. Of Civil Rights, 2021). Research uncovers multifaceted factors influencing enrollment, ranging from personal motivation to systemic barriers. To qualitatively address this dissonance, this research used Attribution Theory as its framework to examine the lived experiences and perceptions of eight high performing Black male students from …

Understanding Medical Students' Perceived Readiness To Serve As Culturally Competent Practitioners, Michel'le Janae Bryant

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The US population is more culturally diverse than ever. Although advancements have been made in improving the nation’s overall health, health disparities continue among different racial and ethnic groups. To promote person-centered care practices, medical students must be ready to serve diverse patient populations and provide equitable care. Despite their training, some medical students report feeling unprepared to treat diverse patient populations, potentially impacting their clinical practice and patient care outcomes.

Purpose: This study’s purpose was to explore the perceived readiness of final-year medical students in the US to provide culturally competent care utilizing the Readiness Theory and The …

Effects Of Three Different Loading Models On Strength And Body Composition In Resistance Trained Persons, Orlando Rivera

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: Periodization of the annual training plan is a commonly utilized tool within the strength and conditioning community. Within the periodized plan, load is a key variable that is often manipulated to optimize strength development. At the present moment, a common model for load prescription involves the use of a percentage-based training (PBT) plan. However, inherent problems within a PBT loading model may reduce the accuracy of the training stimulus due to various reasons including atypical one repetition maximum (1RM) performance, strength improvements, or an acute decrease in an individual’s ability to perform. Thus, autoregulatory loading models may be a …

The Experiences Of Staff Nurses Who Remained In Their Permanent Positions During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Huifang Cheng

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Amidst the persistent shortage of practicing nurses in the nursing profession, exacerbated by the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigates the experiences of permanent staff nurses during the pandemic, with a specific focus on the factors influencing their decision to remain in their roles despite the adversities. Employing a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen permanent staff nurses to explore the intricacies of their experiences. Throughout the pandemic, the participants encountered profound ethical dilemmas. However, their determination to persist was fueled by a sense of professional duty, solidarity within their professional community, and deep camaraderie …

Exploring Practices Of Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialst Physical Therapists In Addressing Needs Of Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Olga Chaikovsky

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

ABSTRACT

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition affecting multiple domains of development. Physical Therapists (PTs) are members of the interprofessional team addressing the needs of individuals with ASD. A lack of uniformity in evidence-based assessments and practices employed by therapists to address the needs of children with ASD exists in the literature. PTs often implement approaches that are not evidence-based but rather learned from more experienced professionals or discovered by trial and error.

Pediatric clinical specialist physical therapists (PCSPTs) are PTs who possess advanced education and clinical skills in Pediatrics. As pediatric experts, PCSPTs play a major …

An Interdisciplinary Education And Service Bundle To Reduce Hospital Resource Utilization And Decrease Pediatric Asthma-Related Morbidity And Mortality, Emily Yates

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce hospital resource utilization and improve health outcomes for children with asthma by providing an evidence-based, interdisciplinary education and service bundle to patients and families admitted to a Children’s Hospital in Northern New Jersey with a primary diagnosis of asthma. The 2020 Asthma Management Guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2020), the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and a modified systematic review identified common themes among children at risk for asthma-related morbidity and mortality and high hospital resource utilization. These themes included medication misuse, asthma trigger …

Emergency Department Patient Navigator Post Chest Pain Diagnosis Discharge, Nancy Simoes

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract The most common complaint seen in the Emergency Department, along with abdominal pain, is nonspecific chest pain. Often, these complaints cause prolonged lengths of stay in the ED, followed by hospital admissions and subsequent readmissions for various reasons. When thinking about these various reasons, the question for prevention of readmission comes to mind. What could we do as a department to keep patients from continuously using the Emergency Department as a primary point of care instead of outpatient facilities when necessary? Project Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to initiate the need for a patient navigator …

Exploring Nursing Faculty Perceived Individual And Organizational Readiness To Use Online Simulation As A Teaching Strategy, Luz-Patricia Torres

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Problem: Academic institutions have employed online simulations in nursing education to meet the needs of the growing nursing student population and demands for distance learning. While some nursing educators have been trained to use simulation learning experiences, few have specific training in applying online simulation as a teaching strategy. With a dearth of evidence in the literature specific to the use of online simulation in nursing education, exploring nursing faculty's perceived individual and organizational readiness to do so is warranted to optimize the use of this innovation.

Purpose: This study explored the nursing faculty's perceived individual and organizational readiness …

A Qualitative Study Exploring Us Graduate Medical Education Program Directors Decision-Making Practices Regarding The Selection Of Surgical Residency Applicants For Interview, Lashari Valentin

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The goal of the General surgery residency selection process is to select residents who will transition easily from medical school to residency, complete the training program, pass their boards, practice surgery in a safe and effective manner, and contribute to the advancement of the specialty. Residency training programs receive thousands of applications annually from which they must choose a select few for an interview. The reality is, if medical students do not get into a residency training program, they can never practice as a physician. Pin-pointing match-worthy applicants from an increasingly deep and similar applicant pool is an …

Caregiver Perspectives On The Daily Function Of People Living With Hnrnph2-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Developing A Conceptual Model, Rachel Salazar

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Introduction: Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions that start in childhood and lead to impairments in functioning. HNRNPH2-related neurodevelopmental disorder is an ultra-rare disorder in which individuals present with cognitive, behavioral, language and motor function impairments that often leads to reliance on their caregivers. Existing conceptual models of neurodevelopment are not specific to this ultra rare disorder and do not highlight the caregiver impact of living with HNRNPH2-related neurodevelopmental disorder.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the caregiver perspective on the everyday functioning of people living with HNRNPH2-related neurodevelopmental disorder to generate a …

Cardiac Arrest High-Fidelity Simulation: Improving Nursing Students’ Resuscitation Response In Preparation For Transition To Professional Practice, Phoebe Hanna

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

New graduate nurses report critical hands-on skills are not taught in school and contribute to the increased stress they feel when managing a life-threatening patient condition (Bennett et al., 2017). In the United States, approximately 290,000 in-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually (Andersen et al., 2019). The current Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum at a large university in northern New Jersey does not include the implementation of a high-fidelity cardiac arrest simulation. This project was designed to enhance classroom didactic education of nursing care during an emergency cardiac arrest by exposing traditional senior-level BSN students to a high-fidelity cardiac …

Impact Of Resiliency And Self-Care Training On Student Nurses, Johanna V. Grimaldi

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The nursing workforce is currently facing a predicted shortage which has been further exacerbated by the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Factors such as increased patient load and acuity, poor staffing conditions, violence in the healthcare system, burnout, and poor mental health among nurses contribute to the complex situation. There is immense need to prepare the next generation to prevent high turnover and low retention rates within the nursing profession.

The purpose of this project was to create and implement a training program to improve the knowledge and application of resiliency and self-care tactics among nursing students at a …

Ovarian Cancer Survivorship Checklist, Emily Lott

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The cancer survivorship population has been growing significantly in the last few years due to advancements in treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted medications and other types of chemotherapy. However, these survivors can have lifelong symptom burdens due to their diagnoses and adverse effects of their curative therapies. Symptoms are not always physical and can include emotional distress. Ovarian cancer patients in particular tend to have symptom complications because of their disease process. Symptoms include pain, constipation, neuropathy and fatigue. Ovarian cancer patients also experience a high level of cancer relapses. Early detection is key in cancer recurrences for patients …

A Phenomenological Study Of Faith In Catholic Persons Living With The Diagnosis Of Cancer, Macrina Reyes

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: There were an estimated 1.9 million new cases of cancer diagnosed the United States and over 600,000 deaths from cancer in 2022. Cancer is also known as the 2nd most common cause of death behind heart disease in the US. In 2019, there were an estimated 16.9 million cancer survivors in the US. Furthermore, the number of cancer survivors is expected to increase to 22.2 million by 2030. Unfortunately, the persons' spiritual needs are not being addressed or considered by healthcare practitioners as part of the plan of care, especially Catholics. In order to truly provide person-centered care, healthcare …

The African American Dream Deferred: Exploring The Relationship Between The “American Dream” And The Black American Millennial Reality, Simonleigh P. Miller

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this qualitative study is to highlight and bring understanding to the lived experiences of Black American millennials. This study was conducted from the constructivist and critical research paradigms and utilized Reflexive Thematic Analysis methods to analyze qualitative data. The study places specific focus on Black or African American millennials’ associated thoughts and feelings regarding their current reality and positionality within the American context, and its relation to the idealized reality of the American Dream. The influence of the American Dream on the African American millennial reality was explored to gain a better understanding of how, or if …

Perspectives Of Home Care Nurses On Frailty And Resilience In Older Adults Living At Home, Lisa Foley

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The population of older adults is growing rapidly in the United States. As more people are living to an advanced age, they are often managing a multitude of chronic illnesses and disabilities while continuing to live at home. Frailty is a common condition that affects how one ages and the condition is associated with dependency and poor health outcomes. Resilience is considered to be a protective factor against health stressors that lead to frailty in older adults. Perspectives of home care nurses were obtained by semi-structured interviews which described how older adults live at home with frailty and demonstrate resilience. …

Photoisomerizable Membrane Active Peptides, Cristina Ventura

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Membrane active peptides (MAPs) bind and partition into the cell membrane thus causing permeabilization. Many α-helical membrane active peptides contain central proline residues that distinguish the hydrophobic and hydrophilic faces of the helix. The proline induces a bend that produces a helix-hinge-helix motif. Mutation of these proline residues has a significant effect on the activity of the MAP. Azobenzene is a photoisomerizable molecule that switches from its trans to cis isomer upon excitation with ultraviolet (UV) light and from its cis to trans isomer upon excitation with visible light (VL). In this work it is hypothesized that the hinge function …

Synthesis, Characterization And Biological Evaluation Of Polyarginine Derived Bone-Targeting Peptides, Gina L. Antuono

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Osteoblast-targeting peptides in the treatment of bone disease is a new and novel approach to offering effective treatment of various cancers and can be used in bio-medical, medicinal chemistry and biotechnology applications. By targeting adhesion proteins produced by osteoblast cells, certain cancers which migrate and metastasize to the bone may be more effectively treated. An osteoblast-targeting peptide composed of Ser-Asp-Ser-Ser-Asp (SDSSD) which selectively binds to osteoblast cells via periostin has recently been identified. This peptide was functionalized with polyurethane, generating nanomicelles which encapsulated RNA for the therapeutic treatment of osteoporosis. This study has served as the basis for the research …

Exploring Balance Assessment Practices And Utilization Of Academy Of Geriatric Physical Therapy Clinical Guidance Statement In Fall Management By U.S.-Practicing Physical Therapists: A Mixed-Methods Approach, Franceah Palencia-Quijano

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: Falls and balance impairments in older adults are major public health concerns. Physical therapists (PTs) play a major role in preventing and managing falls in the U.S. healthcare system. PTs are doctoral healthcare professionals who evaluate and treat balance impairments that impact prevalence of falls. As autonomous practitioners, PTs should incorporate evidence-based tools in balance assessment and management of falls. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recommends PTs utilize evidence-based tools such as the (a) Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (AGPT) Clinical Guidance Statement (CGS) in Community-Dwelling Older Adults (CDOA and (b) the APTA balance tests and measures in …

Improving Patients' Perception Of Pain: An Evaluation Of A Nurse Practitioner-Led Chronic Pain Coaching Group, Suzanne A. Levy

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The opioid crisis in the United States warrants an improved standard of practice for managing chronic pain. A large body of evidence highlights a positive correlation between health coaching focused on mindfulness-based interventions and its potential to improve the overall well-being of chronic pain patients. Currently, there are limited resources to address these patients' psychosocial needs, and the primary treatment plan consists of pharmacological management using long-term opioids. Project Aim: The 3M Chronic Pain Coaching Model is a 6-week coaching group focused on mindfulness, meditation, and motivation. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate how a mindfulness-based chronic pain …

Standardized Patient Education For Patients' Initial Chemotherapy Through An Integrated Telemedicine Platform, Karen D. Dougherty

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Telemedicine has demonstrated a high level of satisfaction in a variety of health settings as a safe and efficient method of delivering healthcare. The purpose of this project was to implement an Advanced Practice-led Quality Improvement (QI) initiative pilot to evaluate the standardization of chemotherapy education through an integrated telemedicine platform. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project used interventions noted in the literature review to assess and evaluate core concepts of knowledge, satisfaction, utilization, and program acceptance. This project aimed to utilize evidence-based processes to increase knowledge about the chemotherapy treatment routine, to raise awareness and develop skills to …

Exploring The Perceptions Of English-Speaking West African Born Registered Nurse Graduates From United States Entry Level Nursing Programs Regarding Academic Factors That Contribute To Retention And Success In United States Nursing Programs, Afua Ampiaw

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The United States (U. S.) population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. To ensure equity in healthcare access and outcomes between majority and majority populations, there is need for minority representation in the health professions including nursing to reflect their representation in the general population. Nevertheless, ethnic minorities are underrepresented in the nursing profession. One of the many issues identified to compound this problem is the lack of retention and success of ethnic minority people in U.S. nursing programs. While the English-Speaking West African (ESWA) population in the U.S. forms about 5% of the 45 million immigrant population …