Digital Commons Network^™

Nurses' Comfort Toward Caring For The Dying: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study, Candies Warren

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional descriptive research study was to explore nurses’ comfort levels toward caring for dying patients and what factors influence the bedside nurses’ comfort levels in providing end-of-life care in an acute care hospital setting. A convenience sample (N=63) of RNs voluntarily participated in an online survey from January 2025 to March 2025 that provided direct patient care. Data was collected through Question Pro. Data collected included sociodemographic questions, questions about current comfort level, factors that influence nurses’ comfort level, and selected items from the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Patient (FATCOD) scale. Institutional …

Bridging The Gap: Culturally Responsive Bereavement Support In Latino Families, Maria I. Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Hospice of the Central Coast (HCC), a division of Montage Health, delivers high-quality end-of-life care and bereavement support to adults and families in Monterey and select areas of San Benito County. This capstone project sought to address the disparities by developing and implementing an eight-week bereavement support group curriculum translated and adapted for Spanish-Speaking Latino families. Despite the organization’s longstanding commitment to compassionate and inclusive healthcare, internal data reveal substantial gaps in service for the latino population: of 628 patients served in 2023, only 47 patients were of Hispanic or Latino origin. This discrepancy stems from ingrained barriers such as: …

Disclosing That Which Has Been Made Invisible: Collective Ontological Inquiry With Vanessa Machado De Oliveira, Dorothy Cococinno Ladybugboss, Aiden Cinnamon Tea, And Aiden Senior, Raphael Borges, Witneiris Constanzo, Samantha Encarnacion, Kaley Klapisch, Carolyne J. White

Turning Toward Being: The Journal of Ontological Inquiry in Education

An unconventional and collaboratively written text begun as a Book Review that expands into a hybrid Book Review-Notes From The Field-Article as we sought to do justice to our encounter with three provocative books that elicit ontological inquiry inside and outside our classrooms, inquiry that challenges us, confuses us, confronts us to unlearn and loosen the grip of ontological constraints we were thrown into within modernity and our embeddedness within the everyday life. Our reading of these books elicits much needed hope for the precarious times we are living through with this earth.

Uthealth Mcgovern Medical School 2025 Quality Symposium Abstracts

Teaching in Clinics

UTHealth McGovern Medical School 2025 Quality Symposium Abstracts

Proactive Aging: A New Aging Programming Framework For Cooperative Extension, Jeong Eun Lee, Eunbea Kim, Yulri Kim, Eva Kahana

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Traditional Extension programs for older adults often adopt a reactive approach, focusing on addressing age-related challenges after they arise. While these programs can be beneficial, a proactive aging model offers a more comprehensive and empowering approach. The concept of proactive aging, emphasizing preventative strategies for maintaining and improving wellbeing, has been well-established in the literature (Kahana et al., 2014). By adopting this model, Cooperative Extension can significantly enhance its services for older adults. This paper proposes innovative program ideas grounded in the proactive aging framework. Such programs are more engaging as they foster self-efficacy and empowerment, encouraging participants to actively …

Planning Ahead: A Holistic Approach To End-Of-Life Planning, Kristin Litzelman, Ashley Berghoff, Jennifer Abel, Carol Bralich, Jackie Carattini, Selena Freimark, Jenna Kink, Sara Richie

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

End-of-life planning can be an intimidating, confusing, and emotional process, which may explain why only 37% of Americans have completed advance care directives. To address this need, we developed the Planning AHEAD (Advance directives, Handling financial changes, Estate planning, and Arriving at Decisions for the end of this life) curriculum. Planning AHEAD is a seven-session course designed to help participants make important decisions that reflect their end-of-life wishes and document this information to relieve stress for their loved ones. In the first two years of the program, Extension educators facilitated 45 Planning AHEAD series across Wisconsin, reaching over 600 participants. …

Gathering At The Table: Using Food To Heal On One’S Grief Journey, Jamie B. Daugherty, Jada Staat, Julie Rachford

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This research study explored the registered dietitian nutritionist’s (RDN) role and impact while supporting those on their grief journey. Data collection methods included a focus group, journaling, workshop evaluations, and photo elicitation. Qualitative data analysis highlighted three themes emerging from a six-week culinary nutrition education support workshop: providing intention, building community, and showcasing RDNs as encouraging companions, by contributing their skills of nutrition education and hands-on culinary applications, supporting individuals continuing to grieve.

Helping Persons Experiencing Homelessness Complete Advance Directives: A Model For Service Learning Within A Community-Academic Partnership, Woods Nash, Sandra J. Mixer, Polly M. Mcarthur, Annette Mendola, Kylie Jackson, Caroline Darlington, Bruce Spangler, Merrell Pressley, Erin Conley

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Despite their interest in completing advance directives (ADs), persons experiencing homeless-ness (PEH) appear to have fewer surrogate decision-makers and limited opportunities for ad-vance care planning (ACP). Nursing students and faculty, a hospital bioethicist, and social ser-vice agency staff formed a community-academic partnership that helps PEH complete advance directives. This unique service-learning opportunity offers a model for assisting vulnerable pop-ulations with advance care planning. Model effectiveness and limitations are described from each partner’s perspective in their own words.

In Like Flint: How The Innovation Incubator At Um‐Flint Fosters Social Entrepreneurship In A City Remaking Itself, Nic Custer

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This paper focuses on how the University of Michigan-Flint’s Innovation Incubator supports emerging for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations through programming, business plan development, and ongoing mentorship. The incubator is especially interested in supporting start -ups that address key social issues in the surrounding community, including economic vitality. This goal aligns with the university’s mission, which emphasizes that engaged citizens can exercise some control over the social, environmental, and economic factors in the larger community.

Student Reflections On Service‐Learning: Cognitive, Affective, And Behavioral Lessons, Maria L. Claver, Lisa A. Lares, Lauren Gelgur

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Service-learning is an educational experience that allows students meaningful interaction with older adults. Students in a gerontology course completed service-learning and recorded their experiences in weekly journals. This study explored student-reported reflections, which indicated cognitive, affective, and behavioral lessons. Future research should include the perspectives of faculty members, agencies, and older adults; long-term influences of service; and approaches to facilitating service-learning for hybrid and online courses.

The 505 Initiative: Service Learning And Student Philanthropy In Graduate Social Work, Jessica Averitt Taylor, Caroline Macke, James E. Taylor

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This case study describes a community engagement project involving graduate social work students. The project centered on a specific area in Northern Kentucky: the Westside neighborhood of Newport. Efforts included a student philanthropy component that fostered community exploration, an assessment of strengths and challenges, service learning and an involved grants process, and student-initiated volunteer hours. The students demonstrated increased commitment to community and connected community engagement with student philanthropy and course concepts.

Natural Health Community Program And Well-Being: An Uncontrolled Study Of Women Survivors Of Domestic Violence, Madeline M. Glawe, Lee Za Ong, Karisse A. Callender, Barbara Wesson, Erin C. Schubert

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a local natural healing service program and to explore how engagement in natural healing services related to the well-being of survivors of domestic violence. Using longitudinal secondary data, we conducted t-tests, regression, and correlation analysis on three measures (hope, distress, and empowerment) that were completed by the participants (N = 31). We provided evidence of the positive impact of a community-based natural healing services program on the well-being of survivors of domestic violence, specifically their sense of hope. This research represents the potential for natural healing services provided at the …

A Phenomenological Study Of Caregivers For Sexual Minority Hospice Patients, Catherine H. Bianchi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals face disproportionate barriers in healthcare across the lifespan that persist and often intensify at the end of life. Despite hospice’s mission to provide comfort, dignity, and patient-centered support, it remains unclear whether these services equitably meet the needs of sexual minority patients. Seeking hospice care presents a unique conundrum for many LGB individuals: it necessitates inviting representatives of a historically exclusionary healthcare system into the privacy of their homes - spaces that often serve as sanctuaries of identity, safety, and autonomy. The already vulnerable experience of seeking care in one’s final days can be …

The Silent Grief Of Grandmothers After An Out-Of-Order Death—An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Jordan Robertson, Elizabeth Cutrer, Paul Caldarella, Jeremy B. Yorgason, Terrell Young, Erjola Gjini, Sarah Stuart, Savannah Tueller

Faculty Publications

This study delves into the lived experiences of grandmothers grappling with grief following the “out-of-order” death of a child, child-in-law, or grandchild, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis grounded in the Dual Process Model-Revised. With 70% of U.S. adults over 65 being grandparents, the research highlights their often-invisible role as both grievers and caregivers amid family loss. Findings reveal three key themes: navigating personal grief, intergenerational support dynamics, and reconstructing family identity. Grandmothers oscillate between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping, with grief intensity varying by relational proximity—most profound when losing their own child. They provide emotional and practical support to surviving grandchildren, …

Unsuitable Underlying Cause-Of-Death Statements: Implementation And Evaluation Of A Structured Process For Healthcare Providers Certifying Natural Causes Of Death In An Outpatient Setting, Naida Rutherford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Accuracy in death certification is crucial for effective public health initiatives. Inaccuracies in unsuitable Underlying Cause-of-Death (UCOD) statements can distort mortality statistics, influence health policy, and impact resource allocation. In South Carolina, changes in the death registration process and the introduction of an unsuitable cause-of-death list highlighted an urgent need for structured training among certifiers to enhance accuracy in death documentation.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a standardized training program for healthcare providers certifying natural causes of death and assessing the impact of reducing the unsuitable underlying cause-of-death inaccuracies in an outpatient hospice setting.

Project …

Temporomandibular Joint Articular Eminence Anatomy As A Predictor Of Anterior Disc Displacement On Mri, Serin Lee

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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A Rare Case: Dental Panoramic Radiograph Leads To The Diagnosis Of A Large Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm, Vivek Sharma

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Inpatient Genetics Service And Testing Trends: A Retrospective Multi-Institution Analysis (2021-2024), Travis Schreier

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo) And Abdominal Complications In Adults: Identifying The Risk Factors, Tyler Austin

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Assessing The Impact Of A Resident Wellness Curriculum: A Retrospective Study In An Internal Medicine Residency Program, Ram Prakash Thirugnanasambandam

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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The Effect Of Pitch Clock Rules On Pitching Injuries In Milb From 2012 To 2024, Scott Goodsell

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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The Hamate: An Unexpected Fracture, Jackson Bagby

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Temporal Trends Of Obesity Among Nebraska Adults: Emr Data Shows A More Rapid Increase Than Projected, Elizabeth Gibson

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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An Atypical Cause Of Headache In An Athlete, Brittany Weaver

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Cold Truths Exposed: An Uncommon Culprit Of Neonatal Hypothermia, Stephanie Radil

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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The Experiences Of Adolescent Caregivers Of A Parent With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Barbara Thornton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In many families in the United States, minor children fulfill care duties for sick or disabled family members living within the children’s homes. Although there is extensive research and established support systems for adult family caregivers in the context of long-term illness, children in this caregiving role have been largely overlooked, resulting in a lack of support services to meet their unique needs and challenges. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of children who serve as caregivers for parents with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and terminal …

Dordt University: An Aromatic Outpost, Erik Hoekstra

The Voice

No abstract provided.

Creating A Positive Social-Emotional Learning Environment For Transgender Students: A Post-Pandemic Participatory Action Research, Mark Christopher Maranto

Dissertations

This qualitative research employing participatory action protocols (PAR) engages a limited number of gender minority adolescents (current transgender, nonbinary, and gender-fluid secondary students) and allied staff members at one large Midwestern public high school district. The principal purpose is to improve transgender secondary student schooling experiences. This study extends the current educational discourse on SEL (social-emotional learning) in post-pandemic high schools as far as the commitment to improving students' sense of belonging, growth mindset, resilience, and well-being should be a top priority for all educators. The primary researcher positions all participants as co-researchers to explore ways that could improve the …

Resiliency Training For Music Therapy Students During Fieldwork Experiences, Crystal Weaver

Dissertations

All music therapy undergraduate and equivalency students in the United States must complete 1,200 hours of fieldwork experience to obtain degree conferment from an accredited and approved higher education program (American Music Therapy Association, 2023b, p. 1). While engaging in fieldwork had several benefits for music therapy students, such as the opportunity to build practical experience and refine skills, the experience also involved several challenges (Forinash, 2019; Tien & Trang, 2020). A challenge not yet thoroughly examined by faculty and staff within higher education music therapy programs was student mental health. To date, researchers had not examined the prevalence of …

2025 Nsu Undergraduate Commencement Program, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

May 5, 2025

• Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center
• Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
• College of Psychology
• H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Shepard Broad College of Law

May 6, 2025

• Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
• Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing