Digital Commons Network^™

Implementing A Forensic Educational Package For Registered Nurses In Two Emergency Departments In Western Australia, Christine M. Michel

Theses

The results of violence are a major public health problem that infiltrates hospital emergency departments (ED) daily. Often, ED nurses are the first healthcare professionals to see patients, speak with family members, handle personal property and collect laboratory specimens. Such actions can be of extreme importance to the 27 different categories of forensic patients. To adequately address forensic patient issues, ED nurses need exposure to forensic education. The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical forensic education package on ED nurses’ perceptions, knowledge and care of forensic patients. To accomplish this aim, this …

Health-Care Seeking Behaviors Of Puerto Ricans With Diabetes Mellitus Who Live In South Florida: An Exploratory Study, Laura Gonzalez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Latinos are the fastest growing minority population in the United States (U.S.) and have the worst access to health care of any ethnic group. The chronic disease of diabetes is twice as common in adult Latinos as in non-Latino whites, and the risk of death related to diabetes is twofold. Reasons for this disparity have yet to be clearly identified. This study had two purposes: 1) to explore cultural beliefs regarding health-care seeking behaviors in Puerto Ricans with diabetes who live in South Florida; and 2) to examine Puerto Ricans' perceptions about their health-care providers. The cultural phenomena of interest …

The Impact Of A Nurse-Driven Evidence-Based Discharge Planning Protocol On Organizational Efficiency And Patient Satisfaction In, Tracey King

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Healthcare organizations are mandated to improve quality and safety for patients while stressed with shorter lengths of stay, communication lapses between disciplines, and patient throughput issues that impede timely delivery of patient care. Nurses play a prominent role in the safe transition of patients from admission to discharge. Although nurses participate in discharge planning, limited research has addressed the role and outcomes of the registered nurse as a leader in the process. The aim of this study was determine if implementation of a nurse-driven discharge planning protocol for patients undergoing cardiac implant would result in improved organizational efficiencies, higher …

A Comparison Of Computer And Traditional Face-To-Face Classroom Orientation For Beginning Critical Care Nurses, Patricia Anzalone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Education of the novice critical care nurse has traditionally been conducted by critical care educators in face-to-face classes in an orientation or internship. A shortage of qualified educators and growth in electronic modes of course delivery has led organizations to explore electronic learning (e-learning) to provide orientation to critical care nursing concepts. Equivalence of e-learning versus traditional critical care orientation has not been studied. The primary aim of this study was to examine the equivalency of knowledge attainment in the cardiovascular module of the Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO) e-learning program to traditional face-to-face critical care orientation classes …

Towards Addressing The Opportunities And Challenges Of Web 2.0 For Health And Informatics, P. J. Murray, M. Cabrer, Margaret M. Hansen Edd, Msn, Rn, C. Paton, P. L. Elkin, W. S. Erdley

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: To provide an overview of Web 2.0 and Health 2.0, and so facilitate a widespread discussion of the nature of these concepts and their possible application within the health domain, and implications for health and biomedical informatics and for IMIA. Methods: IMIA, the International Medical Informatics Association, has established a Web 2.0 Exploratory Taskforce to bring together interested individuals from within and outside IMIA to explore the nature and potential of Web 2.0 applications. The Taskforce aims to develop background materials and sample uses of Web 2.0 applications, so as to propose specific lines of action for the IMIA …

The Physical And Mental Health Of Spouse Caregivers In Dementia: Finding Meaning As A Mediator Of Burden, Susan M. Mclennon

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of caregiver burden on the physical and mental health of caregivers of spouses with dementia and to determine if finding meaning through caregiving mediated the relationship between burden and health. This was a cross-sectional, correlational study in a convenience sample of 84 community-residing spouse caregivers of adults with dementia recruited from North- Central Florida. Measures included the Zarit Burden Interview, the Finding Meaning through Caregiving Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36, version 2. Data analyses consisted of descriptive, correlational, and standard multiple regression statistical methods. The sample consisted of …

Session 1: Public Health Nutrition Breast-Feeding Practices In Ireland, Roslyn Tarrant, John Kearney

Articles

Breast-feeding is the superior infant feeding method from birth, with research consistently demonstrating its numerous short- and long-term health benefits for both mother and infant. As a global recommendation the WHO advises that mothers should exclusively breast-feed for the first 6-months of life, thus delaying the introduction of solids during this time. Historically, Irish breast-feeding initiation rates have remained strikingly low in comparison with international data and there has been little improvement in breast-feeding duration rates. There is wide geographical variation in terms of breast-feeding initiation both internationally and in Ireland. Some of these differences in breast-feeding rates may be …

Occupational Stressors, Job Satisfaction, And Back Pain In Firefighters, Mantana Damrongsak

All ETDs from UAB

Occupational back pain is a significant health and safety problem in many industrialized countries for persons who are required to perform work-related forceful movement and lifting. Firefighters, an occupational group at high risk for back injury, perform many job tasks under hazardous work conditions. One-third of firefighters retire due to job-related health and safety problems and 49.4% of this group retire as a result of back pain, the leading cause of early retirements in firefighters. Most studies have examined factors influencing back problems among other workers, especially nurses and hospital workers, but few studies have investigated factors that influence back …

Bridging The Theory Practice Gap, Judith Wilson

Nursing Papers and Journal Articles

The gap between theory and practice has long been identified as a problem in nursing and midwifery. In the past this has been described as an “embarrassing failure” (Rafferty et al., 1996 p.685) and presently there is a strong consensus that the existence of this gap is not only pressing but increasing (Spouse 2001; Landers 2000).

This article reports the findings of a qualitative descriptive study conducted. The purpose of this study was to explore the theory practice gap from the perspective of the midwifery student. This was considered to be a unique angle on this well researched and debated …

Towards A Conceptual Framework For Preceptorship In The Clinical Education Of Undergraduate Nursing Students, Melanie Zilembo, Leanne Monterosso

Nursing Papers and Journal Articles

A recent study undertaken by the authors (2007) highlighted that undergraduate nursing students were subjected to varying experiences in clinical practice, which were mediated by a number of factors. Mediating factors included continuity of preceptors, student attitudes, the clinical setting environment, student and preceptor expectations of the clinical practice experience and interactions between the student and preceptor.

Of note, interactions with preceptors were seen to 'make or break' the practical experience. Therefore, the relationship that is forged between preceptor and student is vital in shaping the student's experience of the clinical area and of the real world of nursing work. …

Exploring The Experience Of Benefit Finding In Parents Of Children With Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study, Carol E. Zogran

Theses and Dissertations

The diagnosis of cancer in a child is one of the most significant stressors a parent can experience, and research in the area of stress-related effects of illness on parents has emerged in many areas. The majority of studies have focused on the potential or actual negative impact on parents during and after treatment of their child's illness. However, studies that initially set out to explore the difficulties associated with coping with childhood cancer found that parents often reported positive aspects about the experience. There is now increasing interest and support for the study of "positive-health" factors that contribute to …

Crossing Borders In Search Of The Mother-Daughter Story: Interdependence Across Time And Distance, Ruth Ann Belknap

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Although studies have identified the importance of the mother–daughter relationship and of familism in Mexican culture, there is little in the literature about the mother–daughter experience after daughters have migrated to the United States. This study explores relationships between three daughters in America and their mothers in Mexico, and describes ways in which interdependence between mothers and daughters can be maintained when they are separated by borders and distance. Data collection included prolonged engagement with participants, field notes, and tape-recorded interviews. Narrative analysis techniques were used. Findings suggest mother–daughter interdependence remains. Some aspects may change, but the mother–daughter connection continues …

Usefulness Of Electronic Hormonal Fertility Monitoring For Avoiding Pregnancy, Richard J. Fehring

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Couples wishing to achieve or avoid pregnancy can now use an electronic hormonal fertility monitor to aid home fertility monitoring. The Clearplan Easy Fertility Monitor (CPFM) is a handheld monitor designed to help couples achieve pregnancy. It provides information on three levels of fertility (low, high, and peak) based on urinary threshold levels of estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH). The monitor can be used as an aid to avoid pregnancy when used with another marker of fertility. We conducted an efficacy study to determine the effectiveness of using the monitor along with cervical mucus monitoring with 215 couples seeking to …

The Effect Of Nurse Initiated Paracetamol On Emergency Department Patients With Pain From Low Acuity Injury, Joanne G. Wilson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Early identification and management of pain was identified at the commencement of this study as a key area requiring research in emergency departments. Prolonged waiting times for analgesia especially, was highlighted in the National Institute of Clinical Studies emergency department collaborative in 2003. Many barriers exist for a patient to receive analgesia. In Western Australia this is compounded by the legislation which restricts prescribing rights for nurses. Three considerations guided the development of the research project. Firstly, the patient has initial contact with the emergency department from the nurse at triage. Secondly, paracetamol was recognised as a potentially effective analgesic …

Bridging The Gap With Old Order Amish: A Cultural Brokering Model Based On Culture Care Theory, Sharon M. Mcgill

Theses and Graduate Projects

The Old Order Amish people have chosen to live a humble lifestyle consistent with their cultural beliefs and values. This lifestyle guides the Amish people in utilizing home based care (generic care) for their everyday health need.s and professional care (Western medical- care) to meet their needs during a health crisis. In fact many Old Order Amish seek professional care as the last resort. The purpose of this protect is to develop a model of advanced transcultural nursing practice that bridges the gaps between the Old Order Amish generic care practices and Western professional health care practices - This model …

A Comparison Of An Individually Tailored And A Standardized Asthma Self-Management Education Program, Judy Ann Shackelford

Dissertations

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2003). According to the CDC (2003), prevalence of asthma continues to rise in epidemic proportions and is very costly. While asthma cannot be prevented or cured, it can be controlled to improve quality of life. Self-management is key to controlling asthma (CDC, 2003; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI], 2002). State of the science for asthma self-management establishes that health care costs decrease for self-management intervention groups (Lindberg et al, 2002; Thoonen et al, 2003). Education is essential to support asthma …

Missouri Ozark Women's Experiences Of Living With Postpartum Depression Symptoms, Nathalie B. Williams

Dissertations

Depression is a serious complication of the postpartum period that affects not only women but their children and families as well. Rural women are of particular concern because of the significant barriers to health care that they experience as a result of isolation, poverty, traditional beliefs, and a lack of accessible and adequate health related services. A review of the literature to identify evidence based nursing interventions that focused on primary and secondary prevention of postpartum depression revealed few interventions and there were no studies identified that targeted or even included women living in rural areas of the United States. …

Leadership Competencies In Today's Complex Healthcare Environment, Judy Moseley

Theses and Graduate Projects

The increasingly diverse, multicultural population in the United States is offering significant challenges to nurses to provide culturally competent care. If the provision of the best possible care for all patients is the goal, nurse leaders must have the expertise and skill to lead staff through the complex problems of organizations. Nurses must possess the ability to generate solutions consistent with the organization's mission and with sensitivity to the needs of a diverse patient population. Through the interconnected processes of teaching and practice, an innovative Master of Arts in Nursing program that emphasizes transcultural nursing practice experience for leaders was …

An Integral Philosophy And Definition Of Nursing, Olga F. Jarrin

School of Nursing Scholarly Works

A unifying meta-theory of nursing is suggested, building from the foundation of the AQAL framework. A definition of nursing as situated caring is presented, along with a historical discussion of nursing epistemology and theory for context. Implications for practice, education, and research are also discussed. A unifying meta-theory will enable nurses at both the practical and academic levels to appreciate the complexity and simplicity of nursing, allowing them to articulate confidently what we do and why we do it.

Dyadic Relationship Scale: A Measure Of The Impact Of The Provision And Receipt Of Family Care, Margaret Sebern, Carol J. Whitlatch

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Dyadic Relationship Scale (DRS), which measures negative and positive dyadic interactions from the perspective of both the patient and the family caregiver. An important aspect of evaluating the DRS was that it be statistically sound and meaningful for both members of the dyad. Design and Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design. Survey packages were mailed to home health care patients and their family caregivers. The unit of analysis was the dyad, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. We examined the reliability, discriminant, and concurrent validities of the instrument. …

Factors Influencing Cancer Screening Practices Of Underserved Women, Kelly Ackerson, Kimberlee A. Gretebeck

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: This integrated review was conducted to evaluate the factors that inhibit or promote decisions by African American and Hispanic women to obtain cervical cancer screening.

Data sources: Research articles were identified using MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health literature, published between 1999 and 2005.

Conclusions: Cervical cancer screening practices of African American and Hispanic women were influenced by extrinsic motivators including lack of insurance, no usual source of health care, acculturation, and socioeconomic factors. Intrinsic motivators were related to beliefs and perceptions of vulnerability, such as ignoring cervical cancer screening when no symptoms were present; …

Graduate Project To Explore Factors Affecting Completion Of Final Degree Requirements For A Master Degree In Nursing, Sharon Gentile

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to explore issues that influence Master Degree completion as perceived by graduate nursing students, using focus groups. All eight graduate nursing student participants recently completed structured coursework, but had not submitted a final paper or project. Margaret Newman's Health as an Expanding Consciousness Nursing Theory was applied as the conceptual framework used to process the information obtained. Dialogue between moderator and participants occurred during accompaniment enabling valuable information to be elicited, and participants' personal clarification of concerns; therefore establishing praxis. Issues emerged related to adult learners seeking defined expectations and effective relationships with advisors. …

Rain Rhythms: Fall 2007 - Spring 2008, College Of Nursing & Professional Disciplines

RAIN Rhythms

No abstract provided.

Loma Linda Nurse - Vol. 16, No. 01, Loma Linda University School Of Nursing

Loma Linda Nurse

Contents

3 | Message from the dean

4 | News from the school

6 | My Years at Loma Linda: Longtime faculty member Eva Miller shares her story

10 | Feature - Adeeba Evans

12 | LLUSN survey

13 | Letter from the alumni president

14 | Alumni homecoming

19 | Remembering Hazel Wood

20 | Alumni feature - Marjorie Whitney

Health Promotion In 7 Minutes, Cathy Abell, Maria Eve Main, M. Susan Jones

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Profiling The Quality Of End Of Life Care, Catherine Murton

All Theses

ABSTRACT
Despite increased national debate regarding quality of life and quality of care at the end of life, patients in the United States continue to die primarily in hospitals experiencing a myriad of distressing symptoms, leaving caregivers and healthcare professionals wondering if caring for the dying will ever change in this country. There are alternatives available, but it is necessary to assess current conditions for dying patients in order to change the status quo in end of life care. Profiling how patients experience the last few months of life, as well as their terminal hospital stay, is a starting point …

Sense Of Coherence, Spirituality, Stress And Quality Of Life In Chronic Illness, Cheryl Delgado

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Using Evidence-Based Practice To Reduce Ventilator Associated Pneumonia, Kathleen Ohman

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Parental Decision Making In The Administration Of Stimulant Medication For Their Latency Age Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd), Randye Kay Phd, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine parental decision making in the administration of stimulant medication to their latency age children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Research has shown that psychostimulants, used to treat ADHD are effective for 75-90% of children (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2001), however children do not take their medication from 20-65% of the time. A qualitative study using a type of grounded theory, dimensional analysis (Schatzman, 1991), was conducted to study the experiences of fourteen parents whose children began medication treatment between the ages of 5 and 12. Semi stuctured, audiotaped …

Comeback Of Appalachian Female Stroke Survivors: The Interrelationships Of Cognition, Function, Self-Concept, Interpersonal, And Social Relationships., Patricia Mckenzie Vanhook

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine the comeback phase of the Trajectory of Chronic Illness Management for Appalachian women stroke survivors. This study predicted comeback as a relationship between physical healing, biographical reengagement, and psychological coming to terms that was mediated by rehabilitation.

The concepts were evaluated through investigation of function and cognitive abilities, self-assessment of recovery, health rating, ability to control life, relationship changes, physical and mental health, and limitations of activities due to poor physical or mental health. Data were collected using, the Stroke Impact Scale (3.0) (Duncan, Bode, Lia, & Perera, 2003), the …