Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating Changes In Infant Behavior During Examination In The Parents Lap Versus The Examination Table, Kelli May Davidson

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental two-group study was to determine if any changes in infant behavior occurred during examination in the parent's lap or on an examination table.

Factors Which Influence College-Aged Men To Perform Testicular Self-Examinât I On, Keith Odendahl

MSN Research Projects

Testicular cancer (TC) has been determined to be the most common malignancy in men 15 to 34 years of age. An estimated 7,400 new cases of TC will be diagnosed in 1999, and approximately 3 00 men will die this year from TC. Evidence suggests the incidence of TC is on the rise in North America, especially among Caucasian men. However, TC is nearly 100% curable if detected in its early stages. Testicular self-examination (TSE), a strategy employed by men to detect TC in its early stages, has not been endorsed by leading authorities on cancer. Education on the disease …

Effects Of Cns Injury Education On High School Students' Knowledge And Attitudes, Kelli May Davidson

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental two-group study was to determine if any changes in infant behavior occurred during examination in the parent's lap or on an examination table.

Emergency Contraception: A National Survey Of Nurse Practitioners' Attitudes And Management Practices, Felicia Ellison

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an educational intervention on high school students' knowledge and attitudes about CNS injuries.

Prenatal Care In African-American Women, Sylvia Blanchard

MSN Research Projects

The focus of this descriptive study was to describe the facilitators and barriers to prenatal care for African-American women in rural northeast Mississippi.

Teaching Health-Promotion Knowledge To Post-Stroke Patients, Angela Atkinson

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental, one-group test-retest study was to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching health-promotion knowledge to post-stroke patients.

The Use Of Hormone Replacement Therapy In Rural Southern Women, Angela Whitehead Campbell

MSN Research Projects

This study examined the use or nonuse of hormone replacement therapy in rural southern women.

Effects Of Cns Injury Education On High School Students' Knowledge And Attitudes, Felicia Ellison

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an educational intervention on high school students' knowledge and attitudes about CNS injuries.

Method Of Exercise Intstruction And Exercise Frequency Among Older Women Diagnosed With Osteoporosis, Tina D. Highfill

MSN Research Projects

Osteoporosis is a major health concern for 8 million women in the US. Although there is no cure, exercise has been identified as a preventive measure against bone loss. Medical costs for osteoporosis are expected to be $60 billion by 2020. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in the method of exercise instruction and frequency of exercise among older women diagnosed with osteoporosis. Orem’s Self- Care Deficit Theory of Nursing has been selected as the theoretical framework. A nonexperimental, comparison design was used. A convenient sample consisted of 16 females over age 50, …

Gender Discrimination In Nursing, Robert Swanson

MSN Research Projects

Gender discrimination related to women's struggles to gain access to career ladders and equal compensation within a male-dominated society has been documented. However, little research has been conducted regarding discrimination among male nurses in a female-dominated work environment. In particular, there is a paucity of empirical data regarding male nurses in advanced clinical practice. As the number of male nurse practitioners increases, there is heightened concern about discrimination. The purpose of this study was to determine whether male nurse practitioners perceived gender discrimination in the workplace. Using Leininger's (1991) Theory of Cultural Care Diversity and Universality and Trentham and Larwood's …

Evaluation Of Online Course Discussions: Faculty Facilitation Of Active Student Learning, Leona Vandevusse, Lisa Hanson

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Graduate nursing faculty evaluated their initial experiences with online course discussions after making the transition from traditional use of weekly face-to-face classroom discussions to primarily computer-based interactions with students at distant sites. The online discussion data were analyzed qualitatively. The ways the faculty member communicated to facilitate active student involvement in the online discussions were coded. Six categories were identified that describe the ways the faculty member communicated to facilitate active student involvement in online discussions: assist with navigation, explain expectations, clarify faculty role, stimulate critical thinking, share expertise, and provide encouragement. Examples of each were provided to demonstrate ways …

A Study To Determine Why Some Women Age Fifty And Over Choose Not To Have Frequent Papanicolaou Tests, Dorothy Hicks-Burchwell

Masters Theses

This discriptive study used the Health Belief Model to examine the benefits, barriers, and action cues to obtaining Papanicolaou tests perceived by women age 50 and older. A convenience sample of 48 women were interviewed. Comparisons were made between those who obtained Papanicolaou tests at least every three years (n = 24) and those who did not (n = 24)..

One cue to action and four perceived benefits were found to be important influences. Women who had received Papanicolaou tests less frequently than every three years agreed that certain barriers had influenced their decisions more than women who had received …

Commencement Program 2000, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | 2000 Events of Commencement

3 | The Academic Procession

4 | The Speakers

10 | The University Honorees

16 | The School Honorees

26 | The Programs

• School of Medicine, 27
• School of Dentistry, 34
• Graduate School, 41
• School of Nursing, 50
• School of Allied Health Professions - Physical Therapy, 55
• School of Allied Health Professions, 61
• School of Public Health, 69

The Relationship Between Companion Animals And Health Status Among Older Adults Living In The Community, Agnes M. Eytchison

Master's Projects

A study was conducted on 18 older adult pet owners and non-pet owners residing in a mobile home park to determine self-perception of health status and the level of attachment to pets. Self-reported health status was high and equal for both pet owners and non-pet owners. The level of attachment to the pets was also high. Studies have demonstrated human-animal interactions being beneficial to both individuals and families; but for many residents of mobile home parks and common interest developments, such as condominiums and townhouses, rules prevent companion animal ownership. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) aware of the benefits of animal …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Urinary Continence Program With Urinary Incontinent Rehabilitation Patients, Pat Emmons

Master's Projects

This study used a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the outcomes of a continence program in a rehabilitation center with patients receiving therapies (N=l2) and to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the rehabilitation staff (N=27) before and after reviewing a teaching module about urinary incontinence. Roy's adaptation theory was used as the conceptual framework for this research project. The tools used for data collection were: the Functional Independence Measure {FIM), daily 24 hour incontinence logs, pre/post true and false knowledge tests and pre/post staff attitude questionnaires. Eleven of the 12 patients admitted to the program had improved FIM scores and …

A Comparison Of Perceived Nurse Practitioner Practice Barriers, Katherine Kinner

Master's Projects

Novice nurse practitioners (NP) face unique obstacles to practice. Few studies examine factors influencing early NP clinical performance. Therefore, this research project analyzed data obtained from 243 members of an NP professional organization, who were asked to identify barriers encountered within the first 3 years of practice. Responses were received from beginning and more experienced NPs. The top 3 barriers named were lack of public knowledge, lack of positions for NPs, and a lower salary than anticipated. The promotion of NP assets through expanded media coverage and individual educational efforts, the national standardization of the role, and the elimination of …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The "Youth Leadership" Class In The Prevention Of Adolescent Depression, Jacqueline Oria

Master's Projects

Depression in adolescence is a common and potentially life-threatening health problem. Depending upon the severity of symptoms, anywhere from 2% to 40% of teenagers are affected with depression (Sadler, 1993). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of prevention strategies on decreasing the rate of depression in adolescents. It is hoped that a class addressing specific skills identified as having an impact on adolescent depression will affect the youth participating in the program.

Nurse Practitioners' Attitudes And Knowledge Toward Cpt Coding, Tanya Lee Sa

Master's Projects

This survey of nurse practitioners (NPs) determined their knowledge and attitudes regarding Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Overall, NPs lacked the requisite knowledge and did not perceive the significance of this essential reimbursement strategy.

Culture Of Origin And Illness Attribution: The Implications Of Cross-Cultural Awareness For Health Care Professionals, Eri Matsumoto-Lyons

Master's Projects

People from different cultural backgrounds have different beliefs and perceptions concerning health and illness. Differing illness beliefs between health professionals and patients may result in conflicting expectations regarding treatment choice and outcome. This non-experimental research was designed to explore illness attribution among Caucasian, Hispanics, and Asians with chronic or acute illness. The results suggest that there was no significant difference in illness attribution beliefs between the three ethnic groups; however, primary language, years spent in U.S., and educational backgrounds were associated with differences in illness attribution. Health care providers must think of culture in a broader spectrum than just race …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Teaching Program On The Care Provided To Jewish Clients, Ilana Cood Withop

Master's Projects

The purpose of this qualitative evaluation study was to determine how an educational program provided to nursing students changed their perceptions of the care they provided to Jewish clients. A teaching program on Jewish beliefs and culture was given to ten baccalaureate nursing students who were providing care to Jewish older adults through one of the university's Academic Nurse Managed Centers. The teaching program was given early in the semester and students were interviewed four and eight weeks later to determine how the teaching program influenced their interactions with clients. Three major themes emerged from the interview data: a) increased …

Noneconomic Barriers To Health Care Utilization By African-Americans, Johnie M. Tarver Phd, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

Many efforts have been made to maximize the utilization of health cue system. As a result the utilization of health care system by African Americans has increased, improving the health status (Blendon, Aiken, Freeman, & Corey, 1989). While some improvements have been made, recent reports show disparities between African Americans and Caucasians in the utilization of health care systems and in their health status. Barriers have been identified among those in the lower social economic status (SES). These barriers impede health care utilization and negatively affect health status. However, studies show that among some African Americans when health care is …

Factors Influencing Compliance In The Treatment Of Elderly Hypertensive Vietnamese Clients, Cuong Phu Pham

Master's Projects

Little is known about health care beliefs and practices among Vietnamese elderly persons living in the United States. In general, studies of patient compliance with medical advice consistently demonstrate a high level of noncompliance. Not following recommendations can have serious negative consequences in the management of disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate compliance among a group of elderly Vietnamese clients with the plan given to them by their physicians for control of hypertension. Because the literature reports a high correlation between income and level of education with compliance in other groups, these factors were also studied as …

Perceived Barriers To The Teaching Of Critical Thinking Skills By Nursing Faculty In Generic Bsn Programs In Tennessee, Renee C. Shell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teaching critical thinking is a national education goal. The ability to think critically is considered an essential skill of nursing graduates and is a necessary component of competent nursing practice. Therefore, nursing programs must address critical thinking for accreditation. The literature reports that teachers in all areas of education are having difficulties infusing critical thinking teaching strategies into their current teaching practices and critical thinking is lacking in new nursing graduates. This research study sought to identify barriers to the implementation of critical thinking teaching strategies as perceived by nursing faculty in generic, BSN programs in Tennessee. Data were collected …

The Lived Experience Of Older Mexcian American Adults With Type 2, Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Lizza C. Abella

Master's Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of Mexican American older adults with type 2, non-insulin dependent diabetes. Research design and results: A phenomenological research approach was used when interviewing a sample of ten English speaking Mexican American older adults in Santa Clara County, California. Three collective themes were identified: Emotions prevalent in living with diabetes, diabetes' impact on life, and cultural factors affecting diabetes self care. Discussion/conclusions/implications: A duality of thoughts and experiences in living with diabetes, and the strong influence of culture and its beliefs characterize the life-world of Mexican American non-insulin dependent …

Attitudes, Knowledge, And Practice Strategies Of Nurse Practitioners In The State Of California Regarding Complementary Therapy, Steven J. Lenthe

Master's Projects

Context: This is a replication of a study by Boucher and Lenz (1) concerning knowledge and attitudes of physicians in a Midwestern teaching hospital about complementary therapy. Approval for use of all or any part of the original questionnaire was obtained from the authors. Objective: To discover the attitudes, knowledge, and practice strategies related to complementary therapy by nurse practitioners in the state of California. Conclusion: Overall nurse practitioners view the combination of complementary therapies and allopathic medicine as beneficial to positive outcomes for their clients. Nurse practitioners in the State of California appear to be knowledgeable in the purposes …

Accommodationg Nursing Students With Learning Disablities, Debrayh Gaylle

Master's Projects

This study examined factors that facilitated or hindered the process of accommodating learning disabled nursing students in the classroom. Surveys were mailed to 300 faculty at associate and baccalaureate degree schools of nursing. The survey focused on faculty members' degree of ease or difficulty in providing accommodations, their perceptions of the adequacy of institutional support, and their own beliefs and understanding of the accommodation process. Analysis of the 109 returned surveys suggest the majority of faculty understood the need for accommodations. The majority of respondents stated they received adequate support from their respective institutions and were able to provide the …

Relationship Between Scholastic And Health Behaviors And Reading Level In Adolescent Females, Steven C. Matson, Kristin Haglund

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

This was a study of 102 adolescent females, 12-20 years of age, presenting to a central city clinic for medical care. Participants completed an oral questionnaire that included demographics, and questions regarding scholastic history, sexual behavior, and substance use. Each subject completed the Accuracy Level Test (ALT), a reading test. The subject's reading test grade level was subtracted from her appropriate grade in school to give a reading delay level (RDL). The mean reading grade level for all subjects was 6.7 ±2.6 and the average reading delay was 4.5 ±2.5 grades. Poor school attenders had greater reading delays (5.8 ±3.4 …

Ua66/14/1 Advisory Board Meeting, Wku Nursing

WKU Administration Documents

Meeting minutes of the WKU Nursing Advisory Board/

Missionary Nurse Dorothy Davis Cook, 1940–1972: "Mother Of Swazi Nurses", Susan Elaine Elliott Phd

Dissertations

Dramatically absent from nursing's historical knowledge and professional recognition are the lives, roles, contributions, and legacies of Christian faith-based nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ministry and service of Sister Tutor Dorothy Davis Cook, Church of the Nazarene missionary nurse in the African country of Swaziland 1940 to 1972. The multi-dimensional, multi-task expanded roles manifested in her integration of Christian missionary and nurse were explored and her legacy identified. The most significant primary source for this study was Mrs. Cook herself. She was interviewed on three occasions and has provided personal documents, journals, and photographs. Data …

Adolescent Perceptions Of Parent-Adolescent Communication And Adolescent Pregnancy, Susan L. Tohm Lloyd Phd, Ms, Rn

Dissertations

Identification of adolescent perceptions of parent-adolescent communication, a significant factor in family functioning and connectedness, is important if effective interventions are to be provided by health care professionals related to decreasing the number as well as the adverse effects of adolescent pregnancy in the United States. The purpose of this descriptive, non-experimental, triangulated study was to examine the relationship between the perceived quality and effectiveness of parent-adolescent communication and pregnancy from the perspective of pregnant adolescent women in the Banning/Beaumont area of southern California. The theoretical framework for this study was based on adolescent and family developmental theories, family communication …