Digital Commons Network^™

For Hospitalized Dementia Patients, Do Nonpharmacological Interventions Reduce Agitation?, Benjamin Buck, Ann Ferris, Amanda Hanley, Jamie Trythall

All Nursing Boot Camp Posters

No abstract provided.

The Experiences Of Black American Older Adults Managing Pain: A Nursing Ethnography, Sheria Grice Robinson

Wayne State University Dissertations

Introduction: Pain can negatively affect quality of life for Black elders. They are less likely to report pain concerns and have voiced pain needs adequately met. To better understand the pain management experiences and concerns of Black elders, an ethnographic study was completed within an urban, low-income, elder housing facility. Methods: 106 participants completed a questionnaire comprised of a demographic tool, the PROMIS Global Health Scale (PROMIS), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM-9). Additionally, participant observation, informal interviews, and 20 formal recorded interviews with individuals identified as having pain were completed. Qualitative and frequency analysis …

A Transition-To-Practice Residency That Supports The Nurse Practitioner In A Critical Access Hospital, Nancy Jean Stock

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Access to health care in rural communities is challenged by workforce shortages. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been filling the gap created by physician migration into specialty areas. Flex hospital legislation allows critical access hospitals (CAHs) to staff the emergency department with NPs or physician assistants without on-site physicians. NP education often lacks emergency and trauma curriculum, resulting in gaps in education and practice expectations and leading to significant role transition stress and turnover. The purpose of this project was to construct an evidence-based transition-to-practice residency program to support NPs providing emergency department care in the CAH. Theoretical frameworks used to …

Caring Minds, University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston School Of Nursing

Caring Minds

No abstract provided.

African Americans' Culturally Specific Approaches To The Management Of Diabetes, Ida J. Spruill, Gayenell S. Magwood Phd, Rn, Faha, Faan, Lynne S. Nemeth, Tiffany H. Williams

Publications

Spirituality is an important multidimensional cultural resource and coping strategy used by many African Americans for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Yet, few studies examine meaning and interpretation of colloquial terms frequently used for coping within the context of a community culture. We designed an interpretive qualitative study to gain a deeper understanding of a colloquial phrase, "I ain't claiming it," used among Project SuGar research participants when discussing diabetes. Thematic analysis revealed two major themes, Acknowledgment and Denial, as coping mechanisms through an active or passive relationship with God. Sub-theme of acknowledgment was presented as front seat driver …

Improving Depression Care For Older Home Health Patients, Sarah R. Schirmer

DNP Projects

Rates of depression in older home healthcare (HH) patients are highly prevalent. Although depression in this population is associated with increased rates of re-hospitalization, falls, and suicides, it is frequently under diagnosed and under treated. This Capstone Report examined this problem through three interrelated manuscripts. The first manuscript explored the problem through a review of the literature. This review determined that while there are many barriers to adequate depression care, programs that train clinicians to screen for depression and connect patients to depression care encourage adequate evaluation and treatment and can result in clinically significant changes in depression scores. This …

Mennonite College Of Nursing Annual Report, 2014-2015, Mennonite College Of Nursing

Annual Reports - Mennonite College of Nursing

Annual report of the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University

Psychobiobehavioral Model For Preterm Birth In Pregnant Women In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Shahirose S. Premji, Ilona S. Yim, Aliyah Dosani (Mawji), Zeenatkhanu Kanji, Salima Sulaiman, Wangira Musana, Pauline Samia, Kiran Shaikh, Nicole Letourneau

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Preterm birth (PTB) is a final common outcome resulting from many interrelated etiological pathways; of particular interest is antenatal psychosocial distress (i.e., stress, anxiety, and depression). In LMI countries, both exposure to severe life stressors and rate of PTB are on average greater when compared with high-income countries. In LMI countries women are exposed to some of the most extreme psychosocial stress worldwide (e.g., absolute poverty, limited social resources). High prevalence of antenatal stress and depression have been observed in some studies from LMI countries. We propose a psychosocial, biological, and behavioral model for investigating the complex multisystem interactions in …

Sleep, Depressive Symptoms And Cognition In Older Adults And Caregivers Of Persons With Dementia, Glenna Shemida Brewster

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Caregivers of persons with dementia, who are often older adults, report sleep disturbance, high rates of depressive symptoms and may be at risk for impaired cognition. This dissertation examined sleep, depressive symptoms, and cognition in older adults and caregivers of persons with dementia. The aims of the review of literature were to understand, in community dwelling adults 60 years and older, the relationships among sleep parameters (sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and general sleep complaints), and the domains of cognition (Executive Function, Attention, Episodic Memory, Working Memory, Processing Speed), and global cognition. Based …

Evidence Based Falls Management Program In The Nursing Home, Deloris Jacobs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The cost of fall injuries for both nursing homes and patients can be staggering. Facilities can incur large financial penalties following notices of severe deficiencies from regulatory agencies and will incur substantial legal fees in the event of a wrongful injury or death lawsuit. Patients injured in falls are at risk of increased financial costs for care in the nursing home as well as a lower quality of life. They are likely to incur co-pay or coinsurance costs for care by physicians and other professional services, and costs for rehabilitative services, out of pocket expenses, medical equipment, prescription drugs, and …

Implementation And Evaluation Of An Oral Hygiene Program In Long-Term Care, Lawrence P. Lemos

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

A review of the literature focusing on oral care within long-term care (LTC) suggests positive resident care outcomes occur when standardized practices are employed. Studies of staff education programs, trained oral hygiene aides, and dental hygienists working within LTC, have linked regular oral hygiene practices to decreased pneumonia rates. While these studies make the connection between good oral hygiene and reducing risk for pneumonia, best practices focused on implementing and sustaining an oral hygiene program in LTC facilities are lacking. The aim of this quality improvement project was to ensure that dependent residents in LTC receive assistance with daily oral …

An Evaluation Of Fall Prevention Interventions Among Older Adults In A Long Term Care Facility, Courtney Anita Bennett

Doctoral Projects

Falls are serious unwanted events that are a common occurrence among older adults in long term care facilities (LTC). Fall prevention in LTC facilities requires the efforts of an interprofessional team that promotes safety within an organization. The purpose of this capstone project is to implement and evaluate evidence-based fall prevention interventions at a LTC facility. Specific objectives of the project include: (a) providing education to healthcare professionals on evidence-based practices to recognize, assess, and prevent falls among older adults in a long term care facility and (b) replacing the existing fall prevention policy and program with a falls and …

Inflammation And Its Role In Our Health: Can A Plant-Based Diet Prevent Disease?, Leeanne Coffman

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Chronic Conditions In Elders In Assisted Living Facilities: Associations With Daily Functioning, Self-Assessed Health, And Depressive Symptoms, Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene A. Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

The increasing life expectancy of older adults has prompted an increase in chronic conditions that may interfere with their daily living and impact physical and mental health.

Objectives

This study examined associations between commonly reported chronic conditions, daily functioning, self-assessed health, and depressive symptoms of elders.

Methods/Design

A secondary analysis of existing data from 314 elderly residents of 29 facilities was conducted.

Results

The most frequently reported conditions were arthritis (64%), hypertension (47%), and heart problems (35%). Elders who reported having all three of these most frequently reported conditions differed significantly from those who reported none or one of …

Gender Differences In Neighborhood Walking In Older Adults, N. A. Gallagher, P. J. Clarke, Kimberlee A. Gretebeck

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: This study examined mobility, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, neighborhood (density, destinations, and design), and neighborhood walking in older men (n = 106, 60-99 years, M = 76.78, SD = 8.12) and women (n = 216, 60-99 years, M = 75.81, SD = 8.46).

Method/Results: In hierarchical regression, the variables explained 32% of the variance in neighborhood walking in men (p < .001) and 27% of the variance in women (p < .01). Self-efficacy (β = .49, p < .01), density (β= .22, p < .05), and design (β= .21, p = .05) were associated with walking in men. Significant design characteristics included sidewalks (β= .25, p < .05) and crime (β= .36, p < .01). In women, self-efficacy (β= .48, p < .001) and destinations (β= .15, p < .05) were associated with walking. Walking was associated with self-efficacy for walking despite individual barriers in women (β= .38, p < .001) and neighborhood barriers in men (β= .30, p < .05).

Conclusion: Walking interventions targeting older women should incorporate local destinations. In older …

A Comparative Effectiveness Secondary Data Analysis: Selected Short Term Economic And Clinical Outcomes Of Rapid Surgical Intervention In The Geriatric Fracture Population, Susan Elizabeth Dries

Theses & Dissertations

The percentage of the U.S. population that is over 65 years of age is expected increase to over 20% by 2040. Within that geriatric population, 50% of women and 20% of men will experience osteoporotic fractures. The cost of their care is estimated in billions of dollars annually. The outcomes from osteoporotic fractures account for more morbidity than all cancers, except lung cancer, combined.

Rapid surgical intervention protocols, which reduce the time between fracture and surgical repair, are intended to improve outcomes and reduce costs. The protocols require intense care coordination and their effectiveness has not been unequivocally established. This …

Older Adult Perceptions Of The Assist Program, Joy Anthony

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Review Of Toileting Related Fall Data And Proposed Toileting Plan On Tsu An Evidence Based Practice Project, Denise Estephan Rn, Wendy Lebron Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Functional Behavioral Analysis And Social Scripting For The Older Patient With Schizophrenia: A Staff Development Program, Laura Markwick, Charlene Smith, Diane J. Mick

Nursing Faculty/Staff Publications

Executive functioning is the ability to plan, strategize, organize, and focus on details. Impaired executive functioning plays a significant role in behavior disturbances. Lack of inhibition, impaired abstract reasoning, thought perseverance, rigidity in routine, and lack of insight disrupt social skills and daily life. Autism and schizophrenia present some similar behaviors, including impaired executive functioning, often resulting in pharmacological management as many healthcare professionals receive limited training in executive functioning. Non-pharmacological tools used in autism for behavior management include functional behavioral analysis and social scripting, which help to identify causes of behavior and teach more appropriate behavioral responses. Described here …

Myasthenia Gravis: A Closer Look, Erin L. Ricker

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease that affects the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction (Mestecky, 2013). MG causes fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue. According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) (2010), 20 per 100,000 patients are diagnosed with MG, although researchers believe several more patients are misdiagnosed or missed entirely. Several neurological disorders have similar clinical presentations to MG making it difficult for inexperienced practitioners to identify and properly diagnose patients. Patients are often misdiagnosed and delayed proper treatment for one to two years after initial presentation of symptoms …

Nurse Practitioner Screening Practices For Mild Cognitive Impairment In The Older Adult, Margaret Mcilwain

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

Abstract

Nurse practitioners (NPs/APRNs) who provide primary care services may be the first line providers in situations where adults present with symptoms of memory loss and forgetfulness. Though protocols are available for evaluating dementia, specific guidelines for evaluating early cognitive changes, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), are lacking. This descriptive research project assesses the knowledge, current screening methods, and barriers to screening for MCI by nurse practitioners (APRNs) in the state of Georgia. One hundred and thirty two NPs participated in the survey. Forty-five percent of the participants were unfamiliar with the diagnostic category of MCI. Of the major barriers identified, …

Relationships Among Uncertainty, Coping, And Psychological Distress In Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment, Jennifer Sjostedt Avery

Dissertations (1934 -)

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has an average prevalence of 18.9% and most often affects people 60 years of age or older. It is a cognitive stage between normal functioning and dementia (Petersen, 2003; Petersen, 2011; Petersen et al., 2014). MCI can be broken into two subtypes classified by the presence of memory impairment (amnestic MCI) or the lack thereof (nonamnestic MCI). Medical diagnostic criteria are commonly used to guide research with older adults with MCI. A theoretical framework that addresses the antecedents and consequences of MCI, specifically one examining the relationships among MCI, uncertainty, coping and psychological distress, is essential …

Methodological Quality And Study Report Characteristics Of Current Nursing Education Research, Staci Lynn Warnert

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The state of the science of nursing education is determined by the extent of and characteristics of nursing education research. Based on previous research findings, the methodological quality of nursing education research could be much higher. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the methodological quality, funding, journal impact factor, international nature, and areas of inquiry of current nursing education research (Aim 1). The study also aimed to determine research characteristic differences between current nursing education research and research published four to six years ago (Aim 2).

For Aim 1, this study was a cross-sectional design study. Nursing education …

Self-Assessed Health In Caregivers Of Persons With Autism: Associations With Depressive Symptoms, Positive Cognitions, Resourcefulness, And Well-Being, Abir K. Bekhet

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose

Caregiving for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect family caregivers' self-assessed health. The purpose of this study was to determine whether depressive symptoms, positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being will differ significantly among those who rated their health as fair, good, or excellent.

Design and Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of 109 ASD caregivers who were recruited from the Interactive ASD Network.

Findings

Depression was significantly lower among those who rated their health as excellent than among those who rated their health as fair. Positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being were significantly higher among those who rated …

Nursing Students' Attitude And Knowledge Of Alzheimer's Disease, Michelle Kimzey

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

As the population ages, nurses must be prepared to provide care for the large number of people with Alzheimer's disease (PWAD). Research is limited on nursing students and people with AD, whether nursing education prepares students to care for this population, or the best methods to educate students in an insightful and collaborative environment. The aim of this mixed methods design study was to determine the effects of educational experiences on nursing students' knowledge and attitudes towards people with AD. The qualitative piece identified factors that influenced and explained differences in nursing students' knowledge and attitudes surrounding the care of …

Falls In The Emergency Department (Adult), Katherine Andia Bsn, Rn, Emily Joyce

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Psychometric Properties Of The Index Of Relocation Adjustment, Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

More and more American older adults are relocating to retirement communities, and they experience challenges in adjusting to new surroundings that may increase their depression and mortality. An instrument not previously tested in the United States, the Index of Relocation Adjustment (IRA), may help in early identification of poor relocation adjustment. This study examined the psychometric properties of the IRA using secondary data from a convenience sample of 104 older adults who relocated to 6 retirement communities in Northeast Ohio. Cronbach’s alpha was .86. The IRA was correlated with measures of positive cognitions (r = .48, p < .01) and relocation controllability (r = …

Strategies For Sustaining Self Used By Family Caregivers For Older Adults With Dementia, Margaret J. Bull

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

The negative health consequences of caring for an older adult family member with dementia are well documented. However, not all family caregivers experience these negative health consequences. The purposes of this study were to describe strategies family caregivers use to help them continue to provide care for an older family member with dementia despite challenges and describe these family caregivers’ resilience and psychological distress. A mixed methods design was used with a narrative approach dominant and standardized scales for resilience and psychological distress used to enhance the description of the sample. Data were collected through telephone interviews with 18 family …

Health, Health Perceptions, Healthcare Practices, And Influencing Factors Among Korean Immigrants Living In Rural Texas, Mary Beth Winton

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

The population of Asian immigrants in the United States increased 43.3% from 2000 to 2010. During the same period, Texas experienced an increase of Korean immigrants of over 47%. Despite the increase of Korean immigrants, only a minimal number of studies explored health and healthcare needs specific to this population. Furthermore, none of the studies addressed Korean immigrants living in rural Texas. Hence, an ethnographic study was conducted to examine the health and healthcare among Korean immigrants living in rural Texas. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and transcribed. Five major themes emerged which included acculturation, health and health perceptions, healthcare, relaxation …

Validation Of The Transportation Burden Questionnaire Among Family Caregivers Of Older Adults, Bryant James Price

Dissertations

Because family caregivers provide a substantial amount of informal care to dependent loved ones, the potential burden such care may place on family members is an important area for clinical research and intervention. While the provision of transportation is recognized in the literature as a caregiving task and a component of global burden, few studies, to date, have addressed this as a distinct concern for measurement and intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine if an item set focused specifically on transportation burden would be additive to accepted global measures of burden in a volunteer sample of caregivers. …