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School Of Nursing News, Georgia Southern University

Nursing: News & Publications (2013-2023)

• Nursing student wins National Recognition

Enhancing Leadership Skills In Clinical Practicum: A Medical Surgical Nursing Class Experience, Gisela Schmidt

Faculty Publications

The healthcare system in the United States of America (USA) with its complex environment and fast-paced changes requires well-prepared professional nurses; with outstanding leadership skills to address the demanding challenge. Nursing schools need to prepare students for that role. To fulfill this commitment, a Medical Surgical II course from a Baccalaureate Nursing Program incorporated into its clinical experience the student team leader role. Leadership skills need to be learned. Instructors cannot expect nursing students to surge through leadership theory, graduate, be exposed to real world situations; and then simply assume leadership positions without hands-on exposure. Preparing nursing students during their …

Exploring The Relationship Between Reporting Medication Errors And Nurse Fear Of Retribution, Emily J. Hanna

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Studies have shown that medication administration errors are a critical issue in healthcare and more importantly preventing this type of error depends on precise reporting. Analysis of medication errors can lead to healthcare system improvement and reduced risk if the errors are detected, reported, and used to formulate improved patient care practices and systems. Nurses are the front line of defense to intercept and report errors. Through a review of the literature, it has been determined that nurses possibly fear blame and punishment when a Medication Administration Error (MAE) occurs; therefore, the purpose of this Master of Science in Nursing …

Utilization Review Software: The Impact On Productivity And Structural Empowerment In Case Management Nurses In An Acute Care Setting, Kimberly Frazier

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) seeks to achieve cost control by implementing aggressive cost containment mechanisms for an exploding Medicare population. One such mechanism is utilization review, which is employed to limit reimbursement of medical care that is determined to not be medically necessary. The CMS Conditions of Participation mandate that all hospitals determine whether a patient qualifies for an Inpatient or Observation stay. Utilization Review Specialist (UR) nurses were given the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire II (CWEQ-II), Organizational Relationship Scale II (ORS-II), and the Job Activity Scale II (JAS II), six months after McKesson InterQual software …

Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Mental Health Patients And Mental Health Nursing, Susan Furr

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

This Capstone project evaluated the impact of a simulation-based learning experience on nursing students' anxiety levels, preparedness for psychiatric practicum, and stereotypical views towards individuals with mental illness. A sample of 15 bachelor level nursing students was utilized. The experimental group (n=8) was exposed to a four-hour simulation-based learning experience prior to the beginning of their clinical experience. The control group (n=7) began their clinical rotation without any simulation exposure. A pretest, posttest design utilizing the Mental Health Nursing Survey Part 1 (MHN-1) and the Mental Health Nursing Survey Part 2 (MHN-2) was used to measure the students' stereotypical views, …

Implementation Of A Second Victim Program: Hope Team, Sherrie Lee

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The healthcare workforce is composed of a variety of roles and disciplines that do their best ensuring patient safety and quality care. Nurses spend more time with the patient than any other discipline. They not only are responsible for the care of their patients but their families during hospitalization. The role and responsibilities of a nurse puts them in a position for making mistakes. After a mistake is made, the patient becomes the first victim, the nurse becomes the second victim, and the organization becomes the third victim. A second victim is a healthcare worker who makes a mistake and …

Patient Navigator's Role Definition, Joann Smith

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Patient navigation as a care coordination model continues to evolve. Early programs focused on access to care for the underserved and uninsured. With no standard credentials, title, training or job descriptions, navigator programs are as varied as the people who perform these duties. The nurse navigator provides a holistic approach to care delivery and focuses on care coordination, education, and physical, social and emotional aspects of care. Workload for the navigators is increasing as a result of patient, facility, departmental, and national accreditation demands. The goal of this capstone project was to redefine the job descriptions of the Oncology Nurse …

Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Nurse To Patient Ratio With Nurse Burnout, Kayla Teeter

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

There is evidence that the increase in patients per nurse ratio and job dissatisfaction are leading causes of nurse burnout in the United States; however, current research mostly focuses on the hospital setting which limits the generalization of the findings. Therefore, more research is needed beyond the hospital environment. The purpose of this MSN thesis was to examine the relationship between job satisfaction and nurse-patient ratio with nurse burnout among home health nurses. The hypothesis is that home health nurses who experience a higher nurse to patient ratio and greater job dissatisfaction will experience increased nurse burnout. A review of …

Reducing Falls And Fall-Related Injuries In The Acute Care Setting, Mallory Mondloch

Nursing Posters

The Minnesota Hospital Association released a safety alert indicating there has been a significant increase in the number of reported patient fall events. Each year, falls and fall-related injuries account for an astounding number of unnecessary healthcare costs. Not only are falls costly, but many sadly result in major disabilities or deaths. Here are the steps we can take to reduce falls and fall-related injuries.

Prevention Of Unplanned Extubations, Melissa Fradette, Donna Kamps

Nursing Posters

Background: The trend of unplanned extubations is rising. Unplanned extubations are a safety concern for patients. A ventilator bundle is in place to guide nurses and respiratory therapists for weaning and extubating patients who meet criteria; it is not always being used. This concern has been discussed at the ICU safety team, ICU NP, ICU ROE, and ICU leadership meetings.

Disinfection Of Shared Mobile Phones Carried By Registered Nurses: A Comparison Of Two Methods, Roberta Basol, Amy Hilleren-Listerud, Sherri Reischl, Terri Mccaffrey, Jean Beckel, Terri Mccaffrey, Pamela Rickbeil, Mary Schimnich, Kirsten Skillings, Mary A. Struffert

Nursing Posters

This study determined the efficacy of cleaning products on mobile phones. Previous research has demonstrated the risk for bacterial cross contamination between healthcare workers' hands, close contact equipment, and mobile communication devices. There is extensive literature on survival of organisms on inanimate objects. Mobile communication devices can act as a reservoir for bacteria associated with nosocomial infection. Additional studies show cross contamination between the healthcare workers hands, the mobile phones, and the patient.

Nursing Skin Integrity Guidelines: A New Approach To Skin Care, Kim Schuster, Amy Gorecki, Jennifer Burris

Nursing Posters

What is nursing skin integrity guidelines: a nursing driven order to provide evidence based skin integrity interventions; provides a streamlined process for immediate application of best practice interventions for identified skin impairments; the interventions can be implemented based on assessment findings and clinical judgment; and provides a guideline for consulting the WOC Nurse, including when wounds are not healing, all pressure ulcers, and ostomy needs.

Dsm V: Review Of Commonly Seen Diagnosis Found In The Inpatient Mental Health Setting, Joyce Salzer

Nursing Posters

Objectives: increased awareness of where to find some of the most commonly seen diagnosis within the DSM V and knowledge of some of the changes that have been made in diagnostic classification.

Impact Of Tranexamic Acid (Txa) On Hemoglobin Levels In Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients, Gina Anderson-Malum

Nursing Posters

Over the last 2 years, the Bone and Joint Center has focused on blood utilization for total knee and total hip arthroplasty. With the use of a blood transfusion protocol, we significantly reduced blood transfusion rates and standardized the approach to care. As an expansion of this work, other ideas to further decrease blood utilization were considered. The purpose of the data collection of preoperative and postoperative Hemoglobin (HGB) levels was to evaluate the effect of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) on the average change in Hgb levels compared to Hgb levels of patients that did not receive the medication. In addition, …

Successful Mentoring Relationships, Mary Leyk, Colleen Porwoll

Nursing Posters

A poster presentation on the structure, process, and outcomes of a successful mentoring program.

Timing Of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Vs. Therapeutic Antibiotics And The Risk Of Surgical Site Infection, Sandy Gilk, Joan Hemker, Jeni Hansen

Nursing Posters

Introduction: The CDC has developed criteria that define surgical site infection (SSI) as infection related to an operative procedure that occurs at or near the surgical incision within 30 days of the procedure or within 90 days if prosthetic material is implanted. Objectives: Differentiate between Prophylactic Antibiotics and Therapeutic antibiotic. Understanding SCIP guidelines with use of prophylactic antibiotics. Understanding the use of Therapeutic antibiotics by physician's order, prior to surgery.

Graduate Bulletin, 2014-2015 (2014), Minnesota State University Moorhead

Graduate Bulletins (Catalogs)

No abstract provided.

Marital Status And Highest-Grade Achieved: Contribution To Alcohol Screening Scores In Male Veterans, Marit P. Fraune

Honors Theses, 1963-2015

Background: Alcohol is frequently used among active military groups and veterans. There is no research regarding the effects of marital status and highest grade achieved on AUDIT-C screening scores for older male veterans.

Objective: This study aims to determine whether marital status or highest grade achieved significantly impacts AUDIT-C screening scores for older male veterans.

Method: This study used existing medical record data from the VAHS-St. Cloud. IRB approval through the VAHS provided protection of human subjects. Data were analyzed with Chi-square tests.

Results: Marital status did not produce statistically significant impacts on the AUDIT-C screening scores for older male …

The 180 Degree Turn: Finding The Human Side Of Mandated Counseling, Rachel A. Jordan, Denise Lampo, Steven T. Parshall, Renee T. Devuyst

Nursing Faculty/Staff Publications

This article discusses how cultural changes in the United States led to an emergence of a number of mandated treatments intended to address the specific concerns of substance abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. A brief history of interventions for each of the respective fields is described and a trend toward more humanistic treatment methods is noted. The similarities between the Person-Centered Approach and current trends in these fields are explained.

Guided Imagery For Stress And Symptom Management In Pregnant African American Women, Nancy Jallo, R. Jeanne Ruiz, R. K. Elswick Jr., Elise French

School of Nursing Publications

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a guided imagery (GI) intervention for stress reduction in pregnant African American women beginning early in the second trimester. This prospective longitudinal study of 72 women used a randomized controlled experimental design with two groups conducted over 12 weeks. The intervention was a CD with 4 professionally recorded tracts designed and sequenced to influence study variables. Participants in both GI and usual care (UC) completed measures and donated 5 cc of blood at baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. Participants also completed a daily stress scale. A mixed-effects linear …

Mindfulness: An Effective Coaching Tool For Improving Physical And Mental Health, Jo Lynne W. Robins, Laura G. Kiken, Melissa Holt, Nancy L. Mccain

School of Nursing Publications

Conscious attention to the present moment in a receptive way is known as mindfulness. A growing body of research indicates that mindfulness can be taught and cultivated to improve physical and mental health. Accordingly, as part of the coaching competency, mindfulness can be practiced and taught by advanced practice nurses to support lifestyle and behavioral changes, decrease perceived stress, enhance quality of life, and, ultimately, improve health and health outcomes. This article provides an overview of the mechanisms of action, evidence base, and practice of mindfulness, with an emphasis on how to easily incorporate this valuable skill into practice.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure As A Risk Factor For Perioperative Airway Complications In Pediatric Outpatient Procedures, Ashlee Denise Loudin

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess the risk of perioperative airway complications, analyze extubation times, and PACU Length Of Stay (LOS), and their association with secondhand smoke exposure in pediatric populations receiving outpatient procedures that require general anesthesia.

Introduction: Tobacco Smoke Exposure (TSE), is well documented to cause physiologic changes in lung tissue that are associated with decreased lung function, increased risk of lower and upper respiratory tract illness, exacerbation of asthma or increased risk of asthma, increased prevalence of non-allergic bronchial hyperresponsiveness, sudden infant death syndrome, and a host of other respiratory complications in adult and …

Staff Perception Related To Family Presence During Resuscitation, Stephanie L. Herron

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of health care professionals (staff nurses) regarding family presence during resuscitation. The sample consisted of 59 nurses of different ages and working in different departments. The Staff Perceptions of Family-Witnessed Resuscitation questionnaire was used to collect data. The relationships between participants' demographic data and perceived attitudes and beliefs were also analyzed. Many of the healthcare professionals felt that it was acceptable to have family members present during resuscitation if the patient makes clear decisions prior to the incident or if the physician makes the decision for the patient. Almost half …

Discharge Education In The Emergency Department: Are We Effectively Teaching Chest Pain Patients?, Emily Edwards Nishiyama

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Millions of individuals visit the emergency department (ED) each year with complaints of chest pain. Many chest pain patients do not have an underlying condition of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) but the health and well-being of these patients is indispensable. Research has indicated soaring costs, an increased demand in medical resources, and an increasingly poor quality of life for these patients after discharge. Although research encourages quality education at discharge, very few studies have been conducted on ED discharge education for non-ACS chest pain patients. Using a cross-sectional descriptive research design, this quantitative study discovered the frequency of education provided …

The History Of Healthcare Quality: The First 100 Years 1860-1960, Brenda Helen Sheingold, Joyce Hahn

Nursing Faculty Publications

In the 21st Century, health care systems across the world are focusing policy efforts on improving the quality of healthcare delivered to their population. In contrast, healthcare quality improvement in earlier time periods arose from a series of seemingly unrelated incidents and developments. In this paper, we sequentially review key international historical events that improved health care quality during the years 1860–1960, including innovation in health care financing, care delivery and workforce diversity. The modern nursing workforce of today continues to encounter many of these same challenges across the globe.

Using Art Therapy Techniques For Team Building In Distance Education Doctor Of Nursing Practice Student Cohorts, Brenda Helen Sheingold, E. Warson, Beverly K. Lunsford, Christine Pintz

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Creating Opportunities For Personal Empowerment For Adolescent Students In A Rural High School, Sharon A. Edwards

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

BACKGROUND: With the incidence of 3% of children and 6% of adolescents diagnosed with depression, treatment appropriate for this population is needed. Provision of mental health care is limited due to barriers of access such as transportation, parental consent, and availability of services in the adolescent’s environment such as the school setting. OBJECTIVES: To decrease the depressive symptoms and increase the self-confidence perceptions of adolescents in a high school setting utilizing a cognitive-behavioral skills enhancing, seven-session intervention called COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment).

STUDY DESIGN: The project was an evidence-based nurse practitioner project utilizing pre- and …

Utilization Of Cope In The College Population, Rachael Hovermale

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: College is a major transition in the lives of many young adults. As early as 1997, Sax reported that stress and depression were on the rise among college students and that 9.7% of college freshmen experienced depressive symptoms. Mental health treatments are often geared to children or older adults.

Objective: The objectives of this project were to (a) assess levels of anxiety and depression in identified at risk college students; (b) implement a new cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention; and (c) evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on students’ levels of anxiety and depression and satisfaction with the intervention. …

The Use Of 4g Android Tablets For Enhanced Patient Activation Of Chronic Disease Self-Management In People With Heart Failure, Judith Kutzleb, Nancy Elmann, Andrew Fruhschien, Stephen Angeli, Angel Mulkay, Jarrett Bauer, Dan Priece

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (New York) Publications and Research

Problem: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of an advanced practice nurse-directed patient education approach to heart failure treatment integrating the use of an interactive 4G android tablet, will enable patients to experience enhanced patient activation and engagement in chronic disease self-management and fewer 30-day rereadmissions.

Data source: This was a prospective patient randomization, multi-center quasi-experimental design study of 50 patients comparing an advanced practice nurse-directed education of disease self-management and use of a 4G android tablet (TC) group (n = 25) and routine medical management (MC) group. The study length was 12 months.

Conclusions: Descriptive …

Understanding How Student Nurses Experience Morally Distressing Situations: Caring For Patients With Different Values And Beliefs In The Clinical Environment, Nancy J. Matchett, Mary Jo C. Stanley

Philosophy Faculty Publications

Introduction/Background: Moral distress and related concepts surrounding morality and ethical decision-making have been given much attention in nursing. Despite the general consensus that moral distress is an affective response to being unable to act morally, the literature attests to the need for increased clarity regarding theoretical and conceptual constructs used to describe precisely what the experience of moral distress involves. The purpose of this study is to understand how student nurses experience morally distressing situations when caring for patients with different values and beliefs than their own in the clinical environment Methods: This study is based on secondary analysis of …