Digital Commons Network^™

Value Of A Graduate Gerontology Certificate Versus A Masters Degree, Janet S. Hahn

Academic Leadership Academy

The WMU Center for Gerontology was established in 2010 and builds on a strong tradition of gerontology education offered at WMU from the late 1970s to 2004. The undergraduate minor has been revised and is again offered. The previous graduate certificate in gerontology has not yet been reestablished.

This project sought to determine the relative value of a graduate certificate in gerontology vs. a masters degree in gerontology.

Workplace Violence In The Healthcare Setting, Michelle M.M. Lenssen, Shirley Mccreery

Nursing Publications

Workplace Violence (WPV) is an all-encompassing term used to describe abusive behaviours directed at another with the intent to cause harm. Although the definition varies according to situations and practice settings, there is agreement that WPV has a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of nurses and the delivery of quality nursing care (Choiniere, MacDonnell, & Shamonda, 2010; Higgins & MacIntosh, 2010; Registered Nurses Association of Ontario [RNAO], 2008; Hsinag-Chu & Lee, 2011; Vessey, DeMarco, Gaffney, & Budin, 2009). The growing epidemic of violence in the workplace is of great concern for employees, employers and government agencies and is …

Parent’S Experiences During Their Infant’S Transition From Neonatal Intensive Care Unit To Home: A Qualitative Study, Sharon W. Hutchinson, Marydee A. Spillett, Mary Cronin

Center for Research Quality Publications

Limited literature exists which examines how parents of infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) transition from their infant’s NICU hospital stay to home. This study examines the question, “What are the experiences of parents during their infant’s transition from the NICU to home? Grounded theory methods served as the paradigm to explore twelve NICU parents’ experiences during their infant’s transition. The basic social psychological process identified was “becoming a parent” which was based on the core problem “I’m not a parent.” Analysis of data contributed to a model described by the researchers as the resultant Model of …

It's A Birth Not A Procedure: An Ethnographic Study Of Intrauterine Fetal Death In A Labor And Delivery Unit Of An American Hospital Setting, Catherine Mcleod Griffin

Wayne State University Dissertations

Life transitions such as birth and death constitute a significant area within anthropological studies of ritual. It is important to investigate how individuals, groups, and communities organize around these events. Birth and death can be considered as rites of passage that mark key life transitions (van Gennep 1909/1960). Thus birth and death related rituals need to be investigated within the social and cultural context of American hospital settings to better understand the social organization of life, death, and personhood. In the American hospital setting, a reproductive loss at any gestational age receives the medical diagnostic label of an intrauterine fetal …

Exploring Cervical Cancer Treatments, Coping And Sexual Self-Concept After Cervical Cancer, Barbara Hollie

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

EXPLORING CERVICAL CANCER TREATMENTS, COPING ADAPTATION AND WOMEN'S SEXUAL SELF-CONCEPT AFTER CERVICAL CANCER

By

BARBARA G. HOLLIE

Cervical cancer survivorship is increasing as a result of improved biomedical science and health care. Due to the nature of cervical cancer treatments most cures are not without consequences. Despite the progress in cancer treatments, associated side-effects persist and it is well established that sexual problems result from most of the available treatment options. Subsequently, cervical cancer treatment alters how women cope and experience their sexual self-concept after treatment. Poor coping and a non-adaptive sexual self-concept following cervical cancer treatment can result …

Nurse Beliefs And Other Influencing Variables On Nurses' Intentions And Decisions Regarding, Beverly Jones

Wayne State University Dissertations

Despite decades of compelling evidence regarding patient and family interest to be with loved ones or the lack of detrimental effects from being together, some nurses are not convinced of the merits of family presence (FP). Implementation of family presence in adult ICUs remains controversial for nurses. The feelings of many nurses, who are gate keepers related to patient visitation, continue to influence restrictions and/or inconsistent visiting practices for patients and families. Some hospitals have begun to permit relatives to be present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of adult loved ones, yet the availability of unrestricted access beyond official ICU visiting …

The Lived Experience Of African American Women With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, Deborah Collins-Bohler

Wayne State University Dissertations

African American patients have been reported as having a greater number of aggressive cancer treatments compared to Caucasians (McWayne & Heiney, 2005; Meeske et al., 2009; Ridner & Dietrich, 2008), and have higher incidence of BCRLE due axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and radiation intervention (Thomas-MacLean, Miedema, Tateemichi, 2005). Research regarding BCRLE has used BCRLE samples comprised almost exclusively of married and well-educated Caucasian women. Few studies (Bowman, Deimling, Smerglia, Sage, & Kahana, 2003; Eversley et al., 2005; Joslyn, 2002; McWayne & Heiney, 2005) have included sizeable numbers of African American breast cancer survivors. No studies have been found that …

An Exploration Of Diabetes Self-Care Among Older Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Focus Group Study, Kelly K. Zinn

Dissertations (6 month embargo)

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic illness that requires intensive treatment to improve glycemic control and limit the risk of diabetes-related complications. The management of T1DM is challenging for adolescents as the diabetes self-care activities invade all aspects of their life. Older adolescents frequently have poor glycemic control which places them at increased risk for diabetes-related complications.

Study Aim:The goal of this study was to explore diabetes self-care practices among older adolescents, 15 through 18 years old, with T1DM. Specifically, this study sought to determine if there was a difference in diabetes self-care practices between adolescents who exhibited …

The Evaluation Of Coaching As An Evidence-Based Intervention For Nurse Managers, Marie A. Bashaw

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Projects

Nurse managers are a vital link between hospital administration, senior nursing leadership and staff nurses. Understanding and facilitating nurse managers’ job satisfaction is important for retention of current nurse managers and creating organizational success. Retaining nurse managers is not only important in terms of savings in turnover costs but for providing quality patient care. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to implement a coaching intervention with nurse managers to decrease stress and improve job satisfaction.

Frameworks guiding this project were Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and Larrabee’s Model for Evidence-based Practice Change. A review of the literature …

Kiersten Albrecht's Eportfolio, Kiersten Albrecht

ePortfolio Showcase

My e-Portfolio best displays my academic and professional achievements that creatively shape my passion for nursing.

Using The Glasgow Coma Scale In Non-Neurological Clinical Areas, Tracey Thornley, Lauren Rullis

Nursing Conference Papers

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was designed for use in a wide range of clinical environments with staff that had no special training (Teasdale and Jennett 1974). Evidence (Waterhouse 2007 and 2008) suggests however that there are ongoing problems with the use of the GCS assessment, and the impact that this might have on patient outcome is unknown. Variations in practice have been found in all areas, including the neurological specialties wards, however the skill level of nursing staff in non neurological areas is concerning with inconsistency in practice.

The purpose of this project was to explore the use of …

Physician Wages In States With Expanded Aprn Scope Of Practice, Patricia Pittman, Benjamin Williams

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

In recent years, states have looked to reforms in advanced practice nursing scope of practice (SOP) barriers as a potential means to increase access to primary care while reducing costs. Currently, 16 states and the District of Columbia permit advanced practice registered nurses to practice independently of physicians, allowing them to perform functions such as diagnosing and prescribing under their own authority within the primary care setting. Given the resistance of many physician associations to these reforms, we asked whether the economic interests of primary care physicians might be affected by reforms. Using the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on …

Enhancing Cultural Awareness: Building Relationships Between Non Native American Nurses And Native American Lakota Patients, Sharon Mercill

Theses and Graduate Projects

Enhancing Cultural Awareness: Building Relationships Between Non Native American Nurses and Native American Lakota PatientsCulture impacts the perceptions and responses to health and wellness and acceptance of nursing care. Learning how to build strong relationship bridges with the Native American Lakota patient is important so that a professional nurse can respond appropriately and sufficiently while delivering holistic nursing care. Patients will experience better health if a successful nurse-client relationship is built between them that will allow for all the patient"s needs to be fully considered promoting a true partnership. Jean Watson's caring science nursing framework of caring and healing relationships …

Partnering Associate Degree Nursing Students And Community Health Worker Students In A Collaborative, Culturally Focused, Interprofessional Learning Experience, Jane E. Johnson

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide nursing students in the final semester of their associate degree nursing program and community health worker students with a culturally focused, interactive, collaborative, interprofessional learning experience. Health care reform addresses health disparities in an increasingly diverse population with complex chronic health needs. The needs of this diverse population require health professionals to function as members of interprofessional teams providing culturally competent care. Published professional literature supports interprofessional education for students entering the health care field to prepare them to practice as members of interprofessional teams. Government studies and professional accrediting bodies overseeing …

Bridging The Gap: Nurse Mentorship Program, Jacqueline J. Johnson

Theses and Graduate Projects

High-quality, effective mentorship can be a crucial and valuable tool in recruiting, retaining, and supporting nurses' success, especially novice registered nurses. In the current healthcare environment, growth and development of nursing staff is essential to maintain quality outcomes. Mentorship programs can create a unique environment that facilitates educational opportunities for both the novice and expert registered nurse. Nursing leaders and organizations can make lasting impacts through mentoring relationships. Through effective mentorship, nurses can positively impact healthcare organization, improve job satisfaction, promote professional development, and empower themselves. Even more important is that mentoring can result in improved nursing care, high-quality healthcare, …

Creating A Culture Of Caring In The Perianesthesia Practice, Tammy S. Bergan

Theses and Graduate Projects

Caring has been described as the essence of nursing. What nurses do as they care for patients and others is multi-dimensional, complex, and essential. Nursing's ability to clearly define and articulate what caring is guides the ethics, values, decisions, and foundations of nursing practice. Caring evokes a range of perceptions, feelings, and experiences for the patient and nurse in the perianesthesia specialty setting. Caring as a pillar of the nursing profession is explored on several levels for the perianesthesia setting. Aspects of caring include perceptions of caring, what denotes a caring environment, the role of nursing leadership in a caring …

Developing A Nursing Based Support Group For Incarcerated Women Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Assault: Pathways For Healing, Paula Johns

Theses and Graduate Projects

Every year large numbers of women are incarcerated in jail, prisons or other correctional jurisdictions in America. Research has shown that more than half of these women report a history of sexual abuse as a child, many who have rarely told their story. Typical coping mechanisms for those who have been traumatized sexually are attempts to commit suicide, the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, running away, disassociation, becoming promiscuous, or eating disorders, etc. These early adaptations at a young age can influence nearly every parameter of their lives, contributing to numerous other negative consequences, such as increased physical …

Type 2 Diabetes And Insomnia: Impact On Metabolic Control, Cheryl Lee Tannas

Wayne State University Dissertations

Diabetes is one of the most serious health challenges in the United States, affecting nearly 21 million Americans. The goal of diabetes management is to maintain the blood glucose close to normal to prevent diabetic complications and therefore extending life expectancy and improving quality of life. Research now indicates a relationship of the quantity and quality of sleep to glycemic control in type 2 diabetics. No research on the impact of insomnia on diabetes prevention and/or management was found in the literature. The purpose of this 11 week intervention study was to examine the effects of participation in Cognitive Behavioral …

Rapidly Progressive Periodontal Disease Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Khalid Al Hezaimi, Fawad Javed, Tazeen S. Ali, Mansour Al Askar, Abdulaziz Al Rasheed

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Severe periodontal inflammation with generalized dental plaque accumulation, spontaneous and severe gingival bleeding, fungal infection, and interdental papillae necrosis are presented in a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bite-wing radiographs revealed a generalized horizontal alveolar bone loss of 7-8 millimetres in both arches. Erythematous patches were noted on the gingival mucosa in both jaws. DNA testing was performed to indentify the periodontopathogens. The patient had no signs or symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This case-report presents the massive periodontal destruction that occurred in a patient infected with HIV. Therefore, it is highly recommended that patients infected with HIV …

Domestic Violence Against Infertile Women In Karachi, Pakistan, Neelofar Sami, Tazeen S. Ali

School of Nursing & Midwifery

This study investigates the prevalence of physical and psychological violence against infertile women in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 400 infertile women attending the selected infertility clinics in Karachi, Pakistan were interviewed using the to investigate their experiences of physical and psychological violence. Out of 400 infertile women, 278 (64%) reported to be the victims of violence during the last 12 months before they were interviewed. Nearly one quarter (23.1%) reported facing physical violence. All women reported their husbands and their family members to be the perpetrators. It is concluded that Clinicians should identify the abused women and provide them …

Adolescent Depression Screening Practices Among Texas Pediatric And Family Nurse Practitioners, Carol S. Lieser

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

Depression is a common mental health concern for adolescents that , if not treated, may lead have lifelong consequences. Yet, many in this population are not diagnosed and thus remain untreated. Advanced practice nurse practitioners, in their places of employment, have opportunities to interact with adolescents. They are skilled and trained in health promotion and disease prevention practices. No studies were found that examined screening practices for adolescent depression of nurse practitioners, factors affecting their screening practices, and their management of adolescents whom they determine are depressed. The purpose of this study was 1) to describe the background factors of …

A Quantitative Examination Of Extreme Facial Pain Expression In Neonates: The Primal Face Of Pain Across Time, Martin Schiavenato, Carl L. Von Baeyer

Nursing Faculty Scholarship

Many pain assessment tools for preschool and school-aged children are based on facial expressions of pain. Despite broad use, their metrics are not rooted in the anatomic display of the facial pain expression. We aim to describe quantitatively the patterns of initiation and maintenance of the infant pain expression across an expressive cycle. We evaluated the trajectory of the pain expression of three newborns with the most intense facial display among 63 infants receiving a painful stimulus. A modified “point-pair” system was used to measure movement in key areas across the face by analyzing still pictures from video recording the …

Development And Initial Psychometric Evaluation Of A Culturally- Sensitive Beliefs About Personal Weight Survey, Stephanie Pickett

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF

A CULTURALLY-SENSITIVE BELIEFS ABOUT PERSONAL WEIGHT SURVEY

by

STEPHANIE PICKETT

December 2012

Advisor: Dr. Rosalind Peters

Major: Nursing

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

The purpose of this study was to develop and perform initial psychometric evaluation of an instrument that measures beliefs about personal weight in young African American women. Beliefs about personal weight were defined as a multidimensional concept consisting of the convictions regarding the descriptive characteristics, causal attributions, and consequences of one's personal weight. The theory of self-care (Orem, 2001) was used to conceptualize concepts and conceptual relationships.

The Beliefs about Personal …

The Family Experience Of Participating In An Icu Support Group: A Pilot Study, Rebecca Marie Scharpe

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of family members participating in an intensive care unit support group. The family experience of an adult family member's critical illness is filled with emotional distress, suffering, and difficulty coping. Few family nursing interventions to care for family members of ICU patients have been researched. Research is inconsistent regarding the value of a support group in the ICU setting of a hospital. A qualitative design, using hermeneutic phenomenology was chosen. Five interviews were conducted with seven family members. The experience of participating in an ICU support groups was analyzed within …

College Age Female Smokers And The Efficacy Of Smoking Cessation On College Campuses, Gretchen Suzanne Strobel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Young females are smoking on campuses in increasing rates in the last two decades. This thesis is secondary data analysis of a primary study with data from 472 female respondents, ages 18 to 24, enrolled or registered for classes at Minnesota State University, Mankato in the Spring, Summer and Fall semester of 2011. This sample included current smokers, former smokers, and nonsmokers. This research study will discuss the relationship between the age one starts smoking and any association with participation in unprotected intercourse and the concomitant use of estrogen containing oral contraceptives. Among the respondents a majority started smoking between …

Access And Barriers To Diabetic Self Care Education And Support Groups In A Rural Southern Minnesota Community, Elizabeth Waters

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Diabetic education and support groups promote self care, improve health outcomes, and decrease health care costs. Self care, an important aspect of diabetes care, can be promoted through diabetes education and support groups. Few studies have been done to explore rural population's access to and attendance of diabetes self care education and support groups. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine if residents of a rural southern Minnesota community have access to diabetes education and support groups and what barriers they face to attending the groups. The understanding gained through this study will help to develop nursing interventions …

Noncardiac Chest Pain: The Use Of High Resolution Manometry As A Diagnostic Tool, Iman Hilal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms responsible for emergency department and primary care office visits in the United States. Chest pain can be noncardiac and may be attributed to multiple causes. Esophageal disorders including reflux, motility and functional conditions, affect a large proportion of patients with NCCP and lead to significant morbidity. The use of HRM has changed the diagnostic approach to esophageal motility disorders. It is the most specific and sensitive test for diagnosing motor disorders and a promising procedure in detecting dysmotility disorders in patients with NCCP. Despite the increased sensitivity of HRM, the main …

Barriers To Timely Administration Of Thrombolytics In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients, Elizabeth Joseph

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Stroke is a leading cause of long term disability in the United States. The therapeutic benefits of intravenous thrombolytics is time dependent in an acute ischemic stroke patient and is an important determinant of 90 day and one year functional outcomes. This study investigated areas in the stroke alert process of a community based primary stroke care center that resulted in the delay of administration of thrombolytics within 60 minutes of an acute ischemic stroke patient's arrival to the emergency room. A retrospective descriptive design was utilized and chart reviews were done on 40 patients that received thrombolytics in the …

Predictors Of Immunosuppressant Adherence In Long-Term Renal Transplant Recipients, Sandra J. Galura

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To sustain the health and viability of renal transplants, adherence to immunosuppressant therapy (IST) medications is critical. Studies continue to identify decreased adherence rates as time from transplant increases (Chisholm-Burns, Kwong, Mulloy & Spivey, 2008; Chisholm, Lance, Mulloy, 2005; Chisholm, Mulloy, & DiPiro, 2005; Nivens & Thomas, 2009). While previous research has explored the effect of variables known to influence IST adherence in adult renal transplant recipients, limited studies have explored these variables in a population of renal transplant recipients with longer time posttransplant intervals. The purpose of this study was to examine demographic variables, time posttransplant, immunosuppressive agents, health …

Infection Control And Health Care Associated Infection (Hcai) In The Nursing Home: A Study To Determine The Impact Of An Educational Video And Pamphlet About Infection Control On Knowledge And Perception Of Hand Hygiene In Certified Nurse Assistants, Kathe Hypes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The impact of an education program on perception, knowledge, and infection rate was evaluated in this study. The educational intervention consisted of a video on infection control and a World Health Organization (WHO) pamphlet for hand hygiene. The study was conducted in one nursing home in the Southeastern United States. The survey sample consisted of 66 certified nurse assistants (CNAs). A pre- and post-intervention design was employed using the WHO’s Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire and the WHO Perception Survey. Friedman’s test and central tendencies showed no statistical relationship between the educational intervention and the overall knowledge scores of the sample. …