Digital Commons Network^™

Innovative Collaborative Rounding Approaches On A New Medical-Surgical Unit., Diana Pabon-Hurtzig Msn, Mba, Rn, Cmsrn, Susan Gross Bsn, Rn, Tracey Silfies Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn.

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Comparative Study Of Intravenous Insulin Protocols: Paper-Based Versus Computer-Based, Arleen B. Miller

Nursing Masters

Background: Scientific evidence exists to demonstrate that glycemic control produces a positive outcome for critically ill patients by decreasing mortality and morbidity. Results of published research have revealed a reduction of mortality in critically ill patients when serum blood glucose levels are maintained at a level of less than 150mg/dL. Recommendations from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign for treatment of patients in septic shock include use of intravenous insulin therapy to control hyperglycemia via the use of a validated protocol for insulin dose adjustment. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether glycemic control (less than 150mg/dL) was attained …

Exploring Oncology Nurses Attitudes Towards Suicide In Cancer Patients, Bonnie L. Hoover

Nursing Masters

Oncology nurses are recognized experts in the care of patients with cancer. As such, oncology nurses excel at the management of symptoms related to both the disease itself, as well as treatment, affecting the lives of patients experiencing cancer. These symptoms include physical, social, and psychological components.

An Advanced Medical Surgical Course: Fostering Bedside Leadership And Excellence In Medical Surgical Nursing., Jeanine Delucca Msn, Rn-Bc, Christine Marakovits Bsn, Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Responsible Staffing: Assuring Patient Safety And Economic Stability, Eileen Wasson Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Julie Werkheiser Adn, Rn, Ccrn, Cheryl Kutos Rn, Ccrn, Teri Lippowitsch-Vogel Rn, Bsn, Crn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Team Quality: Coaching Staff Towards Stardom, Debra Peter Msn, Rn, Bc, Cmsrn, Maria Mcnally Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn, Laura Herbener Rn, Ocn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Book Review Of Soul Searching: The Religious And Spiritual Lives Of American Teenagers By Smith, Christian & Lundquist-Denton, Dora L. Clayton-Jones

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Nurse Researchers In Children's Hospitals, Kathleen Sawin, Karen Gralton, Tondi Harrison, Shelly Malin, Mary Kay Balchunas, Lisa Brock, Brandi Cavegn, Lorna Cisler-Cahill, Sharon Graves, Kathleen Mussatto, Maureen O'Brien, Eileen Sherburne, Rachel Schiffman

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Little is known about the role of nurse researchers (NRs) and the structure of nursing research programs in children's hospitals in the United States. This descriptive study obtained survey data from 33 NRs. Data suggest that the NR role is emerging and has both commonalities and unique components when compared with the previous studies of NRs in adult hospitals. Most participants have been in their position for less than 4 years. Conducting research, having staff development related to research, and facilitating evidence-based practice or research were common responsibilities. The structure of nursing research programs impacts both the NRs and the …

The Lived Experience Of Hispanic New Graduate Nurses In The United States, Esther Morales

Dissertations (1934 -)

There has been a significant increase in the Hispanic population in the United States that is not mirrored by representation of Hispanic registered nurses in the United States . Hispanic new graduate nurses enter nursing practice with few Hispanic role models and their story is not found in nursing literature. A qualitative study with a phenomenological philosophy and methodology was conducted to investigate the lived experience of seven Mexican American new graduate nurses, a subgroup of Hispanic nurses. Findings of this study were the seven themes: (a) being an employee; (b) an orientation with or without preceptors; (c) a transition; …

The Use Of Audience Response Systems In Nursing Education: Best Practice Guidelines, Nicole Mareno, Marie Bremner, Christie Emerson

Faculty Articles

The use of Audience Response Systems (ARS) or 'clickers' as an active learning strategy in nursing education has been steadily on the rise. ARS technology allows the dynamic engagement of students in the classroom by providing immediate two-way communication between faculty and students. ARS can be used to explore knowledge and common misconceptions, act as a springboard for classroom discussions, and can be used for testing or evaluation. The aim of this paper is to present best practice guidelines for both novice and experienced ARS technology users. A summary of the state of the research in this area will be …

The Relationship Of Two Types Of Trauma Exposure To Current Physical And Psychological Symptom Distress In A Community Sample Of Colombian Women: Why Interpersonal Violence Deserves More Attention, Ruth Ann Belknap, Ashley Marie Schumacher, Bernal De Pheils, Janice Carrol Humphreys, Diva Jaramillo, Agnes Tiwari, Gladys Eugenia Canaval

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Our purpose in this study was to examine the relationship between interpersonal violence and background traumas and symptom distress in a community sample of Colombian women (N = 217). We utilized the Life Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R) to measure lifetime interpersonal violence (IPV) and background trauma exposure and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) to measure current symptom distress. Although both exposures were common in this sample, IPV was strongly correlated with current symptom distress; background traumas made no unique contribution to the variance in current symptom distress. Based on our findings, it is suggested that interpersonal events may be particularly …

Particle Size On Respiratory Protection Provided By Two Types Of N95 Respirators On Agricultural Settings, Jacob Cho Kyungmin, M. Susan Jones, Gordon Jones, Roy Mckay, Sergey A. Grinshpun, Alok Swivedi, Rakesh Shukla, Umesh Singh, Tiina Reponen

Nursing Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to compare size-selective workplace protection factors (WPFs) of an N95 elastomeric respirator (ER) and an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) in agricultural environments. Twenty-five healthy farm workers ranging in age from 20 to 30 years voluntarily participated in the study. Altogether eight farms were included representing three different types: two horse farms, three pig barns, and three grain handling sites. Subjects wore the ER and FFR while performing their daily activities, such as spreading hay, feeding livestock, and shoveling. Aerosol concentrations in an optical particle size range of 0.7–10 µm were determined simultaneously inside …

Maintenance Of Activity And Eating Change After A Clinical Trial Of Tailored Newsletters With Older Rural Women., Susan Noble Walker, Carol H. Pullen, Patricia A. Hageman, Linda S. Boeckner, Melody A. Hertzog, Maureen K. Oberdorfer, Matthew J. Rutledge

Journal Articles: College of Nursing

BACKGROUND: In the Wellness for Women Project, a randomized-by-site 1-year controlled clinical trial, the efficacy of generic newsletters and newsletters tailored on Health Promotion Model behavior-specific cognitions, eating behavior, and activity behavior were compared among 225 women aged 50 to 69 years.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the maintenance of change in healthy eating and physical activity over the 12 months following the tailored versus generic mailed newsletter intervention.

METHODS: Outcomes at 18 and 24 months included behavioral markers and biomarkers of physical activity and eating. Data were analyzed using the multivariate approach to repeated measures …

Women’S Health Disparities And Midwifery Care: Spotlight On Massachusetts, Dorothy Hiersteiner

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

As a result of Massachusetts’ 2006 health insurance coverage law, there has been a significant decrease in the uninsurance rate for women of color. Access to and use of health care for all women in the Commonwealth has also increased. Despite these coverage and access gains, major racial/ethnic disparities in health conditions and outcomes still exist among women, especially in the use and quality of prenatal care, the occurrence of preterm and low birth weight births, and infant mortality rates. The proportion of Massachusetts births that were cesarean deliveries in 2007 was 8% higher than the national rate. Compared to …

Women’S Health Disparities And Midwifery Care, Adeola Oni-Orisan, Dorothy Hiersteiner, Althea Swett

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

This fact sheet was developed for the roundtables project “Midwifery Care in New England: Addressing the Needs of Underserved and Diverse Communities of Women.” Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (Region I), this initiative addresses the challenges and opportunities related to the provision of midwifery care to underserved and vulnerable populations of women. The project aims to increase our understanding of regional midwifery workforce needs in the context of ensuring that all women living in New England have access to timely, affordable, and high-quality health care.

The September 2010 roundtables were …

Women’S Health Disparities And Midwifery Care: Spotlight On Connecticut, Dorothy Hiersteiner, Kaye Inandan

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

Although Connecticut’s Medicaid programs, Husky A and B, are essential providers of coverage for maternity care, there are still major racial and ethnic disparities in access to, use of, and quality of prenatal care in Connecticut. The cesarean birth rate in the state is almost 9% higher than the US average. African American/black and Hispanic mothers experience comparatively high rates of low birth weight births. Furthermore, Connecticut is home to a substantial rural population which experiences unique challenges to accessing adequate health care. While 75% of the Connecticut population is non-Hispanic white, 9% is African American/black, 12% is Hispanic and …

Women’S Health Disparities And Midwifery Care: Spotlight On New Hampshire, Dorothy Hiersteiner

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

New Hampshire faces significant obstacles to serving the nearly 6% of the population living in medically underserved areas. In addition, many residents of New Hampshire are uninsured, limiting their access to vital medical care. According to 2007-8 data, the racial/ethnic breakdown of New Hampshire residents is: 1% African American/black, 2% Hispanic, 94% non-Hispanic white and 3% Other. In 2005, 5.9% of the total New Hampshire population was foreign born.1 Since 1996, New Hampshire has seen increases in low birth weight births, cesarean births2, and infant mortality with racial/ethnic disparities reflected in most maternal and infant indicators.

Women’S Health Disparities And Midwifery Care: Spotlight On Maine, Dorothy Hiersteiner

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

With a large percentage of its population living in rural areas, Maine faces obstacles to providing adequate prenatal and maternity care to many women. The vast majority (96.2%) of Maine residents are non-Hispanic white, 1.2% are African American/black, 1.4% are Hispanic and 1.2% have other racial/ethnic backgrounds.

Women’S Health Disparities And Midwifery Care: Spotlight On Vermont, Dorothy Hiersteiner

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

In Vermont, racial and ethnic dispariti es in low birth weight and preterm birth rates exist alongside racial and ethnic disparities in health insurance coverage and use of preventative care. As of 2005, the percentage of racial and ethnic minorities in Vermont was approximately 3.3%, compared to 25% for the nation as a whole. In 2005, 3.4% of the Vermont population was foreign born.

Women’S Health Disparities And Midwifery Care: Spotlight On Rhode Island, Dorothy Hiersteiner

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

Rhode Islanders face unique health disparities based on race, ethnicity and location. Just over six percent (6.3%) of the Rhode Island population is living in Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), according to 2008 data. Native American and African American/black communities face particular health disparities, specifically in the areas of reproductive and infant health. In 2008, 79% of the Rhode Island population was non-Hispanic white, while 5% was African-American/black, 11% was Hispanic and 5% had other racial/ethnic backgrounds. In 2005, 12.4% of the total Rhode Island population was foreign born.

Practical Considerations In Establishing Sustainable International Nursing Experiences, Rae Jeanne Memmott, Catherine R. Coverston, Barbara A. Heise, Mary Williams, Erin D. Maughan, James Kohl, Sheri P. Palmer

Faculty Publications

An understanding of global health and the development of cultural competence are important outcomes of today's baccalaureate nursing programs. Thoughtfully designed International experiences can provide excellent opportunities to achieve those outcomes. Based Ono 16 years of providing International experiences within a baccalaureate curriculum, components are identified that contribute to the development of a sustainable international program. Areas addressed in the article are evaluating the fit with university and college mission, establishing the program within the university operational structure, selecting faculty and students, developing sites, designing a course, and program evaluation.

Postpartum Depression And Culture: Pesado Corazon, Lynn Clark Callister, Renea L. Beckstrand, Cheryl A. Corbett

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this article is to describe what the -literature has shown about postpartum depression (PPD) in culturally diverse women. The majority of qualitative studies done with women identified as -having PPD have been conducted with Western -women, with the second largest group focusing on Chinese women. This article reviews the qualitative studies in the literature and discusses how the management of PPD in technocentric and ethnokinship cultures differs. Social support has been shown to be significantly related to fewer symptoms of PPD, and culturally prescribed practices may or may not be -cultural mediators in decreasing the incidence of …

Somebody To Lean On: How Lean Principles Promote Exemplary Professional Practice., Angela Agee Adn, Rn, Cmsrn, Laura Baker Rn, Kim Korner Mba, Bsn, Rn, Ne-Bc, Maria Mcnally Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn, Lee Bowman Bsn, Rn, Jennifer Murray Adn, Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

The White Rose Program – Assuring Respect And Dignity For The Terminally Ill., Miriam Ramos-Martinez Msn, Rn, Cmsrn, Tami Meltsch Bsn, Rn, Pccn, Cnml.

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Huddle Up! Collective Responsibility To Positively Impact Workflow And Patient Safety, Christine Marakovits Bsn, Rn, Jessica Beaver Bsn, Rn, Beth A. Kessler Bsn, Rn, Bc, Maryann Lubinensky Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

The Surge Of H1n1: A Patient Safety Initiative, Charlotte Buckenmyer Ms, Rn, Cen, Constance Simpson Rn, Kristine Weitzel Rn, Sandra Sabbatini Bsn, Rn, Tara Lynne Wisniewiski Bsn, Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Improving Immunization Rates In The Clinic And In The Community, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy, Arlene M. Sperhac, Sandra A. Faux, Joseph K. Miner

Faculty Publications

Over the past decade, the United States haas had tremendous success in achieving very high immunization compliance rates among children, sometimes as high as 91%. However, despite progress toward controlling the spread of communicable disease through immunizations, more than 2.1 million children nationwide are not adequately immunized. Even among US children who are adequately immunized, only about half of them actually received their immunization on time.

Kids Into Health Careers: A Rural Initiative, Lori S. Lauver Phd, Beth Ann Swan Phd, Margaret Mary West Phd, Ksenia Zukowsky Phd, Mary Powell Phd, Tony Frisby Phd, Sue Neyhard Ma, Alexis Marsella Ba

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a project that introduces middle school and high school students living in Pennsylvania’s rural geographic regions to nursing careers through outreach extended to students regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Method: The authors employed many strategies to inform students about careers in nursing. The methods included: working with guidance counselors, participating in community health fairs, taking part in school health career fairs, collaborating with Area Health Education Centers, serving on volunteer local education advisory boards, developing a health careers resource guide, and establishing a rural health advisory board.

Findings: Developing developmentally appropriate programs may have …

Psychometric Properties Of Three Instruments To Measure Fatigue With Myocardial Infarction, Ann Eckhardt, Anne Fink, Michelle Fennessy, Jessica Jones, Donna Kruse, Kathryn Vanderzwan, Catherine Ryan, Julie Zerwic

Scholarship

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of three questionnaires to measure fatigue with myocardial infarction. The Fatigue Symptom Inventory Interference Scale, Profile of Moods States Fatigue subscale (POMS-F), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) Vitality Scale were completed during hospitalization (n = 116) and 30 days after hospital admission (n = 49). Moderate to strong correlations were found among each of these fatigue scales and between each fatigue scale and measures of other variables to include vigor, depressed mood, anxiety, and physical functioning. POMS-F scores decreased significantly at Time 2, but this decline in …

Improving Caloric Intake And Nutrition For Elderly Dementia Patients By Modifying The Environment, Tiffany Hobbs, Sheila Hutchens

Graduate Research Projects

Visual perception, difficulty distinguishing objects, judging distance and determining color or contrast are common problems contributing to weight loss and nutritional decline in dementia clients. Mealtime burdens and challenges for individuals with dementia can be minimized or eliminated by some simple, inexpensive alterations in the physical environment that can profoundly influence how patients feel, behave, and function; as well as ease frustration and promote more independent functioning. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effect of table setting contrast on residents’ weight, oral intake, arm circumference, and feeding behaviors during meals in an assisted living facility serving …