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Self-Reported Neurogenic Bowel And Bladder Management In Acute Hospitalized Chronic Spinal Cord Injured Patients: Its Role In Clinical Practice, Mary Lupe Jimenez

Doctoral Projects

Patients with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) are at risk for mismanaged bowel care during acute hospitalization, which can lead to numerous medical complications ranging from loss of personal dignity and privacy to many serious medical conditions, some of which are life threatening. Additionally, mismanagement of bowel care during acute hospitalization may lead to costly extended hospital stays. The project was to describe bowel and bladder care for SCI/D patients during acute hospitalization using a self-reported questionnaire submitted by approximately 46.6% of SCI/D patients from the Veterans' Affairs Central California Health Care System. The self-report questionnaire was designed by …

The Lived Experience Of Black African Nurses Educated Within The United States, Amy Elizabeth Smith

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite the unprecedented growth of minority populations in the United States, the nursing profession has remained relatively homogenous. Nursing education has increased the number of minority students entering nursing programs; however, attrition rates for minority nursing students are as high as 85% (Gilchrist & Rector, 2007). As the population grows in diversity, the need for nurses who are fluent in foreign languages and who understand minority values, traditions, and cultural practice will be essential in delivering culturally competent care. Improving the retention of minority nursing students is an important step in increasing the diversity within the nursing workforce.

Although several …

Disaster Preparedness Scholarly Project, Catherine A. Marcum

DNP Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Feasibility Of Oral Prenatal Probiotics Against Maternal Group B Streptococcus Vaginal And Rectal Colonization, Lisa Hanson, Leona Vandevusse, Megan Duster, Simone Warrack, Nasia Safdar

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

To examine the effect of an oral prenatal probiotic on group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization and to demonstrate the feasibility of a larger randomized controlled trial.

Design

This pilot study was an open‐label, two‐group quasi‐experiment.

Setting

An urban central city nurse‐midwifery and wellness center serving a diverse population.

Participants

Ten pregnant participants received the oral probiotic (Florajen3) taken once daily, and 10 participants served as controls.

Methods

A questionnaire on dietary practices, vaginal cleansing, sexual history, and symptoms and GBS colony count samples were taken at 28‐, 32‐, and 36‐weeks gestation.

Results

Participants in the probiotic group reported no …

Cultural Competency In The Medical Workplace: A Look At Outpatient Clinic Nurses At A Children's Hospital In New England, Evelyn S. Callahan

Honors Scholar Theses

This paper analyzes the current state of progress toward cultural competency in the medical workplace, specifically in the hospital setting. It compares the current writing on the topic to research done at a large New England children’s hospital. The nurses are all individuals who work in an out patient setting so they often see the same patients regularly for longer periods of time. This differs from the in-patient or floor nurses who only spend limited time with a constantly changing population of patients. The research involved one-on-one interviews and a focus group with nurses at the hospital. The focus group …

Environmental Cleaning In The Emergency Department, Jenny Vang

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

Emergency Departments (ED) have protocols in place for cleaning rooms vacated by patients in order to reduce the spread of infection. What is the health care staff’s responsibility to ensure these protocols are being updated and implemented as part of infection control? The principle objective of this project is to re-educate healthcare staff on the importance of the environmental cleaning policy in the ED to decrease transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO). Secondary objectives include a review of the literature to provide evidence on the most effective disinfectant wipe to reduce MDROs, and best methods for evaluating cleanliness. Data will …

Vaccination Perceptions Of School Employees In A Rural School District, Jennifer Orton, Dr. Beth Luthy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Comparing the pre-vaccine rates to the 2010 rates, vaccine preventable diseases have decreased by 98% or greater for diseases such as smallpox, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella (American Academy of Microbiology [AAM], 2010). High vaccination rates are required to maintain low disease prevalence, and all 50 states have legislated mandates with childhood vaccination requirements before enrolling in public schools in an effort to maintain high vaccination rates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011). Conversely, adult vaccination rates are low and many adults are unsure of their vaccination status (Johnson, Nichol, & Lipczynski, 2008) or are not completely vaccinated …

Patient Discomfort In The Icu: Ett Movement Effects, Virginia Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

Critically ill patients who require MV are at risk for a number of complications, including the development of ventilator-associated events (VAE) and agitation that may require the use of sedation. Patients experience anxiety and discomfort during mechanical ventilation from a variety of sources including unfamiliar breathing assistance and an inability to communicate anxiety and pain verbally, but a primary cause of discomfort identified by these patients is the simply the presence of the endotracheal tube (ETT). Discomfort often leads to agitation and may be exacerbated by ETT movement. Management of agitation typically involves the use of sedative therapy and has …

Cuba’S Maternal-Child Health, Colleen Marzilli

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose is to elucidate the differences between the Cuban and United States (U.S.) maternal-child health delivery systems by providing a descriptive, retrospective evaluation based on a convenience sample of data gathered through observations with Cuban public health officials, including physicians, nurses, and citizens. U.S.and Cuban data were analyzed using available United Nations data. In Cuba, there are several programs that contribute to excellent maternal-child health outcomes. Two health interventions for the mother and child are regarded as “hygiene” and include the maternity home and vaccination program. Maternity homes provide comprehensive, residential care for at-risk mothers until the onset of …

The Underutilization Of Primary Care Providers In Treating Opiate Addiction, Jennifer Jenkinson

Student Works

Opioid abuse is a worldwide problem and there are not enough care providers or treatment programs available to treat the opioid abuse epidemic. Many primary-care nurse practitioners care for patients who are dependant and/or abuse opioids. Under current legislation, nurse practitioners are not allowed to prescribe the schedule III medications necessary to treat them, even though they have been made available to primary-care physicians with some additional training. This paper discusses the effectiveness of opioid substitution therapy in a primary care setting, the patient population best suited for this therapy, patient satisfaction with primary care service, and the barriers preventing …

Methamphetamine Use Among Suburban Women: Implications For Nurse Practitioners, Annette Bairan, Miriam Boeri, Janice Morian

Faculty Articles

Purpose The purpose of this article is to provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with more effective strategies to diagnose methamphetamine (MA) use and assess healthcare needs of MA-using women. Data sources The researchers collected data from 65 suburban women who were MA users living in the suburbs of a large southeastern city in the United States. We conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups examining their life history, drug history, risk behaviors, and access to health care. The qualitative findings are examined here. Conclusions Three main themes emerged from the data: (a) gendered stigmatization of MA use; (b) MA-related health risk behaviors; …

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.

Implementation Of A Total Knee Arthroplasty Evidence Based Practice Guideline Quality Improvement Project In A Va Orthopedic Surgical Setting To Reduce Surgical Infections, Paula A. Kimpton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Projects

The prevention of surgical site infections, specifically orthopedic surgery cases, has been cited as the most preventable source for morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasties (TKA). In the most recent Veteran Affairs (VA) National Surgery Office Quarterly Report (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013), a problem with surgical site infections was identified in patients with TKA surgery at Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The Dayton VAMC had a 5.3% TKA surgical infection rate versus 1.3% nationally.

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to decrease post-operative TKA infection rates with utilization of evidence based …

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

Caring Minds

No abstract provided.

Healthy Choice, Healthy Life, Dawn M. Sanderman

Theses and Graduate Projects

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, unhealthy eating and inactivity cause any where from 310,000 to 580,000 deaths every year. How and what a child eats today will have a significant impact on his/her health throughout adolescence and adulthood. Consuming nutritious foods helps children grow, develop, do well academically and also prevents health issues, such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, nutrient deficiencies and poor bone health. A project to empower middle school children to make healthy food choices was designed. An after school educational “Health Fair” was created using the theoretical framework of Watson’s Theory of …

Utilizing Watson's Theory Of Caring To Develop A Palliative Care Proposal For Olmsted Medical Center, Tammie Johnson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Palliative care is aimed at alleviating the suffering of patients with serious or chronic illnesses. Literature examined to determine the needs of seriously or chronically ill patients and their farnilies found patients to have physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs while coping with their illness. In addition, patients' family needed support in physical care of their loved ones, as well as information and psychosocial needs for themselves. The purpose of this project is to develop a proposal for an inpatient palliative care program for Olmsted Medical Center's (OMC's) consideration, Watson's Theory of Caring was utilized in the development of a palliative …

Hepatitis B Serology Testing: An Educational Module For Nurses In Outpatient Dialysis, Kristi Hanson

Theses and Graduate Projects

For nurses in outpatient dialysis, an accidental needle stick could result in contracting the Hepatitis B virus. It is recommended that all individuals receive the series of three Hepatitis B vaccinations. To determine if immunity is developed as a result of the vaccinations, Hepatitis B serology testing is performed and a positive antibody and titer level above 10 mIU/mL is indicative of immunity. Without awareness of their personal Hepatitis B serology, nurses working with Hepatitis B positive patients in the outpatient dialysis setting lack knowledge to protect their health. The implementation of an educational module, influenced by Knowles' principles of …

Vaccinating Vulnerable Populations, Paula B. Mcnabb

Theses and Graduate Projects

Influenza vaccination rates for all minority groups in Minnesota are lower than rates for Caucasians of all age groups. Since 2006, a collaborative partnership called Minnesota Immunization Networking Initiative (MINI) has provided free influenza vaccinations in convenient and trusted community settings throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minnesota in an attempt to address this health disparity. The literature highlights a number of barriers that negatively influence individuals' choices regarding acceptance of influenza vaccination but also highlights motivators, facilitators and processes that positively impact these decisions. Thirteen focus group interviews were conducted with individuals from the Ethiopian, Latino, Native American …

Decreasing Central Line Complications With A Dedicated Team Approach, Donna Degennaro

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Central-line catheters save lives, but they can also bring about complications, such as hospital-acquired infections. The Institute of Healthcare Improvement has collected data indicating that using proper insertion techniques and maintenance care, known as "the bundle," can prevent bloodstream infections associated with central lines. Progress has been made toward that end: The bundle has been used in intensive care units in a variety of hospitals and reportable central-line infections have decreased by 38%. However, because infections continue to occur inside and outside intensive care units, more needs to be done to protect all patients from these deadly infections. The purpose …

An Evaluation Of The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Joan Sevy Majers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Projects

The prevalence and costs of chronic disease continue to escalate with the aging of the population and continued advancements in medical care. Self-management of chronic disease may be an alternative approach to care that could assist in moving away from a disease-oriented model to health-oriented one. Outcomes from chronic disease self-management programs are promising but inconsistent across disease entities and populations. Among the Veteran population, chronic disease self-management programs have been implemented in a number of Veteran Affairs facilities. The purpose of this project was to evaluate specific outcomes from the chronic disease self-management program conducted in the five medical …

Improving Anesthesia Professional Adherence To Hand Hygiene, Martha E. Seneca

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Performance of hand hygiene is among the most effective means of preventing healthcare associated infections (HAI) among patients. Deaths resulting from HAIs are one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. Any improvement in the frequency of hand hygiene among healthcare professionals may have a direct impact on patient mortality and associated costs. While anesthesia professionals have been found to have low rates of hand hygiene adherence, few targeted studies seeking to improve hand hygiene adherence among this group exist. Studies conducted to improve hand hygiene among health care professionals have reported limited improvement, with …

2014-2015 Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook, Morehead State University. Nursing Department.

Nursing Department Publications Archive

2014-2015 Undergraduate Student Handbook of the Department of Nursing at Morehead State University.

Assessing Provider Knowledge And Attitude Towards Animal-Assisted Therapy As A Complementary Treatment For Children, Shannon Leigh Million

DNP Projects

Objective: The purpose of this project was to determine knowledge and attitudes of pediatric primary care providers working in a university outpatient clinic settings towards the use of animal-assisted therapy as a complementary treatment for children. This report also includes an integrative review of animal-assisted therapy in pediatric populations and a clinical practice guideline analysis regarding the use of equine facilitated learning with high risk children and adolescents in residential psychiatric treatment.

Methods: A survey tool was administered to the Department of Pediatrics at UK Healthcare.

Results: There were 41 respondents to the survey, 36 of which …

Screening For Sepsis: A Key Strategy For Early Identification And Management Of Septic Patients, Amy P. Fisher

DNP Projects

Background: Sepsis, defined as a systemic inflammatory response to infection, is a life-threatening medical condition that rapidly progresses from severe sepsis (characterized by signs of organ dysfunction) to septic shock with fluid-refractory hypotension. Adherence to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock have been associated with improved delivery of care and reduced mortality. Delays in recognition of sepsis has been identified as a barrier to achieving early goal-directed therapy targets.

Purpose: To determine if a sepsis screening protocol could facilitate earlier identification of patients with sepsis

Methods: A retrospective medical record review was …

Post Exposure Prophylaxis Among Ugandan Nurses Accidents Do Happen, J. Mill, Esther Nderitu, S. Richter

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Purpose: In 2009 we conducted a study to explore Ugandan nurses’ practice of universal precautions while caring for persons living with HIV. During our interviews about universal precautions, nurses’ also shared their experience with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following needle-stick injuries. We present findings related to nurses’ understanding of PEP and their experience with, and reporting of, needle stick injuries.

Background: Nurses have high rates of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Although there is minimal risk of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens from health care workers (HCWs) to patients and vice versa, post-exposure prophylaxis, has become routine following the occupational exposure of …

Mobile Phone Short Message Service (Sms) To Improve Malaria Pharmacoadherence In Zambia, Elinda Steury

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Malaria significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality rates in Zambia. The currently accepted malaria treatment is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT); it is more than 97% effective when the regimen is strictly adhered to. However, the mean ACT adherence rate in sub-Saharan Africa is only approximately 38-48%. Poor pharmacoadherence remains a significant barrier to malaria control and elimination. The purpose of this study was to determine if adherence rates to a six-dose ACT antimalarial treatment differ between patients in Zambia who received short message service (SMS) reminders and those who did not. An experimental, randomized, controlled trial was conducted to collect …

Health Needs And Service Areas In Illinois: An Examination Of 10 Mlps, Dhrubajyoti Bhattacharya, Emily Benfer, Allyson Gold, Latasha Barnes, Woody Thorne

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Medical-legal partnerships (MLPs) secure the health-related needs of an affected patient-client by identifying upstream determinants of health for which the law provides a remedy. Some healthcare professionals have noted key activities of MLPs, including the provision of legal assistance, educating providers about social determinants of health, and advancing policy change by addressing existent laws and regulations that may impede the maintenance of good health.1 Although these efforts are essential, they do not fully capture the potential of MLPs to serve as a locus of research and intervention to strengthen the evidence base to advance individual and population health. Across the …

Parent And Staff Perceptions Of Family-Centered Care In Two Australian Children’S Hospitals, Fenella J. Gill, Elaine Pascoe, Leanne Monterosso, Jeanine Young, Charlotte Burr, Ann Tanner, Linda Shields

Nursing Papers and Journal Articles

Aim: This paper is a report of the comparison of perceptions of family-centred care by hospital staff (nurses, doctors and allied health staff) and parents of hospitalised children in two Australian tertiary paediatric hospitals.

Background: Family-centred care is an accepted approach to caring for children and their families in hospital. Previous publications have been inconsistent, ranging from promoting its benefits and integration into practice, reporting operational difficulties and proposing that family-centred care may not be working at all. An evaluation of the model of care is long overdue.

Method: A quantitative comparative cross-sectional survey was used to collect …

The Relationship Between Select Demographic Characteristics And Body Mass Index Among Native Hawaiian And Other Pacific Islander Caregiving Adults, Jane Lassetter Phd, Rn, Lauren Clark Phd, Rn, Faan, Sharla E. Morgan Fnp, Lora Beth Brown Phd, Gwen Vanservellen Phd, Rn, Faan, Katrina Duncan Fnp, Betsy S. Hopkins

Faculty Publications

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders (NHOPIs) are people with genetic origins in Hawaii, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands (Hixson, Hepler, & Kim, 2012). NHOPI prevalence of overweight or obesity is among the highest in the world. Nauru, a Pacific Island nation, is considered the most obese country in the world with an overweight and obesity prevalence of 93% (WHO, 2011). Hawaii’s overall prevalence of overweight or obesity is 52.1%, but the prevalence for Native Hawaiian residents is 69.6% (Hawaii Department of Health, 2011). Inasmuch as NHOPIs are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the U.S. (Hixson et …

Healthcare Provider's Adherence To The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention's Guidelines Regarding The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine In Males, Lacey Gullick, Kevin Miller

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the number (percentage) of boys, ages 9-21, who were educated on or who received the HPV vaccine at their local community clinic.