Digital Commons Network^™

Integrating Improved Geriatric Content Into A Nursing Curriculum: Enhancing The Competencies Of Nursing Students In Gerontological Care, Sylvia Andrade

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

The United States is facing a critical shortage of health care professionals who are trained in geriatrics. Among the health care professions, nursing, with more than 3 million members, comprises the largest segment of the nation’s health care workforce. New nurses entering this workforce find themselves caring for an extraordinarily large number of older patients with complex health care needs, regardless of the care setting. Currently, 36 million Americans are aged 65 or older. By 2030, that number will double. Accordingly, the need is significantly greater for more gerontologically trained registered nurses to address the complex health care needs of …

Reducing The Incidence Of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers By Enhancing The Role Of Unit-Based Skin Champions, Anne V. Loewenthal

Master's Projects and Capstones

Reducing the Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers by Enhancing the Role of Unit-Based Skin Champions

Abstract

Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcer continues to be an alarming issue in today’s healthcare systems. Often preventable, it is a significant nursing role and a frequently used benchmark for quality care. Studies have shown that hospital-acquired pressure ulcer (HAPU) complications have been associated with “up to 60,000 deaths each year in the United States” (AHRQ, 2014). A major health problem, it presents grave consequences on the patient’s well-being, significant treatment and recovery delays, increase length of inpatient stays, and have become a “never” event from …

Transitioning Care From Hospital To Home, Increasing Awareness Of Take-Home Pressure Injury Prevention Kits, Erika A. Yazdanbakhsh Mrs

Master's Projects and Capstones

With proper implementation of evidence-based interventions, most pressure injuries (PI) can be prevented. While prevention is considered standard of care while inpatient, there is a need to transition this care from hospital to home. This CNL project aimed to increased awareness of take home PI prevention kits made available to staff nurses at on medical surgical hospital unit with 15 staff nurses. An author-blinded, internal chart review and a comprehensive review of evidence-based literature were studied to provide background data and support for implementation using the staff huddle. Direct observation and staff interaction was incorporated with Lewin’s change theory to …

Preventing Hapus In High-Risk Cardiac Cath Patients Using Foam Dressing Protocol, Charles Jasper

Master's Projects and Capstones

The purpose of this project is to implement an evidence-based change in practice resulting safer procedures as evidenced by zero hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs). It is relevant to nursing as it provides an ethical perspective regarding patient safety and contributes to our present understanding of HAPU prevention. In spite of having already decreased the total number of HAPUs by 50% in 2015, the cardiac catheterization lab (CCL) was implicated in 30% of those reported. My objective is to improve patient safety by reducing the number of HAPUs acquired in the CCL to 0% by three months using a prophylactic …

Effects Of A Sleep Hygiene Text-Message Intervention On Sleep In College Students, Christine S. Gipson

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Young adulthood is a time of transition with multiple stressors that may affect healthy lifestyle habits such as sleep. Prolonged sleep disturbances can have harmful health effects along with increased risk for development of chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a text-message intervention on sleep among young adult college students. Using Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), it was hypothesized that a sleep hygiene text-message intervention would increase sleep hygiene knowledge, increase sleep hygiene, improve self-efficacy for sleep hygiene, and improve sleep quality among young adult college students. A randomized control trial (RCT) with …

Physical Activity Levels And Related Factors In Midwestern Rural Hispanic Or Latino Adults, Alison K. Clevette

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine physical activity levels and specific intrapersonal, interpersonal and community physical environment factors that influence physical activity in Midwestern rural Hispanic or Latino adults. Instruments used in the study included: Self-Efficacy for Exercise Behaviors Survey, Social Support for Exercise Survey, Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH), and Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS). Physical activity was measured by 7-Day Physical Activity Recall and ActiGraph^® accelerometer data. In the study of 54 participants, it was found that there was a very low level of physical activity. For example, 97% of the time was spent …

Vaccination For Prevention Of Postherpectic Neuralgia, Erik C. Burke

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Fourth Color, April Emily Drafts-Johnson

Senior Theses

This thesis centers around short stories based on the student's favorite author, David Sedaris. Sedaris is a modern humor essayist who uses experiences from his daily life to create vivid, “real-ish” stories to entertain his readers. In nursing and in life, there are interesting tales to be told. The following stories are imaginative events that are based on the author’s personal experiences. Stories about family, coming of age, reflections on life, and fictional recounts of time spent working odd jobs in the hospital are all divided into five themes—the human experience, making the best of it, loss, darkness, and light. …

Case Report: The Effect Of Yoga In Adults With Hypertension, Kristen Bowe

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Management Of Hypertension In African Americans As Compared To Non-African Americas, Jamie C. Hanrahan

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Mindfulness-Based Intervention For Perinatal Grief Education And Reduction Among Poor Women In Chhattisgarh, India: A Pilot Study, Lisa R. Roberts, Susanne B. Montgomery

Interdisciplinary Journal of Best Practices in Global Development

INTRODUCTION: Stillbirth is a significant public health problem in low to middle income countries and results in perinatal grief, often with negative psychosocial impact. In low-resource settings, such as Chhattisgarh, India, where needs are high, it is imperative to utilize low-cost, effective interventions. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an empirically sound intervention that has been utilized for a broad range of physical and mental health problems, and is adaptable to specific populations. The main objective of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a shortened, culturally adapted mindfulness-based intervention to address the complex grief after stillbirth. …

Cinnamon In The Treatment Of Type Ii Diabetes, Pauline J. Maddox

Graduate Research Projects

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this review of literature is to evaluate the effects of cinnamon on hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose/fasting plasma glucose (FBG/FPG) in various populations such as type II diabetes, prediabetics, metabolic syndrome, and overweight or obese individuals.

Research Design and Methods

A comprehensive literature review was done with the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) database using the keywords, cinnamon, type II diabetes, diabetes, HbA1c, and FBS. References used in previous meta-analysis were also searched and reviewed for inclusion. Studies were included in this review if they evaluated cinnamon effects on …

Examining The Barriers And Facilitators Of Breastfeeding Duration Among Active-Duty Military Mothers, Andrea Lynn Farwell

Dissertations

Abstract Objective: To describe breastfeeding duration, as well as barriers and facilitators experienced, by active-duty women in the United States military. Design: A cross-sectional design guided the study. Setting: The setting was a social media site offering breastfeeding education and support for military mothers. Participants: The sample included 292 mothers who reported having a baby, initiating breastfeeding postpartum, and returning to work while serving active-duty in the United States within the last five years. Methods: An investigator-designed Qualtrics survey with multiple choice, Likert, and open-ended questions was used. Analysis procedures focused on descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression. Content analysis …

Efficancy Of The Dash Diet In Reducing The Need For Antihypertensive Medications, Kelly Usset

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Protective Effects Of Oral Contraceptives On Ovarian Cancer, Megan Retterath

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Independent Study, Jack Baden

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Mindfulness Education For Stress Reduction In Nursing Students, Kathryn Kekenes Peterson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Problem. The level of stress experienced by college students can be significant. It can be even more pronounced in nursing students as a result of the intense curriculum and clinical experiences. Stress can be the result of academic, personal, or interpersonal causes. It can affect physical, psychological, spiritual, and social well-being. Stress is not always avoidable but learning techniques to manage stress can improve overall well-being by decreasing the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social effects of stress. Learning to manage stress through holistic self-care with mindfulness stress reduction techniques could help alleviate the negative effects of stress, enabling the student …

Chhs May 2016 Icymi, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Rekindling The Passion For Nursing, Susan M. Cannon

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nurses often experience compassion fatigue and burnout when working in stressful environments. Nurses tend to put the needs of their patients above their own needs. It is imperative for the work environment to promote relaxation and restoration, to avert compassion fatigue and nursing burnout. All employees of the project director’s organization were encouraged to attend Caring for the Caregiver Day, a hospital-sponsored event which provided education and promoted self-help interventions aimed to decrease compassion fatigue and burnout. The event included aromatherapy, music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, massage therapy, and education on compassion fatigue for nurses. In addition, the Progressive …

Effectiveness And Feasibility Of In-Office Versus Smartphone Text-Delivered Nutrition Education In The College Setting: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study, Jordan Rose, Deepika Goyal, Mary Ellen Wilkosz, Anita Catlin

Doctoral Projects

Often, being away from home for the first time, coupled with limited knowledge regarding healthy eating behaviors, leads to poor food choices and an increased risk of obesity among college-aged young adults. These college students are prone to high-calorie diets and limited physical activity, putting them at risk for obesity, a physiologically, psychologically, and financially costly epidemic in the United States. College students use their cellular phones over eight and a half hours a day and cell phones are their primary means of information consumption outside of the classroom, suggesting that the phones would be a useful tool to provide …

Optimizing The Teachable Moment For Health Promotion For Cancer Survivors And Their Families, Michelle Frazelle, Patricia J. Friend

Nursing: School of Nursing Faculty Publications and Other Works

No abstract provided.

Nurses' Knowledge Of Eating Disorders, Carly S. Price

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Eating Disorders are a range of disorders marked by abnormal eating habits. These habits can often have a detrimental effect on the body and have the potential to complicate acute medical problems if they are a pre-existing condition. Due to this, it is important that members of the healthcare team be aware of the nature of these disorders from both a physical and mental health perspective in order to provide the best, most holistic care. In this study, individuals with nursing experience in acute medical and acute psychiatric care were asked 11 questions concerning the assessment and knowledge of eating …

Breastfeeding Rates In Marshallese Mothers; A Needs Assessment, Olivia N. Pennington

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

ABSTRACT

Background. Multiple health disparities are associated with the Marshallese population in Northwest Arkansas. Childhood obesity, linked to a decrease in exclusive breastfeeding, is one of the predominant issues. Since their migration to the United States, exclusive breastfeeding rates of Marshallese mothers have steadily declined throughout the years. Little research has been conducted to help combat this growing health disparity. Due to the increased growth in this population in Northwest Arkansas, it is imperative that measures are taken to decrease these disparities to improve the overall health of the future generations.

Objective: To determine the relationship between maternal age, …

The Influence Of Birth Weight On Body Mass Index In Young Children In Northwest Arkansas, Margaret Frame

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool to measure body fat that is calculated based on the height, weight, age, and gender of a child. Being overweight as a child is defined as having a BMI between the 85^th and 95^th percentiles. Obesity is defined as having a BMI at or above the 95^th percentile (“Basics About Childhood Obesity,” 2012). Having a high BMI comes with an increased risk of multiple co-morbidities, both physical and psychosocial (Pulgarón, 2013). Birth weight has been presumed to play a role in the prevalence of obesity in children. The purpose …

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates In Marshallese Mothers Residing In The U.S., Bentley S. Snider

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Background: The Marshallese are one of the fastest growing migrant populations in the U.S. They have considerable health disparities despite their increasing access to health care. The Marshallese women in this population prefer to breastfeed, but have encountered many cultural barriers that have deterred them from exclusively breastfeeding for a significant amount of time. Breastfeeding is linked to many protective benefits for children’s health, such as decreasing the likelihood of obesity, even into the adult years.

Objective: The purpose was to evaluate the impact on breastfeeding rates through implementation of a culturally significant educational intervention for the …

The Effects Of Patient Education And Knowledge Of Chf Patients As Evaluated By The Paksac Survey, Nabil Tovar

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

After diagnosis, management of congestive heart failure (CHF) can pose quite a struggle to many patients, since it requires that lifestyle changes be implemented into their daily life. Patients require the sufficient knowledge and education in order to best manage symptoms and improve their quality of life after being diagnosed. Use of Patient Knowledge of Self-care activities in Congestive Heart Failure^© (PaKSAC) survey in transitional care programs could identify patient gaps in knowledge, as well as decreasing acute care service use. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the knowledge level of CHF patients at the time …

Implementation Of The Obesity Prevention And Management (Opm) Guideline To Increase Recognition And Treatment Of Childhood Overweight And Obesity In An Urgent Care Setting, Krystle Denise Apodaca

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Childhood obesity carries multiple significant and costly health associated risk factors. Obese children have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, as well as self-esteem issues. Childhood overweight and obesity are associated with $14.1 billion in healthcare utilization each year. New Mexico (NM) has experienced significant increase in overweight and obesity with associated chronic illnesses over the past 15 years. Addressing the public health crisis of childhood overweight and obesity requires an innovative and broad approach beyond primary care and health policy changes. Urgent care settings are highly accessed by pediatric patients. To address …

Delirium Education Program For Critical Care Nurses: A Mixed Methods Study, Meredith Padilla Padilla

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Approximately 10-30% of hospital admissions develop delirium where nearly 30-40% of the delirium cases are preventable. Non-detection rates by acute care healthcare workers were reported at 72-75%. Hence, it is crucial for hospitals to develop delirium education programs focused on early recognition and prevention. Thus, the purpose of this mixed method study was to develop and evaluate the effect of a delirium education program (DEP) on improving critical care nurses’ knowledge and self-confidence in identifying delirium and the associated risk factors. In the quantitative strand (Phase I) of the study, both the intervention and control groups completed the online pre-tests …

Eight Steps To Weight Loss: Development Of An Evidence-Based Collaborative Provider-Patient Workbook For Overweight Or Obese Adults, Katherine Ann Wagner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite decades of effort on the part of health care providers and policy makers to reduce the prevalence of obesity, the prevalence of obesity in the United States remains high (CDC, 2015). In the adult population ages 20 years of age and older, 35.7% are considered obese. The annual medical costs for people who are obese are $1,429 higher than people of a healthy weight (CDC, 2013). Obesity increases the risk for chronic health conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, coronary heart disease, stroke, asthma, arthritis, and cancer (Hammond & Levine, 2010). Over-weight and obesity are the main …

Implementing A Good Catch Program In Nursing Homes, Leigh Raposo

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

Rationale and processes for reporting near misses and evidence-based tools were collected by a literature search, seminal works by Sidney Dekker and James Reason, and websites for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Tools, information, and strategies found in this research were evaluated for implementation in Maine nursing homes. The tools provide a communication vehicle for nursing home staff to safely report to management near misses, or mistakes that do not harm residents. To emphasize a positive approach, the project replaces the term …