Digital Commons Network^™

The Composite First Person Narrative: Texture, Structure, And Meaning In Writing Phenomenological Descriptions, M. S. Wertz, M. Nosek, Susan Mcniesh, E. Marlow

Faculty Publications

This paper illustrates the use of composite first person narrative interpretive methods, as described by Todres, across a range of phenomena. This methodology introduces texture into the presently understood structures of phenomena and thereby creates new understandings of the phenomenon, bringing about a form of understanding that is relationally alive that contributes to improved caring practices. The method is influenced by the work of Gendlin, Heidegger, van Manen, Gadamer, and Merleau-Ponty. The method’s applicability to different research topics is demonstrated through the composite narratives of nursing students learning nursing practice in an accelerated and condensed program, obese female adolescents attempting …

Learning Formative Skills Of Nursing Practice In An Accelerated Program, Susan Mcniesh, P. Benner, C. Chesla

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to describe how students in an accelerated master’s degree entry program experientially learned the practice of nursing. One research question examined in this study was: What formative experiences did students identify as helping them develop and differentiate their clinical practice? Data from clinical observations and a combination of small group and individual interviews were collected and analyzed using interpretive phenomenological methods. Students identified formative skills learned through the independent care of a patient as pivotal in their identity and agency development. By experiencing the responsibility and action from within the body and …

Holistic Comfort And Bereavement Of Families Receiving Prenatal Hospice Support During The Loss Of An Unborn Child With Lethal Anomalies, Sally S. Smith

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the grieving process and coping mechanism of families that was faced with the impeding loss of their unborn child. Grief is a very lonely process.

The aim of this research is to examine how parents cope with the lost of an unborn child with the aid of perinatal hospices. Giving families a broader range of options in regards to continuing their pregnancy. Each family has a right to choice what option is right for them. Choices should be in the hands of the family in regards to continuing with their pregnancy …

Parental Perception Of Childhood Obesity And The School's Role On Prevention And Interventions In Childhood Obesity, Monique Jones

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Childhood obesity is a major health crisis that is becoming an epidemic among children and adolescents. Interventions must begin early and focus on prevention strategies to achieve the goal of increasing quality years of life for today's children and families. Parents with children in a local after school Boys & Girls club were surveyed regarding their perception of childhood obesity, the causes of childhood obesity, and the school's role in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. More than 90% of the participants identified inactivity, poor eating behavior, eating too much, and lack of money to buy nutritious foods as …

The Effect Of High-Fidelity Human Patient Simulation On Stress Levels Of Associate Degree Novice Nursing Students, Sallie Beth Todd

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The clinical learning environment is an important component in the educational development of a student nurse. Nursing students have identified the clinical experience as one of the most stress producing components of their nursing education. Past research has shown high levels of stress can lead to decreased learning, affect clinical performance, increase clinical errors, and threaten physical or psychiatric wellbeing. Nurse educators' primary responsibilities are to help students effectively cope with their initial stress and facilitate student learning by applying the knowledge they gain in the classroom to the clinical environment. To allow students the opportunity to integrate theory into …

Diabetes Understanding Among Staff Nurses: Examining The Actual Versus Perceived Knowledge In The Acute Care Setting, Rebecca B. Ledbetter

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death world-wide claiming a staggering 3.8 million lives globally each year to related complications (World Health Organization, 2011). Diabetes complications account for 20% of all acute care admissions or 1 in every 5 patients have a diabetes-related condition (American Diabetes Association, 2011). Patient education in the areas of lifestyle modification, healthy eating habits, and proper medication administration is research-supported to clinically decrease the likelihood of acute complications. Bedside, acute care nurses are at the front line of patient education delivery and have the opportunity to determine behavioral stages related to a patient's readiness …

Monitoring Congestive Heart Failure Across The Healthcare Continuum, Katrina E. Walker

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart no longer pumps adequate blood and oxygen to bodily organs. CHF is a chronic condition that affects millions of people on a yearly basis. Common diseases that cause CHF are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. CHF patients face many compilations that affect their daily activities. Along with morbidity CHF has major financial implications because much of the cost associated with CHF healthcare is avoidable. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of monitoring congestive heart failure across the healthcare continuum with application to the …

The Incidence Of Individual Sexually Based Counseling By School Nurses In An Urban School System, Tiffany Dunlap

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of individual counseling on sexual issues by school nurses in a large, urban, public school system in the Southeastern United States (U.S). Utilizing a descriptive, non-experimental method for the study, a secondary data analysis was conducted by the researcher using information self-reported by 117 school nurses regarding individual counseling of students in grades kindergarten through twelve on sexual topics. The topics included in the study were pregnancy, puberty/reproductive health and sexual abuse. There was a relationship established between grade level and rate of individual counseling. School nurses in the school …

The Effects Of Education And Training On Nurses' Perception Of Lateral Violence In The Healthcare Field, Tamara Cook

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The effects of lateral violence are costly for all aspects of the healthcare profession. Lateral violence is an act of aggression directed towards another nurse. Educating nurses of lateral violence and its appearance may prove to increase nurse's perception of lateral violence therefore decreasing its occurrence. This study will explore the effects of education and training on nurses' perception of lateral violence in the healthcare field. Lateral violence threatens the integrity of each nurse, the nursing profession, and the organization. Increasing the awareness of lateral violence attempts to make a culture change among nurses in the healthcare profession. Minimizing lateral …

Effect Of Remote Fetal Monitoring In An Inpatient Obstetrical Unit: A Retrospective Review, Lauren Reavis

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) has been used as a tool for inpatient obstetrical care in the United States since the 1980's. The litigious nature of our society has caused much emphasis to be placed upon EFM use and interpretation; however, little evolution has occurred in monitoring techniques. The review of relevant literature found a significant gap in knowledge in regards to research of the current monitoring practice. Therefore, this study was aimed to look at the effect of remote monitoring, like the practice currently used in telemetry, on inpatient obstetrical care. The study used a retrospective review to look at …

A Study Of The Presence Of Relational Aggression In The Adult Population, Kathy C. Williams

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Aggression can result in a challenge of the basic human need for safety and security (Plotnik, 1999). Historically there has been extensive research regarding physical aggression. However, only in the past two decades has relational aggression received attention. Most research studies regarding relational aggression have focused upon children, adolescents and young adults. The purpose of this study was to explore the presence of relational aggression in the adult population. The Self-Report of Aggression and Social Behavior Measure tool was used to survey a convenience sample of 67 nursing students. The participants were students enrolled in the school of nursing (associate, …

The Effect Of Emergency Department Length Of Stay On Clinical Outcomes For Critically Ill Or Injured Patients, Sheila Radcliff

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of the study was to identify the effects of the emergency department length of stay on clinical outcomes for critically ill or injured patients in the regional referral community hospital. Delays in transfer have been associated with increased mortality rates, prolonged length of stays, and poor outcomes. Emergency departments are designed to respond to immediate life or limb threatening emergencies.

A quantitative, descriptive, retrospective design was used in this study. Data was collected from APACHE II, trauma databases, and ED logs. The study was conducted in a 752 bed hospital in the western North Carolina. Data was analyzed …

Changes In Temperature Of Heel Skin Under Pressure In Hip Surgery Patients, Vivian K. Wong, N. A. Stotts, H. W. Hopf, G. A. Dowling, E. S. Froelicher

Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of external pressure of the bed surface on heel skin temperature in adults in the first 3 days after hip surgery. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study in a prospective, within-subjects, repeated-measures design. SETTING: This study was performed at 2 acute-care hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen subjects (9 men and 9 women) with a mean age of 58.3 (±16.1) years were recruited after hip surgery at the 2 hospitals. METHODS: Temperature sensors were placed on the plantar surface of each foot, close to the heels. Measures were taken when the heels were (1) …

The Effects Of Concept Care Maps On Critical Thinking In Baccaalureate Nursing Students, Sarah Michelle Fry

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study with first year Baccalaureate nursing students was to test the effects of care mapping strategies on critical thinking skills. In a constantly evolving field of nursing, it is important that new graduates are able to assimilate assessment data and use critical thinking to derive sound clinical judgement. Concept mapping is believed to support this endeavor.

The Art Of Nursing: An Evaluation Of Congruence Of Nurse-Patient Perceptions Of The Healing Interaction, Gillian Yvonne Dargan-Doxzon

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to pilot a new tool that encompasses both patients' and nurses' perceptions of the nurse-patient interaction. This pairing of surveys will measure congruence of the perceptions between the nurse and the patient.

A Supportive-Educative Program For Perinatal Depression Utilizing Orem's Theory Of Self-Care, Amy Michelle Larsen

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to provide a support group, utilizing Dorothea Orem's self-care model, for perinatal depression in Riverside County. Perinatal depression in childbearing women is quite significant. Incidence rates of perinatal depression are estimated at 15% and higher in the United States and worldwide population.

Effect Of Simulated Clinical Interpersonal Skills Practice On Nursing Students' Communication Skills, Nancy Jean Wolf

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined the effect of a workshop with simulated clinical interpersonal skills practice and conversational analysis on second-year nursing students' interpersonal communication skills. The ultimate goal of the present researcher is to empower nursing students with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with all members of the healthcare team. The target population consists of second-year nursing students, with the accessible population at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). A random sample of 28 participants were selected from among students enrolled in the Foundation of Nursing Process, Roles and skills course, on two campuses of CSUSB.

Screening, Brief Intervention, And Referral To Treatment For Alcohol Use In A Community College, Alexandra Aimee Bell

Theses Digitization Project

This study examines the impact of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) on the high-risk alcohol behavior of a sample of California community college students accessing services at the student health center.

The Composite First Person Narrative: Texture, Structure, And Meaning In Writing Phenomenological Descriptions, Marcia Stanley Wertz, Marcianna Nosek, Susan Mcniesh, Elizabeth Marlow

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

This paper illustrates the use of composite first person narrative interpretive methods, as described by Todres, across a range of phenomena. This methodology introduces texture into the presently understood structures of phenomena and thereby creates new understandings of the phenomenon, bringing about a form of understanding that is relationally alive that contributes to improved caring practices. The method is influenced by the work of Gendlin, Heidegger, van Manen, Gadamer, and Merleau-Ponty. The method’s applicability to different research topics is demonstrated through the composite narratives of nursing students learning nursing practice in an accelerated and condensed program, obese female adolescents attempting …

Single Mother’S Adverse And Traumatic Experiences And Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms, Joan A. Samuels-Dennis, Marilyn Ford-Gilboe, Susan Ray

Nursing Publications

A random sample of 247 Canadian single mothers currently receiving social assistance participated in a study designed to: a) provide a comprehensive description of mother’s lifetime exposure to 11 adversities, four psychological traumas, and eight assaultive traumas; b) examine the association between exposure to childhood and adulthood adversities and traumas, and mother’s current post-traumatic stress symptom. Of those surveyed, 31% met the criteria for a probable PTSD diagnosis. Between 78% and 80% reported 1 or more lifetime adversity, psychological trauma, and assaultive trauma. Rates of adversities were similar to the general female population. However, rates of psychological and assaultive trauma …

Improving Blood Pressure Control In Esrd Through A Supportive Educative Nursing Intervention, Zorica Kauric-Klein

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

IMPROVING BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL IN ESRD THROUGH A

SUPPORTIVE EDUCATIVE NURSING INTERVENTION

by

ZORICA KAURIC-KLEIN

May 2011

Advisor: Dr. Nancy T. Artinian

Major: Nursing

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Problem: Hypertension in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients contributes significantly to their morbidity and mortality. Statistics indicate the hypertension rate amongst HD patients ranges from 75 to 100 %. Studies have indicated that adherence rates to self-care behaviors related to salt and fluid intake and medication regimens are very poor in the HD population. Traditional hypertension management strategies have been found to be largely ineffective. There is modest evidence indicating that interventions …

Circadian Rhythm Of Cortisol And Estradiol In Healthy Women, Karyn G. Butler

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

CIRCADIAN RHYTHM OF CORTISOL AND ESTRADIOL IN HEALTHY WOMEN

by

KARYN G. BUTLER

AUGUST 2011

Advisor: Dr. Jean E. Davis

Major: Nursing

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Daily variation in human processes and behaviors has been identified for centuries. Study of these circadian rhythms demonstrates their role in human health. Sickness behaviors include alterations in affect, sleep quality and energy. The study of the relationship between circadian rhythms has been limited to isolated rhythms. The role of temporal relationships among rhythms has received little attention. Sickness behaviors are prevalent in many disorders including depression, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Two hormones …

Perceived Familial Socialization And Ethnic Identity: Factors Associated With Physical Activity, Eating Behavior Patterns, And Social Physique Anxiety In African American Middle Adolescents, Nutrena H. Tate

Wayne State University Dissertations

Purpose: African American adolescents experience higher rates of obesity and have an increased risk of obesity related diseases than Caucasian American adolescents. Despite culturally sensitive obesity preventive interventions, obesity rates are increasing within the African American adolescent population. Current obesity interventions claim to be culturally sensitive, but do not address how ethnic identity and parental influences on body image and body change may affect the efficacy of the interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the sociocultural factors related to weight behaviors and cognitions in African American adolescents. Differences based on socioeconomic status (SES), gender, and residential status …

Comparison Of Registered Nurse Job Satisfaction To Patient Satisfaction And The Link To The Role Of The Nurse Manager, Deborah M. Spotts

Theses and Graduate Projects

This is an in depth qualitative research study using a compelling literature review and an in depth case study of one hospital comparing registered nurse job satisfaction scores with patient satisfaction scores. The literature review indicates that research positively correlates nurse job satisfaction to patient care satisfaction. This research study focuses on understanding the possible relationship between registered nurse job satisfaction and patient satisfaction with nursing care. The role of the nurse manager is explored in order to understand possible the impact of that role on the satisfaction scores of both groups.

Evaluation Of Health Newsletter Effectiveness On Dietary Habits In Low-Income Middle-Aged Women, Nichole Jennifer Hassebroek

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

There is little known about the effectiveness of the SagePlus newsletters at motivating dietary habit changes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the SagePlus newsletter in motivating low-income, middle-aged women who are participating in the SagePlus program to adopt healthier eating habits, specifically to eat more fruits and vegetables. A nonexperimental, descriptive correlational design was used in this study. Phone calls were placed to current SagePlus participants who had been enrolled in the program between six and 12 months. Forty English-speaking participants were contacted and agreed to participate in the telephone survey from a potential …

Gender Perceptions In Rheumatic Disease: A Secondary Analysis, Jean Heise

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Problem: Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1.3 million people in the United States. A chronic disease with a variable course leaves affected individuals in a state of uncertainty. Many individuals experience joint and muscle pain, a major symptom of the disease. Current literature provides varying information of gender perceptions and management of joint and muscle pain in rheumatic diseases. Purpose: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore (1) gender perception of seriousness of joint and muscle pain in rheumatoid arthritis, (2) gender perception of joint and muscle pain interference with daily life, (3) gender perception of controllability of joint …

Barriers To Using Motivational Interviewing For Lifestyle Counseling, Heidi June Sannes

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The Minnesota Department of Health has sponsored Motivational Interviewing Continuing Education sessions for SagePlus providers to increase their knowledge and skill in the utilization of MI in their clinical practice. The impact of these educational sessions on skill development as well as utilization of MI by these providers is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if healthcare providers perceive any barriers in utilizing MI techniques to do lifestyle counseling with SagePlus program particiants. A descriptive quantitative design was used for this study. Of the 22 healthcare providers that were doing lifestyle counseling 16 completed the questionnaires. The …

Motivational Interviewing Training And Provider Proficiency, Jeremy Jay Waldo

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine if there was a relationship between the amount and type of Motivational Interviewing (MI) training a SagePlus provider receives, motivation to utilize MI training, and the proficiency of the provider in using MI in lifestyle counseling in clinical practice. This study was comprised of 16 healthcare professionals who provide SagePlus lifestyle counseling interventions in clinics that participated in the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) funded SagePlus program. A demographic questionnaire, modified Preventative Medicine Attitudes and Activities Questionnaire (PMAAQ) and Behaviour Change Counseling Index tool (BECCI) were utilized to assess provider's amount …

Associations Of Trauma, Nightmares, And Quality Of Life In Urban African American Adolescents, Barbara Peterson

Wayne State University Dissertations

Purpose: Exposure to trauma in youth is pervasive particularly among urban, African American teens. Nightmares are considered a hallmark symptom of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and are associated with poor sleep quality and poor quality of life in adults. Research about nightmares in adolescents is lacking, and these relations have not been previously examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among nightmare frequency, nightmare distress, PTSD severity, sleep quality, and quality of life in teens.

Theory: The Roy Adaptation Model was used to conceptualize nightmares as focal stimuli reducing adaptation in teens. Nightmares may heighten memories …

Teamstepps Communication And In Situ Simulation Training To Improve Individual And Team Performance During Handoff Of The Immediate Post-Operative Cardiovascular Surgical Patient, Stacy Lynn Jepsen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The aim of this pilot study was to identify if establishing a reliable framework for consistent use of TeamSTEPPS communication would improve the team communication and performance during the critical handoff of the cardiac surgical patient from the OR team to the ICU team. Breakdown in handoff communication has been attributed as the cause of adverse health events, delays in treatment, inappropriate treatment, increased length of stay, and increased costs and inefficiencies from rework. Standardizing handoff communication is a Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal, and immediate postoperative cardiac surgical patients are a high-risk population needing consistently high quality communication …