Digital Commons Network^™

The Power Of Nurse Preceptors To Influence Practice Related To Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections, Judy S. Smith, Kenn M. Kirksey, Mary Viney

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: The Joint Commission issued a National Patient Safety Goal for prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 250,000 cases of CLABSI annually in the United States (US) with a cost of $25,000 per episode and a mortality rate of 12%. In our study examining behavioral intention to utilize best practice disinfection techniques when "scrubbing the hub," we found that nurse peers exerted the greatest influence over this crucial element in prevention of CLABSI.

Methods: Based upon these findings, conversations were conducted with 37 staff nurse preceptors. Goals included: 1) to appreciate …

The Sikh Patient: A Review Of The Nursing Literature, Mandeep Kaur

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Introduction: Nearly a half million Sikhs currently live in the United States. Thus, gaining cultural competency on caring for a Sikh when they become patients under our care, is a clear progression. This study examines research publications conducted in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom and mirrors them to US society as a means to better describe nursing care of the Sikh patient.

Methods: This review of the literature was conducted by searching the keyword "Sikh" in the CINAHL and MEDLINE databases. The initial search retrieved 415 article results. Criteria for including an article was discussing care of …

Towards An Understanding Of Pregnancy Weight Gain In African-American Women, Susan W. Groth, Dianne Morrison-Beedy

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Problem: A large proportion of women gain more weight than is needed during pregnancy. This is a major health issue because excessive gestational weight gain contributes to postpartum weight retention, which contributes to long term obesity in women and their offspring. African-American women in particular have high rates of obesity with half (49.6%) classified as obese and 14.2% as grade 3 obesity (BMI>=40kg/m2).

Theoretical base: A common construct across multiple behavior change theories, including social cognitive theory, is that behavior change is impacted by personal factors including risk appraisal and motivation to change.

Purpose: In order to determine the …

Postpartum Weight Retention And Its Related Factors In Taiwanese Women: A Preliminary Study, Hsiu-Rong Cheng

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Purpose: Childbearing is a significant contributor to the increase of body weight and body fat, and waist circumference is an effective measurement to predict the risk of obesity-related diseases. Few studies have explored postpartum weight retention, and none have measured waist circumference in Taiwanese postpartum women. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the current magnitude of postpartum weight retention, waist circumference, and related factors of postpartum weight retention in Taiwanese women.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of Taiwanese women was recruited from two health centers in southern Taiwan. Women's body weights and waist …

An Individualized Fall Prevention Program For Older Adults: Partnerships In Practice, Mary Lou De Natale

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Purpose: The aim of this research will be to reduce the risk of patient falls during home visits and scheduled assessements for older adults. One of the major concerns in caring for a older adult living in the community is the increased susceptibility to falls based on the risk factors: history of falls, decreased independence in ADL's, use of assistance devices, osteoarthritis, environmental safety, cognitive impairment, incontinence, vision impairment, hearing, and medications.

Significance: Each year, an estimated one third of older adults fall, and the likelihood of falling increases substantially with advancing age (CDC, 2009). Older adults with mild, moderate, …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of First-Time Breastfeeding Mothers, Karen F. Phillips

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Breastfeeding is the optimal and most complete form of nutrition for infants and has been associated with numerous infant and maternal health benefits (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 2005; World Health Organization [WHO], 2011). Breastfeeding has been linked to health promotion and disease prevention (AAP, 2005) and is considered "a global public health issue" (McInnes & Chambers, 2008, p. 424). Despite all that is known about the benefits of breastfeeding relative to future health, a gap remains between initiation and continuation rates. Currently only 13 percent of women are exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2011). …

Developing And Sustaining Partnerships: The Key To Successful Healthcare Initiatives, Linda A. Streit, V. Dare Domico

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Collaborative partnerships between academics and health service providers are the foundation towards bridging the overall education and practice gaps within the nursing discipline. For years, healthcare agencies and academic institutions have engaged in contractual agreements which often serve as an earnest commitment towards educating future nurses. However, contractual agreements often favor the needs of the academic institution, leaving minimal effort from academic faculty to improve or enrich healthcare facilities directly. The purpose of this session is to share innovative and transformational ideas created from partnership with a healthcare system in the metro-Atlanta area. Creative and useful strategies will reveal suggestions …

Promoting Breastfeeding Through The Use Of A Unique Skin-To-Skin Intervention At An Urban Hospital, Jeannette T. Crenshaw, Karin Cadwell, Kajsa Hilarie Brimdyr, Renee' Jones, Carol Gentry, Armara Dickey, Nuala Murphy, Elizabeth H. Winslow, Kristin Svennson, Ann-Marie Widstrom

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Improving breastfeeding rates is a healthcare priority. Skin-to-skin care after birth improves maternal and newborn outcomes and is an effective strategy to address the Joint Commission perinatal core measure for exclusive breast milk feeding at discharge. Optimal skin-to-skin begins immediately after birth and continues, uninterrupted, until after the first feeding. Skin-to-skin care often is not done, is interrupted, or is delayed until multiple procedures are completed (e.g., infant weights, episiotomy repair; cesarean surgery), despite evidence supporting the practice. We conducted a unique 5-day project to improve skin-to-skin care and measured the results. The project team (nurses from the Sweden, Massachusetts, …

An Innovative Clinical Practicum Model: Preceptorship, Salima M. Farooq, Fauziya Ali, Yasmin P. Parpio

Biennial Convention (CONV)

In nursing, the transition from student to newly qualified nurses is recognized as being very stressful. Preceptorship program in senior elective course may meet the needs of senior nursing students by increasing their confidence and competence in the clinical settings.

Objective: The objective of this research was to explore student's perceptions regarding competency of implementing the nursing process after preceptorship experience and propose recommendations for modifications in the senior elective nursing course in undergraduate school of nursing curriculum in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology: A descriptive explorative study was employed to meet the study objectives. The research was conducted at Karachi. All …

Interprofessional Collaboration And The New Graduate Nurse: Are We Expecting Too Much?, Kathryn A. Pfaff

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is currently touted as one mechanism for enhancing the delivery of Canadian healthcare and the overall health of its population. Within both acute care and primary care sectors, IPC is associated with improved patient outcomes. These include reductions in morbidity and mortality, decreased hospital length of stay, and enhanced recruitment and retention of nurses. As such, Canadian governmental and professional bodies strongly endorse IPC initiatives. Moreover, nursing regulatory bodies mandate that all registered nurses engage in IPC, beginning upon entry-to-practice. Nevertheless, a plethora of evidence indicates that new graduate transition to independent nursing practice is characterized by …

Self Efficacy Help Nurses And Patients Gain More Satisfaction, Siobhan D. Kobal, Rebekah J. Nottingham

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Job satisfaction is a sense of fulfillment and pride felt by nurses who enjoy their work and do it well. Job dissatisfaction has been an ongoing issue in nursing for decades. The purpose of this study was to describe the correlation between an individual's level of self- efficacy and degree of job satisfaction and patient satisfaction, while investigating additional contributing factors to job satisfaction. Barbara Resnick's middle range theory of self-efficacy served as the conceptual framework. The study was a mixed, non-experimental, descriptive, correlational design. The general self-efficacy scale (GSE) measured self-efficacy and the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing …

Moral Distress In Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses Who Care For Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Mary S. Webb, Denise Passmore, Denise J. Poirier Maguire, Genieveve J. Cline

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Moral distress has been defined as being the painful psychological disequilibrium that results from recognizing the appropriate action, yet not taking it because of some obstacle or constraint. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses are thought to be at particular risk for moral distress due to the nature of this highly specialized nursing. Technological advances in the care of the newborn infants have been rapid and diverse, and often lead to extremely complex management of very ill infants who formerly would never have survived. More recently, NICU nurses are responsible for the care of babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) …

Nurses' Attitudes Towards Continuing Formal Education: A Comparison By Level Of Educationâ And Geography, Tanya K. Altmann

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Quality of healthcare is a priority yet registered Nurses (RNs) are the least educated healthcare professional. The IOM report, The Future of Nursing, calls for more Baccalaureate prepared nurses and research has demonstrated that a more educated RN workforce improves quality and patient outcomes by decreasing morbidity, mortality, disciplinary actions, and medication/treatment errors. Many healthcare organization representatives, mission statements, and research priorities support these contentions. Although a number of countries have changed their entry-into-practice standards, the majority of U.S. RNs continue to obtain an Associate Degree or Diploma. Few of these continue their formal education after licensure. Constructive attitudes toward …

Nourishing The Valuing Of Leadership Behaviors, Debbie R. Faulk, Arlene H. Morris

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Returning RN students bring a preconceived idea that learning will focus on enhancement of knowledge regarding intensive or medical/surgical nursing, and may not value leadership and management courses. Working from this assumption that leadership behaviors are undervalued by returning nursing students, nurse educators must consider the following question: "How can we help nursing students value leadership and the importance of developing leading and managing behaviors?" The returning RN student brings a unique persona to baccalaureate education through life and work experiences, motivation, competency, culture, values, and beliefs. These prior experiences (personal and professional) provide a foundation from which new learning …

Succession Planning For Chief Nursing Officers In Acute Care Medical Centers In California, Lita Tsai

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Succession planning for CNE positions is a critical nursing leadership issue. Nursing is at the crossroads in the midst of a nursing shortage due to the rapid changes such as nursing retirement of aging baby boomers; and the increasing complexities of health care demands. The study examines the relationship between succession planning and role competencies of CNEs in acute care medical centers in California in preparing for the next generation of nurse leaders. Succession planning is the process of building the internal leadership pipeline. CNEs need to be prepared for the competencies needed for their roles. CNEs are the linchpin …

Evaluation Of The Integration Of Genetics And Genomics Into Nursing Practice, Jean Jenkins, Kathleen A. Calzone, Laurie Badzek

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Purpose: Genomics is redefining the health/illness continuum. Nurses, pivotal providers of quality healthcare services, are essential to applying genomic discoveries to patient care. The Essential Genetics and Genomics Nursing Competencies (2006, 2009) made this is an ideal time to benchmark competency of integrating genomics into nursing practice. The primary study aim was to assess genomic nursing competency as a basis to measure effectiveness of planned education. Methods: Roger's Diffusion of Innovations theory guided this online survey utilizing a convenience sample of nurses accessed via nursingworld.org. The survey assessed knowledge, skills, and attitudes about collecting/using family history, beliefs about the usefulness …

Harnessing The Power Of Public Datasets In Professional Nursing Practice, Katharine S. West

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) As the health record becomes more computerized, datasets are quickly becoming the next tool of the professional nurse. Already, thanks to the United Nations and World Health Organization data initiatives, the world is rapidly acquiring increased Internet access to governmental databases all over the world. Online search tools are being designed to effectively use these datasets to easily deliver information. The challenge is to know where to find certain data, and how to use it appropriately. This presentation will demonstrate through static screenshots of selected Internet sources how to effectively use publically available databases to support professional …

Development And Psychometric Assessment Of The Undergraduate Nursing Student Academic Satisfaction Scale (Unsass), Maher M. El-Masri, Susan Dennison

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) Background and Purpose: To examine the psychometric properties of a newly developed instrument: The Undergraduate Nursing Student Academic Satisfaction Scale (UNSASS). Methods: A self-report test-retest questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 313 students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program in Ontario, Canada. Results: The psychometric analysis yielded a 48-item multidimensional instrument. Validity testing revealed a Content Validity Index of .83. Factor analysis suggested a four dimension scale with distinct factor loadings that all exceeded .4 and explained 50% of the variance. The scale had an overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .96 …

A Strategy For Assessment As Learning In Health Sciences, Hester C. Klopper, Marthyna Williams

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) Background: Assessment in the teaching-learning environment is an essential component for the achievement of the learning outcomes on the one hand as well as an under-utilized learning opportunity. Problem statement: In spite of the Outcomes Based Education approach advocated by the educational policy, most learning facilitators continue to practice traditional assessment methods embedded in a behaviorist philosophy. Purpose: This presentation aims to report on a strategy developed for assessment as learning based on the constructivist approach as opposed to assessment of learning practiced in health sciences at a South African higher education institution. Research design and method: …

Online Course Development Success: The Samoan Experience, Jeanine E. Gangeness

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) Background: Registered Nurses in Western Samoa have no access to continuing education once they have completed their initial university education and are employed in the villages of Western Samoa. The Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN), sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), provides eLearning opportunities to healthcare professionals throughout the Pacific region. A university collaborative responded to the request for programming with Qualifications for Online Learning a course delivered to Samoan nurses in both a face-to-face and online format. Methods: Development of online courses from face-to-face courses, use of conversion tools supporting excellence in online education, …

East African Somali Speaking Women Of Childbearing Age: Access To Early Prenatal Healthcare, Shukri Adams, Bonnie Copland, Julia Snethen

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) Background: When East African Somali Speaking Women (EASSWs) of Childbearing age migrate from Africa to the USA, they resist the Western perception that medicine has the power to prevent, control, and cure diseases. The EASSWs perceive health matters to be out of their control because physical and mental disorders are controlled by God. One concern is that because of their belief system and cultural practices, EASSWs of childbearing age are not obtaining prenatal healthcare services, preferring to only visit a doctor when they are sick. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to explore the experiences of …

Effects Of Anxiety Reducing Interventions On Performance Anxiety In New Graduates, Georgita L. Tolbert Washington

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) Every new nursing graduate is challenged to transition from student to professional nurse. This stressful situation can bring about performance anxiety which occurs when an individual is the focus of attention, is in fear of being humiliated or embarrassed, and has a fear of interactions with others. These feelings occur only in certain situations such as when the new graduate is the focus of attention and is constantly being evaluated. The need to interact with other health care professionals, patients, and families can also create anxiety about performance. No studies were found to have examined this concept …

Robot Faculty Extender Program Implications For Global Clinical Education, Debi Sampsel, Patricia Vermeersch

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) Experienced nursing faculty are in short supply worldwide and although distance learning technologies clearnly enable aging faculty from around the globe to deliver high quality content, teaching, service and research obligations of the university-based faculty member have not been explored. Robots have been used successfully in other non-teaching health care roles globally such as physician consultants. In this study a "robot" is an aritificial, mobile, interactive teleprsence (a virtual presence accomplished by electronic transmission). The purpose of this pilot research study was to explore application of the robot faculty extender program (RFEP) to roles beyond but including …

Implementation Of A Smoking Education Initiative, Sylvia J. Sheffler

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) Globally, smoking-related diseases kill approximately four million people a year. These alarming statistics demonstrate a need for programs aimed at eradicating smoking with an emphasis on prevention programs geared toward children and teens. Young people can be drawn to smoking by social pressures from peers and the intense media campaigns that depict smoking as making individuals more appealing to the opposite sex or as part of a desirable lifestyle. Instituting a smoking education/prevention program during the students' formative years at a University can have significant potential for life-long positive outcomes. A smoking education/prevention program was initiated at …

Multidisciplinary Leadership Development For All Hazards Preparedness: Building Capacity While Improving Health, Kimberly Jill Elenberg

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) Multidisciplinary Leadership Development for All Hazards Preparedness: Building capacity while improving health Purpose: The Office of Force Readiness and Deployment (OFRD) in the Office of the Surgeon General is tasked with building, monitoring, and maintaining readiness capacity for the United State Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. The USPHS is the nation's only full-time cadre of public health and medical providers. Officers are expected to be available and prepared for rapid deployment in response to domestic and international hazards. However, many officers have limited or infrequent experience in applying leadership skills in disaster settings that are planned …

Creating A Culture Of Belongingness: A Script For Nurse Satisfaction And Nurse Leader Development, Sharon J. Paton

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) The purpose of this qualitative study, from a phenomenological approach, was to explore nurses' understanding of belongingness and the influence this knowledge could have for nurse leaders on job satisfaction and retention of nurses. Fifteen Registered Nurses (RNs) from a health care organization in Toronto, Canada, took part in the study. From the interviews conducted holistic, selective, and line-by-line analysis of transcripts occurred. The use of NVivo 8 software during data analysis assisted in identifying themes. Four core themes emerged: Belongingness relates to possessing a feeling of happiness and a sense of family; creating belongingness is primarily …

Continuous Versus Intermittent Nasogastric Feeding For Patients On Mechanical Ventilation: Impacts On Gastric Emptying And Pulmonary Aspiration-A Comprehensive Systematic Review, Yi-Jen Huang, Chi-Hsuan Asphodel Yang

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) Every 100 patients receiving mechanical ventilation, 6-25 of them will acquire ventilator associated pneumonia. Nasogastric tube (NG) feeding is usually administered to patients on ventilator for nutritional support. Yet, evidences have shown NG feeding is one of contributing factors to VAP. Evidences also have shown long-term uses of ventilator could lead to gastroesophageal reflux and pulmonary aspiration in patients also receiving NG feeding. It is unclear which NG feeding methods affect the incidence of pulmonary aspiration. A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted to explore the effects of different NG feeding on pulmonary aspiration and gastric emptying …

Use Of Simulation To Identify Academic-Practice Gaps To Improve Healthcare, Colleen Royle, Yvette Dulohery, Julie Hebenstreit, Angie Christian, Norma Krumwiede

Biennial Convention (CONV)

(41st Biennial Convention) The ongoing call for nursing education to incorporate simulation into the curriculum has resulted in nurse educators attempting to adopt new teaching strategies that enhance the student's learning experience through low, medium and high-fidelity technology. The majority of published articles on simulation in nursing education emphasize the teaching-learning experiences of faculty and students. Even leaders in the field of simulated learning encourage educators to use simulation to enhance student learning and caution educators to avoid the use of simulation as an evaluation of student learning. This perspective limits the full potential of using simulation in nursing curricula. …

Factors Affecting Caring Efficacy And Job Satisfaction In Australian Registered Nurses, Carol L. Reid, Cameron Hurst, Debra Jane Anderson

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify relationships between socio-demographic factors, caring efficacy and job satisfaction in Australian registered nurses.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken. A stratified random sample of registered nurses, who were members of an Australian professional and industrial organisation, participated. Descriptive and correlation analyses, one-way ANOVA tests, simple linear regression and multivariable analyses were conducted to examine relationships between the variables.

Results: There were 639 respondents to the national survey. The majority of respondents (100%) showed positive caring-efficacy scores and 80.8% showed positive job satisfaction scores. An ANOVA found significant positive relationships between caring-efficacy …

Spirituality, Religiosity, Depression And Anxiety In Opioid Addiction, Linda B. Piacentine

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background and Significance: The United Nations General Assembly relates concern about substance abuse around the world. Substance abuse often leads to addiction, and is damaging to the health of persons, families, and society. Opioid addiction therapy includes substituting methadone the drug of addiction. Addiction frequently presents with coexisting depression and/or anxiety adding to poor health. Despite spirituality being identified as a factor in recovery it is often a neglected topic and studies have not examined the relationship among spirituality, depression, and anxiety.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among spirituality religiosity, depression, and anxiety in …