Digital Commons Network^™

The Use Of Prone Positioning In Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: An Evidence Based Review, Nicholas Aaron Cress, Teresa Villaran

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

Purpose: The purpose of this poster is to review current evidence on the effects of prone positioning on 30-day survival of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a form of acute lung injury (AKI) characterized by non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema resulting in stiff, non-compliant alveoli and impaired gas exchange from either direct or indirect lung injury. Research estimates that 20 to 75 per every 100,000 persons each year are affected by acute lung injury (ALI) such as ARDS. ARDS can have mortality rates as high as 90%. This complex condition is …

The Unethical Treatment Of Psychiatric Patients, Brittany L. Sullivan

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

The healthcare system aims to provide appropriate support and treatment to enhance the quality of a persons emotional and psychological health. However, the United States has not fulfilled this aim when providing patient centered care to people with mental illnesses, and consequently, they have unmet needs for healthcare. Annually, approximately 30% of people, will be diagnosed with a mental illness. A national report card of the United States, observing each states service to psychiatric patients, revealed that treatment for psychiatric patients is not at an optimal level. One category in this report observed …

The Process Of Critical Care Nursing Resilience In Workplace Adversity, Jennifer Irene Jackson

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

Nurses who practice in critical care settings can face adversity in their workplace. Critical care nurses are at risk for burnout because of workplace adversity, which stems from a variety of social and environmental factors. Workplace adversity is defined as any stressful, traumatic, or difficult experience in an occupational setting. The factors that create workplace adversity in critical care settings include high patient mortality rates, moral distress regarding ethical decision-making, and the increased use of technology. Factors in the health care system, such as nursing absenteeism, the nursing shortage, and high rates of …

The Level Of Volatile Organic Compounds Exposure In New Buildings: Can Adding Indoor Potted Plants Reduce Exposure?, Kelly Vazquez, Lydia Adams

Leadership Connection

According to Florence Nightingale, the connection between health and the dwelling of the population is one of the most important that exists. In the United States, people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors with a typical work week consisting of 40 to 50 hours, frequently exposing them to indoor air pollutants, some of which can be harmful to the human body. These indoor air pollutants, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), have been found to be much higher in new buildings. Research shows that VOCs can cause acute and chronic health effects (e.g., headaches, genotoxicity, CNS depression, cancer, and congenital …

The Ethical Issues Confronting Nurses' Participation In The Death With Dignity Act, Ifeanyi N. Madujibeya, Teresa Villaran

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

Background: On March 4th, 2009 and May 25th, 2013, respectively, Washington state and Vermont joined Oregon State in the enactment of the Death with Dignity Act. On December 31st, 2009, Montana State Supreme Court ruled that a terminally ill, competent patient has a legal right to die with dignity, under Article II, Sections 4 and 10 of the Montana Constitution.

Findings: In the states that enacted the Death with Dignity Act, terminally ill patients and their families turn to nurses for information regarding the Death with Dignity Act. In a survey of 1,678 …

The Effects Of A Health And Wellness App On Nurses And Their Patients, Teresa Ann Hobt-Bingham

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

To present a quality improvement initiative designed to promote health and wellness of the trauma staff to reduce sick days, improve staff retention and promote teamwork and collaboration within the unit. After the initial pilot was concluded, a multiple unit study was conducted to measure missed days of work, BMI changes as well as effects on compassion fatigue and burnout.

The Dynamic Effect Of Work Relations On Nurses' Well Being And Patient Safety, Bernadette Carroll

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

Background: In 2008, the Joint Commission issued a sentinel event alert related to the significance of intimidating and disruptive behaviors in healthcare settings. The presence of these behaviors may lead to medical errors (Rosenstein et al., 2005; Institute for Safe Medication Practices: Survey on workplace intimidation, 2003; Gerardi, 2007), poor patient satisfaction (Rosenstein, 2005, Gerardi, 2007), increase costs of care (Gerardi, 2007) and an increase in turnover among qualified clinicians, administrators and managers (Rosenstein et al, 2005; Rosenstein et al, 2002).

Purpose: To investigate the time varying effects of disruptive and supportive behaviors …

The Culture Of Patient Safety In United States Hospitals, Mary Ann Wafer, Charlotte Thomas-Hawkins

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

Patient safety is one foundation of high quality care, and the Institute of Medicine recommends that all healthcare facilities across the care continuum develop and maintain a culture of patient safety. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a culture of safety is a commitment at all levels of the organization to minimize adverse patient events in the face of inherently complex and potentially hazardous procedures. It also signals the attitudes, beliefs, values, and perceptions that employees share about the way safety is done in their job settings. Patient safety …

Striving For Excellence: How To Become A Chapter Key Award Recipient, Tammy Diane Barbãƒâ©, Jill Ray

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, and Thursday, September 25, 2014:

The Chapter Key Award was established by the honor society in 1991 to honor chapters that excel in activities such as membership recruitment and retention, professional and leadership development, and local, national, and international collaboration. The Pi Gamma chapter was officially chartered in 1998 and was presented with its first Chapter Key Award in 2001. The chapter has continued to receive the award every biennium and is a seven-time award recipient. Most recently, Pi Gamma was praised for their methods used to connect with chapter members, collaborate with …

Stress In Baccalaureate Nursing Student, Andrea Stinar, Elizabeth Roe

Leadership Connection

Stress is a phenomenon that everyone experiences in his or her lifetime. Stress can impair both physical and psychological health. Nursing students are no exception to this phenomenon. Nursing students experience both academic stress and clinical stress. Beginning nursing students might experience more clinical stress due to their lack of experience. There have been few studies done to examine what level in a nursing program do nursing students experience the most amount of stress. This study asked the nursing students in a Bachelor of Science program at a medium sized college to complete a perceived stress scale. The perceived stress …

Strengthening Community Partnerships Through Sponsorship, Norah M. M. Airth-Kindree

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014, and Wednesday, September 24, 2014: For the past 28 years, the Delta Phi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau has partnered with a local College of Nursing to promote nursing scholarship within the community through an event entitled Kaleidoscope of Nursing Research Day. The Kaleidoscope of Nursing Research Day is a half-day event that showcases faculty, clinical partner and student research in order to celebrate nursing scholarship. Three years ago, the Delta Phi chapter became the sole promoter and planner of this event as a result of changes within the College. In an effort …

Spirituality Among Women Dementia Caregivers: Construct Validation Of The Spiritual Perspective Scale, Nirmala Lekhak, Wichiya Yolpant, Jaclene A. Zauszniewski, Tirth R. Bhatta

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

The older adult (65 years and above) is the fastest growing population in the United States comprising 13% of the total population. Dementia, which affects more than five million older adults in the United States, is the leading cause for their dependency and disability. Among 44 million of family caregivers, 15 million constitutes of caregivers of someone with Alzheimers disease or other dementias. More than sixty percent of the family caregivers are women. Providing care for elders with dementia has been linked with increased stress and depressive symptoms. Spirituality has been shown to …

Shared Mental Models Of Survivorship Care: A Qualitative Analysis, Megan C. Hebdon, Rosanne R. Griggs, Sara A. Mccomb, Kathleen Abrahamson

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

Introduction: While the number of cancer survivors is projected to increase to 18 million by 2022, validated approaches for the care of cancer survivors are limited. There is a need for patient-centered cancer survivorship care with improved communication, care continuity, and coordination. In order to achieve this, patients and their support network should be included as members of the healthcare team. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of health care team members, including survivors and their family and friends, regarding cancer survivorship care.

Conceptual Framework: Shared mental models, a …

Risk Of Having Prediabetes And Attitudes About Health Risks In Predominately Spanish-Speaking Latino Immigrants, Kevin Joiner, Yoshimi Fukuoka, Susan Janson, Christine Kennedy, Rosa Maria Sternberg, Jyu-Lin Chen

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

Based on evidence that type 2 diabetes (T2DM) can be delayed or prevented through lifestyle modification, and the disproportionate impact of T2DM in Latino populations, focused attention is warranted toward primary prevention of T2DM in Latino adults with prediabetes who are immigrants and predominantly Spanish-speaking. Perception of risk of developing diabetes is viewed as a key, mediating factor between cognitive intentions to lower actual risk of developing diabetes and primary preventive health actions. The purpose of this study was to develop a cross-cultural adaptation of the Risk Perception Survey for Developing Diabetes (RPS-DD) …

Religious Restrictions And Pharmacological Therapies: What Is The Role Of Nursing?, Kassandra Leigh Jennings

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

Cultural sensitivity includes competency with culture, religion, and ethnic differences reflected in the care of patients. Health care providers must be knowledgeable to demonstrate religious sensitivity and accommodation rather than assimilation into the providers culture (Leonard, 2001). In a study of 100 physicians, it was found that 70% were unaware of religious restrictions concerning pharmacological treatments with religiously-forbidden ingredients prescribed for their patients. While about half of patients expected to be informed of this incompatibility by their physician, 35% expected the nurse to be knowledgeable about religious beliefs affecting patients choice of treatments …

Relationship Between Cognitive Abilities And Adaptive Strategies Used To Cope With Chronic Health Conditions: A Pilot Study, Grace Kalnins, Sr. Callista Roy

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

The overall purpose of this program of research is to promote adaptation and health in persons with chronic health conditions initially by developing cognitive nursing interventions aimed at coping. To increase understanding of the relationship between human cognitive abilities and adaptation processes requires a more focused defining and measuring of cognition and relating cognition to a specific conceptualization and theory-based measurement of coping. This understanding can provide the basis for planning and testing cognitive nursing interventions to promote adaptation to chronic health conditions. In a time of limited resources for health care, and …

Rapid Response Team Model For A School For Autistic Children, Kimberly A. Mihelich

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

Rapid response teams have been utilized in industries and acute care for decades. However, in other settings change to the more efficient and preferred model has been slow. Research overwhelmingly supports that public schools have action plans in place for medical emergencies such as seizures, collapsed student, anaphylaxis, and hazardous ingestion. It is even more crucial for schools with a high population of students with medical conditions that predispose them to emergencies. Many states now recommend and have enacted legislation allowing for unlicensed assistive personnel to administer emergency medications. This article suggests a …

Proper Screening And Diagnosing Of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Quality Improvement Initiative In Primary Care Setting For The Underinsured, Della Lee Hughes Carter, Roberta E. Hoebeke

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

Will implementation of a quality improvement process in a primary care clinic for the underinsured improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic kidney disease? The project will address three objectives: 1) develop and implement a sustainable quality improvement process in a primary care setting; 2) evaluate diabetic kidney disease screening and; 3) evaluate the prevalence rate of diabetic kidney disease diagnosis.

Preschooler's Perceptions Of Food As A Possible Factor Related To Childhood Obesity, Jennifer R. Bail

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

Problem: Who thinks about hypertension or diabetes in children? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. As healthcare professionals/educators, we need to address these concerns because of the growing obesity epidemic in younger and younger children. There are many facets related to this problem; however, to promote healthy eating habits in children, an understanding of their perceptions of food is key. Yet, limited research exists related to childrens perceptions of healthy …

Preparing For A Future, Arahany Vasquez

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

Millions of women suffer every year worldwide as a result of health, economic, developmental problems related to pregnancy and thereafter most suffer from lack of programs that are vital in creating a healthier relationship, family unit and neighborhoods. U.S women are among the highest impacted in particular those living in risk populations. For women who are marginalized or living in poverty areas with most significant health disparities, the risks are particularly critical. Fortunately we are able to offer some of the best care and resources throughout the world here at home, for those …

Predictors Of Quality Of Life In Dyspneic Patients With Advanced Cancer, Sara M. Tinsley

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

Uncontrolled dyspnea is frightening for patients and adversely affects quality of life. It is disabling and interferes with daily activities and limits valuable time spent with family and friends. Dyspnea and related symptoms in advanced cancer are not adequately treated due to limited research and understanding of the total symptom experience. Dyspnea is a complex, distressing symptom in advanced cancer which occurs with other symptoms and smothers QOL. The purpose of this study was to identify symptoms which correlate with dyspnea in advanced cancer patients, and how the dyspnea symptom cluster predicted quality …

Pain Reassessment In The Emergency Department, Diane K. Ullery

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

The purpose of this project was to create a protocol to improve pain reassessment documentation in the emergency department, resulting in better nursing management of pain.

Outcomes Of Admission Screening For Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Hospitalized Patients With Cardiovascular Disease, Ellen V. Stemmler

Leadership Connection

The purpose of this literature review was to assess the prevalence and impact of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients admitted to the hospital with a cardiovascular diagnosis, and to assess whether the data support the use of an OSA screening tool. An electronic data base literature search of English language publications between 2008 and 2013 was conducted. Study findings supported the use of screening tools to identify hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) at high risk for OSA. In patients without …

Outcomes Achieved By Student Peer Tutors In The Center For Academic Success, Claire Brittany Mack, Nicole Marie Leavitt, Carolyn Joy Peters

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014: Peer tutors have positively impacted the Chamberlain College of Nursing Cleveland campus by making student success a top priority. Peer Tutors assist students by developing expertise in the wide variety of Center for Academic Success (CAS) resources. These resources include Chamberlain's online library and data bases, VitalSource the platform used for Chamberlain's eBooks, eCollege Chamberlain's course platform, Evolve which offers accompanying textbook material, as well as the many supplemental texts and journals our library holds. Customized study experiences are offered to students who seek academic support. A dedicated online outreach position was developed …

Nurse Educators' Lived Experiences Of Student-Centered Teaching In Practice Settings: A Proposed Interpretive Phenomenology, Olabisi Oyelana

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014: The purpose of this poster presentation is to describe a proposed research study that represents an upcoming Master's thesis. In todays health care system, changes and complexities require nurses to practice with a high degree of accountability and strong problem-solving skills. Increasingly, nurses are required to anticipate and manage complex care of diverse patients; consequently, nurses need to be educated in a manner that meets current practice demands. Clinical nursing education is moving towards a student-centered philosophy that facilitates nursing students confidence, creativity, inquisitiveness, intuition, open mindedness and the capability for gathering and …

Nepa Takes The Light., Immaculata Ogechi Obi

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

According to the World Health Organization, maternal death is defined "death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes." In an attempt to help reduce maternal death rates in Nigeria, woman are encouraged to seek proper treatment and give birth in healthcare facilities. However, due to the lack of constant electricity, there is little confidence about whether or not …

Leadership Succession And Mentoring Plan For Undergraduate Nursing Students In The Absn Option At Winston-Salem State University, Cecil A. Holland, Wanda Lawrence

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014: Purpose: Leadership is an essential skill in the nursing profession. When we examine leadership in nursing, it takes many forms - from leadership at the bedside to leadership in the classroom, the boardroom, and beyond. Good nurse leaders start out by being good student nurse leaders. In order to influence the next generation of nurse leaders, it is incumbent that schools of nursing develop effective leadership and mentoring plans. Leadership succession and mentoring plans may serve as the foundation for building a leadership pipeline and talent pool that ensures effective leadership continuity. Methods: …

Leadership Strategies For The At-Large Chapter, Wendy B. Hansbrough

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, and Thursday, September 25, 2014:

An at-large chapter of STTI may be established when smaller schools of nursing or those within close proximity to one another find it advantageous to draw on the larger membership resources of a merged chapter. Such is the case in San Diego where the Zeta-Mu chapter at the University of San Diego (USD), originally chartered in 1982, joined with honor society members at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) to establish the Zeta Mu Chapter-At-Large in 1993. While establishing an at-large chapter is not difficult, the leadership of a …

Leaders In Patient Education: Health Literacy Knowledge And Experience Unlocks The Door To Effective Patient Education, Deborah K. Kennard

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Thursday, September 25, 2014:

Nurses take the lead in patient education over all other healthcare professionals yet a review of the literature indicates nurses have little knowledge about the effect of health literacy on patient education. The purpose of this review was to examine nurses knowledge and experience with health literacy. Health literacy is the ability to understand health information and maneuver within the health system and is critical to patient outcomes. Approximately 88% of the adult population has limited health literacy (HHS, 2010) and this problem results in an estimated $238 billion dollars in healthcare costs …

Knowledge Of Screen Time Recommendations Among Women, Infants, And Children (Wic) Clients And Caregivers, Theresa Rose Marie Neff, Layna Himmelberg

Leadership Connection

Session presented on Friday, September 26, 2014:

Childhood obesity has become a national epidemic. There has been a rapid rise in childhood overweight and obesity in the United States over the last fifty years, with tripling numbers since the 1980s. Various behaviors increase risk for childhood obesity, including overuse of screen time. Obesity is associated with screen time use for the following reasons: decreased physical activity, increased sedentary activity, exposure to food advertising, and irregular patterns of eating. In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] (1999) recommends limits on daily screen time use. AAP recommendations are as follows: children …