Digital Commons Network^™

Grief And Personal Growth Experiences Of Bereaved Spouses And Adult Child Caregivers Of Individuals With Dementia, Melissa M. Romero

Dissertations

Caregivers of individual's with dementia are usually older spouses or middle aged children who provide long-term care in the home. Researchers have examined variables associated with poor adjustment in bereaved caregivers which include high levels of pre-death depression, high levels of caregiver burden, feeling unprepared for the death, and providing care for a cognitively impaired person. However, relatively little is known about variables that might predict positive adjustment in caregivers after the death of a family member with dementia. The meaning reconstruction theory of bereavement was used as the conceptual framework for this study which explored the relationship between pre-death …

Educating Nurses On Workflow Changes From Electronic Heath Record Adoption, Rhoda Lynn San Jose

Dissertations

Workflow issues related to adoption of the electronic health record (EHR) has led to unsafe workarounds, decreased productivity, inefficient clinical documentation and slow rates of EHR adoption. The problem addressed in this quality improvement project was nurses' lack of knowledge about workflow changes due to EHR adoption. The purpose of this project was to identify changes in workflow and to develop an educational module to communicate the changes. This project was guided by both the ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation) and the diffusion of innovations theory.

Predictors Of Nurse Practitioners' End-Of-Life Communication Behaviors With Adults Who Have End-Stage Renal Disease, Joanne V. Payongayong

Dissertations

The scope of end-of-life (EOL) communication is not well known among advanced practice nurses (APNs) who care for adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, the aims of the study were to examine the independent effects of knowledge, attitude, and perceived behavioral control on APNs' engagement in EOL communication and the mediating and moderating effects of attitude and perceived behavioral control between knowledge and EOL communication. A theoretically derived 17-item survey measuring the concepts of interest was developed and administered to a convenience sample of 127 APNs.

Factors Affecting The Symptom Burden In Chronic Heart Failure, Gary M. Gusick

Dissertations

Heart failure (HF) is a health problem of epidemic proportions and a clinical syndrome that leads to progressively severe symptoms, which contribute significantly to the burden of the disease. Several factors may affect the symptom burden of patients with HF, including physiological, psychological, and spiritual factors. This study was designed to examine the inter-relationship of physiological, psychological, and spiritual factors affecting symptoms for patients with HF.

The aims of this study were to examine symptom burden of heart failure patients related to: (1) the physiological factor of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP); (2) the psychological factor of depression; (3) the spiritual …

Technology In Nursing Classrooms: A Qualitative Phenomenological Interpretative Study, Ose G. Martinez

Dissertations

Nursing students have to learn how to critically think and pass a licensure examination to practice their profession. Current students seem to be bored by lecture strategies most commonly applied by seasoned nurse educators. A gap in the literature regarding lived experiences of seasoned nursing faculty members applying technological applications when teaching nursing topics. The purpose of this phenomenological interpretative study was to understand the lived experiences of seasoned nursing educators using technology in nursing classrooms. Seventeen seasoned nurse educators participated in semistructured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed with the NVIVO 11™ software. During the interpretative analysis, eight …

Advance Care Planning In Advanced Heart Failure: A Relational Exploration Of Autonomy, Tieghan Killackey

Dissertations

Advance care planning (ACP) is the process of understanding and sharing personal values and goals to ensure people with serious illnesses receive healthcare and treatment that is consistent with their goals and preferences. With the increasing number of treatment options available to patients living with advanced heart failure (HF), ACP is regarded as a means of preserving individual autonomy throughout the illness trajectory. Despite significant public awareness campaigns, research and interventions developed to increase participation in ACP, this practice remains severely under-utilized by those who are chronically ill. This gap in practice highlights the need for further exploration of how …

Tobacco Use And Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Women In Aleta Wondo, Ethiopia: An Exploratory Study Of Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs And Behaviors, Anne Berit Petersen

Dissertations

By 2030, sub-Saharan Africa is projected to be the epicenter of the tobacco epidemic. In Ethiopia there is an opportunity to avert an increase in tobacco-induced diseases; however, local data is needed to inform proactive contextualized tobacco control interventions. This cross-sectional community-base study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors (KABs) related to tobacco use and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure of women in the Aleta Wondo region.

Genetic, Socioenvironmental, Behavioral Contributions To Metabolic Profiles And Body Composition In Samoan Infants, Lacey W. Heinsberg, Ulai T. Fidow, Kendall J. Arslanian, Steven J. Mullett, Erin E. Kershaw, Yvette Conley, Daniel E. Weeks, Stacy G. Wendell, Nicola L. Hawley

Sigma Foundation for Nursing Research Grant Reports

The purpose of this study is to use untargeted metabolomic profiling and pathway discovery to better understand the foundations of variation in adiposity and body composition (e.g., fat mass, lean mass, bone mass, weight-for-age) in the first two years of life.

A Development And Validation Of The Advance Planning Preparedness Scale (Apps), Renee Mcleod-Sordjan

Dissertations

Delayed advance care planning and costs of aggressive life sustaining treatments at end of life significantly contribute to the economic burden of healthcare in the United States. Dying trajectories, in most chronic conditions, have terminal prognostic uncertainties that do not address advance care planning by clinicians in a timely manner. Clinician and nursing barriers include perceptions of inappropriate timing, lack of skills in end-of-life communication and viewing readiness as a behavior rather than a death attitude. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the measurement of psychological preparedness for ACP to aid in the understanding of readiness …

Effect Of An Education Intervention On Nursing Students' Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Caring For Transgender And Gender Nonconforming People, Tanya N. Carmichael

Dissertations

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people experience inequities in accessing health care, quality of care, and health outcomes. Rates of stress, depression, suicidal ideation/attempts, smoking, alcohol and substance use, and certain sexually transmitted infections are higher among TGNC people. Barriers to accessing care for TGNC people include social and economic marginalization; fear, stigma, and discrimination; and health care professionals (HCPs) with limited experience and knowledge about caring for TGNC people. Lack of knowledge and biased attitudes toward gender minorities within health care contribute to care that is substandard, delayed or refused outright; non-use of existing evidence-based guidelines for TGNC-related care; …

Addressing Self-Efficacy In Cardiovascular Emergencies, Kjirsten Ervi

Group: Nebraska Methodist College

Problem: New graduate nurses in an urban midwestern emergency department self-identified that they lacked self-efficacy in cardiovascular emergencies. The objective of this study was to measure self-efficacy in the new graduate nurse and senior level-nursing students by providing cardiac specific education with a simulation based in the emergency department.

Intervention: An educational multi-modal course aimed specifically at cardiovascular emergencies and the self-efficacy of the new graduate nurse and senior level nursing students was implemented. This course consisted of a lecture, case studies, and a simulation. The project took place in two separate settings, one at the hospital and another at …

Reducing The Carbon Footprint Of Our Healthcare Systems: A To Z, Janice E. Hawkins, Dania Itani Mousa, Kathleen Eviza

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Climate change is considered the “single biggest health threat” to humanity. Because healthcare systems emit almost 5% of greenhouse gasses worldwide, nurses must take steps to mitigate climate change. In this session, the Sigma UN Team will discuss strategies from A-Z to lower the carbon footprints of healthcare organizations.

Analyzing Nurse Perceptions Of Workplace Environments From A Statewide Initiative, Judith T. Caruso, Mildred Ortu Kowalski, Marilyn Mapp

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Hospitals demonstrated consistent and sustained improvement in work environments after implementation of Nursing Workplace Environment and Staffing Councils. With empirical outcomes and identification of best practices throughout the state, staff nurses and nurse leaders learned from each other about creative, positive initiatives to improve nurse well-being and work environments.

Effect Of The Diverse Standardized Patient Simulation (Dsps) Cultural Competence Education Strategy On Nursing Students' Transcultural Self-Efficacy Perceptions, Eda Ozkara San

Dissertations

Nursing students find it challenging to provide culture-specific care for patients representing diversity in ethnicity, race, language, socioeconomic status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration history, and lifestyle and frequently lack confidence in their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Simulation has become a useful strategy for teaching nursing students assessment skills, technical skills, teamwork, delegation, self-efficacy, and professional communication. An alarming gap exists within the literature concerning innovative teaching and learning strategies that are carefully designed, implemented, and evaluated and follow a conceptual model, guidelines, and standards to enhance cultural competence development of diverse student groups, who must work with patients from …

Promoting Oral Health Equity: Opportunities For The Nursing Profession, Gillian Barclay, Mary Kate Hannan

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Poor oral health is linked to negative health outcomes and is a leading public health concern. Globally, health inequities place disadvantaged and minority children at a higher risk for poor oral health outcomes. This presentation explores strategies how the nursing profession can play leadership roles to promote oral health equity.

Critical Care Nurses' Work Environment And Professional Quality Of Life Perceptions By Accreditation Status, Heather Mcgrane Minton, Alexandria Reppi, Tara Sacco

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

This secondary data analysis examined differences in critical care nurses' perceptions of their work environment and professional quality of life based on accreditation status. Differences in work environment perception, compassion satisfaction, and compassion fatigue based on Magnet and Beacon Award status will be presented.

The Triple "H" Factor: Exploring Nurses' Health, Happiness, And Harmony, Katie Boston-Leary

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Nurses overall health and well-being is paramount for an effective health care system to deliver optimal care. The COVID-19 mental health survey series revealed how nurses have felt during the pandemic and how they have been impacted in all aspects of their professional and personal lives.

Tap Into Your Breath: It's Been With You All Along, Anna Moats-Gibson

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Breathwork is a powerful tool for healing, sourcing energy, renewal, truth, and grounding. Can you imagine if you and your fellow colleagues had renewed spirits and served from the heart? Breathwork renews passion, positivity, and love through dropping into the body. Learn about Breathwork and experience a mini breath session.

Exploring The Development Process Of Undergraduate Nursing Students, Loretta J. Aller

Dissertations

Current healthcare trends such as greater technological advances, patients with higher acuity, and shorter employment orientation periods have impacted the work environment of newly graduated nurses entering the workforce. Evidence shows that these issues contribute to newly employed nurses leaving the workforce within 1-2 years of entering the profession (Cleary, Horsfall, Jackson, Muthulakshmi & Hunt, 2013; Flinkman & Salantera, 2015; Robert Wood Johnson, 2014; Tuckett, Winters-Chang, Bogossian & Wood, 2015). Current theoretical foundations for nursing education need updating within the context of a dynamic healthcare environment burdened by a nursing shortage that is already struggling to meet the demands of …

Employing "Hackathon" Methodology: An Innovative Platform To Provide Ongoing Nurse Recognition And Empowerment, Teresa M. Bertozzi Greco, Adrienne M. Platt, Mary Laly Chacko, Meagan Mckeen

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Oral presentation illustrating the journey of a team of nurses sharing first place at a “Hackathon” competition while attending a Sigma (nursing honor society) meeting promoting positive workplace environments. The teams were tasked to create innovative approaches to recognize and empower nurses. "Florence", a mobile device app, was born.

Creating Psychologically Healthy Work Environments For Nurses: Emerging Findings From The Healthy Professional Worker Partnership, Abby Ayoub, Henrietta Boateng, Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, Kenchera Ingraham, Renata Khalikova, Kelly A. Lackie, Melanie Lavoie-Tremblay, Kim Mcmillan, Kennedy Onyechie, Sheri Price, Shamel Rolle Sands, Mylãƒâ¨Ne Shankland

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

This presentation will provide preliminary findings from the Pan-Canadian study, the Healthy Professional Worker Partnership, on work and organizational factors impacting the mental health of nurses, prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations to ensure psychologically healthy work environments for nurses will also be provided.

Inspiring Leadership: A Job Resource That Effects Perceptions Of Nurse Work Well-Being, Federica Maria Pia Ferramosca, Lucia Filomeno, Raffaella Gualandi, Dhurata Ivziku, Daniela Tartaglini

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Healthcare professionals are inspired by their leader, and it reflects aspects such as commitment, work pleasure, independence, and detachment from work. An inspiring leadership style is a precious job resource for personnel well-being. Continuing education on leadership should be encouraged in healthcare settings to increase competencies among nurse leaders.

Nurses' Healthy Work Environment, Collaborative Care, Stress Biomarker Telomere Length, Holly Wei

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

The presenter will describe nurses’ collective trauma, burnout, and post-traumatic growth; Stress biomarker telomere biology; Strategies to promote nurses’ healthy work environments; Leadership theories and roles in healthcare. She will introduce her research on nurses’ healthy work environment and practical strategies to promote leadership capacities and nurses’ work environments.

[Excerpt From] Reflective Practice (3rd Ed.), Sara Horton-Deutsch, Gwen Sherwood

Sigma Publications: Book Excerpts

This item record pertains to an excerpt from Reflective Practice, 3rd ed., which is provided free of charge by the publisher.

About this book:

A nurse's work is multifaceted, medically complex, technically precise, and physically demanding. But nursing—the act of caring—is also social, emotional, impactful, and personal. Because nursing education programs prioritize the importance of the technical and physical aspects of nursing, that is what they teach. This leaves practicing nurses poorly equipped to understand the science of caring and unprepared for the constant stream of emotional and psychological stressors that come with this profoundly important work. The unintended …

Using The Experience Of Being A Full-Time Academic Nurse Educator During Covid-19 To Enhance Well-Being, Elizabeth A. Gazza

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

In 2020, academic nursing educators (ANEs) experienced abrupt changes in their work environments and professional lives. Uncovering the experience of being a full-time ANE in baccalaureate or higher degree programs during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential for enhancing working conditions and professional well-being of ANEs in post-pandemic nursing education.

Nicu Culture Of Care For Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Focused Ethnography, Monica M. Nelson

Dissertations

The purpose of this ethnographic study was to describe the culture of care and nonpharmacological nursing interventions performed by NICU nurses for infants with NAS.

Examining The Levels Of Compassion Satisfaction Of Critical Care Nurses During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Abigail Mitchell, Alexandra Isabella Yacub

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Allowing critical care nurses to recognize factors impacting their work environment and professional quality of life has proven to lessen unpredictable events of compassion fatigue (CF). There is a positive correlation between identifying factors and job satisfaction, retention, and compassion satisfaction resulting in a better quality of care for patients.

Maternal-Preterm Infant Interaction Subsequent To High-Risk Pregnancy, Beth P. Black

Dissertations

Maternal-preterm infant interactions affect cognitive and social development of the infant. Little research has focused on the unique contribution of maternal health to interactions. Using data from two NIH-funded longitudinal studies of preterm infants and mothers, this dissertation examined the effects of three high-risk maternal health conditions--chronic illness predating pregnancy, a history of infertility or reproductive loss, and pregnancy-related illness--on interactions. Three separate papers comprised the dissertation. Data between the two NIH-funded studies were analyzed separately as replications within each paper.

Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of A Telehealth Support Forum For Reducing Distress In Informal Caregivers Of Patients With Glioblastoma, Stacey D. Green

Dissertations

Glioblastoma is incurable, deadly, and disabling. Informal caregivers of glioblastoma patients face an unpredictable, laborious, costly, and distressing experience. Supported caregivers have less distress and improved caregiver mastery. Often times, caregivers are unable to attend support groups, increasing risk of adverse events for caregiver and patient. This increased risk highlights a need for increased access to support. The purpose of this project was to determine if distressed caregivers of glioblastoma patients at an academic medical center would report reduced distress after participating in telehealth support forums over a period of four weeks. The health belief model was used to implement …

The Lived Experiences Of Expert Nurse Clinicians Transition To Novice Nurse Educators: A Phenomenological Study, Sabrina L. Colbert

Dissertations

The literature is replete with information regarding the nationwide shortage of nursing faculty occurring in academia and practice. Due to the lack of available nursing faculty, masters-prepared nurses are being recruited into academia from clinical practice: expert clinicians with limited preparation in educational pedagogy. This descriptive phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of participants who transitioned from expert nurse clinicians to novice nurse educators in academia. The theoretical framework was Benner's novice to expert theory to explain and interpret the phenomenon as consciously experienced by novice nurse educators.