Digital Commons Network^™

Challenges Child Life Specialist Faculty Face In Supporting Child Life Specialist Candidates Seeking Internships, Deborah Sue Fingerhut

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Walden University

College of Education

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Deborah Fingerhut

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made.

Review Committee Dr. Joanna Karet, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr. Sydney Parent, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr. Leslie VanGelder, University Reviewer, Education Faculty

Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D.

Walden University2022

Abstract Challenges Child Life Specialist Faculty Face in Supporting Child Life Specialist Candidates Seeking Internships by Deborah Fingerhut

MA, Mills College, 1983BS, California State University, Sacramento, …

Strategies For Achieving Sustainability Of Home Healthcare Agencies, Robert J. Gagnon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractSome organizational leaders of home healthcare agencies (HHA) experience financial pressures to sustain within the changing regulatory landscape. Organization healthcare leaders who develop sustainability strategies remain competitive and employ the community. Grounded in the balanced scorecard framework, the purpose of this descriptive, qualitative multiple case study was to identify strategies home healthcare agency (HHA) leaders used to maintain sustainability. The participants were five organizational leaders of three HHA and two home health industry consultants in the Northeast United States who implemented sustainability. Data collected came from semistructured interviews, archival records, and organizational documentation. Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis: …

Development Of A Capacity Building Program To Promote Trauma-Informed Services, Juan Miguel Medina

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Wichita County, Texas experienced decreased academic performances of elementary level children in 24 out of 45 communities. Higher numbers of traumatic experiences increase a child's risk of not meeting developmental benchmarks. The purpose of this capstone project is to support the development of a trauma-informed capacity-building program. Ungar's resiliency theory was used to understand the factors related to building resilience in children to prevent trauma. Using action research, the researcher explored how developing program content may improve an agency's system readiness to deliver effective trauma-informed care. Data were collected from a focus group with local social workers. Content analysis was …

Challenges For Hospital Leadership In Obtaining Urology And Otolaryngology Community Preceptors, Donna Orsatti

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Healthcare organizations are becoming more complex and medical education is constantly evolving in response to healthcare needs. These changes have an impact on community preceptors that supervise and train medical residents. Physicians willing to engage in community-based precepting are decreasing, thereby making it difficult for students to complete medical specializations. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the challenges healthcare leaders face when attempting to secure practicums or residencies in urology and otolaryngology. This case study used the Baldrige Excellence Framework as a lens to understand the organization’s functioning within the educational healthcare sector. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were …

The Lived Experiences Of Middle Management Leadership Development Succession Planning In Public Sector Organizations, Linda Pounds-Adams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Senior directors in the public sector often lack viable succession plans for middle managers. Four conceptual elements from Burns’ transformational leadership theory provided a framework to investigate the practices directors in the public sector use to prepare middle managers for leadership positions. Succession planning is essential to retain highly skilled employees and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage in today’s competitive environment. The conceptual elements directly relate to succession planning and its components of career development and preparing future leaders. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the succession planning practices public sector directors use to prepare middle …

Educating Nurse Leaders On The Application Of Watson’S Caring Science, Diane Lm Updyke

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nurse leaders’ creation of a culture of caring for their nursing staff has been shown to improve nurses’ job satisfaction and retention, and ultimately patient outcomes. At the project site, there was a perceived gap in nursing leadership practice in integrating a culture of caring into leadership and management practices. Although staff and leadership identified similar caring behaviors, staff members did not perceive nursing leadership as caring, which affected the former’s job satisfaction. The purpose of this education project was to provide site leaders with information on specific caring behaviors and how to model these behaviors with staff using Watson’s …

Strategies For Succession Planning Of Retiring Baby Boomers, Sonya Mcfadden

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractIn 2020, over 20 million baby boomers retired, with an annual average growth of two million yearly. The continuous trend of baby boomers retiring from the workforce has leaders focusing on the replacement of one of the largest working classes that the world has seen. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study to explore succession planning strategies human resources managers use to manage the transition of experience, knowledge, and skills influenced by retiring baby boomers. Five human resources leaders from the southeastern United States participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic …

Military Emergency And Critical Care Nurses’ Lived Experiences Of Resilience, Carla Ann Wiese

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Resilience has been studied across a myriad of populations. Many resilience studies have focused on military service members, including military healthcare personnel, specifically nurses. Although many quantitative resilience studies have been conducted, there have been few qualitative studies in this area. Qualitative studies have focused solely on spiritual resilience, although mixed methods studies have identified other resilience characteristics. The aim of this descriptive phenomenological study was to identify resilience characteristics through rich description within the situational and philosophical patterns of resilience and gain a better understanding of how emergency and critical care military nurses honed resilience in the face of …

Effective Workplace Stress Reduction Strategies In For-Profit Higher Education, Erin Kendall Woods

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The idea that business leaders experience stress in the workplace has resulted in a demand for understanding the negative impact stress has on business. Business managers in for-profit higher education lack strategies to reduce employee workplace stress. Grounded in the job demands-resources model, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore how business managers in for-profit higher education in Arizona reduce employee workplace stress. The participants comprised of three business leaders at a for-profit higher education institution in Arizona who have successfully implemented strategies to reduce employee workplace stress. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with three …

Work Engagement In A Changing Nonprofit Environment, Shukura Crevelle

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee engagement is defined as a positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind and describes work team members who gain a sense of connection in what they do. This has an impact on the physical, mental, and emotional health of the employee and the health of the organization. There was a need to explore contributing factors to employee engagement in a changing remote organization because there was a current gap in the literature regarding employee engagement and organizational change. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore causes to low engagement among employees in a nonprofit organization located in the …

Improving Medical-Surgical Nursing Knowledge Of Congestive Heart Failure, Sylvia Rene Cunningham

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing practice project was to address the nursing gap in knowledge about congestive heart failure (CHF) management. Lack of staff knowledge on this topic inhibits their ability to educate patients. Poor patient understanding can lead to frequent readmissions and poor patient outcomes. The project aim was to determine if educating medical-surgical nurses about CHF management increased their knowledge of topic. The ADDIE model was used to design staff education. Lewin’s change theory guided the project. Nine registered nurses attended a power point presentation. A pre-education questionnaire was distributed, and participants created unique identifiers. The …

Strategies For Succession Planning Of Retiring Baby Boomers, Sonya Mcfadden

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractIn 2020, over 20 million baby boomers retired, with an annual average growth of two million yearly. The continuous trend of baby boomers retiring from the workforce has leaders focusing on the replacement of one of the largest working classes that the world has seen. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study to explore succession planning strategies human resources managers use to manage the transition of experience, knowledge, and skills influenced by retiring baby boomers. Five human resources leaders from the southeastern United States participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic …

Exploring Implementation Strategies Of Iot Technology In Organizations: Technology, Organization, And Environment, Khanhhung Hoang Pham

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAfter organizations successfully adopt the internet of things (IoT) technology, many corporate information technology (IT) leaders face challenges during the implementation phase. Corporate IT leaders' potential failures in implementing IoT devices may impede organizations from integrating IoT solutions and promoting business benefits. Grounded in technology-organization-environment (TOE) theory, the purpose of this qualitative, pragmatic inquiry study was to explore strategies that corporate IT leaders use to implement IoT technology in their organizations. The participants were six corporate healthcare IT leaders who successfully used implementation strategies for implementing IoT solutions for their organizations. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and industry security …

Creative Strategies; Maintaining Loyalty In Corporate Downsizing, Sara Caroline Blum-Stapleton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To remain competitive, organization leaders look for methods of reducing organizational costs. Downsizing is one method leaders have implemented to lower costs; however, downsizing may affect employee loyalty and trust within the organization. The purpose of this study was to highlight managers’ experiences affecting practices and strategies, influencing loyalty and trust in corporate downsizing through the qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology approach. The conceptual framework provided structuralism revealing low morale and decreased loyalty and trust. The research question focused on lived experiences of managers and employees during downsizing, maintaining loyalty and trust by invoking creative strategies to retain jobs. Eight participants shared …

Leadership Styles And Rn Turnover Intentions In Long-Term Care Facilities, Kelli M. Casey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee turnover is a concern for leaders in the nursing home industry because employees with turnover intentions may negatively impact the continuity of operations and strategic plans, resulting in poor quality of care for residents. Grounded in House's path-goal theory, the purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine the relationship among idealized attributes, idealized behaviors, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, contingent reward, management by exception-active management by exception-passive, and turnover intentions in RNs. The independent variables were the subcategories of transformational and transactional leadership. The dependent variable was turnover intentions. Participants included 110 nonmanagement RNs working in …

Strategies To Overcome The Truck Driver Shortage In The United States, Erica Duckering

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High truck driver turnover rates negatively impact company profits, business operations, and customer satisfaction. Oil and gas industry supply chain and logistics leaders who lack strategies to recruit and retain truck drivers experience declines in revenue, operational effectiveness, and customer retention. Grounded in total quality management theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to identify and explore strategies used in the oil and gas industry to retain and recruit qualified truck drivers effectively. The participants comprised six oil and gas industry leaders in the greater Houston, Texas area who successfully managed truck driver recruitment and retention strategies …

Blood Stream Infections Related To Hemodialysis Catheter Use, Patricia Goodman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining procedure for patients diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Most of these patients initiate hemodialysis with a tunneled central venous catheter, with some depending on its use for long-term treatment due to poor vascularity. Catheter-related bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients are a complication of hemodialysis catheter use with a high morbidity and mortality rate. A quality improvement (QI) project was conducted to answer the practice-focused question of whether the use of chlorhexidine swabs and caps for central venous catheter dressing changes decreased the rate of hemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infections. Resolution to this problem would benefit the …

A Female Perspective On Overcoming Barriers To Become A City Manager In Californian Municipalities, Jessica M. Gordon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There are significant implications related to understanding perceived barriers experienced by women in local government. The purpose of this study was to identify career barriers of women executives in municipal administrations based on their own experiences. Approached using the situational leadership theory and role congruity theory and the narrative research design along with thematic analysis, this study was comprised of one-on-one interviews with nine female city managers currently working in Californian municipal administrations. Five themes (early influences, home life, work life, leadership experiences and development of others) were not only present within each of the participants’ experiences, but also represent …

Total Quality Management Strategies To Sustain Business Beyond 5 Years, Nida Guzon Palmore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some small business leaders lack total quality management strategies to sustain their business beyond 5 years. Small business leaders are concerned that their businesses will not survive beyond 5 years without total quality management strategies. Grounded in the Deming 14 points model, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small business leaders use to sustain their business beyond 5 years of operation. The participants were five small business leaders from Central Valley, California, who sustained their businesses for more than 5 years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and a review of company documents. Thematic …

Healthcare Management Strategies For Achieving Sustainable Departmental Productivity Improvements, Timothy Hargrove

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Healthcare organizations’ leaders' lack of strategies to effectively deploy and monitor departments’ productivity goals affect overall organizations’ performance. Healthcare leaders who fail to deploy and monitor departmental productivity strategies effectively are limited to enhancing healthcare organizations’ performance outcomes. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies healthcare organizations’ leaders use to effectively identify, deploy, and monitor departments’ goals for improving their overall organization's performance. The participants were 20 healthcare leaders who successfully demonstrated success in improving their organizations’ departmental-specific productivity performance. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of …

Strategies Day-Care Center Leaders Use To Reduce Employee Turnover And Achieve Sustainability, Angel Harris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractDaycare center leaders who lack effective strategies to retain employees face high employee turnover, jeopardizing children’s ability to form strong attachment bonds with their childcare staff, resulting in behavioral and developmental issues. Grounded in the hygiene-motivation theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies six daycare leaders in northcentral Florida used to retain their employees for 5 years or more and achieve sustainability. Data sources were semi-structured interviews, researcher notes, and employment policies at each facility. Yin’s five-step data analysis process resulted in four themes: effective hygiene factors, building relationships with employees, setting relevant performance …

Clinical Guidelines For Identifying Early Warning Signs Of Deterioration In Rehabilitation Patients, Tchaiko Abiola Hicks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Failure to recognize early warning signs of clinical deterioration can cause critical complications and a sentinel event with legal implications. These complications are preventable if nurses have evidence-based guidelines to guide their critical thinking to identify early warning signs. The purpose of this project was to close this gap by developing a Clinical Practice guideline for identifying early warning signs of clinical deterioration for the rehabilitation center. The clinical practice question addressed what evidence supported the development of a clinical guideline for nurses to recognize early warning signs of a deteriorating patient improve the quality of care of patients at …

The Effect Of Organizational Climate On Presenteeism As Moderated By Employee Personality, Iva Johan Pavlovic

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This research study was an investigation of the relationship between the five dimensions of personality, organizational climate, and presenteeism - coming to work when ill. Presenteeism has significant, negative impact on employee’s long-term health, the overall organizational performance, and more broadly on national health systems. Researchers have found that in addition to financial impacts of not working while ill, antecedents of presenteeism include both personal, situational (e.g., the severity of the illness), and organizational circumstances. A systematic exploration into all five dimensions of personality and organizational climate has not been conducted to date. The purpose of this quantitative study was …

Successful Strategies To Drive Change Management Initiatives Within Global Organizations, Vickey John-Joseph

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractIneffective change management initiatives can negatively impact organizational performance and profitability, leading to a lack of adaptation and business collapse. Business leaders are concerned with formulating and implementing strategies needed to drive successful change management initiatives for improving organizational performance. Grounded in Lewin's theory of change, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that some business leaders used to successfully implement change management initiatives for improving organizational performance. The participants included four business leaders from four organizations in St. Lucia, Caribbean, with at least five years of experience in leadership who successfully implemented organizational change …

Evidence-Based Discharge Planning For Assisted Living Facility Residents, Annick Sheron Kelly

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractLack of staff knowledge is one of the leading challenges contributing to ineffective discharge planning from assisted living facilities. Recognizing that appropriate discharge planning is essential to the well-being of residents, the purpose of this doctoral project was to develop a staff education program based on current evidence-based discharge planning procedures for residents of an assisted living facility. Knowles’s adult learning theory; Lewin’s change theory; and the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation model guided development of the staff education program. According to a review of the literature, evidence-based strategies for resident discharge planning included early discharge planning; tailored support, …

Strategies To Implement An Electronic Medical Records System In Health Care Organizations, Ashley Knott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the 2009 mandate from the U.S. Government that healthcare organizations adopt and implement electronic medical records (EMR) systems to avoid fines and take advantage of the benefits EMR systems provide, adoption of EMR systems in the United States has been low. Since 2011, medical facilities have received incentive payments if they demonstrated “meaningful use” of certified EMR systems; however, medical facilities unable to demonstrate meaningful use beginning in 2015 have faced up to 5% penalties. Grounded in the diffusion of innovation theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies that hospital project managers use …

Strategies To Encourage Innovative Employee Performance In The Automotive Industry, Derek Mcelrath

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The lack of innovative employee performance in the automotive industry leads to failure when it comes to the execution of organizational strategies. Senior automotive managers are concerned with innovative employee performance, as it has the potential loss of knowledge and the skillset by the employee. Grounded in Vroom’s expectancy theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies automotive managers use that encourage innovative employee performance. The participants were three senior automotive managers in Southeastern Michigan with at least three years of knowledge in employee work performance. Data were collected through semistructured interviews. Through thematic analysis, …

Impact Of 9/11 Attacks And Federal Funding On The National Guard’S Organizational And Operational Focus, Michael Christopher Mcmahon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a problem in the United States national security enterprise related to the National Guard’s organizational responsibilities to state and federal governments, and it was unknown whether this hybrid structure caused capabilities to diverge between pre-9/11 and post-9/11 national security priorities. This quantitative study’s purpose was to investigate the use of Congressional funding to determine how and to what degree the National Guard’s capabilities diverged from the United States national security priorities from pre-9/11 to post-9/11 periods. Organizational change and stream analysis conceptual frameworks identified organizational challenges in overcoming inertia and resistance to change. The statistical analysis included public …

Strategies To Improve Quality Of Care And Increase Medicare Payments In Hospitals, Emmanuel Mendoza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The difficulty that nurse leaders experience in administrating quality of care while increasing Medicare payments threatens the hospital's patient well-being and financial stability. Health care administrators should be concerned about these issues to ensure their hospitals meet patient and community needs. Grounded in the performance improvement model, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies that hospital managers use to improve the quality of care and increase Medicare payments. The participants were six nurse leaders of a medium size hospital based in Houston, Texas. Data were collected using semistructured virtual interviews and a review of company …

Manufacturing Managers’ Strategies To Implement Successful Change, Simon Mendy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Approximately 70% of successful reengineering implementations and process design change initiatives within organizations fail to achieve expected results. Business leaders in manufacturing organizations are concerned that the low success rate hurts process improvement, business growth, and survival. Grounded in Lewin’s three-step model of change, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies manufacturing managers use to implement and maintain reengineering and design change initiatives. Participants were four managers who successfully implemented and maintained reengineering and process design change initiatives in the south region of the United States. Data were collected from face-to-face semistructured interviews and various …