Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Perceived Parenting Styles During Childhood Experiences Of Bullying On Emerging Adult Attachment, Callie Kathryn King

Dissertations

Given the prevalence of bullying during youth and the substantial negative outcomes of these experiences during adulthood, this study evaluated youth bullying experiences, perceived parenting style, and emerging adult attachment styles. The purpose was to determine the extent to which perceived parenting style moderates the relationship between youth bullying experience and emerging adult attachment to primary caregivers, romantic partners, and best friends above and beyond what youth bullying experience already predicts. The interaction between youth bullying experience and perceived parenting style were hypothesized to account for a significant amount of the variance in the outcome of emerging adult attachment style. …

Exploration Of Clinical Judgment Within Junior Level Baccalaureate Nursing Students Utilizing A Modified Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric, Christine Zamaripa

Dissertations

Clinical judgment is considered a core competency of nursing care as 46% of nursing tasks performed by new graduate nurses require the use of clinical judgment (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2018). With 23% of new nurses not demonstrating entry-level competency, patient safety is at risk (Kavanagh & Szweda, 2017). These deficits are driving changes to national licensure board examinations to focus on the level of clinical judgment new graduates demonstrate (NCSBN, 2018). The purposes of this non-experimental exploratory study were (a) to explore the validity and reliability of the Modified Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric (MLCJR) developed …

Saudi Arabian General Education Elementary School Teachers’ Attitudes Toward And Perceptions Of Giftedness And Gifted Education, Yaser Khaled Alharbi

Dissertations

The importance of developing the cognitive and affective needs of gifted students to help meet their academic needs as well as support them in achieving to their full potential has been well-established by past research. It is also confirmed by the literature that gifted and talented students have unique social-emotional needs and that the school environment plays an essential role in meeting gifted students’ needs. To better serve gifted students, schools must ensure that general education teachers are knowledgeable and supportive of the distinct cognitive and affective development of these students in conjunction with their academic needs. Different factors influence …

A Photo For Change: A Mixed Methods Study Of Using Photovoice Pedagogy To Foster Transformative Learning Among College Students, Maaly Younis

Dissertations

Learning in adulthood should be a meaningful experience through which adult learners are able to re-examine their values and beliefs acquired over the years. Mezirow (1978a, 1978b) stated that learners’ engagement with this process of reflection and making meaning leads to a change in one’s perspective. To facilitate such a transformational learning experience, adult education scholars explored various pedagogical approaches that cultivates environments conducive to transformative learning, among which are art-based pedagogies. Photovoice is an art-based pedagogy that utilizes photography and storytelling to foster critical reflection and increase learners’ critical awareness. To date, investigating the transformative affordances of photovoice pedagogy …

Veteran Social Network: Peer Support Impact On Mental Health Service Utilization, Stacy A. Harris

Dissertations

Of the 20 million US Veterans, approximately 30% receive health care benefits from the Veterans Affairs system. Research confirms that these Veterans are less likely to seek professional mental health services as a result of a belief that mental illness equates with weakness. Research on peer support with Veterans suggests that Veteran social networks reduce stigma and facilitate help seeking behavior. Most studies on Veteran help seeking for mental health services use subjects who receive health care from the Veterans Health Administration or Department of Defense. The purpose of the current study is to gain an understanding of Veterans who …

Evaluating The Contributions Of Recollection And Familiarity On Testing And Guessing Benefits In Recognition Memory, Kendal Smith

Dissertations

Completing an interpolated memory test or trying to guess non-studied information following study has yielded powerful memory benefits relative to restudy on a final memory test. Across repetitions of testing and guessing, participants may form an expectancy of an upcoming test type, and consequently, adjust their encoding of information in anticipation of the upcoming test. Research has shown that after several task repetitions, participants form an expectancy of the upcoming task type and will encode materials to match task constraints (Huff, Yates, and Balota, 2018). It is uncertain to what extent these expectancy processes aid in facilitating recollection of specific …

All Means All: Exploring Co-Teaching Dyads Working With Students With Significant Support Needs, Katrine Sophie Meyers Breien Gosselin

Dissertations

Co-teaching is a framework that teachers utilize to support one another and actively include students with diverse learning needs. However, it is not frequent that special education and general education teachers use co-teaching to provide meaningful inclusion for students with significant support needs (SSN). This qualitative study explored effective general and special education co-teaching dyads who worked with students with SSN within the general education classroom. Participants included six teachers (three general education and three special education) who participated in semi-structure and dialogical interviews, virtual and verbal classroom walks, and provided artifacts and reflections. Interviews with participants were conducted separately …

Hipaa Applied To Jigsaw: A Collaborative Communication Improvement Project, Margaret P. Smallwood

Dissertations

Purpose: To translate the Jigsaw Method of Cooperative Learning into a strategy to improve collaboration in healthcare education through formal online discussions. The Jigsaw Method concept will be utilized to identify any enhancements in collaborative communication among healthcare professionals.

Significance: Communication failures lead to increased healthcare costs, patient care errors, and greater inefficiency in healthcare delivery. This project can improve collaborative communication that can help to eliminate these failures.

Design: The design is a mixed method, using quantitative and qualitative strategies for data collection and analysis.

Method: Online discussions were reformatted into constructive segments using the Jigsaw Technique and implemented …

Using Education To Improve Medication Adherence In Hypertension, Chinyere Oghide

Dissertations

Antihypertensive medication non-adherence is a common problem in healthcare. Currently, the project site has no program to increase medication adherence (MA) in their hypertensive patients. Therefore, the purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental quality improvement project was to determine if the implementation of the Million Hearts program impacted the adherence to antihypertensive medication among adult patients, with known hypertension (HTN) in a primary care clinic setting in New York, over a four week period. Orem's self-care theory and Ajzen's theory of planned behavior were the project's theoretical foundation. Data on MA was measured using the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Scale HB-MAS scale …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Training Used For The Implementation Of A Peer Support Program To Support Second Victims, Karen Adamouski-Marion

Dissertations

In many health care organizations, the needed support for second victims, or care of the caregiver, is lacking or unavailable. This was true of the Inova health system organization at the conception of this project. This paper describes the process of establishing the need for a peer support program and evaluating the effectiveness of the selected peer support training program to meet the needs of the peer supporters, the team members they serve, and the organization. Unfortunately, unanticipated and tragic events will happen to excellent health care team members; the results are often anxiety, depression, guilt, and fear. The effects …

Development And Evaluation Of A Nurse Practitioner-Directed Medication Adherence Program For Adults With Hypertension In An Academic Medical Center, Adrienne E. Thorne

Dissertations

Hypertension affects one in three American adults and is the leading modifiable risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease deaths (Arnett et al., 2019). Medication adherence to antihypertensive medications plays an important role in controlling hypertension. Adherence is affected by multiple factors such as medication side effects, multiple medication regimens, and being asymptomatic, as well as social and economic factors, patient-related factors, therapy-related factors, comorbid conditions, and health care system factors (Egan, 2019). Frequent interactions between patients and providers and medication refill reminders have shown to improve medication adherence in cardiac patients (Lambert-Kerzner et al., 2015), thus this project focused on …

A Mixed Method Investigation Of Industry Recognized Credentials And Academic Achievement Among Urban Schools In The State Of Missouri, Christopher L. Mcneil

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gather the effectiveness of the Industry Recognized Credentials in preparing Career and Technical Education students’ postsecondary opportunities. This study sought to explore if students’ exposure to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programing and attainment of Industry Recognized Credentials leads to positive postsecondary placement for Kansas City Public High School students. The researcher collected data from the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 school years.

The researcher conducted a t-Test for difference in proportions, and the data revealed that the percentage of graduates attaining IRC for 2020-2021 was significantly higher than the previous years. The …

Closing The Gaps: Understanding And Disrupting Deficit Thinking And Exclusionary Discipline Practices In A Latinx School, Edgar Ivan Alcaraz

Dissertations

Improving the academic outcomes for low-income underserved students has become imperative for districts who are committed to equity and justice. School cultures that emphasize college and career readiness for all have been found to improve the academic achievement of low-income students of color. This dissertation explores the efforts of a Latino middle school principal striving to build a college and career readiness culture. Deficit thinking, coupled with exclusionary discipline practices, were the biggest challenges to overcome while promoting a college and career readiness culture. The findings of this study highlight the need to address and disrupt these ideologies as a …

Exploring The Deleterious Connection Between Tradional School Discipline Practices And Male Latino Students Who Have Endured Adverse Childhood Experiences: An Exploratory Study In Northern California., Sonia Vargas

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the deleterious connection between traditional school discipline practices and male Latino students who have endured adverse childhood experiences. This study examined Latino male students’ testimonials and understanding of their educational trajectories as they encounter adverse childhood experiences as well as their perceptions towards punitive disciplinary practices. This exploratory research utilized a documentary film design methodology and examined the perceptions of Latino male students, counselors, administrators and district official in an urban school district located in northern California. The study drew upon qualitative data collected in video format through student participants’ and …

Identifying Health Priorities For A Vulnerable Underserved Population In Uganda, Africa Using Community Base Participatory Research And The Photovoice Approach, Cheryl Wallin

Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to give voice to an underserved and vulnerable population in Uganda, Africa to advocate for health priorities. Nineteen members of the village of Namagera, identified as a leper colony, were selected by community members and volunteered to participate in every element of this study. Descriptive phenomenology was the guiding philosophy and community-based participatory research methods and photovoice provided the lens for social action. Leininger's theory of culture care diversity and universality (Leininger & McFarland, 2006) anchored the study in cultural caring and the community nursing practice model (Parker et al., 2020) kept …

The Criteria For Developing A Tk-12 Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, Taunya Marie Jaco

Dissertations

Over the past five decades, educators have been working to develop authentic Ethnic Studies courses that can be implemented in both higher education and K-12 schools. Ethnic Studies has been documented to be effective in growth in several metrics used to assess student "achievement." Despite its results, there is much debate as to whether or not Ethnic Studies should be a high school graduation requirement in California K-12 schools. This study explores key policies on Ethnic Studies in California, particularly the legislative mandate to develop a K-12 Ethnic Studies model curriculum. Through an exploratory documentary film study, this dissertation investigates …

Experiences, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Female Adjunct Clinical Instructors Teaching Male Pre-Licensure Nursing Students, Amanda E. Shilo

Dissertations

The global shortage of nurses is a problem that has serious consequences. Recruitment of men into nursing has been seen as one possible solution to both diversify the profession, and fill the shortfall, but there are multiple barriers for males in nursing. These barriers are reported as they first contemplate a career in nursing, during nursing education, and as they transition into the profession. This results in decreased retention and success, with males leaving nursing in higher numbers than their female peers. Clinical instructors are described as an essential source of encouragement and support for nursing students, yet are also …

Retention Of Experienced Nurses: A Phenomenological Approach To Understanding Workplace Challenges, Janice Sinoski

Dissertations

The attrition of experienced registered nurses from bedside nursing represents a growing concern in the healthcare industry and compounds a national and global nursing shortage. Experienced nurses possess valuable assessment, communication, and critical thinking skills associated with improved patient outcomes. The problem is experienced registered nurses retiring before the age of retirement eligibility. The gap in the literature provided an opportunity for a descriptive, phenomenological qualitative study to explore the lived experiences of experienced nurses to determine which factors influence nurses' decision to retire early. Constructs of the conceptual framework were identified using the Nursing Services Delivery Theory's open system …

Improving Patient Satisfaction At An Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, Ahmed Hariri

Dissertations

Patients hospitalized in Inpatient Rehabilitation facilities (IFRs) have complex needs that impact their satisfaction with care. The project site sought to improve patient satisfaction at discharge. The purpose of this quantitative quasi-experimental quality project was to determine if the implementation of the Studer Group's Hourly Rounding® tool would impact patient satisfaction at discharge among adult patients in an IRF in rural California over four weeks. The theoretical foundations of the project utilized Roy's model of adaptation and Lewin's planned change theory. The total sample size was N=50, n=25 in the comparative and n=25 in the implementation group. Discharge scores were …

Promoting Prep Uptake In Primary Care Practice For The Prevention Of Hiv Transmissions, Sokonie S. Reed

Dissertations

The nation is charged with the great task of eradicating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by year 2030. PrEP is an acronym for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Multiple clinical trials have recognized it as a safe and highly effective regimen that includes taking a daily dose of an antiretroviral medication to prevent HIV transmissions. The regimen is backed by prominent healthcare organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that have developed guidelines for PrEP implementation. Yet, there is a nationwide problem of low provider uptake of PrEP. Investigators in the literature on PrEP implementation concur that PrEP, as a preventative …

Perceptions Of Southwest Missouri Public School K‒12 Teachers And Building Principals In Regard To Preparedness Of Culturally Responsive Teaching, Katie C. Kensinger

Dissertations

Over the past two decades, K‒12 public education demographics have reflected an increase in student diversity while over 80% of the teaching population remains White (Ramirez et al., 2016). As student demographics evolve, public schools must adjust to provide all students with an education relevant to their backgrounds and experiences (Jones-Good, 2015). Teachers must prioritize and be prepared to teach diverse groups of students (Gay, 2018). This mixed-methods study included an analysis of teacher and principal perceptions of their level of preparedness for culturally responsive teaching in four southwest Missouri school districts with diverse student populations. The focus was placed …

Provider-Focused Lgbtqia+ Education: A Quality Improvement Effort, Amir W. Raad

Dissertations

The purpose of this quality improvement doctoral project was to implement an educational session at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SB&H) in rural Kingman, Arizona. The provider education focused on promoting transformational change in mental health provider awareness through education on health disparities, health related risk factors, interpersonal communication, and cultural sensitivity specific to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/allies population (LGBTQIA+).

Empowering Nurses Of Minority In The Face Of Incivility And Bullying: Through The Lens Of Phenomenology, Corrine M. Floyd

Dissertations

Up to 85% of nurses have reported exposure to incivility in the workplace (Hunt and Marini, 2012). The often-subtle nature of incivility toward nurses in a minority population may partially explain why it remains a problem. Healthcare organizations realize the need for civility to counter the high turnover rate, staff shortages, and low job satisfaction reported by nurses, but lack understanding of how nurses of a minority population perceive incivility and bullying. This study aimed to answer the research question how do nurses with minority representation experience incivility and bullying versus empowerment in the workplace? A descriptive phenomenological design used …

Improving Tobacco Cessation Processes For Behavioral Health Professionals In Primary Care, Iesha R. Floyd

Dissertations

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop evidence-based tobacco cessation recommendations through a pre-program evaluation of current tobacco cessation processes at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Casa Grande, Arizona. The primary investigator explored tobacco screening and counseling practices within the behavioral health department. The project took place alongside two similar projects focused on the pharmacy and primary care departments. Together the three projects functioned together to develop evidence-based recommendations, for implementation by future Doctor of Nursing Practice student cohorts.

Comparison Of Pre-Licensure Bsn Student Outcomes Between Team-Based And Traditional Learning Methods, Tressa J. Pedroff

Dissertations

The increased complexity of healthcare systems requires nurses to have a different skillset, largely not provided in today's nursing curricula. Team-based learning is one possible teaching strategy believed to increase nurses' critical thinking and teamwork self-efficacy. Currently, there is insufficient objective data available that demonstrates improved academic performance and perceptions of teamwork skills in pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing students.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of team-based learning and traditional lecture-format teaching strategies among pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing students in a Foundations of Nursing Practice course.

Identifying Factors Influencing Pediatric Professionals' Self-Reported Collaborative Practice Behaviors, Susan Kilroy

Dissertations

The aim of this study was to: (1) determine the impact of interprofessional American Heart Association (AHA) resuscitation courses on health care professionals' self- reported collaborative practice behaviors (CPBs); (2) identify differences between the three professions of nursing, medicine, and respiratory therapy on self-reported CPBs; and, (3) describe which specific CPBs were most strongly associated with health care professionals' perceptions of interprofessional teams and enhanced patient care in clinical practice.

The Impact Of The Absent African American Father: Findings And Implications, Tambra Cross

Dissertations

This study focused on the difficulties and challenges experienced by sons who had absent fathers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of sons who grew up with absent fathers and the effects on them as adults at home, in school, in their neighborhoods, and their decision-making processes. The sample consisted of eight men who grew up with absent fathers. Data were collected using face-to-face, structured and semi-structured interviews. Results indicated that participants' lived experiences of home life were characterized by financial and emotional hardships resulting from not having a father's earnings and care. The …

Emotional Intelligence Education And Civility In Nursing Education: A Basic Qualitative Study, Vicki A. Ireland

Dissertations

Incivility in nursing is a multidimensional problem that requires a new, innovative approach to managing complicated interpersonal behaviors. Emotional intelligence has emerged as an essential skill for the nursing profession, as these competencies have been associated with enhanced interpersonal interactions and may be effective in cultivating a civil academic and clinical environment. As little was known about how nursing faculty integrated such essential concepts in their curriculum and teaching, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how undergraduate nursing faculty incorporated formal and informal emotional intelligence strategies to foster civility in baccalaureate nursing education. Additionally, faculty …

Becoming A Teacher: A Case Study On Student Teacher Professional Identity Construction During The Education Practicum In A Normal University In China, Jingxin Cheng, Xiaodi Li, Ming Yi

Dissertations

Previous studies have presented a clear link between teachers’ professional identity construction and teacher effectiveness and have considered the teacher professional identity as a pivotal factor to teachers’ effectiveness, decision-making about their career, commitment to the profession, as well as engagement in professional development (Beijaard et al., 2004; Day et al., 2005; Lasky, 2005; H. Y. Wang, 2020). Positive experiences in terms of teacher professional identity construction during education practicum holds potential to promote student teachers’ professional commitment, specifically, their belief in the value of the teaching profession (Hong, 2010; M. R. Zhao, 2013). This case study examined teacher professional …

Exploring How Tourism Majors’ Perceived Professional Competence Influences Their Choice Of Tourism Careers In China, Zhixin Sun, Lihong Wang, Miao Zhao

Dissertations

With the rapid development of tourism in China, various economic sectors such as agriculture, sports, food and beverages, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure have become integrated into the tourism industry. China's tourism industry has changed and these changes now require tourism practitioners to adapt. Chinese universities must also adapt their tourism curriculum and educational practices to reflect changes in the tourism sector. Research suggests that university training programs should increase their emphasis on developing students’ professional competency and expand the range of competencies they address in their curriculum. At the same time, tourism enterprises in China are unable to recruit …