Digital Commons Network^™

The Response Of A Rural Missouri Middle School To The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study Of Instruction, Communication, And Access To Technology, Christian Scott Meier

Dissertations

The doors of a rural Missouri middle school were closed in mid-March for what turned out to be the remainder of the 2019‒2020 school year (Schremp Hahn, 2020). Many schools were unprepared for the swift nature with which the shutdowns occurred (Bernhard, 2020a). The purpose of this case study was to examine the opinions and perceptions of parents, teachers, and the principal at a Missouri middle school regarding the school’s response to the COVID-19 closure to determine the best possible strategies for mitigating learning loss during future extended closures. The summer slide was the lens through which the study was …

Evaluation Of Lifestyle Modification Program For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Infertile Women, Kelly Batton

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects a large proportion of the female population worldwide. PCOS can have a wide variety of health implications for the woman including difficulty achieving pregnancy.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 368 patient records were assessed for inclusion criteria yielding 163 patients with PCOS suffering from infertility. Demographic and health data were gathered for each patient to provide a baseline comparison between the first two quarters of 2019 and the first two quarters of 2020.

Results: The results of the study were mixed. Patients who lost weight did have a higher positive pregnancy rate. …

Meaningful Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities In Jewish Supplementary Schools, Zeena Goldenberg

Dissertations

This basic qualitative research study describes how Jewish supplementary school directors and educators define inclusion, include students with disabilities in their religious school education programs, identify different components of the schools that benefit inclusion, and understand barriers that impede inclusion. Through in-depth interviews with Jewish supplementary school directors and educators, the study explored three important goals. The study first explored how Jewish supplementary school directors and educators define meaningful inclusion, and how they perceive their inclusive classrooms enable students with disabilities to have meaningful access to both academic information and socialization with their same-age peers who do not have disabilities. …

Optimizing Vaccine Supply Chains With Drones In Less-Developed Regions: Multimodal Vaccine Distribution In Vanuatu, Deng Pan

Dissertations

In recent years, many less-developed countries (LDCs) have been exploring new opportunities provided by drones, such as the capability to deliver items with minimal infrastructure, fast speed, and relatively low cost, especially for high value-added products such as lifesaving medical products and vaccines. This dissertation optimizes the delivery network and operations for routine childhood vaccines in LDCs. It analyzes two important problems using mathematical programming, with an application in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. The first problem is to optimize the nation-wide multi-modal vaccine supply chain with drones to deliver vaccines from the national depot to all health zones …

White Voters And Minority Animus In The Era Of Trump, Zachary Schwartz

Dissertations

Overt and blatant racism of the type that was once used to justify Jim Crow laws and other forms of de facto segregation against Blacks has largely been forced into the margins of society. However, the reduction of overt racism that casts whites as biologically superior to Blacks can be easily confused with a reduction of racism in totality. The election and continued popularity of Donald Trump demonstrates that the conversation on race in the United States needs much more analysis. On multiple occasions during his campaign and presidency, Trump made inflammatory remarks on race and immigration, and yet suffered …

Equitable Obstetrical Care For The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Transgender Community, Chinazo E. Echezona-Johnson

Dissertations

Research has indicated that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) patients are not always satisfied with their health-care experiences due to the limited training received by the nursing professionals caring for them. The purpose of this study, using critical-theory principles, was to examine how the LGBT population was represented and portrayed in mainstream obstetrical-nursing courses, curricula, textbook, and syllabi. The guiding research question was based on the exploration of how nursing schools in a metropolitan city incorporate LGBT health-care topics in their obstetrical-nursing education. A qualitative, intrinsic case study research method was employed. A purposeful, criterion sample of faculty at …

Emotional Intelligence Levels In Baccalaureate-Prepared Early Career Registered Nurses, Glenda Schooler Reemts

Dissertations

The increasing complexity of the healthcare environment calls for increasing emotional intelligence (EI) competence in nurses so as to establish effective relationships that facilitate positive patient outcomes. Because nurses need to be competent in EI, it is important to determine if professional nursing programs prepare graduates in emotional intelligence and whether years of professional experience contribute to development of emotional intelligence.

This study assessed the emotional intelligence competence of 164 baccalaureate nursing alumni who graduated during the years 2007-2010 from three Benedictine institutions in the Midwest to see if there was growth of EI with experience as a registered nurse, …

Experiencing Narrative Pedagogy: Conversations With Nurse Educators, Ruth A. Stoltzfus

Dissertations

The increasingly complex nature of health care requires nursing graduates, upon completion of their formal education, to be fully capable of providing safe and competent patient care. Accrediting bodies for schools of nursing have challenged nursing education to develop and implement innovative, research-based pedagogies that engage students in learning. Narrative Pedagogy is an innovative approach to teaching and learning developed by Nancy Diekelmann after many years of researching nursing education using Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology.

Understanding Exposure To Pharmacogenetically Actionable Opioids In Primary Care, Mitchell R. Knisely

Dissertations

Pharmacogenetic testing has the potential to improve pain management through addressing wide interindividual variations in responses to pharmacogenetically actionable opioids, ultimately decreasing costly adverse drug effects and improving responses to these medications. A recent review of pharmacogenomics in the nursing literature highlighted the need for nurses to more fully embrace the burgeoning field of pharmacogenomics in nursing research, clinical practice, and education. Despite the promise of pharmacogenetic testing, significant challenges exist for evaluating outcomes related to its implementation, including oversimplification of medication exposure, the complexity of patients' clinical profiles, and the characteristics of healthcare contexts in which medications are prescribed. …

Plus 50 Students And Their Experiences With Technology In Undergraduate Classes, Jamillah L. Boyd, Nykea T. Watts-Edwards

Dissertations

As adult learners over 50 continue to pursue higher education, postsecondary institutions should have resources and services available to support this demographic. Previous research often combines Plus 50 students with all nontraditional students 24 years and older, making it difficult to understand the unique needs and learning experiences of older adult students in the academic environment. The use of technology for curriculum has increased significantly over the years and may present challenges for Plus 50 learners as they are introduced to it and learn to navigate it. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Plus 50 …

Teacher Efficacy, Burnout, And Retention: An Examination Of Instructional Coaching And The Implications As Measured By The Maslach Burnout Inventory, Patricia Jeanette Rodriguez

Dissertations

Instructional coaching is implemented by school districts for the professional development of staff (Knight, 2007). The purpose of this quantitative study was to gain information regarding the effectiveness of an instructional coaching program to limit teacher burnout and increase teacher retention. Non-tenured teachers from two rural school districts were surveyed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory to determine levels of burnout in teachers who participated in an instructional coaching program versus teachers in a school district that did not offer instructional coaching. Retention data gathered from district administrators were analyzed to determine how instructional coaching impacts teacher retention. A purposive sample …

Expanding Boards: A Study Of The Experience Of Former National Student Nurses' Association Board Of Directors Members From 2010-2020, Kenya D. Williams

Dissertations

This qualitative study was designed to examine how student nurses experience and understand their role as National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) Board of Directors members and how that experience shapes their career trajectories as registered nurses (RNs). More specifically, this study's research objectives were to describe and discuss (a) the professional culture and value of board governance education to the nursing profession, and (b) the importance of board governance education for nursing curriculums. Seventeen nurses who served in different capacities as NSNA Board of Directors while they were student nurses were interviewed individually regarding their experience. NVIVO qualitative data analysis …

The Predictors Of Cultural Competence In The Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Curriculum: Implications For Nursing Education, Angela E. Silvestri-Elmore

Dissertations

Health care providers are members of a helping profession and need to provide quality care to all members of society. As a result of current and projected demographic changes within the United States (U.S.), health care professionals are faced with the challenges of providing culturally competent care and fulfilling the role as the ";helping profession."; From 2000 to 2010, the Asian population increased by 43.3%, the Hispanic population grew by 43%, the Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander population increased by 35.4%, the American Indian or Alaskan Native population increased by 18.4%, and the African American population increased by 12.3%. …

The Lived Professional Experiences And Potential Impact Of Generation Z Registered Nurses, Sarah E. Abalos

Dissertations

The profession of nursing is evolving as a result of the changes in the characteristics of practicing nurses. There are currently five generations of nurses in practice: Silent Generation, Baby Boomer, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z. Each generation of nurses possess unique characteristics as a result of the time frame in which they were born and matured, and their differing worldviews are influencing how they view and practice nursing. Although there is a significant amount of research documenting how the different generations of nurses have influenced the profession, Generation Z has yet to be studied over time because …

A Comparison Of First And Continuing-Generation Student Success And Engagement In An Online General Education English Course, Maya Scruggs Hicks, Tchule S. Moore

Dissertations

Online learning has become a significant part of the strategic plan to increase enrollment and college access (Crawley, 2012). Allen & Seaman (2013) noted that more than 65% of U.S. higher education institutions believe that online education is necessary to sustain and continue progress toward their strategic planning goals to increase enrollment. The purpose of this convergent mixed-methods study was to examine the difference between first-generation and continuing-generation undergraduate student engagement and success in a 100% online Jr. Level English course at a university located in the Midwest region. The researchers conducted independent samples (two-tailed) t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and one-way …

Reducing No-Show Appointments In The Outpatient Rheumatology Setting: A Quality Improvement Project, Callie Soltero

Dissertations

Introduction: Missed appointments, or no-show appointments, can be detrimental to the patient and office alike in the outpatient setting. No-show appointments decrease patient satisfaction, increase acute episodic visits, and decrease office revenue.

Method: This project aims to reduce no-show appointments by two percent in an outpatient rheumatology office through utilizing an existing phone call reminder system and implementing a text message reminder system.

Results: After the implementation of the text messaging reminder system, contrary to the project's aim of decreasing no-show appointments by two percent, no-show appointments were decreased by 1.1%.

Conclusion: The findings of this quality improvement project show …

Resuscitation Quality Improvement Mortality Rates, Jordan Priest

Dissertations

This paper explores and answers the question: What is the impact of Resuscitation Quality Improvement on survival at discharge rates after suffering an IHCA when compared to every two-year BLS/ACLS training? Articles are explored that identify positive patients’ outcomes when resuscitation training is repetitively learned. The design consists of a BLS/ACLS and RQI evaluation of quarterly survival to discharge rates prior to the initiation of the new RQI program and after the initiation of the new RQI program. The setting of the study is the east region of a midwestern faith-based health care system, that includes four hospitals in one …

The Impact Of Advisory Programs On Student Achievement, Attendance, And Behavior, Joshua Colby Flora

Dissertations

The impact of advisory programs on student achievement, attendance, and behavior was explored in this study. The study was conducted to contribute to existing research and to gain insight as to whether or not advisory programs promote positive academic outcomes in schools. Four schools with advisory programs and four schools with academic homerooms participated in the study. Each school provided student achievement, attendance, and behavior data from the 2015‒2016, 2016‒2017, 2017‒2018, and 2018‒ 2019 school years. In addition, advisory teachers responded to a survey regarding outcomes of advisory and their perceptions of advisory programs. The data were analyzed using an …

A Quantitative Exploration Of Strategies To Reduce Fatigue Among Nurses, Karen R. Cochran

Dissertations

The work environment of nurses places them at high risk of fatigue. The literature suggests a high prevalence of fatigue exists among nurses. Fatigue leads to reduced cognitive and physical abilities increasing the risk for personal injury and patient care errors. Nurse fatigue should be mitigated in an effort to improve safety and quality in healthcare organizations. The purpose of this study was to describe nurses' self- perceptions of fatigue and to examine nurses' willingness to engage in specific fatigue countermeasures within the workplace. Data were collected through an anonymous Qualtrics survey. A sample of 279 nurses completed the survey. …

Effect Of Implementation Of Simulation On Critical Thinking Skills In Undergraduate Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Joanne M. Knoesel

Dissertations

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the effect of simulation implementation on nursing students' critical thinking skills, as measured by Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) exit exam critical thinking sub-scores from cohorts of baccalaureate nursing graduates, in an undergraduate nursing education program. Benner's (1984), model From Novice to Expert, provides a theoretical framework for identifying knowledge acquisition and level of clinical expertise based on skill competency, knowledge, and experience, and underpins this study.

Standardized Screening For Peripheral Artery Disease In Primary Setting, Tamara Tomlin

Dissertations

Problem: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects eight million Americans and is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. in people 60-85 years of age. Veterans are at a 45% greater risk to develop PAD than non-veterans. Left untreated, PAD can progress to hospitalization for revascularization, amputation, or death. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends using a standardized screening tool for the diagnosis of PAD; however, a lack of standardized screening is problematic in veterans receiving proper intervention.

Methods: This quality improvement (QI) project utilized a descriptive, observational design. The American Heart Association (AHA) screening tool was administered by …

Heterosexual Parents Who Move Toward Acceptance Of Their Gay Sons, Brady Sullivan

Dissertations

Rejection of gay men by parents is a frequent occurrence. Rhoades et al. (2018) found 49% of a sample of 657 sexual minority children had experienced parental rejection due to their LGBTQ+ identity. However, the current body of literature does not discuss those heterosexual parents who initially reject their sexual minority children and then return to a place of acceptance. Within the framework of attachment theory, this dissertation used a basic qualitative approach, influenced by Grounded Theory methods, to investigate the experience of heterosexual parents who move toward acceptance of their gay son. Fifteen, white, heterosexual parents, ranging from ages …

The Wellness In Senior Housing (W.I.S.H.) Project: Its Impact On Perceived Health Status Of Older Adults Residing In A Government Subsidized Housing Community, Robert A. Wade Koch

Dissertations

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the effectiveness of a health promotion program in a federally funded senior housing facility. The researcher explored the differences in perceived health status in older adults that had high or low attendance levels at various health promotion activities over time (6 months and 18 months). The health promotion activities in this investigation included: (1) exercise/movement, (2) social/supportive, and (3) screening/teaching. The study analyzed whether specific health promotion interventions produced optimum perceived health status, and if the presence of specific health conditions (arthritis, hypertension, visual disturbances, and fall incidents) predicted attendance to …

Physical And Emotional Health Among Caregivers Of Heart Failure Patients, Suzanne D. Chubinski

Dissertations

Caregiving has been associated with negative psychological and physical consequences for years (Molloy, Johnston, & Witham, 2005). Some research indicates that caregivers with higher perceived control may experience fewer negative consequences of caregiving (Wallhagen, 1993). Little is known about caregivers of heart failure patients.

The primary purpose of this study was to test a conceptual model of caregiver outcomes among caregivers of heart failure patients. Testing of the model determined which of the demographic and biological factors of the caregiver (age, gender, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and comorbidity), the patient (NYHA class), caregiver burden (task time and task difficulty), and perceived …

Use Of Strategies For The Relief Of Symptoms Of Insomnia, Marianne Homsey

Dissertations

Insomnia is a condition that leads to health problems and raises health care costs. The purposes of this Web-based, quantitative, descriptive, correlational study were to identify frequency of use and success of strategies to alleviate sleep problems, to determine if there is a relationship among strategies chosen, and to examine any patterns that emerged based on these preferences.

Help For Osteoarthritis Pain In African American Elders (Hope): Patterns, Predictors, And Preferences Of Osteoarthritis And Chronic Joint Pain Self-Management, Staja Quinae Booker

Dissertations

Chronic joint (CJ) pain is the foremost osteoarthritis (OA) symptom that affects older African Americans' (AAs) functional ability. Every effort should be made to reduce the development of high-impact chronic pain. One way to effectively do this is for older AAs to consistently engage in self-management utilizing the recommended OA treatments. Recommended behaviors include land-based exercise, water-based exercise, strength (muscle and endurance) training and stretching, self-management education, analgesic medications, thermal (warm/cool) modalities, and use of assistive and/or orthotic devices. However, evidence suggests these core behaviors of chronic pain self-management are not optimally utilized in older AAs.

A Mixed-Methods Case Study On Debt Mitigation And Students’ Institutional Perceptions, Dawn S. Medley

Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the role of a debt mitigation program as an incentive for adult student reengagement and to ascertain students’ perceptions of the institution after reenrolling in college via the program. The debt mitigation program was the first in the nation to forgive past-due student institutional debt, allowing students to return to the classroom (Pavlik, 2021). More overt student connection supports were designed to engage adult returners in addition to the debt forgiveness component (Itzkowitz, 2018). By dismissing student debt, designing outreach, and creating specific supports, the program was designed to demonstrate institutional …

Effects Of Instructional Technology Integration Strategies In Orientation Programs On Nurse Retention In Magnet And Non-Magnet Hospitals, Sharon D. Hancharik

Dissertations

This applied dissertation study was designed to learn if the increased use of instructional technology integration strategies in nursing orientation programs resulted in an increased retention of new nurses. The study attempted to uncover the current retention rate and use of technology at the participating hospitals. The data obtained from Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals was compared.

The Relationship Of Hospital Systems And Utilization Of Patient Safety Practices To Patient Outcomes, Deirdre Kling Thornlow

Dissertations

Determining the factors that are associated with the provision of safe patient care is crucial for today's healthcare environment. Such efforts are necessary, as research demonstrates that the majority of medical errors, or adverse events, are preventable. This correlational study provided evidence regarding the types of acute care hospitals that are likely to utilize patient safety practices and whether this composite of patient safety practices is associated with patient safety outcomes.

Leadership Engagement For Military Hospitals: A Case Study Of The Effects Of Executive Leader Engagement In Military Hospitals That Have Become High Reliability Organizations, Russell Phillips

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore and explain the leadership strategies that military hospital executive leaders used to engage hospital staff in implementing the six principles of High Reliability Organizations (HROs).

Methodology: A qualitative case study approach was selected for this study. Interviews were conducted with three executive leaders describing their experiences with initiating and managing the change development of HRO. The participants in this study were executive leaders of military hospitals across the Puget Sound Military Health System. All participants had direct experience with the implementation of HRO. Interview transcripts were analyzed and reviewed …