Digital Commons Network^™

Staff Perceptions Of Standards-Based Grading Prior To Implementation, Steven K. Perkins

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate the perceptions of a group of middle school teachers regarding changing to standards-based grading (SBG). Data were collected from the transcripts of two different focus groups and analyzed. Study results indicated that SBG measures were not well known by all staff, and many clear resistance points were present. Resistance points centered around five key themes: fear of loss of rigor, community pushback, lack of SBG practices knowledge, lack of supporting infrastructure, and extra time and work required. Recommendations that flow from these results are that, prior to implementing SBG, comprehensive data …

The Impact Of Cancer Caregiving On Cancer Caregivers: Stories Of Lives In Transition, Cynthia M. Steinwedel

Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of cancer caregiving on primary caregivers, exploring their personal narratives looking back on the entire experience from diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond. Caregiving is associated with exacerbation of stress-related disorders such as hypertension and heart disease and may also be associated with increased mortality rates. Transitions theory served as the conceptual framework for the study.

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 …

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 …

Factors Facilitating Or Hampering Change Implementation: A Case Study On High Performing And Low Performing Cycle Iii Schools In Al Ain, Fatima Salem Al Kaabi

Dissertations

This is a qualitative multiple case study of four secondary schools’ administrators’ and teachers’ perceptions of factors facilitating and factors hampering change implementation. The sample consisted of four secondary schools in Al Ain city. Selected schools included two high performing schools and two low performing schools, according to the national inspection program reports. The four selected schools included two male schools and two female schools. Data collection methods included repeated, face-to-face semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews with selected teachers and administrators, and an open-ended survey for all staff in these schools. Data analysis revealed that the views of participants …

Workplace Bullying: Exploring The Prevalence, Impact, And Consequences To Nurses, Peggy Ann Berry

Dissertations

Most novice nurses will experience workplace bullying (WPB) behaviors within 1-2 years of licensure. This exposure adversely affects work productivity. The purposes of this study were to (1) explore factors that resulted in the adoption of WPB behaviors; (2) determine the differences in perceived stress, anxiety state, and posttraumatic stress symptoms based on bullying exposure frequencies and select nurse characteristics; and (3) explore strategies to manage or stop WPB behaviors.

Perceptions Toward A Restraint-Free Practice: A Case Study, Suzanne Barnum Goetz

Dissertations

The importance of reducing the use of psychiatric-mental health mechanical restraints has been the focus of clinical nursing practice. A hospital with two psychiatric-mental health units has demonstrated a sustained success related to reducing mechanical restraints. In this qualitative case study, nurses were interviewed to understand how the reduction of mechanical restraints on the psychiatric-mental health units impacts the practice culture and the perception of the psychiatric nurses toward a mechanical restraint-free practice. This study provided new knowledge related to evidence from the psychiatric-mental health nursing practice, themes of barriers, and facilitators toward a restraint-free practice. The participants describe the …

Weaving Empathy Into Simulation Pedagogy: Nursing Simulation Faculty Barriers And Strategies To Cultivating Empathy In Nursing Simulation Pedagogy, Tamara Holland

Dissertations

The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to develop a deeper understanding of the strategies and barriers to weaving empathy into simulation pedagogy so stakeholders and educators may be able to develop a blueprint for improving simulation pedagogy and improving empathy levels of nursing students. The conceptual framework that guided this research was the National League of Nursing Jeffries simulation theory (Jeffries, 2016). This investigation used an interpretive phenomenological design consistent with principles originally identified by Heidegger (1927/1962) and a modified hermeneutic analysis further developed by Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner (1989).

Life Is Complicated: The Urgent Call To Support Student Wellbeing Through Social Emotional Learning, Taya Kinzie

Dissertations

Abstract:

Students face increased mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, racial trauma, and suicide risk, in addition to opportunity gaps. Despite educators’ work to support students through mental health services and despite the existence of social emotional learning (SEL) programs within the school environment, the impact on student learning and long-term post high school outcomes can feel overwhelming. There is also a perception that the responsibility for SEL belongs only to social workers, psychologists and counselors. The primary research question is; how does embedding of SEL practices vary within instructional, non-instructional, and leadership roles? The related questions are: to …

Using Visual Storytelling To Design Solutions-Based Approaches To Homelessness, Peggy Peattie

Dissertations

Despite millions of dollars spent over several decades on assistance programs, the nation’s homeless population has increased for the last four years in a row. The number of people reporting as homeless for the first time doubled in San Diego between June 2019 and June 2020. Trying to impose a one-size-fits-all model of care on a population comprised of unique individuals has resulted in many homeless opting for the street rather than subjugating themselves to rules they feel do not treat them with respect and dignity. Yet, the perspectives of homeless individuals are excluded from decision-making dialogue around policies and …

A Web-Based Learning Adaption Of The Ending Self-Stigma (Ess) Program, Shari Harding

Dissertations

The purpose of this practice project (SPP) was to implement and evaluate a web-based learning adaptation of the Ending Self Stigma (ESS) curriculum, a group-based program to reduce mental illness self-stigma. The literature currently supports group-based, psychoeducational, face-to-face interventions for self-stigma. This project adapted current evidence-based content to the web-based learning modality as an individual, technology-based, intervention. The intervention was evaluated using a mixed methods approach with a pre- and post-test design among adults receiving outpatient mental health services. The dependent variables of interest in this project were the self-stigma of mental illness and recovery orientation. This study found that …

Communication Technology Within Community Colleges, Nicole Dunne

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore and describe the communication technologies that community college students perceive are effective ways to receive information from their college. A secondary purpose was to explore and describe communication technology channels students perceive would be effective ways to receive information from their college that are not being used.

Methodology: This mixed methods research design used quantitative and qualitative data to inform the research questions in relation to community college students’ perception of communication technology effectiveness. The study was a sequential mixed methods study; the quantitative survey results helped to inform …

Understanding The Experience Of Mid-Level Community College Change Leaders, Kelley L. Conrad

Dissertations

This qualitative study investigates the phenomenon of leading major change as a midlevel administrator or faculty member at a Michigan community college. Specifically, this study explores how three leaders experienced their roles in implementing the guided pathways strategic change initiative, how they describe the emotional aspects of leading change, and how they made sense of their experiences. One overarching research question guided this study: How do guided pathways leaders at Michigan community colleges experience their roles in the strategic change process?

The results of multiple, in-depth interviews are presented as three profiles, one per participant, using their own words to …

The Experiences Of Mental Health Service Providers Adapting Counseling Treatments For Refugee Clients, Gurusewak Singh Khalsa

Dissertations

This study examined the perceptions of mental health professionals through their experiences of adapting counseling treatments to meet the cultural needs of their refugee clients. For this interpretative phenomenological study, 11 licensed clinicians participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews that utilized multicultural counseling and vicarious trauma theories. Results were presented in superordinate and subordinate themes. This study added to the literature and exploration of the unique experiences of mental health providers culturally adapting their counseling approaches in order to provide more effective services to refugee communities. Participants discussed the influences of their cultural backgrounds, the challenges, supports, and areas of growth …

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 …

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.

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+).

A Clinical Practice Guideline: Hospice Care In The Emergency Room, Samer Saad

Dissertations

Hospice patients use the emergency department (ED) for the management of symptoms, making it necessary for ED nurses to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to care for hospice patients. EDs should have staff specially trained to address end-of-life needs due to ED staff's minimal knowledge of treating and managing hospice patients. When healthcare organizations fail to provide clinical practice guidelines (CPG) and collaborate with significant stakeholders adequately, gaps in care delivery can occur, and hospice care is often not delivered safely. Standardized guidelines on end-of-life care in the ED should provide adequate guidance for ED nurses in bridging …

Examining The Effects Of A Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Community On Teacher Efficacy Toward Inquiry-Based Science Instruction, Samuel Joel Northern

Dissertations

Improving STEM education is pivotal to our country’s economic future and security. Unfortunately, most young students have limited access to standards-based science education. Science instruction is notoriously difficult to implement in the early grades. This dissertation explored the root causes for the lack of effective science instruction in elementary schools, including accountability testing, instructional time, historically weak standards, family factors, teacher efficacy, and professional development.

This study aimed to understand how elementary school teachers’ attitudes promote or hinder the implementation of science instruction. This study’s primary driver to improve science education in the early grades was a curriculum-based professional learning …

Talk To Me - A Re-Standardization Of Bedside Report, Lisa Randall

Dissertations

The use of bedside shift report provides for an accurate exchange of information between healthcare providers. Bedside shift report has been shown to decrease call light usage, medication errors, patient falls, as well as increase patient and nurse satisfaction. The aim of this project was to re-implement the usage of bedside shift report on two units in a community hospital. The steps involved in this project were a preliminary survey followed by observations of the current process of bedside report. The next step was to educate regarding the importance of bedside report and its benefits. This was followed by another …

Grounded Roots Applied To Women Presidents In The California Community Colleges System, Penny Shreve

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this explanatory mixed methods study was to identify and describe what exemplary female presidents in California community colleges do to stay grounded and maintain physical, emotional, intellectual, social, vocational, and spiritual health.

Methodology: This mixed methods study identified and described the perceptions of 16 women presidents in the California Community Colleges system regarding strategies they use to remain grounded in their current positions. Respondents were purposively chosen based on specific criteria. Data were gathered through the Stay Grounded survey from 16 participants and interviews with 5 of the participants. Quantitative data were tabulated to determine mean …

Community Attitudes Toward Police In Benton Harbor And St. Joseph, Michigan, Brian Molina

Dissertations

The present study sought to help investigate which public safety interventions may be appropriate for improving the safety and quality of life of Benton Harbor community members. To begin answering this question, researchers collected baseline measures of community attitudes toward police (ATP). St. Joseph residents were sampled to allow for a direct comparison of two sister cities within the same county, with nearly opposite racial and economic characteristics.

To obtain these data, surveys were administered to both Benton Harbor and St. Joseph community members. There were nine demographic/predictor variables included in the community perception survey. The variables were (a) location, …

Michigan Municipal Manager Perceptions On Lgbtq+ Inclusion: A Narrative Policy Framework Case Study, Christopher R. Surfus

Dissertations

This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of municipal managers regarding the LGBTQ+ community in three Michigan cities—Grand Rapids, Holland, and Kalamazoo. The purpose is to understand managers’ beliefs and attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community and how policies are implemented and enforced to reduce discrimination. The specific research questions deal with how the beliefs and attitudes of public managers reflect an understanding of and competency on LGBTQ+ issues, how they are affected by the presence of LGBTQ+ staff members, and how they differ from the actual policy provisions affecting the LGBTQ+ community. These questions are examined in the …

Social-Emotional Supports For African American Males: An Examination Of Strategies And Practices That Inform Persistence For College And Career Readiness, Kamilah Hampton

Dissertations

African American males are faced with many challenges because of the lack of social-emotional supports and current society. African American males experience trauma as a result of their exposure to violence, mistreatment in most environments, and implicit biases in obtaining an education. Social-emotional programming designed specifically for African American males is proven to positively impact their learning outcomes. This study found that the implementation of programming can have a direct impact on African American male’s ability to achieve at high levels. This must be addressed through continuous professional learning and support to challenge and improve a teacher’s instructional practice with …

An Evaluation Of One School's Reading Program To Support Struggling Readers Through The Use Of Data, Gabrielle Jones

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of one school’s reading intervention program, and its impact on struggling readers reading performance. Participants in this study included administrators, Grades 3 through 5instructional staff that directly impact student learning in reading through reading instruction. I collected survey data and analyzed it to determine teachers’ ability to instruct struggling readers with high expectations for student learning. As a result, this evaluation exhibit teachers require more quality planning time to prepare effective reading intervention lessons that includes strategies attained from strategically designed professional development structured to increase students’ reading ability. …

Leader Development Of The Health Information Management (Him) Professional, Theresa Jones

Dissertations

This study contributes to the body of knowledge in leader development by examining how higher education programs in a female dominated profession assist learners in developing person-related characteristics that support leader development. A ten-part online survey was sent to directors of health information management (HIM) programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM). Results suggest an opportunity for improvement in the curriculum for development of person-related characteristics critical for leadership positions. In the interest of the progression of women these results should be taken into consideration.

Service Quality Assessment And Improvement Methods And Tools, Kevin M. Moriarty

Dissertations

The nucleus of this research concept and system is being applied to turret lathe and milling machine Computer Numerical Control (CNC) tool systems. The research has a generic application to the service of broad array of sophisticated computer controlled / integrated machines, devices / equipment such as industrial robotics, medical equipment, surgical robots, and similar types of engineered system. Quality design review for quality service systems is a unique concept. Standard product service systems are qualitative and subjective in nature. The quantitative system identifies Key Predictive Attributes (KPAs) and applies quantitative methods to these attributes to develop a systematic process …

Political Styles And Strategies Used By Midsized Elementary School District Superintendents To Work With School Board Members, Christine Sinatra

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed methods study was to identify the political styles of superintendents and school board members as perceived by superintendents. In addition, it was the purpose to identify and explain the political strategies superintendents use to work with the different political styles of school board members.

Methodology: This study used a mixed methods sequential explanatory research design to collect quantitative data through an electronic survey to identify and describe the political styles of each superintendent and their board members. An in-depth qualitative interview process further explored each superintendents’ lived experience with using different political …

Understanding The Benefits Of Experiential Learning For Executive Leader Development: A Mixed Methods Approach, Bruce Loveless

Dissertations

This study sought to understand the benefits of using experiential learning methods (such as outdoor activities) for executive leader development from the perspective of senior corporate, government, and nonprofit leaders. Increasingly, executive development programs are embracing “learning by doing” by incorporating experiential activities. Although most programs are influenced by developmental psychology (such as stage theory), this study integrated perspectives from adult, transformative, and experiential learning with common practices in outdoor adventure education into a new conceptual framework for experiential leader development with four types of experiences: intrapersonal, interpersonal, managerial, and environmental. This study fills a gap in research literature regarding …