Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Personality Type On Co-Teaching Pairs, Jennifer Macalady

Dissertations

Co-teaching is a commonly used instructional model allowing students with disabilities access to the general education curriculum with their general education peers. General education and special education teachers instruct together, and the relationship between the two teachers is paramount to the team's success. When a co-teaching team is successful, all students benefit from the partnership. Administrators who take time to match teachers together based on personalities and learning preferences can increase the chances of success in an inclusive classroom. Unfortunately, relatively little research linking personality compatibility with effective co-teaching and relating personality similarities of the co-teachers to student engagement, student …

Positive Psychology Effects On Middle School Physical Education Grades, Attendance, And Discipline, Randolph Christopher Helms

Dissertations

The present study explored the effect of instructing middle school students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades in positive psychology lessons, as compared to control classes that did not receive this positive psychology instruction. This study used quantitative procedures to determine the implementation of this curriculum on lowering student absence rate, discipline referrals, increasing student physical education grades over a trimester, improving overall grade point average, and increasing student well-being. Additionally, the study analyzed the EPOCH survey pre- and post-data on a research question regarding the well-being attitudes/perceptions of these middle school students who received positive psychology instruction in their …

Heart Failure Family Caregivers: Psychometrics Of A New Quality Of Life Scale And Variables Associated With Caregiver Outcomes, Julie Ann Nauser

Dissertations

The number of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) is at an all-time high and the incidence is expected to increase as our population ages. HF patients experience impaired cognition, exertional shortness of breath, and persistent fatigue; therefore, family members are needed to assist with their care at home. Although existing literature suggests that HF caregivers experience negative physical, mental, and social outcomes, there is a lack of studies guided by a conceptual model to determine factors associated with these outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with HF caregiver depressive symptoms, life changes, and quality …

Clinical Case Conceptualization Skill Development And Counseling Pedagogy: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study, Andrea Cox

Dissertations

Clinical case conceptualization has been identified as an invaluable and indispensable skill within the literature of the mental health professions and by the Council for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP, the counseling profession’s professional accreditation body). Despite its known importance, there is a dearth of literature focused on understanding the experiences students have related to counselor education pedagogy and the development of clinical case conceptualization skills. This project utilized a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) qualitative research design and analysis to explore the clinical case conceptualization learning experiences had by Counselors-In-Training (CITs) enrolled in CACREP aligned or CACREP accredited master-level …

How Domestic Violence Counselors With Personal Histories Of Trauma Experience Their Clients Who Were Victims Of Domestic Violence: A Heuristic Study, Janis Edralin

Dissertations

The heuristic inquiry-based phenomenological approach values focusing on a question or problem that has been a personal challenge in one’s quest to understand oneself and the phenomenon. Previous research has shown that counselors with a personal history of trauma who provide services to victims with a similar history report a range of negative consequences. The researcher utilized a heuristic research design to answer the following question: How do domestic violence counselors who have personal histories of trauma experience their clients who were victims of domestic violence? The methodology involved interviewing eight counselors, from whom four themes were identified: awareness of …

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing As A Complimentary Treatment For Clients With Addiction And Comorbid Trauma, Joann Kutsukos

Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate eye movement desensitization reprocessing for those with substance use disorders and comorbid trauma. The research question is, how does the addition of eye movement desensitization reprocessing intervention assist treatment of those diagnosed afflicted with addiction and comorbid trauma as opposed to the treatment without eye movement desensitization reprocessing? Method: A quantitative study consisted of 24 participants consisting of 12 men and 12 women ages 18 years and older diagnosed with substance use disorder and comorbid trauma. Participants were recruited from an outpatient treatment substance use disorder facility where they were randomly …

The Alexander House Apostolate Marital Relationship Education Results: A Quantitative Study, Angel Estrada

Dissertations

According to existing literature, 27 components contribute to the concept of couple’s relationship satisfaction. Some of these components are included in non-religious and religious marital relationship education (MRE) programs. Research on nonreligious MREs spans decades; however, research on Catholic MRE programs is limited and not widely published. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of one Catholic, faith-based, couples’ MRE on impacting relationship satisfaction, and determine if specific religious and behavioral practices contributed to relationship satisfaction. The study was conducted with archival data collected from a population of mostly Catholic Latino and White couples in south central …

Factors That Affect Customer Intention To Revisit Green Hotels: The Case Of Abu Dhabi, Abdulaziz Faisal Ali Alremeithi

Dissertations

Given the Abu Dhabi 2008 Estidama sustainability initiative and the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, hospitality is one of the sectors that can contribute most significantly to the long-term economic growth of Abu Dhabi and have the greatest impact on its environmental and natural resources. The results of this study will enable decision-makers to understand why consumers choose green hotels over conventional hotels. The purpose is to expand existing knowledge by investigating the factors that influence customer intention to revisit green hotels from four perspectives: the self-perspective, the prosocial perspective, the business-to-business marketing perspective, and the consumer-to-consumer marketing perspective. The …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Of Educational Reforms Implemented By Abu Dhabi Education Council On Teacher Efficacy In Al Ain Public Schools, Cherry Jean Recio

Dissertations

Teachers’ self- efficacy has been considered as one of the main contributors to quality teaching and job performance of teachers. Teachers’ self- efficacy may be influenced by factors such as educational reforms. The aim of this dissertation is to investigate teachers’ perceptions on whether educational reforms implemented by ADEC from 2005-2017 contributed to their self-efficacy and influenced their abilities to carry out their teaching jobs. The second aim of this dissertation is to investigate whether teachers’ perceptions of their self-efficacy differ in relationship to ADEC reforms based on a number of demographic factors such as gender, cycle, years of teaching …

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 …

Ready Or Not: Examining The Efficacy Of The Academic Preparation Of Bsn Students And Readiness To Enter Practice, Kathleen Anne Diatta

Dissertations

The concept of critical thinking (CT) has perplexed employers and researchers in the field of nursing for decades. The nursing profession is under intense pressure to hire clinicians who exhibit CT skills. A review of the literature has shown that the divide between bedside clinicians and nursing faculty has led to the separation of academic educators from clinical practices. As a result, new graduates come into the clinical setting inadequately prepared to meet the clinical demands of today's hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of new graduate nurses from a Baccalaureate program and their …

Normalization And Family Functioning In Families With A Child Who Is Technology Dependent, Valerie Boebel Toly

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between child/maternal factors (child's functional status, level of technology dependence, mother's depressive symptoms, length of caregiving duration, amount of home health care nursing hours, race, family income and age of the child) and (a) family functioning, as well as (b) normalization in families with a child who is technology dependent. Additionally, this study examined whether there are differences in family functioning, normalization and mother's depressive symptoms based upon the child's level of technology dependence (mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutrition/medication, respiratory/nutritional support). A descriptive, correlational design was used in this cross-sectional study.

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.

The State Of Missed Nursing Care In A Telemetry Nursing Unit: A Descriptive Case Study, Ann Marie Svolos

Dissertations

Missed nursing care in the acute hospital setting is care left undone. Omitted, missing and even rationed care, are not new concepts in nursing practice. However, in 2006 Dr. Beatrice Kalisch formally identified the type of care that is regularly missed in acute general hospital units and the reasons missed nursing care occurs. Missed nursing care is a problem for nursing and healthcare because it may lead to negative patient and staff outcomes which may result in harm. The purpose of the research was to understand missed nursing care from a telemetry nurse's perspective to learn how it continues to …

Transgender Education In Nursing: A Qualitative Study Investigating Faculty Beliefs, Vanessa A. Pomarico-Denino

Dissertations

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) is an acronym that groups together four populations under one umbrella term. Each of these populations has their own distinct and unique health care needs. Transgender persons may present their gender differently than what is considered the societal norm. As a result, they are more prone to discrimination, harassment and acts of violence than other marginalized populations. Prior experiences with health care professionals may cause transgender persons to avoid seeking health care when needed. As more persons identify as transgender, the need to educate health care providers on the appropriate and sensitive care of …

Resilience In Helping Healthcare Workers Deal With Hiv Supply Shortages In Nigeria: Quantitative Descriptive Study, Ediri Y. Okiti

Dissertations

A quantitative descriptive study was conducted to measure whether HIV medical supply shortages relate to the resiliency levels of healthcare workers in Nigeria who care for HIV patients. Data were collected using the Resilience Scale (RS) from nurses and doctors caring for HIV and AIDS patients, in addition to reviewing archival supply requisitions and supplies received records for a ten-month period from January to October 2014 in eight hospitals in the Delta State of Nigeria. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate the data on the resiliency level of nurses and doctors and the rate of the medical supply shortages. Bivariate …

Black Parents Matter, Too: Identifying And Overcoming The Barriers To School Participation For African American Parents, Alycia Benson

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to determine how African American parents of school age children identify and describe the factors that need to be present for African American parents to become engaged in their children’s’ local school and in their children’s education.

Methodology: This qualitative study identified and interviewed 12 African American parents from four school districts in Riverside County in Southern California in order to determine their barriers to school participation. Respondents were chosen using purposeful, convenience and snowball sampling based on specific criteria. The researcher collected data and determined themes in order to report findings …

Benzodiazepine Reduction Program In A Psychiatric Mental Health Setting, Tracy Pacini

Dissertations

Benzodiazepine Reduction Program in a Psychiatric Mental Health Setting

The purpose of this pilot project was to reduce side effects and adverse effects of long-term benzodiazepines (BZDs) use in a non-profit community health center. This was a quality improvement project. The evidence-based practice (EBP) framework identified for the project was from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework to decrease BZD use in a non-profit community health center. This model is focused on four stages: 1) gathering a proactive healthcare team to examine and identify solutions to reduce BZD usage, 2) testing the pilot program that the team …

A Mixed Methods Study Of The Symptom Experience Following Endovascular Treatment For Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease, Serena Greenhaw Gramling

Dissertations

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the most understudied and undertreated diseases affecting three to ten percent of the general population. Patients with lower extremity PAD must manage multiple symptoms including pain in the hips, thighs, and calves during rest and physical activity. However, evidence is limited about patients' experience, especially following treatment. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the symptom experience of individuals with peripheral arterial disease following endovascular treatment including perceptions of treatment benefit and concerns.

Shining A Light: Compassion Fatigue In Psychiatric Nursing And Nursing Students, Kathryn M. Chachula

Dissertations

Low levels of compassion satisfaction (CS) and high levels of compassion fatigue (CF), comprised of burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS), have been identified as a serious concern among students within health science disciplines.

To conduct a cross-sectional survey to determine what factors are related to the development of BO and STS within a pre-licensure health studies student population of undergraduate nursing and psychiatric nursing disciplines, groups that have seldom been studied.

Humanizing The Inhumane: The Meaning Of The American Indian Patient-Cancer Care Nurse Relationship, Natalie M. Pool

Dissertations

This study described the unique relationships that develop while providing cancer care to AI populations and the underlying meaning that nurses ascribed to these experiences. Methods: This was an interpretive phenomenological study with multiple data collections and analysis. Nine cancer care nurses with a minimum of three years of experience working with AI patients participated by engaging in 2-3 exploratory, open-ended, reflective interviews over a period of nine months. Thematic reduction was completed to explicate the fundamental structures of this particular relationship. I then engaged in extensive reflective writing resulting in a linguistic transformation illuminating the essential meaning for nurses …

Evaluation Of A School Nurse-Led Intervention For Children With Severe Obesity In New York City Schools, Krista Schroeder

Dissertations

Severe childhood obesity, the fastest growing subcategory of childhood obesity, affects 4-6% of youth. Children from racial/ethnic minority groups and low income households are disproportionately affected. Severe obesity increases risk for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, musculoskeletal problems, poor health-related quality of life, bullying, low self-worth, absenteeism, and adult obesity. One method of addressing childhood obesity is through school-based interventions. School nurses may be well-suited to lead obesity interventions because of their healthcare expertise, long-term relationships with students and families, and availability to students without financial burden.

The Lived Experience Of Nurse Practitioners In Independent Practice, Annmarie Waite

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of Nurse Practitioners in independent practice. The aim was to give NPs a voice to express their individual experience, provide an inductive description of the lived experience, and gain understanding of the essence of being an independent practitioner. Philosophical Underpinning: This qualitative study was guided by the hermeneutic phenomenological approach of Max van Manen (1990).

Implementing The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale To Assess Delirium In A Pediatric Icu, Leigh Paridy

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to establish early identification of delirium in the intensive care setting to reduce the impact of long-term patient outcomes. Description of project: A retrospective-prospective medical chart review was completed. The retrospective chart review looked at fifty-two patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between October 1, 2020 and December 1, 2020 for patient demographics and State Behavior Scale (SBS) and the Cornell Assessment for Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) charting compliance especially with children with developmental delay and those with a high susceptibility to delirium. The prospective chart review looked at …

Violation Of Personal And Professional Nursing Values: Six Case Studies Of Nurses Who Have Left Nursing, Robert James Muster

Dissertations

Registered Nurses (RNs) comprise the largest group of health care providers in the US. The shortage of RNs is expected to worsen to 29% by 2020. Many nurses depart practice prior to retirement. Previous research has linked professional turnover to various aspects of job satisfaction.

This study sought to understand and describe the decision to leave nursing.

Senior Nursing Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceived Competency About Older Adults, Deborah Denise Brabham

Dissertations

Nurses entering the workforce may have limited education in gerontological nursing. Therefore, many nurses are unprepared to provide quality care to older adults. An unprepared nursing workforce could negatively influence older adults' health outcomes and care experience.

To determine differences in senior nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived competency about older adults based on enrollment in a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN), associate's degree nursing (ADN), and practical nursing (PN) program that offers geriatric content in curricula.

The Self-Directed Goal Theory Experiment: A Mixed Methods Study Of Personal Development Goal-Setting Programs And Self-Efficacy, Tara N. Strickland

Dissertations

Andragogy is not dead; it may be simply lying dormant until its essential component, self-directed learning, revives it again. The fact is that self-directed learning can be formal or informal. This mixed methods study explored the informal side of self-directed learning, concentrating on self-help (a popularized form of personal development goalsetting). Despite a thriving self-help market, several personal development goal-setting programs focus more on goal achievement, little on goal planning, and even less on the individual. A comparative analysis of autonomous, guided, and self-directed personal goal-setting programs determined if self-directedness maximizes self-efficacy. Additionally, the researcher’s original Self-Directed Goal Theory and …

Coping Strategies, Social Support, And Self-Care Among Young Women With Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Jessica L. Tillman

Dissertations

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a spectrum of inflammatory disorders of the female upper genital tract, is a serious complication of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may lead to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and tubal infertility. Although PID treatment is critical for the preservation of fertility and health-related quality of life, many young women diagnosed with PID do not fully adhere to treatment recommendations. Interventions focused on clinician practices, patient education, and behavioral modeling have generated limited improvements in outpatient PID treatment adherence among young women, thereby suggesting the influence of other determinants, such as psychosocial factors. Coping and social …

A Quality Improvement Project To Assess Anxiety Of Family Members Who Receive Standard Communication During The Intraoperative Period, Ashlie E. Sinclair

Dissertations

Introduction: The waiting period for surgical patients' family members can be stressful, causing increased frustration and fear. Most patients and families do not regularly experience the surgical environment in the same way that the operating room (OR) staff do, making this area unfamiliar. If there are inconsistent and insufficient information provided to the family, anxiety levels may increase. It is essential that staff attend to family members' needs while the patient is in surgery. The evidence is overwhelming that structured patient status updates to family members and varying waiting room techniques are critical in decreasing their anxiety.

Methods: This quality …

The Experiences Of Cancer Nurses' Existential Care In Response To The Threat Of Patients' Mortality Within The Culture Of Care, Doris Yuet Lan Leung

Dissertations

Patients are living longer with many types of cancer; however, often they face sudden possibilities of dying, not only due to their advancing illness but due to complications of their treatment. Consequently, they can express substantial existential distress. Nurses' close proximity to patients puts them in an ideal place to assess and engage with patients' existential distress; yet this kind of research has been scarce. The purpose of this doctoral thesis was to explore nurses' experiences of being with patients facing the threat of mortality.