Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Student Perception Of Parent Involvement And Socioeconomic Status On Academic Intrinsic Motivation, Pallavi Aggarwal, Taylor Lawson Smith

Dissertations

Many teachers struggle to help students become intrinsically motivated in their school work. Research has shown that students who are intrinsically motivated tend to have higher academic achievement than students who are not (Mendoza, 2012). There are many factors that contribute to students’ intrinsic motivation. Building on existing research, the relationship between perceived parental involvement and students’ intrinsic motivation, as well as the relationship of perceived socioeconomic status and intrinsic motivation was investigated. A mixed methods research approach was used to determine a) the relationship between perceived parent involvement and students’ intrinsic motivation, b) the relationship between perceived socioeconomic status …

A Study Of Nurses' Experiences With Behaviors That Compromise A Healthy Work Environment In The Hospital Setting, Connie K. Schultz

Dissertations

The existence of disruptive behaviors in the hospital setting has been shown to affect the communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals. This study explored nurses' experiences with behaviors that compromise a healthy work environment. The data collection was accomplished through semi-structured interviews and review of organizational documents. The results of the analysis concluded that there existed a low incidence of disruptive behaviors in the selected organization. Themes were determined that reflected inconsistencies in the nurses' practice environment that contributed to the presence of disruptive behaviors. Inconsistency in communication and collaboration, in holding colleagues accountable, and the lack of visibility of …

Impacting African American Student Achievement In The Middle School Stem Classroom By Teaching Mathematics Through Arts Integration And Design Thinking, Robert Lippert, Tjuannia R. Seals

Dissertations

Middle school is a transitional period in which many students experience content-specific teachers, travel between classrooms, and explore extracurricular activity options for the first time. Historically, African American middle school students have not fared well in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) on standardized assessments, performing significantly below their Caucasian counterparts in mathematics and science. From the beginning of their academic careers, a lack of access to quality teachers, excessive use of direct instruction strategies, and a lack of resources in their school communities, contribute to their overall apathy towards the subject matter and factor into their underperformance. As a …

Perceptions Of Undergraduate Nursing Students On Racism And Racial Disparities In Maternal Health, Monika Costa

Dissertations

The United States has persistent racial inequities in maternal health, with African American women experiencing the highest maternal mortality and morbidity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Structural inequities, racism, implicit and explicit biases, and discrimination contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes in the United States (Alshusen et al., 2016; Davis, 2019; Institute of Medicine, 2003, Liese et al., 2019, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020). In recent years, racial discrimination and bias have been important topics of discussion. However, very little research has been done about nursing curricular preparedness to address implicit bias and racism …

The Neuroendovascular Procedures In The Cath Lab: An Educational Intervention, Jolly M. Kuruvilla

Dissertations

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability. Catheter-based therapies for acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke have emerged as the latest model of care for patients experiencing stroke. Catheterization laboratories are now performing neuroendovascular procedures such as thrombectomy and embolization for stroke; it is critical that nurses assist with cardiac catheterization be proficient in neuroendovascular procedures. The project began with a clinical question: Among nurses practicing in a cath lab, will there be a difference in knowledge level and clinical competencies in preparing and monitoring patients for thrombectomy and embolization (neuroendovascular procedures) before and …

The Effects Of Simulation On Nursing Student Knowledge, Attitudes, And Clinical Preparedness In The Care Of Transgender Clients, Julie Cartney

Dissertations

Nationally, nursing education provides extremely limited coverage of LGBTQIA+ topics and as a result, nursing students lack clinical confidence and knowledge to assess and intervene effectively in this marginalized population. Despite national health goals and organizational calls for health equity, transgender persons continue to experience significant healthcare disparities and barriers in accessing quality health care.

The purpose of this project was to determine if the incorporation of a simulation scenario that features the care of transgender patient would have a positive effect on the knowledge, attitudes, and clinical preparedness of practical nursing students.

A Phenomenological Study On The Informal Learning Experiences Of Female Mid-Level Administrators, Kathryn L. Curameng

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study is to identify and describe the informal leadership development experiences of female mid-level administrators in private nonprofit higher education.

Methodology: This phenomenological study identifies and describes the informal leadership development experiences of female mid-level administrators in private nonprofit higher education institutions in California. Respondents were selected based on specific criteria and recommendations of a sponsor. The researcher collected data through semi-structured interviews and observations of participants.

Findings: Examination of the qualitative data from interviews with 16 female mid-level administrators working in private nonprofit higher education yielded nine major findings. These included 2 unexpected …

Student Nurses' Perception Of Preceptors' Authentic Leadership Effect On Self-Efficacy, Venise D. Bryan

Dissertations

The study examined the relationship between final year nursing students' perceptions of preceptor authentic leadership and self-efficacy. Nursing students are required to engage in a preceptorship experience at the end of their nursing education for socialisation into the profession and learning consolidation to facilitate optimum transition from student to nurse. Unfortunately, preceptorship has been identified as the most stressful experience that nursing students engage in and poor relations with clinical staff and low competence beliefs to nurse have led to attrition after graduation. To date, a limited number of studies have examined preceptors' leadership style, particularly authentic leadership and student …

Simulation Usage As A Partial Replacement Of Traditional Clinical: A Study Of Administrator And Faculty Perceptions In Practical Nursing Programs In Pennsylvania, Cynthia A. Cornelius

Dissertations

There has been a significant amount of research regarding simulation use in nursing education; however, there is limited research available regarding the replacement of traditional clinical with simulated clinical. This research included a mixed-method design formulated to determine Pennsylvania Practical Nursing Programs' current simulation usage and Pennsylvania Practical Nursing Directors', Assistant Administrators', and Faculty Members' perceptions regarding replacing a portion of traditional clinical with simulated clinical. An 18-item electronic questionnaire was delivered to 309 potential respondents via the Qualtrics electronic survey distribution system, with 191 responding.

The Influence Of Knowledge And Value On Nursing Students' Quality Of Supportive Feedback To Peers, Joni L. Tornwall

Dissertations

Peer review in nursing is an expectation of every registered nurse in the workplace, and it is essential to accountability and self-regulation of practice in the nursing discipline. However, the literature reveals that professional nurses and nursing students feel peer review is not their responsibility. Research has shown that they state they do not have time to do it, and they feel unprepared for and anxious about the process of providing good feedback to peers. Academic nursing programs should be teaching future nurses to participate in peer review and recognize its value to professional nursing practice. Training in peer review …

Women's Lives After An Induced Abortion: A Phenomenological Study Of The Long-Term Post Abortion Experience, Rosanna Formanek Hess

Dissertations

Most previous research investigations on the post abortion experience studied women up to two years post abortion. The findings of many of these short-term studies indicate that 5-20% of women have severe psychiatric distress two years after the abortion. Little is known about the long-term effects of an abortion in women who experienced the event.

The purpose of this study was to explore the abortion experience in women who had a legal, elective, first trimester, induced abortion > 5 years before the interview. The main objective of the study was to learn how each woman was affected by the abortion and …

Impact Of Telecommuter Status, Manager Leadership Style, Structural Empowerment And Job Satisfaction On Managed Care Nurses' Level Of Engagement, Jessica Varghese

Dissertations

The work environment impacts nurses' level of work engagement. Nurses are working outside of traditional hospital settings and moving into industries such as the managed care arena. This impacts the way work is experienced as many practices such as telecommuting are more prevalent in the managed care setting. The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of telecommuter status, manager leadership style, structural empowerment, and job satisfaction, on nurses' level of engagement in the managed care workplace setting..

The Impact Of Using Relevant Context On Student Comprehension And Attitude In A Collegiate Introductory Statistics Unit On Probability, Ryan F. Rzeszutko, Jennifer L. Petrie, Dwayne T. James

Dissertations

The typical collegiate introductory statistics course poses significant challenges for students. Many do not fully comprehend key course skills, and it is common for students to exit the class with a neutral or negative attitude toward statistics. To measure the impact of using relevant contextual examples as an instructional strategy during a probability unit, in-class activities were designed to align with areas of interest for participants as identified by a student interest inventory. It was hypothesized that the use of relevant context would create a significant difference in the comprehension or attitude of students enrolled in an introductory statistics course …

Transition Experiences Of Novice Mid-Level Academic Nurse Leaders From Educators To Administrators, Joana Velasquez

Dissertations

The shortage of academic nurse leaders (ANLs) is imminent and creates a crisis for the nursing profession. Nurse educators commonly assume leadership roles with minimal preparation and training. However, few research studies have explored the transition of nursing faculty to ANLs. Consequently, several aspects of transitioning from educator to administrator have remained unknown. The purpose of this generic qualitative research was to explore the experiences of novice mid-level ANLs who transitioned from educators to academic administrators, identify the facilitators and barriers to the transition process, and describe the indicators of a successful role transition. The primary research question that guided …

Probing Amyloid-Beta Protein Structure And Dynamics With A Selective Antibody, Shikha Grover

Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The AD brain is characterized by significant neuronal loss and accumulation of insoluble fibrillar amyloid-β protein (Aβ) plaques and tau protein neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. However, over the last decade, many studies have shown that the neurodegenerative effect of Aβ may in fact be caused by various soluble oligomeric forms as opposed to the insoluble fibrils. Furthermore, the data suggest that a pre-fibrillar aggregated form, termed protofibrils, mediates direct neurotoxicity, and triggers a robust neuroinflammatory response.

Antibodies targeting the various conformation of Aβ are important therapeutic agents to prevent the progression …

The Relationship Between Staff Nurses' Perceptions Of Nurse Manager Caring Behaviors And Their Perception Of Exposure To Workplace Bullying Within Multiple Healthcare Settings, Lynda D. Olender

Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between staff nurses' perception of nurse manager caring behaviors and their perceived exposure to workplace bullying within multiple healthcare settings. It was based on the theoretical position that caring promotes reciprocal caring and healing for each other and for the larger universe as informed by Watson's theory of human caring (1979, 2006, 2008). Results indicated a statistically significant, negative, linear relationship between the CFS-CM and the NAQ-R (r = -.534, p < .001), meaning that as staff nurses' perceptions of their nurse manager caring increased, their perception of exposure to negative acts (meeting the definition of workplace bullying) significantly decreased. The sample consisted of primarily older, more experienced, staff nurses who worked 10 years or longer within their work environment. Data analysis also revealed that staff nurses who were females and those who worked in Medical/Surgical settings were significantly more likely to perceive their managers as caring (p < .05 respectively) and that a high workload significantly influenced the staff nurses perception of exposure to workplace bullying (p < .05). In view of the predicted nursing shortages as baby-boomer nurses retire at the same time the demand for health care is rising (AACN, 2009), these findings highlight the importance of caring leadership for the health and availability of nurses at the bedside, and may lead to shifting work priorities for nurse managers. Study findings may also foster the design and implementation of a caring curriculum and caring competencies applicable for the nurse managers' role either within nursing academic or clinical settings.

The Role Of County Offices Of Education In Supporting District Superintendent Effectiveness, Carol Tomeo

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this parallel comparative Delphi study was to first identify the services provided by the County Office of Education (COE) to district superintendents that ensured their successful job performance from the perspective of both county superintendents/designees and district superintendents. Additionally, it sought to rate the importance of the identified services, identify the best methods of providing those services, and identify the rationale for each service provider method from both perspectives. The final purpose was to compare the results from both groups to determine alignment and efficacy.

Methodology: This study used a parallel comparative Delphi method that consisted …

Lived Experiences And Insight On Development Of Emotional Intelligence In Professional Nursing Practice, Jennifer L. Jessen

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, experiential narrative study was to examine how emotional intelligence is applied in clinical nursing practice and how a nurse develops those skills in professional practice using a qualitative, experiential narrative design. The selected research participant was asked to verify her emotional quotient (EQ) score with the MSCEIT emotional intelligence test and participate in repeated interviews detailing the major events, patients, coworkers, mentors, and support systems in her life from her first experiences in healthcare to the present. Evidence of emotional intelligence (EI) was identified in her stories and applied to the Salovey and Mayer model …

Red, White, Blue & Black: A Phenomenological Analysis Of The African American Officer Experience Of Mentorship In The California Army National Guard, Larry B. Rankin Ii

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological analysis is to explore the perception of mentorship through the experiences of African American Officers (in the ranks of O-4 and above), as it relates to their retention in the California Army National Guard.

Methodology: For this study, a qualitative design was used to conduct research to identify and describe the perception of mentorship through the experiences of African American Officers. The sample was composed of five African-American officers (rank O-4 and above) still serving in the California Army National Guard.

Findings: Analysis of the data collected from 10 semi structured interview questions …

The Impact Of School-Based Intervention For Overweight And Obese 9-13-Year-Olds On Anthropometry, Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, Selfefficacy And Dietary Behaviors, Sara Zuarub

Dissertations

Childhood obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study evaluated the effects of school-based nutrition education on knowledge, attitude, dietary practices, self-efficacy, and anthropometric measurements of overweight and obese school children aged 9-13 years. Additionally, the parents' perceptions on factors contributing to childhood obesity were examined. A 6-month intervention program based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) was undertaken by children from 36 public schools located in Dubai and Sharjah emirates, UAE. The overweight/obese school children (n = 403) were classified into three categories, including two intervention groups (1 and 2) and …

Emotional Intelligence And Empathy Of Nursing Students In An Immersive Capstone Clinical Course, Michelle L. Finch

Dissertations

Today's baccalaureate nursing students need to be prepared to care for patients in an ever-changing, high acuity environment. Many programs offer a capstone immersive clinical experience. However, the benefits of this experience have not been fully explored, and the effect on patient care is unknown.

The purpose of the study was to determine if there was a change in levels of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and empathy in senior students who completed a capstone immersive clinical experience in the final semester of a baccalaureate nursing program.

A Salutogenic Framework To Understand Disparity In Breast Cancer Screening Behavior In African American Women, Regina Conway-Phillips

Dissertations

African American women (AAW) have a higher breast cancer mortality rate and a lower survival rate than any other racial or ethnic group. Research has demonstrated that limited access to care reduces mammography screening for AAW. Despite barriers, some AAW do access mammography and engage in breast cancer screening behaviors. The salutogenic theory of health focuses on factors that support well-being and increase positive health behaviors. Given this perspective, salutogenesis offers a novel framework to understand personal factors that allow some AAW to surmount barriers and to engage in health behaviors. Sense of coherence (SOC) is central to salutogenesis. Individuals …

Adherence To Antihypertensive Medications Among African Americans Adults, Obiageli Obah-Mbanefo

Dissertations

Purpose: To describe adherence to antihypertensive medications among African Americans adults aged 35 to 65 years in south Los Angeles.

Study Aims: Aim 1: Describe patient sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education, insurance, employment, living arrangement and income), clinical factors (history of current depressive symptoms, comorbidities, comorbidity Charlson score and number of comorbidities), health literacy level, and medication adherence to hypertension (HTN) medications. Aim 2: Describe the relationships between sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, health literacy level, and medication adherence. Aim 3: Compare medication adherence between patients with high health literacy level, low possible health literacy, and low health literacy level.

Background: …

Sepsis Early Recognition And Response: Education And Simulation To Increase Knowledge And Confidence In Associate Degree Nursing Students, Susan G. Bryant

Dissertations

Sepsis kills more than 250,000 people every year in the United States. Immediate treatment is crucial for best patient outcomes but sepsis can be challenging to identify. Nurses may miss signs of sepsis and delay life-saving treatment. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine whether an instructional presentation on introduction to sepsis followed by a high fidelity sepsis simulation scenario would improve knowledge and confidence in early recognition of and response to signs of sepsis for final semester associate degree nursing (ADN) students. Tanner's Clinical Judgment Model was used as the theoretical framework for this project. The …

Impact Of Authentic Leadership On Team Psychological Safety As Mediated By Relationship Quality, Mechelle J. Plasse

Dissertations

Leadership is a dynamic process with a far-reaching impact. Leadership is the process of guiding a group of individuals towards the achievement of a common goal. Healthcare leaderships looks to guide staff towards the common goal of positive patient outcomes. The literature has demonstrated that staff outcomes related to the health of their work environment can impact patient outcomes. A contributor to the health of the work environment is the relational tone of the unit; this tone is partly shaped by the skill and philosophy of the leader. Relational dynamics can influence several processes, including psychological safety which is a …

An Exploration Of Hispanic Female Principals’ Career Advancement Through The Lens Of Intersectionality, Natalie Baptiste

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceived impact of barriers created by the intersection of gender and ethnicity on the advancement of Hispanic females to the K-12 principalship. A second purpose of this study was to identify strategies Hispanic females leverage to overcome barriers due to intersectionality while advancing to the K-12 school principalship.

Methodology: This qualitative research study employed a phenomenological approach to describe the lived experiences of nine Hispanic female principals serving in public K-12 schools in Orange and Riverside counties in California. Data collection included an interview protocol of 13 …

A Phenomenological Study Of How Exemplary Elementary Principals Perceive The Five Practices Of The Infinite Mindset Inspire The Achievement Of Extraordinary Results, Jeff Heilig

Dissertations

Purpose. This phenomenological study aimed to explore and describe the perceived impact of the infinite mindset and its five essential practices on exemplary elementary principals to inspire the achievement of extraordinary results. A further purpose was to understand the organizational supports and barriers exemplary leaders perceive affect the development of an infinite mindset.

Methodology. This study explored and described the perceived impact of the infinite mindset on inspiring extraordinary results as perceived by exemplary elementary principals in south Los Angeles County. A thematic team of eight peer researchers and four faculty advisors collaboratively developed the semistructured interview protocol used in …

Authentic And Unapologetic: Culturally Responsive Leadership Strategies Used By California Community College Senior-Level Leaders Of Color, Renee Craig-Marius

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and describe how California Community College senior-level leaders of color are culturally responsive in their leadership strategies, based on Horsford, Grosland, and Gunn’s (2011) culturally relevant leadership framework.

Methodology: This qualitative ethnographic study identified and described the culturally responsive leadership practices utilized by 15 senior-level leaders of color within California Community Colleges and explored how their lived experiences and identities influence their ability to lead their institutions using the four dimensions of Horsford et al.’s (2011) culturally relevant leadership framework: political context, personal journey, pedagogical approach, and professional duty. …

Quasi-Experimental Study With The Undergraduate Nursing Program Using Simulation Learning To Reduce Medication Errors, Georgette R. Lohrman

Dissertations

Medication errors in the nursing practice are not only costly but may harm or kill a patient. The problem addressed in this study is the relationship that exists between the lack of medication administration skills taught to students in an undergraduate nursing program. The purpose of this quantitative quasi-experimental study with a two-group pretest-posttest design was to examine if the addition of medication-simulated learning was associated with improved medication administration knowledge compared to a traditional Pharmacology classroom setting.

Living As A Dying Child: A Gadamerian Analysis Of The Poetry Of Mattie J. T. Stepanek, Corinne A. Settecase-Wu

Dissertations

Yearly, approximately 500,000 children live with life-limiting conditions in the United States; 50,000 die. Yet, details regarding children's days of living as dying are unknown. The aim of this qualitative hermeneutic study is to gain understanding of the phenomenon of living as a dying child. A Gadamerian-inspired approach was implemented to underpin the study, and to analyze poetic text to address the research question: What is it to be living as a dying child? The text sample included 499 poems written by Mattie J. T. Stepanek, a dying child. The Settecase-Wu Conceptual Guide was developed and implemented to ensure …