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The Effect Of Interactive Computerized Simulation On Approach To Learning In Undergraduate Nursing Students, Claudia Mitchell

Dissertations

Competency standards require baccalaureate nursing graduates to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and the ability to solve complex problems. In an effort to achieve these program outcomes, educators seek empirical evidence related to the learning process and the effect of innovative teaching strategies, such as simulation, on the learner. Traditional teacher-centered educational models which foster rote learning may not promote a deep approach to learning and facilitate student understanding. Students who utilize deep learning strategies seek meaning and understanding and often have higher quality learning outcomes. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effect of interactive computer-based clinical simulation …

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 …

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 …

A Qualitative Descriptive Study That Identifies Essential Competencies And Leadership Characteristics Of Army Adult Medica-Surgical Critical Care Head Nurses, Roy A. Harris

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe competencies and leadership characteristics of Army Adult Medical-Surgical Critical Care Head Nurses. A qualitative, exploratory descriptive research design was used in this study to learn from 31 research participants consisting six Army Chief Nurses, seven Army Critical Care Head Nurses and 18 Army Critical Care Staff Nurse. Analysis was completed using content analysis.

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.

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: …

Being Multicultural In The Workplace, Fiorella Morales

Dissertations

As the workforce becomes increasingly diverse and organizations elevate their efforts to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), it is critical to engage in a deeper investigation of the experiences of multicultural individuals at work. In this qualitative study, nine multicultural individuals were interviewed using a sociological lens to gain their perspective on the relationship between their identity and their work experiences. The primary research questions that guided this study were: (a) how do multicultural individuals influence the workplace? In turn, (b) how do their workplace experiences affect their identity and sense of self? Data was coded and …

An Analysis Of Cultural Values, Religiosity And Family Member's Caregiving On The Positive Appraisal Of Caring For The Elderly, Fayron R. Epps

Dissertations

The stress and burden experienced by the family caregiver during the caregiving experience has been widely researched and established among the literature. Limited research exists on the impact of cultural values, religiosity and family caregiving on the caregiver's positive appraisal of caring for a dependent elderly family member. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cultural values and religiosity on the positive appraisal of caregiving among African American, Hispanic and Caucasian caregivers for dependent elderly family members. A predictive correlational study design was employed to examine the relationship amongst variables for 69 African-American, Hispanic and …

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. …

Magnetic Interactions In Open-Shell Conjugated Polymers, Michael Steelman

Dissertations

Most materials are closed shell in which every electron participates in a bond, resulting in unremarkable magnetometry signatures and functionalities. While rare, modern technologies rely on magnetic materials in which unpaired electrons are localized to inorganic atomic centers. In recent decades, a collection of organic open-shell π-conjugated molecules have shown magnetic ordering, albeit at exceedingly low temperatures; a result of weak noncovalent intermolecular interactions limiting long range electronic exchange. Thus, practically applicable sp orbital magnetism that persists at or above room temperature remains a grand challenge for chemistry and physics. Despite the wide variety of chemical structures afforded by organic …

Leading Change: Generating Cultural Responsiveness And Competence In Nursing, Kerstin G. Hudgins

Dissertations

Culturally responsive teachings prepare students to support social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in and beyond the classroom. Rising reports of culturally insensitive care and the reported challenges that nurses experience when caring for culturally diverse patients warrant the advancement of the intercultural readiness of nursing students. The study investigated the cultural content taught, encompassing LGBTQ+ health education, at the School of Nursing at a historically black college and university (HBCU) in the Southeastern United States. The participant selection involved purposeful sampling of various stakeholders engaged in interviews and focus groups, including faculty, nursing students, and nurse managers with …

Self-Management By Adolescents And Young Adults Following A Stem Cell Transplant, Caroline F. Morrison

Dissertations

A grounded theory study was conducted to better understand the process AYA use to manage their care following a SCT. Specific aims included: 1) to explore self-management facilitators, barriers, processes and behaviors within individual, family, community and healthcare system domains using the pediatric self-management framework to develop initial interview guides; 2) to describe how AYA manage their care regimen post HSCT; and 3) to describe rates of oral medication adherence for AYA post HSCT and how they relate to patterns of self-management.

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 …

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.

Temporal Sequence And Relationships Between Sleep Disorders, Mental Disorders And Traumatic Brain Injury In Deployed Military Members, Pamela Herbig Wall

Dissertations

U.S. military members are often forward deployed to austere environments where they are exposed to environmental, mental, and physiological stressors that can negatively affect their wellbeing and readiness for service. These service members are at high risk for developing sleep disorders, mental disorders, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may produce functional disability and further erode mission readiness. While there is ample evidence on distinct relationships between these three clusters of disorders, relatively few studies examine all three in a military and/or veteran population. Health care providers in the United States Military need information about these complex interactions in order …

Compassion Fatigue Among Family Caregivers Of Individuals With End-State Heart Failure, Lisa A. Cross

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between family caregiver demographic characteristics and compassion fatigue for caregivers who were caring for family members with end-stage heart failure. Specifically, the study examined the relation of compassion satisfaction, social desirability, and the relationship between the family caregiver and nursing provider on compassion fatigue. The research was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the family caregiver perception of the effect of COVID-19 on caregiving routines.

Nursing Faculty Experiences With Interactive Learning In The Associate Degree Nursing Classroom, Katheryn M. Csonka

Dissertations

The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore associate degree nurse faculty perceptions and experiences with the use of interactive learning in their classroom. Interactive learning is an approach to teaching and learning that promotes student learning with an active process. The implementation and continued use of interactive learning can be difficult for nurse educators who may be influenced by their previous perceptions and experience with use. There is a plethora of knowledge on the benefits of interactive learning with students, yet there is a gap in literature specific to nursing faculty experiences in the nursing classroom..

How Exemplary Directors Of Special Education Use The Five Principles Associated With Grit To Accomplish Extraordinary Results: A Phenomenological Study, Maria L. Moore

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe how exemplary directors of special education use the five principles associated with grit (courage, conscientiousness, long-term goals, resilience, and excellence versus perfection) to accomplish extraordinary results in their organizations.

Methodology: This qualitative study was part of a larger thematic research study conducted by nine peer researchers under the guidance of three University of Massachusetts Global faculty chairs. The qualitative research design encompassed a phenomenological model. Data for this study were gathered through a combination of eight semistructured interviews of exemplary directors of special education who met the predetermined …

Developing Clinical Judgment Through The Implementation Of Information And Communication Technology, Such As The Electronic Health Record (Ehr), Sherri Carter

Dissertations

Graduate nurses are expected to enter a technology-rich workforce with an understanding of the electronic health record (EHR) and how it is used to guide patient care. Limited access to EHRs in clinical settings may result in students entering professional practice with limited ability to understand the full potential of the EHR. Over a seven-week term, students enrolled in the Patient-Centered Care I course, during the 2018 Spring I term, participated in high-fidelity simulation and seminar activities that included an educational electronic healthcare record (EEHR). These activities were integrated into the course to guide students when making clinical decisions regarding …

Predicting Alcoholism In Selected College-Age Women, Katheryn R. Fernandez

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of relationships existing between characteristics of alcoholism in selected college-age women. The relationships between these characteristics and selected demographic attributes were also investigated. College-age men were used for comparison purposes.

This research was a descriptive correlational study. A three part questionnaire packet was developed to collect data and was reviewed by a panel of experts to determine content validity. A pilot study was conducted to minimize the chance of measurement error. Concurrent and construct validity were established for the Gender Alcoholism Screening Instrument during the study.

Impact Of High-Fidelity Simulation On Confidence Level Of Nursing Students In The Care Of Covid-19 Patients, Faith A. Paine

Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the education of nursing students across the world. Nursing students were unable to care for patients with COVID-19 at the beginning and potentially throughout nursing school depending on the facility and nursing school restrictions. It was not known how the participation in a high-fidelity simulation will impact the confidence level of nursing students in the care of patients with COVID-19. A mixed methods phenomenological qualitative and survey design was utilized to determine the confidence level of nursing students after participation in a high-fidelity simulation of a patient diagnosed with COVID-19.

Effect Of The Virtual Simulation Paired Prebriefing-Debriefing Strategy On Nursing Students' Self-Efficacy Perceptions And Virtual Simulation Performance In The Care Of Patients Experiencing A Myocardial Infarction, Laura M. Penalo

Dissertations

Through the use of virtual simulations (VS) in nursing education, nursing students are exposed to a variety of clinical scenarios that may potentially improve their learning of competencies, increase their self-efficacy, and enhance their future clinical performance. Despite limited quantitative research incorporating evidence-based strategies such as prebriefing and debriefing as part of the VS experience, this educational technology continues to gain popularity. In 2020, the use of VS in the nursing curriculum exponentially increased when the global COVID-19 pandemic impacted traditional in-person clinicals, laboratory, and human patient simulation (HPS) experiences. Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs have benefited from the use …

The Impact Of The Maternal-Child Clinical Learning Environment On Undergraduate Nursing Students' Self-Efficacy, Christina M. Lightner

Dissertations

There are currently many challenges to clinical nursing education. The coronavirus 2019 pandemic compounded these challenges when hospitals and government mandates excluded nursing students from traditional in-person clinical experiences. These barriers made it challenging to continue nursing education for prospective future nurses. While the current standard of practice is to employ in-person clinical, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing recognizes that up to 50 percent of traditional undergraduate nursing clinical hours can be replaced with high-quality simulation for nursing in the seven core nursing courses, including maternal-child. Educators were pressured to keep the education flow moving ahead for …

The Superintendent Mindset, Marc Patterson

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe how exemplary leaders perceive the practices of Sinek’s (2020) infinite mindset framework are embedded in their organization to inspire the achievement of extraordinary results. A further purpose was to understand organizational supports and barriers exemplary leaders perceive affect the development of an infinite mindset.

Methodology: The thematic team concluded a phenomenological methodology was the most appropriate approach to identify and describe the superintendents’ perceived importance of the practices of Sinek’s (2020) infinite mindset to achieve exemplary results. Identifying and describing the unique lived experiences of superintendents is best …