Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Vicarious Racial Discrimination On African Americans Via Social Media, Asia Wardlaw

Dissertations

Much psychological research has examined the impact of racial discrimination upon those who have personally experienced it. Such research emphasizes personal encounters with racial bias and ethnic discrimination can cause victims considerable mental and emotional injury, manifested as race-based traumatic stress. Far less research has examined the effects of vicarious racism on those who witness it, including those who witness it via online media. Given the growing and significant amount of social media coverage in the United States of America containing images of unarmed African Americans who have been killed in perceived racially motivated encounters, this is a valuable area …

Soliton Based All-Optical Data Processing In Waveguides, Amaria Javed

Dissertations

The growing demand for higher data processing speed and capacity motivates the replacement of the current electronic data processing by optical data processing in analogy with the successful replacement of electronic data communication by optical data communication. In a quest to achieve comprehensive optical data processing we aim at using solitons in waveguide arrays to perform all-optical data processing operations. Solitons are special nonlinear waves appreciated for their ability to conserve their shape and velocity before and after scattering. They are observed naturally in diverse fields of science, namely, nonlinear physics, mathematics, hydrodynamics, biophysics, and quantum field theory, etc. with …

Comparison Of Counselor Job Satisfaction By Setting: Agency, Private Practice And Online, Leeanne Cravey

Dissertations

To answer the research question – “What intrinsic and extrinsic factors increase job satisfaction in private practice, online counseling, and agency practice?” – a survey was administered to assess demographic information and to rate 25 intrinsic and extrinsic components of job satisfaction. Individual components of job satisfaction with the strongest correlation to overall job satisfaction were identified, for the entire study sample and within the three different work settings (agency practice, private practice, and online practice). Due to the small sample sizes of demographic and work setting groups, no correlations with individual components of job satisfaction were statistically significant (all …

The Role Of Neighborhood Factors In School Choice Decisions, Sarah Jefferson

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Telework Intensity, Work-Family Conflict, And Work-Family Balance, During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Timir Jayesh Bharucha

Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased popularity, application, and utilization of telework. To vastly reduce the spread of COVID-19, governmental agencies worldwide have implemented lockdowns and emphasized businesses and corporations should implement telework wherever possible (Anderson & Kelliher, 2020; Belzunegui- Eraso & Erro-Garces, 2020; Buomprisco et al., 2021; Chong et al., 2020; Contreras et al., 2020; Mouratidis & Papagiannakis, 2021; Nguyen, 2021; Oz & Crooks, 2020; Raišienė et al., 2020; Tavares et al., 2020). States of emergency can disturb employees’ workflow and lead to financial difficulties; thus, telework presents an option to reduce that disruption. In such unprecedented times, …

Impact Of Counselor Wellness On Positive And Negative Consequences Of Covid-19 Shared Trauma, Monique Rahman

Dissertations

This study sought to explore how the shared trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Texan counselors both positively and negatively, as well as the mediating or moderating effect of counselor wellness. Negative consequences of stress such as secondary traumatic stress, burnout and compassion fatigue were explored, but also positive consequences such as compassion satisfaction and post-traumatic growth. Measures such as the Five Factor Wellness Inventory (FFWEL), the Shared traumatic and Professional Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (STPPGI), and the Professional Quality of Life Measure (ProQOL) will be utilized in addition to demographic questions and COVID-19 stress related questions mirroring Park et …

The Evaluation Of Graduate Nurses' Performance Gaps In Blood Administration, Vanessa M. Schott

Dissertations

New nurse graduates are expected to help relieve the current and pending massive nursing shortage anticipated in the nursing field (Goode, Reid Ponte, & Sullivan Havens, 2016). However, there is a discrepancy between evaluations of new graduate readiness and the expectation to provide competent complex care. Ninety percent of undergraduate nursing education leaders feel new graduate nurses are prepared to practice, yet 90% of hospital nurse administrators disagree. When graduate nurses participating in nurse residency programs perform self-assessments on procedural readiness, emergency management and blood product administration/transfusion are frequently in the top three skills/procedures they feel uncomfortable performing independently. Yet …

Adult Postoperative Open-Heart Patients: Anemia And 30-Day Hospital Readmission, Lindsey J. Ryan

Dissertations

In 2013 alone, more than 4% (3.9 million) of patients discharged from a hospital were readmitted. Anemia following a surgical procedure is associated with early hospital readmission.

The following specific aims were addressed:

• Aim 1. To develop an operational definition of the term condition-based maintenance as applied to health care and discuss the applicability and effectiveness of condition-based maintenance within health care.
• Aim 2. To identify the number of adult patients undergoing elective open-heart surgery with preoperative anemia.
• Aim 3. To examine the relationship between preoperative anemia, sociodemographics, and 30-day hospital readmission rates among postoperative open-heart adult patients.
• Aim 4. …

Schools On The Frontlines Of Governance: How The Convergence Of Criminal Justice And Education Shapes Adolescent Perceptions And Behavior, Jennifer O'Neill

Dissertations

Theories of legal socialization posit that individuals’ interactions with both nonlegal (e.g., teachers) and legal (e.g., police officers) authorities impact our broader orientation towards governance our compliance with rules and laws. Examining the process of legal socialization in adolescents is critical for understanding individuals’ relationships with major institutions of social control, and further, predicting delinquency. Extant literature tends to consider legal socialization in the school and in interactions with the police as distinct processes related to offending, neglecting the potential influence of school contextual factors; and yet, because the incorporation of carceral features (e.g., exclusionary discipline, restrictive security, and enhanced …

Following The Yellow Brick Road: The Lived Journey Of Nurses Becoming Nurse Practitioners, Kathleen Theresa Ogle

Dissertations

In this phenomenological study, I explore the lived experiences of registered nurses who become nurse practitioners. Text for this study comes from narrative sources such as reflective writings, one-on-one conversations, and group conversations with seven new nurse practitioners.

The guiding question for this inquiry is: "What is the lived journey of nurses who become nurse practitioners?" Phenomenological philosophers such as Heidegger, Gadamer, and Casey guide this work. Other authors are drawn upon for grounding the study and to draw out the phenomenon for examination. The six research activities of van Manen (2003) provide the methodological framework for the research.

The Female Overactive Bladder In Our Beverage-Centered Society: An Evolutionary Perspective, Sarah Becker Hortsch

Dissertations

Over recent decades, chronic disease has trended upwards, associated with the mismatch between our modern nutritional environment and our paleolithic genome. The beverage industry has exploded in sync with chronic conditions, including bladder symptomatology. This dissertation uses the logic and paradigm of evolutionary medicine to examine the modern beverage culture as a cause of the current high overactive bladder prevalence rates (17-31%, age dependent). A natural experiment exemplar concludes the dissertation with proof of concept that societal-wide influences to hyper-hydrate by drinking beyond thirst influences non-pathological changes to bladder state. The study is a secondary analysis with main outcome measure …

How Do Faculty Foster The Development Of Nursing Student Empathy In The Clinical Learning Environment?, Caroline E. Rae

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how faculty foster the development of nursing student empathy in the clinical learning environment. While much of nursing education focuses on building technical knowledge and skills, the literature supports a growing need to focus on developing an empathetic practice. It is important to support the development of empathic skills to better prepare future nurses to provide high-quality patient-centered care.

Senior Nursing Students' Perception Of Faculty Caring And The Caring Milieu In Two Associate Degree Nursing Programs, Martha A. Desmond

Dissertations

Caring, according to Jean Watson (1979), is the "core" and "essence" of nursing. The link between wisdom (knowledge) and caring can be achieved for the faculty member, according to Berkowitz (2011), if more attention is paid to the learning environment, role modeling, interactional practices, and professional development of the teaching staff. To do so, it will be critical for faculty to model caring as the core value and precept of nursing (Li et al., 2013) as well as create a caring environment (milieu) for students to replicate when they become professional nurses.

A gap was identified in the literature review …

The Role Social Capital Plays In The Psychological Capital Of Registered Nurses Experiencing Second Victim Syndrome, Teresa-Lynn Hinkley

Dissertations

This study used an ex-post facto survey for data collection and structural equation modeling for data analysis to explore the combined relationship of psychological capital and social capital on the severity of second victim syndrome experienced by registered nurses. Specifically, this study sought to answer the following research question "To what extent does the relationship between psychological capital and social capital combine to predict the severity of SVS experienced by registered nurses following a precipitating event?" A second research question, aimed at explicating the relationships between the subconstructs of the three constructs of interest was "What are the relationships between …

The Preparedness Assessment For The Transition Home After Stroke (Path-S) Instrument, Michelle Elizabeth Camicia

Dissertations

Care transitions for individuals with disabling conditions, such as stroke, are often ineffective and inefficient, resulting in unmet patient and caregiver needs, increased safety risks, readmissions, and increased healthcare costs. An assessment instrument designed to evaluate caregiver's preparation to assume the caregiving role is needed to facilitate the development of tailored care plans and interventions to mitigate the risks of poorly prepared caregivers, and associated health effects on caregiver and stroke survivor. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop and then evaluate selected psychometric properties of the proposed Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home after Stroke (PATH-s), a 25-item …

Exploring Higher Rates Of Breastfeeding Among Civilian Military Wives: A Mixed Methods Study, Nicole Ann Ringo

Dissertations

As compared to the U.S. general postpartum population, civilian military wives (CMWs) encounter unique challenges that can impede their ability to breastfeed, including geographic replacement and physical and emotional challenges. Yet despite these challenges, CMWs demonstrate higher rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration in the U.S. postpartum population as a whole.

The purpose of this study was to explore factors contributing to the high rate of breastfeeding initiation and duration among CMWs and to determine what might be learned from these factors for intervention design for the broader population of postpartum mothers.

Effectiveness Of An Educational Intervention At An Academic Medical Center To Reduce Stigma Of Accelerated Pre-Licensure Nursing Students Toward Patients Living With Hiv, James Strickland Miller

Dissertations

Some health care providers may be reluctant to care for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The inclusion of educational opportunities for students to advance knowledge of HIV transmission risks, while decreasing stigma, is important, and many health care providers have not participated in these types of activities, which could promote learning and the practice of unbiased care.

Relationship Between Nurses' Perception Of Empowerment, Job Satisfaction, And Intent To Stay, Ma Leilani Hall

Dissertations

Retention of perioperative nurses who work in the operating room is critical to an organization's effectiveness and financial wellness. Factors that retain perioperative nurses are empowerment and job satisfaction. The purposes of this quantitative study, guided by Kanter's theory of structural empowerment, were to determine (a) the level of empowerment and job satisfaction among perioperative nurses and their intent to stay in the organization and (b) if age, gender, education, perioperative experience, and national nursing certification predict empowerment among perioperative nurses. Fifty-five perioperative nurses responded to the Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire- II, Nursing Workplace Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Intent to …

Exploring The Perceptions Of Integrating Quick Response (Qr) Codes In Associate Degree Nursing Education, Casaundra Faultry Wyatt

Dissertations

The National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) profess that nursing education has not kept pace with evolving practice requirements and innovative technologies. Nurse educators have been charged to reexamine, update, and transform nursing curricula to include emerging technologies to better prepare students for future practice. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of associate degree nursing faculty and students utilizing Quick Response (QR) code as a teaching and learning strategy. There was an identified gap in the knowledge of utilizing and evaluating QR codes in nursing education and a paucity …

Exploring The Experiences Of African American Nurses: An Emancipatory Inquiry, Laurie Pierce

Dissertations

This inquiry provided a critical and in-depth analysis of African American nurses' situations within the context of the work environment. Through this examination, multiple oppressions were illuminated. Participants identified both personal experiences of oppression and oppression related to administrative and interdisciplinary hierarchies. Additionally, the participants provided their insights on the concept of empowerment. Definitions of empowerment included being a voice for self and others and empowering others is empowering to self. Thus, the concept of relational empowerment was explicated. Furthermore, the participants envisioned an ideal environment where administration is supportive of nurses, nurses have time to care for the patients, …

The Lived Experience Of Becoming A Professional Nurse For Associate Degree Nursing Graduates: A Phenomenological Study, Jean L. Hershey

Dissertations

This qualitative study used a hermeneutic phenomenological design to investigate the lived experience of becoming a professional nurse for associate degree nursing graduates. The study looked specifically at the process of acquiring a professional identity for associate degree nursing graduates. The theoretical frameworks of structural functionalism and reference group theory provided the lens which guided the study. Structural functionalism is a sociological perspective describing how groups reproduce themselves by creating members whose behaviors and values correspond to the established group norms. A reference group is the social group which an individual uses to define attitudes, beliefs, and values which the …

Determining The Needs Of Fathers Of Premature Neonates, Linda Ann Merritt

Dissertations

In order to practice true family-centered care in the NICU setting, a nurse needs to understand the perceptions and concerns of both parents of the neonate. Although research is emerging on fathers' perceptions and experiences, researchers have not examined fathers' needs with respect to sociodemographic factors and gestational age of neonates. The purpose of this study was to determine the needs of NICU fathers and if these needs differed based on sociodemographic factors and gestational age of neonates.

First-Generation Undergraduate Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Faculty Advising, Robin R. Kappler

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions of first-generation undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students regarding their experiences with BSN faculty advisors at two Midwestern colleges. Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory was used as the foundation for this study. A phenomenological research methodology was utilized for this study. This included interviews with six self-identified first-generation undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students. These participants shared their individual perceptions of their experiences with faculty advising. Participants perceived relationships, knowledge, and supportive behaviors to be most important in a successful faculty advisor-advisee dyad. Overall, participants reported that their experience with faculty advising was …

Alert Driven Rescue: Do In-Hospital Sepsis Interventions Following An Advanced Early Warning System Alert Differ Substantially Between Decedents And Survivors?, Daniel T. Linnen

Dissertations

Patients with worsening sepsis on general hospital wards are at high risk for clinical deterioration, unplanned admission to the intensive care unit, and death. Many hospitals have begun to employ early warning systems (EWSs) to alert nurses and providers that a patient is predicted to deteriorate. Multiple papers in the rapid response team (RRT) and sepsis literature describe typical problems leading to an EWS alert (e.g., systemic inflammatory response syndrome, low blood pressure) as well recommended interventions such as intravenous fluid bolus, antibiotics, and transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite the evidence base, it remains unclear which actions …

Impact Of End-Of-Life Education On Nurses' Moral Distress, Jenniffer L. Mullen

Dissertations

Moral distress is a state of concern or anxiety that occurs when there is a correct action to take but an individual's ability to take that action is constrained in some way. Nurses, especially those who work in intensive care units (ICUs), may struggle with moral distress due to feelings of futility when caring for end-of-life patients. The purpose of this 1-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental study, guided by Lazarus's theory of stress, coping, and adaptation, was to determine whether End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) education reduces moral distress in ICU nurses caring for end-of-life patients. A revised Moral Distress Survey (MDS-R …

Reducing Unplanned Hospital Readmissions: A Qualitative Exploratory Multiple-Case Study, Kathleen Janet Weatherspoon

Dissertations

Healthcare quality measurement and care reimbursement have become a central focus for leaders and administrators of healthcare organizations. The provision of high-quality healthcare is contingent on the skills and abilities of leaders and clinical staff who support evidence-based clinical practice through implementation strategies. The problem defined in this qualitative exploratory multiple-case study was concerned with the frequency of unplanned hospital readmissions occurring in the state of Florida specifically, in healthcare facilities located in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties (tri-county area). Healthcare stakeholders working in organizations located in the tri-county area report hospital readmission rates of 23%, that resulted in higher …

Hypoglycemia Management In The Tnpatient Setting: Protocol Education For The Registered Nurse, Sarah Firmin

Dissertations

Hypoglycemia in the hospital setting is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and an increased length of stay. In the clinical setting for this quality improvement project, there is an emergency standing order for the presentation of hypoglycemia. The purpose of the order is to direct the registered nurse to utilize specific measures when patient presentations are emergent. The literature review for this project provided an overview of quality improvement projects which had a focus on the care of patients with hypoglycemia. This project had the following specific aims: nurse knowledge related to diabetes and the treatment of hypoglycemia will increase, …

Qualitative Exploration Of Perceptions Of Nursing Undergraduates Regarding Family Care At End-Of-Life, Penny A. Alt-Gehrman

Dissertations

Family care at end-of-life is delivered by nurses and includes communication and explanations, providing emotional support for the family, creating an environment in which death occurs with dignity, providing privacy, facilitating visitation, and honoring and meeting cultural and personal family values (Beckstrand et al., 2011; Bloomer et al., 2013; Cronin et al., 2015; Heidari & Norouzadeh, 2014).

There appears to be a gap in the empirical evidence and literature on this topic. Regarding the knowledge and comfort of student nurses, and subsequently nurses, in family care at the end-of-life, there is disparity. To determine what must be taught to nursing …

Predictors Of Quality Of Life In Thai Adults With Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease, Warissara Sorat

Dissertations

The incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are increasing worldwide. Persons with CKD constitute a large population with a high prevalence of morbidity and mortality in Thailand. Treatment of CKD generally involves a multidisciplinary team and requires a comprehensive assessment and aggressive treatment plan to improve the health status of persons with CKD to slow the disease progression. This study aimed to examine factors that influence quality of life among Thai adults with early-stage CKD and test the constructs of a complex model identifying individual and family factors, knowledge, depression, and self-efficacy related to self-management behavior and quality …

The Relationships Among Self-Regulation, Cognitive Load, Decision Support, And Decision Making Readiness In Surrogate Decision Makers For The Critically Ill, Grant Alan Pignatiello

Dissertations

Chronic critical illness is expected to impact 600,000 Americans annually by 2020. Often, the chronically critically ill (CCI) experience persistent cognitive impairment. Thus, family members serve as surrogate decision makers (SDMs) to make complex healthcare decisions for their loved one. Decision support interventions have been developed to meet the informational needs of SDMs during this distressing period. However, past decision support interventions have not been effective in meeting the informational needs of SDMs. Current decision support interventions have not evaluated unique behavioral and cognitive factors that may influence an SDM's readiness to engage in decision making. Therefore, this study applied …