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The Determinants Of A Health-Promoting Lifestyle In Older Adults, Patricia A. Stockert

Dissertations

Health promotion for the older adult is of critical concern for nursing. Health promotion activities may help this group maintain their health, experience optimal functional capacity, remain independent, and lower medical costs. Limited and conflicting information on health promotion activities and factors that influence these behaviors is available in this population. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of a health-promoting lifestyle in an older adult population by examining components of the Health Promotion Model. The study also used structural equation modeling to examine the psychometric properties of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLPII) in older adults. …

Knowledge Of Stroke Warning Symptoms And Risk Factors: Variations By Rural And Urban Categories, Kathleen Ann Ennen

Dissertations

Stroke continues to have a devastating disabling effect on Americans while remaining the third leading cause of death in the United States. Most Americans do not recognize the symptoms of stroke causing delay in receiving emergency treatment. The purpose of this research was to assess the knowledge of stroke symptoms and risk factors in a general public Midwest sample. Secondarily, similarities and differences in stroke knowledge between rural and urban groups were identified. The self administered Stroke Recognition Questionnaire (SRQ) directed at stroke knowledge assessment was developed. This descriptive, correlational study used a non-experimental quantitative design.

Examining Burnout In Direct Care Personnel In An Intermediate Care Facility For The Mentally Retarded, Amanda Alisa Teal Townsend

Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to examine burnout in direct care personnel in an Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR). Burnout exacts high personal costs from direct care personnel working in Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Services (Hastings, Horne & Mitchell, 2004). There are also organizational costs from employee turnover, decreases in productivity, and potential harm to clients. The conceptual framework guiding this descriptive correlational study was a middle range theory of caregiver stress based on Roy's adaptation model (Tsai, 2003).

The Early Socialization Process Of Critical Care Nurses: Implications For Administration, Education, And Practice, Deanna Lynne Reising

Dissertations

Critical care nurses provide care to the most ill patients in hospital settings; yet, little is known about the processes by which critical care nurses are socialized into their roles. The purpose of this study was to uncover the early socialization process for newly hired nurses in adult critical care settings. The two research questions for this study were: (1) What are the early processes of how a new nurse becomes a critical care nurse? (2) From the participants' views, what factors play a part in the socialization process for new critical care nurses? Grounded theory methodology was used to …

The Impact Of Stress, Coping, Constructive Thinking And Hardiness On Health And Academic Performance Of Female Registered Nurse Students Pursuing A Baccalaureate Degree In Nursing, Diane D. Cox

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test a theoretically-derived model of hardiness, constructive thinking, coping complexity and perceived stress level in predicting academic performance and perceived health status among female registered nurse students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing. It was hypothesized that hardiness and constructive thinking would directly affect perceived stress level and coping complexity and indirectly affect perceived health status and academic performance. Neuman's Systems Model together with Lazarus and Folkman's theory on stress provided the theoretical framework.

Transforming Professional Development For Today's Educational Environment, Amy L. Geurkink-Coats, Richard A. Regina

Dissertations

Professional development is vital to education. It provides an opportunity for continued growth and learning for educators throughout their career. While teachers earn credentials and certification through a university, professional development is intended to hone skills and help teachers evolve in an ever-changing landscape. The changing landscape may involve technology, generational needs, or broader societal interests. This research is an analysis of the implementation of transformational professional development in one large suburban Midwestern school district and one large Midwestern high school in another district. It analyzes data regarding professional development and examines literature that studies teacher participation, attitudes, and transfer …

Environmental Science And Culture: Exploring The Factors Contributing To The Pro-Environmental Behavior Of Rural Youth, Michelle Donlan, Elizabeth Flotte, Patricia Silovsky

Dissertations

This mixed methods study contributes to the pro-environmental behavior literature by introducing the concept of environmental science capital to explore the factors influencing pro-environmental behavior in rural youth. This study’s proposed theory of change attempts to build upon the Kollmus and Agyeman model of pro-environmental behavior by theorizing that environmental science capital is the “missing middle” needed to overcome the barriers to pro-environmental behavior. We hypothesized that meaningful nature experiences, role models, connectedness to nature, STEM interest and environmental identity would help rural youth increase their environmental science capital in order to “bridge the gap” and overcome barriers to pro-environmental …

Investigation Of The Effect Of Ivi With Three Modes Of Instruction On Learning And Attitude Towards The Instructional Media, Antoinette B. Calderone

Dissertations

Social Cognitive Theory proposes educational perspectives believed to facilitate the learning process. Social learning focuses on the interactive function of person, behavior, and environment. The mechanism for learning and attitude development is claimed to be influenced by modeling and reinforcement. Computer instruction is a technology that has the capability of incorporating both modeling and reinforcement. Interactive Video Instruction (IVI) is a branch of computer instruction comprised of video and computer components. A traditional mode for computer instruction is on an individual basis. An alternative mode of instruction through group presentation is sometimes employed in the educational arena, however, limited research …

Folklore As A Health Patterning Modality, Mary Augusta Joseph

Dissertations

The lived experience of folklore practices as a health patterning modality may have meaning for nursing science. This hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study was designed to uncover and understand the meaning and experiences of Afro-Caribbean people who used folklore practices as a health patterning modality. Fourteen participants of Afro-Caribbean heritage participated in in-depth interviews, during which they described their experiences and the meaning of folklore as a health and healing modality. The researcher used van Manen's phenomenological approach as the methodology for reflection and interpretation of the findings. The findings revealed that folklore practice is a phenomenon with six interconnected essential …

A Grounded Theory Study Exploring Lesbian Patient Self-Disclosure Of Sexual Orientation In Acute Care, Margaret Ruth Neese

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a grounded substantive theory to describe the process involved in lesbian self-disclosure of sexual orientation in acute care settings. Philosophical Underpinning: The philosophical underpinning was grounded theory as described by Strauss and Corbin (1998).

Navigating Through Uncertainty: Breastfeeding The High-Risk Infant, Susan Golembeski

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand the breastfeeding process mothers' face with their high-risk infants. Grounded theory methodology was used in this qualitative study to capture the richness of this experience. A purposive sample of 20 breastfeeding mothers, with diverse cultural backgrounds, whose babies had been discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit, was recruited. Open-ended, interactive, telephone interviews were conducted to obtain data. Coding procedures and constant comparative analysis were utilized for the simultaneous data collection and analysis. The core category that emerged from the data was, ";Navigating through Uncertainty";. Mothers described breastfeeding the high-risk infant as …

Application Of The Transtheoretical Model Of Change To The Smoking Behavior Of Men During Their Partner's Pregnancy, Mary Ellen Tanner

Dissertations

This study describes the smoking behavior and selected characteristics of men during their partner's pregnancy. Constructs of the transtheoretical model of behavior change were used to describe socio-demographic characteristics of these men, to compare their smoking behavior in various stages of change, and to explore the relationship of the smoking behavior of the male partner to that of the pregnant partner. The study used a non-experimental, descriptive correlational design with a self-administered survey tool.

The Relationship Between Faculty Research Productivity And Organizational Structure In Schools Of Nursing, Eileen M. Kohlenberg

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between faculty research productivity and the organizational structure in schools of nursing. The need for nursing research has been widely recognized by members of the nursing profession. However, only 25% of faculty in schools of nursing have indicated current involvement in conducting research (Nieswiadomy, 1984). While contextual variables have been investigated which facilitate and inhibit nursing research, the relationship between organizational structure and nursing research productivity has not been examined. The research question which was investigated in this study was: What is the relationship between nursing faculty research productivity and …

A Comparison Of Two Gastric Feeding Approaches In Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Patients, Ann-Marie Brown

Dissertations

More than 30% of children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) are malnourished and are at risk to develop new or worsened malnutrition during their hospitalization. Delivery of enteral nutrition (EN) during hospitalization is associated with lower mortality and morbidity rates. Barriers to adequate delivery of EN include hemodynamic instability, feeding interruptions, feeding intolerance and lack of standardized feeding protocols. Gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility during critical illness increases the risk of feeding intolerance due to increased influence of the Sympathetic Nervous System. Critically ill children have traditionally been fed via continuous gastric infusion under the assumption that slow, continuous …

The Relationship Between Hardiness And Burnout In Female Nursing And Liberal Arts/Science Faculty, Constance F. Buran

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between hardiness and burnout in female liberal arts/science faculty and female faculty in nursing. Degrees of hardiness were determined for each group with attention to the dimensions of commitment, control, and challenge. Degrees of burnout were determined for each group with attention to the components of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. The two groups were compared to determine if the levels of hardiness and burnout in faculty members were related to the area of teaching responsibility, and demographic characteristics.

An Interpretive Study Of The Bulimic Woman's Experience Of Relationships, Mary Tantillo

Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to access the meanings of the bulimic woman's experience of relationships in everyday life, in order to reveal a contextual understanding of this experience. Literature review revealed that the bulimic woman's experience of relationships has been conceptualized in terms of two main paradigms: the dominant paradigm of human psychological growth and development, and the newer, feminist relational paradigm. A critical examination of present theoretical understandings and previous research related to the bulimic woman's experience of relationships, revealed certain deficiencies and limitations in our understanding of this experience.

Effect Of Conversation On Nursing Student Outcomes In A Web-Based Course On Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation, Karen Harris Frith

Dissertations

The demand for professional nursing care is expected to rise dramatically during the next 20 years. Decreased enrollments in nursing programs and an aging RN workforce will exacerbate the shortage of nurses. One clear method for increasing the supply of nurses is to increase the number of graduates from nursing programs. Distance education is an important option to investigate because it can offer a convenient way for students to attend school while working, having a family, or living far from educational institutions. However, teaching in web-based courses requires thoughtful consideration of instructional design, including ways to fully engage students in …

Factors Related To Mexican-American Workers' Use Of Hearing Protection, Madeleine J. Kerr

Dissertations

Significant numbers of Mexican Americans work in jobs where they are exposed to harmful noise, therefore they are vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss. Use of hearing protection is often the only way to prevent exposure to loud noise, yet there is no knowledge of how to promote its use among Mexican American workers. This study builds on a program of research by Lusk in which the determinants of health-protective behavior are identified in order to design effective safety programs. This study was based on a theoretical model adapted from the Health Promotion Model (Pender, 1987).

Influence Of Stress, Cognitive Appraisal, Resilience, And Social Support On Coping Of Older Women Whose Spouses Have Undergone Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, Suzanne K. Marnocha

Dissertations

To describe the influence of stress, cognitive appraisal, resilience and social support on coping of older women in relation to the coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) of their spouse. Many older men are having coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and as the population ages these numbers are anticipated to increase. Surgery is a stressful experience and how the spouse of the patient appraises the surgical event may enhance her coping. Additionally, it is anticipated that resilience and social support will impact spousal coping.

Research Utilization Of Registered Nurses In United States Army Hospitals, Deborah J. Kenny

Dissertations

The use of research findings in clinical nursing practice has been studied extensively in civilian institutions or with civilian nurses. However, little research utilization study has been done in US military facilities. Everett Rogers' theory on diffusion of innovations posits that a system's social structure and cultural norms affect an innovation's diffusion in several aspects, including innovation decisions, rate of diffusion, and the consequences of innovation (Rogers, 1995). Due to differences in organizational culture between civilian and military facilities, it is difficult to generalize the research done in civilian nursing facilities to the military organization. All nurses working at three …

Cardiovascular Changes During Dialogue, Patricia Liehr

Dissertations

This study was designed to explore the experience of listening, noting how listening was distinct from talking and from silence. There was interest in the potential for listening to engender lowered physiological arousal. Listening was defined within an interpersonal context, as one person listened to another tell a story. Clinical experience has demonstrated that persons who are listening to a clinician share a story often relax. Psychophysiological measures were used to assess the experience of listening. Cardiovascular parameters (mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature) and eye contact (videotaped data) were measured during listening. …

"We Are Strong Women": A Focused Ethnography Of The Reproductive Lives Of Women In Belize, Carrie S. Klima

Dissertations

Belize is a small country in Central America with a unique heritage. The cultural pluralism found in Belize provides an opportunity to explore the cultures of the Maya, Mestizo and the Caribbean. Women in Belize share this cultural heritage as well as the reproductive health issues common to women throughout the developing world. The experiences of unintended pregnancy, contraceptive use and abortion were explored with women using a feminist ethnographic framework. Key informants, participant observations, secondary data sources and individual interviews provided rich sources of data to examine the impact of culture in Belize upon the reproductive lives of women.

The Personal Experience Of Developing Sexuality In Middle Childhood, Marie Winn

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the personal experience of developing sexuality in middle childhood.

Guided Imagery For Enhancing Health And Health Seeking Behaviors Of Employees In The Worksetting, Susan Wanda Vines

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an intervention program in the work-setting using guided imagery to enhance the health and health-seeking behaviors of employees. The health indicators for this study were multidimensional and included the following (a) blood pressure and pulse, (b) personal lifestyle practices, (c) self perception of health, and (d) psychological health status. The relationship and fluctuation of these dependent measures were tracked over a nine month time period. Observations were taken every two weeks from month 1 through the middle of month 5. Two additional data collection time periods were in months …

A Study Of Family Decision-Making About Life Support Using The Grounded Theory Method, Valerie A. Swigart

Dissertations

The grounded theory method was used to study the process of life support decision making in 16 families in a critical care setting. Semi-structured interview and observation techniques were employed to gather data from 30 family members.

How Are Districts Using The Local Control Funding Formula To Close The Achievement Gap, Jacob Briggs

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to identify and describe the impact of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) within Kern County, Monterey County, San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County in narrowing the achievement gap in underachieving populations identified as English Language Learners (ELL) and low socioeconomic status (low SES). Additionally, the purpose of this mixed methods study was to identify strategies implemented by districts who had the highest percentage of change in narrowing the achievement gap.

Methodology: A mixed-method study was conducted in two parts. First, a quantitative analysis was conducted by comparing the …

In-Groups, Out-Groups And The Challenge Of Increasing Diversity Through Intentional Inclusion And Equity Practices: Exploring The Roles Of Urban Land Managers, Affinity Groups, And Alaska Residents, Susan Newton, Amy Markle, Laurie Stuart

Dissertations

Public lands belong to all of us. Yet, data indicate that some Americans are participating more than others in the decision-making processes that guide use, access, and availability of our public lands and resources. Three researchers investigated three ways public participation intersects with the decision-making process, with a focus on illuminating barriers to full public participation as well as potential bridges to increasing equitable inclusion. Researchers interviewed urban land managers and affinity group leaders, surveyed a sample of residents in Alaska, and examined public testimony from a city council discussion about an inclusion resolution in Homer, Alaska. Qualitative and quantitative …

Diffusion Of Inclusion: Measuring Willingness To Adopt Inclusive Teaching Strategies In Nursing Educational Environments, Janet A. Levey

Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to: (1) examine psychometric properties of the Willingness to Adopt Inclusive Teaching Strategies (ITSinNE) instrument and (2) measure factors influencing a nurse educator's willingness to adopt inclusive teaching strategies based in universal design for instruction (UDI). Universal design for instruction (UDI) is one approach to facilitate multiple ways of learning and evaluation in various learning environments for all learners; however, it is not well known or researched in nursing education. Diffusion of innovation theory (Rogers, 2003) and universal design for instruction (McGuire & Scott, 2006) provided the theoretical framework for the study. A cross-sectional …

The Impact Of Discontinuing Contact Precautions For Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms, Darlene Carey

Dissertations

The utility of contact precautions (CPs) for multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) colonization and infection remains a debatable component of infection prevention for many reasons. Applying CPs for MDRO colonization and infection includes financial costs associated with nursing workloads, patient supplies, patient throughput delays, and social isolation concerns for patients. Recent literature indicates the discontinuance of CPs and the application of standard precautions (SPs) for MDRO colonization and infection is an effective infection prevention strategy, as it decreases associated costs without increasing infection risks or adverse events. The objective of this …

The Effect Of Self-Regulation On Breastfeeding Duration In Primiparous Mothers, Deborah L. Pollard

Dissertations

Eighty-six primiparous breastfeeding mothers were recruited from a community hospital in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. A randomized, controlled, two-group experimental design was used to examine the association between the self-regulation intervention, encompassing self-monitoring and reinforcement, and breastfeeding duration over 6 months.