Digital Commons Network^™

Action Crisis Intervention Response, Dwayne Pine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Establishing a peer-to-peer mental health intervention program for healthcare workers at Henry Mayo Hospital is imperative for addressing stress, anxiety, depression, job burnout, and compassion fatigue. The growing mental health crisis among healthcare workers, leading to a significant number leaving the industry due to lack of support from management, underscores the urgency of this initiative. This action research project emphasizes the need for such a program in conjunction with the established Mental Health First Aid. While the latter provides tools to recognize a mental health crisis, it lacks holistic approaches to aid healthcare workers in immediate crisis mode. The project …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of College Students' Experiences With College-Provided Mental Healthcare Services, Adrian M. Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand college students' perspectives on college-provided mental healthcare services. The framework guiding this study is the theory of planned behavior (TPB), developed by Fishbein and Ajzen. The TPB theory is based on attitude, social norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intention. The central research question: What are college students' perspectives on college-provided mental healthcare services? The design of this qualitative study is hermeneutic phenomenology, a rigorous and well-established approach. A sample of twelve participants, carefully selected based on pre-determined criteria, was included in the study. The participants, a diverse mix of current …

Mentoring Emerging Leaders As It Relates To Senior Leadership Succession, Kevin D. Neal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the effects that a leadership mentoring plan had on the development of emerging leaders within the ministry of the International Ministry Network of Churches (IMNC). This study also sought to determine future leadership readiness regarding succession. This church fellowship currently does not have an established mentorship program in place, and without a successful plan for preparing new leaders for the future of the IMNC, the organization's growth and perpetuity can be potentially impacted negatively. The research was conducted by surveying senior local church leaders within the IMNC to assess their current …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Elementary And Middle School Math Teachers Experiences With Social And Emotional Learning And Math Achievement, Farina M. Sami

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experience of elementary math and middle school teachers’ with social-emotional learning and math achievement for Midwestern and Western schools within urban and suburban areas. The theory guiding this study was based on Maslow’s (1943) theory of the hierarchy of needs, which was grounded in the belief that learning could not occur until basic and fundamental psychological needs were met for people. The central research question focused on the lived experiences of elementary and middle school math teachers with social-emotional learning increasing math achievement. The type of study was …

An Investigation Of Law Enforcement Officer Background And Personality: A Study Of The Effects Of Education And Time In Service On Personality Characteristics, Courtney A. Claiborne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Within the last ten years, the actions of law enforcement officers have received increased attention, particularly in events involving disproportionate use of force. However, researchers and individuals should not generalize all law enforcement officers based on these incidents. In other words, the actions of law enforcement officers in these incidents should not be used as a basis to predetermine the actions of all law enforcement officers. Therefore, examining law enforcement officers' personalities and backgrounds is one way to understand individual police officers better. Through an exploratory research study, the researcher was able to examine the effect education and time in …

School Counselor’S Perceptions Of The Influence Of Sudden Traumatic Loss On Secondary Urban Adolescents, Tiffany L. Hillian-Sullivan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When an adolescent has a traumatic experience, the impact of the incident may be manifested within the confines of the educational setting. Educators are then required to support the student as they attempt to handle the trauma. When a student experiences a sudden and traumatic loss (death) of a parent, family member, or close friend, they are not prepared to handle the trials that come with grief. Often, teachers are not equipped with best practices of trauma-informed teaching methodology in order to best meet the needs of traumatized adolescents. When students are unable to handle their challenges, they are typically …

The Effectiveness Of An Interdisciplinary Care Team: An Integrative Review, Lindsey Marie Ellingford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As health care is ever growing and changing, demands for interdisciplinary care team collaboration are crucial for collective competence and team performance across settings. In healthcare facilities across the county, interdisciplinary care teams are made up of multiple disciplines. The following is an integrative review with a purpose to determine if the existing literature supports the implementation of an interdisciplinary care team in the healthcare environment. After completion of this integrative review, the author concluded there should be a standardized tool in the healthcare system to guide the creation and implementation of an interdisciplinary care team. The Jerry Falwell Library …

Evaluating The Impact Of The Nurse-Patient Relationship: An Integrative Review, Kathryn H. Creasey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Home care agencies are rated by patients anonymously through surveys after patients’ care episodes. The star ratings on the surveys have a direct impact on the home care agency and all of the staff working there. The star rating affects insurance companies’ reimbursement, which ultimately impacts business revenue, while the goal is to provide quality patient care. In the home care setting, nurses and patients desire continuity of care and the building of trust for competent, safe, and quality care. The literature review explored the importance of fostering the nurse-patient relationship and its impact on patient satisfaction and quality. Utilizing …

The Importance Of Bridging The Generation Gap Within Grace City Church: A Plan For An Intergenerational Discipleship Program, Keila A. Boychak

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The generation gap exists within the local church. The purpose of this praxis problem was to address the lack of intergenerational ministry in the church and create an intergenerational discipleship program to start the process of bridging the generation gap. The researcher intended to study the generations that are involved within Grace City Church and better understand how to reach them. In following Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Theory (1969), the researcher planned to create a practical program that assisted in gaining participants, who are among various generations and are currently members of the congregation. Through the implementation …

Jimmy And Rosalynn Carter: A Moral Compass That Established An American Political System, Rebecca Hodnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The 1970s brought an economic, social, and political change in America. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter created a new wave of traditional, moral ideologies that shaped America for generations. As a Washington outsider, the Carter team swept through Washington, bringing reforms based on honest integrity, social restructuring, and moral underpinning that challenged the established broken political system of the Nixon/Ford years. Relying on their strength with one another, they reimagined domestic and foreign policies by strengthening the office of First Lady, giving a voice to minorities, establishing various new positions, taking on Congress, and creating a hallmark of peace arrangement with …

Determining The Effectiveness Of A Nurse-Led Heart Failure Education Program In Reducing 30-Day Hospital Heart Failure Readmissions, Amy Suzanne Cosby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine if a nurse-led heart failure (HF) education program would reduce overall 30-day hospital readmissions related to. Affecting millions of adults in the United States, HF is a growing health epidemic as well as an economic burden to healthcare systems. The population for this project included patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute or chronic HF based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) codes. An electronic health record intervention indicated that when a healthcare provider diagnosed a patient with any HF ICD-10 code, the nurse-led HF education …

Keeping The Beat: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Retention Strategies And Their Impact On Historically Black Colleges And University Band Student And Alumni Success, Melton Randolph Harvey Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich cultural legacy, but there is still little understanding of how these programs impact students in particular ways. HBCUs provide Black individuals a chance to achieve equality, gain respect as a collective in the United States, and secure employment in professional fields. The purpose of this study aims to explore the factors concerning retention that contribute to participation in Historically Black Colleges and University band participation and analyze the effectiveness of its current retention initiatives.

the main research tool created to investigate the dynamics of recruitment and retention in HBCU …

An Examination Of Employee's Perceived Level Of Their Leader's Religiosity As A Moderator Of The Relationship Between An Employee's Religiosity And Job Satisfaction, Brad Carney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an employee’s perceived level of their leader’s religiosity moderates the relationship between an employee’s level of religiosity and job satisfaction. The participants in this research study were recruited through the utilization of a snowball sampling method, primarily leveraging Liberty University’s doctoral student email list and social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Participants in the study were required to be 18 and older and had been employed under their current leader for a minimum of one year. The total sample size was N=65. The researcher used a quantitative self-reporting survey …

Do Something: Does The Use Of Compassionate Empathy By Staff Affect The Safety Of A Colorado Correctional Facility?, Kelly Lynn Kuhns

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied multimethod study is to explore the relationship between the use of compassionate empathy and safety in a Colorado correctional facility. This research involved 25 staff members and employed a thematic analysis approach, integrating results from the Toronto Empathy questionnaire and semi-structured participant interviews. The study aimed to provide insights into the potential impact of compassionate empathy on safety within correctional facilities and inform policy and training initiatives to enhance overall safety. The findings offer valuable information to correctional administrators and policymakers in Colorado and beyond, aiding efforts to improve the safety and well-being of both …

Hyperlipidemia: Enhancing Patient Education And Clinical Support To Improve Self-Efficacy, Kelly L. Caniglia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Hyperlipidemia is a chronic, progressive disorder routinely encountered in primary care practice. In the United States, coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease are the leading causes of death. Hyperlipidemia is a modifiable risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral artery disease. However, many individuals fail to recognize the severity of the health consequences associated with hyperlipidemia. Most often, hyperlipidemia is the direct result of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Comprehensive care falls short in primary care settings, often due to non-compliance with necessary lifestyle behavior changes. Primary care patients' lack of knowledge and awareness signals a …

Paths Initiative: Identifying Potential Sex Trafficking Victims In The Emergency Department Setting, Kayla Mabery

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Physical signs, Appearance, Talk and communication, History and background, and Support and resources (PATHS) education initiative has proven to be a valuable tool in enhancing the identification and support of sex trafficking victims in healthcare settings, particularly in emergency departments. The training led to significant improvements in the participants' knowledge, confidence, and practical application of skills necessary to recognize potential victims. Despite the limitations of limited participant numbers and lack of face-to-face training, the initiative's positive impact underscores the need for continued efforts in this area. By incorporating the PATHS tool into regular professional development programs and standard operating …

Recruitment And Retention Of Black Faculty Women In Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Gerald Keith Warmack

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine Black Faculty Women's (BFW) lived experiences concerning recruiting and retention practices. The theory guiding this study was Critical Race Theory (CRT). CRT acknowledges that racism is central and the norm in the educational system. In addition to CRT, Social integration theory plays a critical role in how BFW form relationships, participate in social activities, and integrate into higher education. This research project used a hermeneutical phenomenological research design for BFW’s recruitment and retention experiences. Data for this study was collected using individual interviews, letters of advice, and journal prompts. Data analysis …

Corporate Social Responsibility Programs In Supply Chain Strategies, Craig A. Standridge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on United States-based small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturing companies and their decision-making strategies regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs within their supply chain strategies. As CSR gains global acceptance, those stakeholder interests seek validation and compete for outcomes that affect the triple bottom line of people, the planet, and profits. Strategic managers must skillfully balance the implementation of CSR programs with available resources, all without a guaranteed increase in competitiveness or organizational excellence. CSR is often perceived as more suitable for larger organizations with ample resources. At the same time, SMEs grapple with the fiduciary challenges of …

Trauma-Informed Care Education Program To Increase Provider Confidence In Caring For Patients With Trauma, Lillian Priante

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This scholarly project addressed the critical need for education on trauma-informed care and birth trauma among birth center providers and staff. The project aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of birth center professionals to better support birthing individuals who have experienced trauma, ensuring a more compassionate and effective care environment. A comprehensive educational program was administered to birth center midwives and staff exploring the principles of trauma-informed care, the psychological and physiological impacts of birth trauma, and evidence-based strategies for mitigating these effects. The curriculum of trauma-informed care included interactive training sessions using the City Birth Trauma Scale tool …

Increasing Self-Efficacy Of Nurse Practitioner Preceptors In Primary Care By Using The One-Minute Preceptor Model, Amy J. Lancaster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nurse practitioners represent the fastest growing profession in the United States, with 385,000 practitioners currently licensed. Over 70% of these licensed practitioners are serving in primary care settings. As the growth of this workforce continues, so does the need for nurse practitioner preceptors. The preceptor plays an essential role in championing clinical competencies for nurse practitioner students. This project was implemented in a primary care setting with an aim to improve the self-efficacy of nurse practitioner preceptors by using the One-Minute Preceptor teaching method to improve the practicum experience for both the preceptor and the nurse practitioner student. The One-Minute …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Reading Motivation And Reading Achievement In Middle School Special Education Students Of Black, Hispanic, And White Descent, Anisha L. Mendez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study is to determine if there is a difference between reading motivation and reading achievement of middle school special education students of Black, Hispanic, and White descent. The importance of this study was to close reading gaps between ethnic groups. This study was conducted in four middle schools in a suburban area in Northeast Georgia. Participants included 58 Black=Group 1, 35 Hispanic=Group 2, and 33 White=Group 3 middle school special education students with a total of 126 students. The research questions guided this causal-comparative study with the following: (a) Is there a difference between …

Cultural Influence On The Decision-Making Processes Of Individuals, Julia Carrion-Rivera

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a prominent gap in investigations on cultural experiences outside the Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic societies (WEIRD) context. The significance of this study lies in its potential to expand our understanding of cultural influences on decision-making, encouraging intercultural relations, and inclusion, and offering positive social changes in our global society. This phenomenological study explored the cultural influence on the decision-making processes of individuals from non-WEIRD cultures, identifying the significant role culture plays in forming human behavior and cognitive processes when making decisions. The research questions explored the cultural influence on the decision-making processes of individuals framed within …

Leveraging Simulation For Excellence, Alecia Kimberly Liburd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project aims to identify and address the factors hindering the effective utilization of the simulation lab at Grady Memorial Hospital. Despite the simulation lab’s potential to enhance clinical skills and decision-making abilities through realistic medical scenarios, it remains underutilized. This evaluation project was a pretest and posttest design to assess the impact of educational interventions. Educational workshops, email communications, and awareness campaigns were the primary methods used to increase the understanding and utilization of the simulation lab.

Data analysis involved descriptive and thematic analyses of lab usage metrics and pre- and posttest responses. The findings indicate that simulation-based learning …

Community Partnerships For Music Education In Rural Eastern New Mexico And West Texas, Joseph Manuel Flores

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the availability of music education courses in rural America’s secondary school setting, the quality and quantity of music education offerings may be in a state of decline due to student retention, lack of collaborations between extra/co-curricular activities and their instructors, scheduling conflicts, or lack of community involvement. Music education opportunities allow students to engage in art forms that further life-long learning and music advocacy. This study will investigate the perspective of music educators in rural Eastern New Mexico and West Texas as they continue to create high-quality music-band programs. The qualitative phenomenological research study highlights perspectives of rural American …

The Perception And Lived Experiences Of African International Students During Their Studies In The United States Colleges And Universities: A Phenomenological Study, Ebere V. Chukwuezi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience and perceptions adapting to the process of college-level education for African international students at a four-year college in the southeastern United States. The theory that guided this study was Berry’s acculturation theory, which categorizes individual adaptation strategies into two dimensions. This study was guided by acculturation theory aligned with the central research question and sub-questions. Participants who completed their studies or were current students at the university were selected through purposeful and snowball sampling. Data was collected through individual interviews, online surveys, and focus groups and analyzed …

Improved Clinical Outcomes Due To Gfr-Based Clinical Interventions For The Prevention And Treatment Of Renal Disease As It Relates To The Veteran Population Managed By A Patient-Aligned Care Team, Sidneca Evangella Hazward

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to understand if the use of eGFR (CKD-EPI 2021) in the absence of race modification influenced early detection of renal disease for veterans managed by patient-aligned care teams. A retrospective cohort study design was used, analyzing patient data from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The study included veterans with available serum creatinine, albumin, eGFR, CKD-EPI 2021, etc. measurements and demographic data. The study employed a systematic data review of electronic medical records from 2019 to 2024 and utilized electronic data collection through a computerized patient record system (CPRS) data collection system. …

What Family Mealtime Brings To The Table, Alicia Kirby Leon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Family mealtimes together appear to play an important role in adolescent mental health. Family mealtime frequency is associated with positive outcomes such as greater well-being, self-esteem, happiness, and better mental health in adolescents. However, the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdown left behind even higher levels of depression and anxiety and other mental health concerns in adolescents. Moreover, children from lower SES tend to have higher anxiety levels, depressive affect, and stress. In this study, I proposed to help bridge that gap in the research by examining adolescents from low SES families and help determine how much family mealtimes may benefit …

Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perceptions Of A Clinical Doctorate In Speech-Language Pathology: A Phenomenological Study, Dawn Mckee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perspectives of speech-language pathologists regarding a clinical doctorate as a potential entry-level degree for practicing speech-language pathologists. The central research question sought to determine the overall attitudes of speech-language pathologists about a clinical doctorate. The theories guiding this study were social constructionism and experiential learning theory, as this study attempted to construct the perceived reality of practicing speech-language pathologists regarding clinical doctorates and involved their educational and work experiences. The methodology utilized was transcendental phenomenology and included three data collection approaches: interviews, letter-writing, and focus groups. The data were analyzed …

The Connections Among Adoption, Attachment, And Violence, Victoria M. Sanders

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research regarding the experience and outcomes for adopted children has largely ended upon the individual turning 18 years old and has failed to provide adequate information about how adoption impacts an individual throughout the lifespan. Because of a lack of information gathering from the Department of Justice, there is little information about the incarceration rates of adopted individuals and the reasons for those incarcerations. This qualitative research study seeks to gain a better understanding of those individuals who were adopted and committed murder at some point after they were adopted. Court records, transcripts, motions, and evidence related to the murders …

Theory Informed Audit And Feedback To Decrease Medication Administration Errors, Victoria Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Medication administration errors remain a serious and preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in health care. Technology at the point of care is often bypassed in the medication administration process despite the intention to prevent adverse drug events through the addition of a layer of cross-checks and alerts. The purpose of this project was to understand if human behavior could be influenced using effective audit and feedback, data transparency, and communication tactics to decrease administration-related errors, such as wrong patient, wrong medication, wrong dose, and adverse drug events, with the use of barcode medication administration (BCMA) in the emergency department. …