Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating The Impact Of A Smoking Cessation Program., Gideon Eke

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Forty-six million individuals in the United States used tobacco products. People who use

tobacco products attempt numerous strategies before giving up smoking habit altogether. The goal of this project was to evaluate the impact of a tobacco cessation program by evaluating pre-and post-cessation program data, and hospital records of participants attending the hospital smoking cessation program over a 6-month period to ascertain the degree of reduction in tobacco use and hospitalization from smoking-related diseases. The population sample comprised of both men and women between the ages of 18 years and above. The project question addressed whether the smoking cessation program …

Impact Of Staff Education On Geriatric Polypharmacy, Valerie Ikemefuna

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Polypharmacy, the simultaneous use of multiple drugs to treat a single ailment or condition, is a

major health problem among the elderly population that contributes to adverse drug side events,

health risks, hospital readmissions, morbidity, and mortality. Therefore, a staff education

program geared toward reduction of such adverse drug events was implemented at a single site.

The purpose of the project was to determine if the staff education program would increase

knowledge of adverse drug events due to geriatric polypharmacy. The Orem theory provided the

theoretical support for the project, and the Iowa model guided the evidence-based practice

change process. …

Empowering Nurses Through Knowledge And Technology To Decrease Fall Rates, Ngozi Doreen Nwaise

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Falls are nurse-sensitive outcome which reflect the quality of nursing care. Nurses, therefore, have a major role to play in efforts to decrease fall rates. The objective of this project is to increase nurses' knowledge on the proper use of the CVVM as an attempt to effectively decrease fall rates. Pretest, post test, and course evaluation data were collected from 30 nurses. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Overall, the pretest evaluation showed that nurses had an average score of 43% in the combined assessment of their knowledge on fall prevention strategies, their use of the CVVM, and …

Use Of Tai Chi To Treat Mental Health Disorders In Veterans, Mekeesha Mcclure

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Clinicians have a challenge of discovering and implementing new ways to address their patients' health concerns. Some healthcare needs are not completely managed with pharmacotherapy and invasive procedures alone. Military veterans compose a special group due to multiple needs related to physical and emotional symptoms resulting from exposure to trauma. This project explored the benefits of a Tai Chi recreational therapy program. The goal of this trial was to examine gentle movement routines of Tai Chi for emotional benefits for veterans. The literature review provided insight from current evidence into the probable outcome of including alternative medicine options into regular …

The Needs Of Custodial Grandparents In Helping Their Grandchildren Experience School Success, Rex Sawyer Ward

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

At a local middle school, twice as many students were being reared by their grandparents than in each of the other 3 schools in the study district. Most of these students were experiencing academic and social issues; increased understanding of the issue was needed to address these problems. Using a phenomenological approach, this project study explored the lived experiences of grandparents of skipped-generation households and school employees who interact daily with skipped-generation households. Epstein's theory of parental involvement undergirded this study, and semistructured interviews were used to gather data from 15 grandparents and 15 school employees. Interviews were transcribed, open …

Leadership Among Directors Of Social Services At Rehabilitative Healthcare Chains, John Paul Tuanqui Abenojarj

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Rehabilitation and healthcare centers (RHCs) provide ongoing care to the elderly and chronically ill. To maximize the quality of this care, RHC staff must be properly trained to respond to patient care crises and communicate across departments. Although researchers have studied the leadership styles, strategies, and interactions of facility administrators and nursing directors, there is a substantial gap in the literature on the leadership styles and strategies employed by directors of social services (DSSs). The aim of this phenomenological study was to address this gap in the research by exploring how DSSs influenced leadership policies, prepared subordinates for crisis intervention …

Stereotype Threat And Work Attitudes Of Older Workers, Cheryl A. Countryman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

Despite an aging U. S. workforce, age discrimination at work remains an issue. Researchers have found that beliefs about the aging process affect workers' performance and attitudes. There is little research available examining this phenomenon from the perception of older workers. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of 7 workers aged 55 and older regarding ageism through the theoretical framework of stereotype threat theory. Research questions focused on identifying age-related stereotypes held by the participants, the influence of those stereotypes on perceptions of aging, perception of the impact of aging on job …

Implementation Of A Nurse Practitioner Residency Program In Critical Access Hospitals, Anna Ngwisah Bolima

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Access to health care in rural communities is challenged by workforce shortages. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been filling the gap created by physician migration into specialty areas. Flex hospital legislation allows critical access hospitals (CAHs) to staff the emergency department with NPs without on-site physicians. NP education often lacks emergency and trauma curriculum, resulting in gaps in practice expectations and significant role transition stress and turnover. The purpose of this project was to construct from the scholarly literature a transition-to-practice residency program to support NP's in providing emergency department care in the CAH. The limbo to legitimacy theory guided the …

Long-Term Hiv Survivors' Beliefs About Aging And A Cure, Geary William Brewer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prior to 1996, the prognosis of HIV disease was near-certain death; however, biomedical advancements in the past 20 years established HIV as a chronic manageable disease with a nearly normal life span. Recent advancements suggest the potential for a cure. One outcome of current medical treatments is that 50% of all HIV positive individuals are older (-?¥ 50years), and a substantial number of those individuals are long-term (-?¥ 20 years) survivors. Existing research Qualitative research has provided little insight about what older long-term HIV survivors believe about their disease circumstances and aging with the disease. A qualitative method in the …

Bedside Nurse Recognition Of Delirium In The Medical-Surgical Setting, Bridget Ann Denzik

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Delirium in adults aged 65 and older is a common occurrence in the acute care setting and is often unrecognized by bedside nurses. Delirium can trigger a negative cascade of events resulting in an increase in morbidity and mortality, functional decline, longer length of stay, and high rates of post hospital institutionalization and has a significant socioeconomic impact. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to establish a solid foundation using scholarly literature to support the development of a delirium prevention, recognition, and treatment program in the medical-surgical acute care setting applying the program logic framework. The goal was …

A Delphi Study Of Effective Practices For Developing Competency-Based Learning Models In Higher Education, Lisa Monica Mcintyre-Hite

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Currently, there is an increase in competency-based education programs in higher education institutions in response to student and employer needs. However, research is lacking on effective practices for developing competencies, assessments, and learning resources for these programs. The purpose of this qualitative Delphi study was to gather expert opinions about effective practices for developing competencies, assessments, and learning resources in competency-based programs in higher education. The conceptual framework was based on principles of andragogy, critical subjectivity, and social constructivism. Ten long-term specialists in developing competency-based programs in higher education served as participants. Data from 3 rounds of interviews were coded …

Factors Impacting Older Adults' Adoption Of Mobile Technology In Emergency Communications, William A. Scerra

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

An increasing number of older adults must continue working, which requires that they maintain their competencies and work skills, including use of mobile technology (MT). However, little is known about older adult adoption of MT in relation to work. This study used Rogers's diffusion of innovation theory and Davis's technology acceptance model as a framework. The purpose of this exploratory sequential mixed methods study was to examine the experiences of older adults' who adopted MT in the emergency communications (EC) field. Participants came from an emergency services LinkedIn group. Data sources included surveys completed by 85 respondents and interviews of …

Development Of Evidence-Based Scenario With High Fidelity Simulation To Improve Nursing Care Of Chest Pain Patients, Ma Zolaica Paragas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality in the United States, and a primary educational objective is to develop professional competency among nurses to ensure the provision of safe and effective care to the cardiac patient. Benner's theory of novice-to-expert led to the development of an evidence-based scenario for the care of the patient with chest pain using risk-free high-fidelity simulation environments that focused on assessment, history taking, and communication, while evaluating improvements in the competency of nurses providing care to chest pain patients. Thirty-six nurses volunteered in the study. Feedback from nurse educators, which led to modifications to …

Adopting The Lifelong Communities Initiative In The Atlanta Metropolitan Area, Corneil Montgomery

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The older adult population has been growing since 1950. The quality of life of older Atlanta citizens may be reduced if adopted Lifelong Communities (LLC) initiative principles are executed poorly or not at all. The purpose of this case study was to describe and explore the experiences of local government officials in Atlanta, Georgia who have adopted LLC initiatives. Research questions focused on local government officials' experiences adopting the LLC initiative, their use of the LLC principles, as well as the benefits and challenges encountered when integrating principles within organizations and communities to ensure quality of life for persons served. …

An Evaluation Of Service Learning For Associate Degree Nursing Students, Valerie Marie Pauli

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of the service-learning requirement in the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) curriculum at the local college. The problem addressed in this study was that the local ASN program lacked formal evaluation of the service-learning requirement. Guided by Kolb's model of experiential learning, a goal-based, summative evaluation employed as a qualitative case study explored the perceptions of 20 stakeholders including graduates, faculty members, and key community informants. The research questions focused on how service learning influenced a student's learning of cultural competence and the impact service learning had on the community. …

A Transition-To-Practice Residency That Supports The Nurse Practitioner In A Critical Access Hospital, Nancy Jean Stock

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Access to health care in rural communities is challenged by workforce shortages. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been filling the gap created by physician migration into specialty areas. Flex hospital legislation allows critical access hospitals (CAHs) to staff the emergency department with NPs or physician assistants without on-site physicians. NP education often lacks emergency and trauma curriculum, resulting in gaps in education and practice expectations and leading to significant role transition stress and turnover. The purpose of this project was to construct an evidence-based transition-to-practice residency program to support NPs providing emergency department care in the CAH. Theoretical frameworks used to …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Seniors Aging In Place, Magaly C. Dante

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Baby boomers are living longer, and as they age, they will need more supportive services that may include housing, mobility, nutrition, personal care, or health care. Despite the studies that have been conducted on baby boomers aging in place (choosing to stay in their home versus move to an institution), the focus has been on the old and frail and very little has been done to address the lifestyle of active (physically functioning) baby boomers. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived, shared experiences of active baby boomers regarding their beliefs and attitudes about aging in …

Predicting Success In First-Year Associate Degree Nursing Students, Laura J. Hope

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

An associate degree of nursing program in the southeastern region of the United States has had significant increases in student attrition over the past few years. Admission requirements did not include an entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), which may be useful in decreasing the deficiencies associated with poor student progression. Guided by the Knowles' theory of adult learning and Bandura's social learning theory, the purpose of this correlation study was to explore the relationship between the TEAS scores and the cumulative grade point average (GPA) of first-year students to determine if success at the …

College Faculty Experiences Assigning Service-Learning And Their Inclination To Continue, J. Shannon Chamberlin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The academic benefits and enhanced social responsibility that students derive from service-learning (SL), defined as experiential learning that ties community service to academic courses, have been well documented. However, for a college to fully institutionalize SL, a high proportion of faculty needs to include SL in their courses. Based in Kolb's experiential learning theory, the purpose of this study was to enhance planners' understanding of how college faculty's past experiences assigning SL influence their inclination to assign SL in future courses. In this basic qualitative interpretive study, data were collected from 13 individual interviews with faculty who assigned SL at …

The Emotional Impact On Elderly Spouses Who Placed Their Loved Ones In Long-Term, Barbara Hunt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Aging may bring mental and/or physical decline. There may come a point when a loved

one needs long-term care in a nursing home. The purpose of this phenomenological study

was to examine the community dwelling spouses' emotional state. A study was

conducted with 10 individuals (5 men and 5 women) who had a spouse in long-term

nursing care. Inclusion criteria was to be at least 65-years old, have been married at least

30 years, and reside alone in his or her own home. The social emotional selectivity theory

and the construct of boundary ambiguity were applied to view the epoch. …

A Study Of Nurses' Attitudes Toward Medical Ageism, Stephanie Cameron

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Medical ageism in the United States affects senior citizens' activities of daily living (ADL) and the quality of their medical care. Medical ageism refers to discrimination against, abuse of, stereotyping of, contempt for, and avoidance of older people. Nurses who take care of the elderly are responsible for ensuring that older patients are treated fairly and in a timely manner, so it is important to know whether or not nurses have any bias regarding the elderly. The research questions addressed in this quantitative study explored whether or not there were differences in nurses' perceptions of ageism as moderated by the …

Fear As A Predictor Of Life Satisfaction For Older Adults In Retirement In Canada, Satoko Nguyen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In developed countries, most healthy retirees still have fears about growing old; however, there is little empirical data on the relationship between this fear and quality of life. This cross-sectional, correlational, survey study tested whether a summated measure of fears of growing old (fear) based on Laslett’s theory of retirement (the third age) significantly predicted life satisfaction and retirement satisfaction after adjusting for significant activity theory covariates. 190 Canadian volunteer retirees at 3 community retirement centers completed surveys. A pilot study established the reliability and valdity of the scales, including an instrument Fears about Growing Old derived from Laslett’s exemplifications, …

Job Design Factors In The Workplace That Support Successful Aging For Older Workers, Martha J. Sanders

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Increasing numbers of older adults are expected to return to the labor force to reap both the financial and social rewards of paid employment. However, little is known about how the workplace supports older workers' successful aging process. The purpose of this study was to examine how the design of a job (opportunities for decision making, use of a variety of skills, coworker support, and supervisor support) influences successful aging (having a sense of control over life, social networks, emotional support, and opportunities for generativity) in older workers (aged 55 and older) in the home building industry. The study explored …