Digital Commons Network^™

Spend Your Student Loans On A Vacation. No One Is Watching., Raul A. Hernandez, Morten Buttler

Capstones

Student loan debtors who spend their loans on non-educational expenses   increase the likelihood of financial hardship once they begin repayment. Contributing to the financial struggles of student loan debtors is an overly-complicated student loan system which can entangle borrowers with unclear financial statements and a glut of federal loan repayment programs.

Link to capstone project: https://medium.com/@raul.hernandez/spend-your-student-loans-on-a-vacation-no-one-is-watching-a71834ed6f45#.vj61hhxig

Lgbt In Colombia: A War Within, Monica Espitia

Capstones

On the surface, Colombia appears to be at the vanguard of the gay rights movement, having extended legal rights to same-sex couples and transgender people in recent years. But for many of the nearly five million Colombians who are LGBT, these rights have been largely meaningless as a result of the deep-rooted prejudice that often results in violence.

Gay, lesbian and transgender Colombians have been actively persecuted by armed groups involved in Colombia’s decades-long civil war. Members of the LGBT community are four times more likely than the rest of the population to be threatened and abused by both legal …

The Last Gay Man On Earth -- Can The Mainstreaming Of A Culture Be Responsible For Its Demise?, Muri Assunção

Capstones

Social acceptance towards the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer community (LGBTQ) has seen incredible progress in the last few decades. Less than 50 years ago, an act of rebellion against a homophobic police raid at Stonewall, a gay bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, kicked off the gay liberation movement and the fight for LGBTQ rights. Today, the queer revolution has proved effective: same-sex unions in the U.S. are legally allowed, and gay parenting is socially accepted. But, at what cost? Are queer people conforming to a heteronormative way of life? Can such social advances be also responsible for the …

No Hindu Left Behind Is A Tall Order, Even In America, Rheaa Rao

Capstones

Hindutva, synonymous for Hindu nationalism, is not a fringe ideology in India but is something that often violently singles out other religious minorities. Hindu organizations in the United States do not have a violent history or intent in the United States, it is important to trace their roots back to the Hindu nationalist movement in India to dig deeper into their rhetoric and what it means for Indian and American democracy. This article investigates the role these organizations play in spreading a Hindutva message in the diaspora.

https://social.shorthand.com/RheaaRao/ngSoDOqapT/no-hindu-left-behind-is-a-tall-order-even-in-america

Roots On The Record, Joaquin P. Cotler

Capstones

Roots on the Record is a podcast featuring musicians and organizers who use their music to promote social consciousness, cultural awareness, and self-empowerment. The first four episodes focus on a black banjo player named Hubby Jenkins, a Brazilian rapper named Eli Efi, a Honduran DJ named De La Ceiba and a Brazilian-American singer/percussionist named Jen Nascimento. They each have a different relationship with music and teaching in their communities.

https://joaquinpcotler.atavist.com/roots-on-the-record

In The Wake Of Broken Windows Policing How Aggressive Policing Contributed To East Harlem Residents Distrust Of Police, Stephanie Daniel, Nicole Lewis, Kalalea Kalalea

Capstones

In 2015, the East Harlem neighborhood – specifically the 25th Precinct – had the highest rate of criminal court summonses amongst residential areas. At 145 summonses for every 1,000 residents, it was more than four times the citywide average, according to an analysis of data obtained from the NYPD.

Since 2010, summonses have declined as the NYPD moves towards a more community-based approach to policing. But the Broken Windows theory has left a lasting and often negative effect on the East Harlem community.

This past fall, CUNY reporters investigated how summonses have affected the relationship between East Harlem residents and …

Nurse Shift Handoff Report At The Patient's Bedside: Improving Nurse-To-Nurse Communication, Francis R. Estrella

Master's Projects and Capstones

The purpose of the CNL project is to develop a standardized approach to communication during nurse shift handoffs through utilization of bedside shift reporting (BSR). Shift handoffs are integral to nursing practice; therefore, this process must be accurate, effective, and consistent in order to ensure the delivery of safe and quality care. The project focuses on the CNL curriculum element of Quality Improvement and Safety, under the role of an Outcomes Manager. Prior to BSR implementation, shift handoffs in the sub-acute unit were being conducted at the nurse’s station or by the medication carts. Nurse shift handoffs were often rushed, …

Standardization Of Body Imaging Huddle In Radiology, Margaret M. Browne Mcmanus

Master's Projects and Capstones

Mag Browne McManus

Clinical Nurse Leader Abstract

University of San Francisco

Abstract

Communication amongst healthcare providers is critical to reducing errors, and in procedural areas, the huddle can be used to standardized communication amongst the team before the beginning of interventional procedures (Goldenhar, Brady, Sutcliffe, Muething, & Anderson, 2013). Prior to the implementation of the revised huddle, a staff survey indicated none of the staff were satisfied with the current process. The objectives of the standardization of the body imaging huddle in the department of radiology were to increase staff satisfaction by 15% and reduce the time from patient arrival …

Leandro Erlich: Towards A Collaborative Relationship Between Architecture And Art, Isabel Tassara

Master's Projects and Capstones

For this Museum Studies capstone project, I presented and developed a proposal and project plan for an exterior interactive exhibition of an Argentinean artist, Leandro Erlich, at the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco, California. After researching diverse conflicts between architects and artists in the art museum context, my goal was to show an approach in which art can “dialogue” with the exterior features of the CJM’s cutting edge building. To be presented on the courtyard entrance of the Libeskind construction, the exhibition that I propose will potentially prove that an effective relationship can be established outside the common …

Humanistic Approach Vs. Technological Approach: Accelerate Language Learning By Having Fun In The Sun, Alex M. Lopez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Technology continues to spread throughout the world, and it seems that this trend will continue for some time. Many students have been left behind because the focus has been largely on viewing computer screens and communicating without the use of a voice, through text messages and chatting.

This project is based on the humanistic approach, and it is designed to promote activities that involve group work, taking the students outside of the classroom, and building a familial support system within the classroom by promoting class chemistry.

The project outlines activities that involve more communication and collaborative activities because these enable …

Increasing Access In Art Museums: Teen Programming For English Language Learners, Lindsey C. Stoll

Master's Projects and Capstones

The following paper discusses the need to increase access for English Language Learners (ELLs) and recent immigrant teens in contemporary art museums through the implementation of participatory programming. This capstone project proposes a teen council program for English Language Learners and recent immigrants at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, CA, and was created with the following goals in mind: (1) to increase access for ELL and recent immigrant teens in art museums, (2) to increase participatory programming for ELL and recent immigrant teens, and (3) to foster meaningful relationships between ELL and recent immigrant teens and museums. The …

Code Switching In Teaching English To Speakers Of Other Languages, George H. Keller

Master's Projects and Capstones

One of the most controversial issues in foreign language teaching and learning over many years has been the role of the students’ L1 in L2 target language education. While a monolingual approach prohibited the use of the target language in L2 classroom, researchers have reexamined the issues related to the use of students’ L1 through code switching in the L2 classroom since the 1990s. The results of these studies have shown that the L1, if used properly and judiciously, may serve important functions for the learning process and social environment of the classroom. The purpose of this study was a …

Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing In Hospitalized Patients: Reducing Barriers And Increasing Compliance Rate, Maria R. Dominguez

Master's Projects and Capstones

The organization-wide implementation of Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) bathing protocol is one of many measures used to help reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAI) at the 30-bed, Medical-Surgical Specialties and Palliative Care Unit. CHG bathing compliance rate for the unit for the week of August 14-20 was 82.9%, with a 40.4% refusal rate. This is below the 90% desired performance rate. The purpose of this project is to identify the barriers to CHG compliance and to implement interventions that will aid in reducing these barriers and increase CHG compliance rate. Patient declining was identified as one of the main barriers to CHG bathing. …

The Effectiveness Of Melodic Intonation Therapy On English Speaking Adults With Expressive Aphasia, Ruth Crutchfield, A Jeske

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) has been a resource for working with adults with aphasia since 1973 when Albert, Helm and Sparks created this music-based intervention. MIT involves intoning short utterances while simultaneously using the left hand to tap the rhythm of syllables. This research project investigates the effectiveness of MIT intervention for an aphasic population. This was experimental research using a pre-test - post-test between subjects single design including two males presenting with aphasia (n=2). They participated in a controlled intervention during a 12 week period of cognitive therapy. The first six weeks of the intervention program consisted of language …

Approach To Safety Improvement: Focusing On Better Care (Fall Prevention In Medical Surgical/Intermediate Care Unit), Jose Fox Caballes Jr

Master's Projects and Capstones

Patient safety is one of the major concern of any healthcare provider during their patient’s hospital stay. This project addressed the steady trend of fall incidences compared to last fiscal years’ data of an average of 4 falls per month. This trend created urgency to envisioned a plan for solutions to prevent this circumstance from happening. This Clinical Nurse Leader led a project in creating a process in identifying all patients that are high risk to fall (HRTF) prior to their admittance or transfer to Medical Surgical/Intermediate Care Unit and throughout their hospital stay until they are discharged. In addition, …

Ihss: Repackaging Consumer Information, Deloras N. Puran

Master's Projects and Capstones

Currently, qualified Californians with disabilities and aging individuals can receive consumer-directed care through the IHSS program. Despite the strong demand for the program, new consumers are still struggling to begin their service after enrollment.

This study assisted San Francisco In Home Supportive Services Public Authority to understand how new consumers can navigate the IHSS program services after enrollment. Focus group and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to gather feedback from consumers regarding what type of information would they need after enrollment, and how would they want to receive the information. Based on the feedback, written and virtual deliverables were designed …

Innovative Techniques For Inspiring Efl Students' Enthusiasm And Participating In English Classroom Activities, Yinghung Natalie Chiang

Master's Projects and Capstones

Since 1990, the government of Taiwan has sought to position the country as an international economic and trading center. As a result, English became a compulsory subject for Taiwanese students in 2005 (Lu, 2011). The Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) is promoting communicative language teaching (CLT) and encouraging learners to develop and increased desire to improve their language skills. However, many Taiwanese English as Foreign Language (EFL) teachers still focus on memorization and the grammar translation method (Chung & Huang, 2009). The author discovered two major issues related to English language teaching in Taiwan. The first issue was many Taiwanese …

Discharge Prospectus, Cynthia Y. Vasquez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background and Purpose:

The goals of the project are to improve the efficiency of the discharge process, to increase bed availability, to decrease readmission rates, and to increase patient satisfaction through implementation of multidisciplinary huddles.

Methods:

The intervention of the huddle took place on a medical-surgical unit at UC Davis Medical Center in the local Sacramento area serving various Medical Services.

This was a prospective pre- and post-quality intervention by utilizing HCAPHS survey, electronic medical record, RN surveys, and discharge data collection.

Results:

Discharges were increased from 15% to 23%. Currently, data is up-to-date for nine months but the project …

Improving Preadmission Testing Nurses' Knowledge Of Aortic Stenosis And Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, Alberta Lynn Canale

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

The purpose of this Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) project was to reduce gaps in nursing knowledge through staff education. Guided by the CNL theme of educator and information manager, the goals were to increase PreAdmission Testing (PAT) nurses’ knowledge of severe/critical aortic stenosis (AS), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure and patient selection, and satisfaction with knowledge by 10%. Rapid growth of the TAVR program has contributed to a gap in nursing knowledge leading to inconsistent patient care and education. An educational program was developed and spread through a series of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Pre- and post- implementation surveys were …

Educating Nurses On The Use Of Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (Bmat) Through E-Learning/Online Education Module, Wei Li Lee

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background Hospital setting is reviewed the most hazardous workplace comparing to other industries. Nursing assistants and orderlies have the high risk of work-related injury. The study found that the top reason that causes the injuries was due to over-exertion or bodily reaction.

Aim State of California requires hospitals to implement a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) policy as part of an injury and illness prevention program (Department of Industrial Regulations, 2016). Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) is the latest evidence based practice, reliable and valid tool, which helps nurses to assess the patients’ current and ongoing mobility and to …

Improving Pain Reassessment And Documentation Through Nurse Education, Reina Batto

Master's Projects and Capstones

The aim of the CNL Internship Project is to improve quality of patient care and pain management through improved pain reassessment and documentation. The project is to be implemented in the surgical unit of a community hospital in the California Bay Area. The unit has a maximum capacity of 38 beds and is staffed by 47 RNs and 4 LVNs. A nurse survey was conducted to assess the needs of the staff and the unit, and an education plan was created for the unit. Educational materials, including: highlighted academic articles, posters, handouts, and small posted reminders at nurse computers were …

Evaluation Of The Nursing Handoff Process From Emergency Department To In-Patient Unit, Yana Marutyan

Master's Projects and Capstones

Handoff, or transition in care, is known to be a danger point in the patient care process for a long time. Ineffective communication during handoff is one of the most common identified cause of catastrophic or sentinel events in hospitals (The Joint Commission, 2015). Emergency department (ED) to in-patient unit handoff is particularly vulnerable to medical errors due to high workload, time constraints, different approaches to patient care, and lack of established relationships between care providers (Ong & Coiera, 2011; Hilligoss & Cohen, 2012).

The purpose of this project was to examine and review a current process of ED to …

Improving Pain Reassessment Within One Hour Following The Administration Of Pain Medication, Linda N. Baffoe-Twum

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Pain has been identified as the main reason why patients go to the hospital and are hospitalized. Pain reassessment following administration of pain medication is vital to pain management. This project was conducted in a 24-bed stand-alone inpatient psychiatric facility in an urban area. It was found that pain reassessment in this facility was not consistent with the facility policy and the Joint Commission standard. The patient population in the facility is made up of adults of 18 years and above, with mental health diagnosis such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, et cetera. Some of the patients also …

Recovery-Oriented Care And Inpatient Psychiatric Nursing Practice, Julia M. Mclaughlin

Master's Projects and Capstones

For the past 15 years, major organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and U.S. federal government have been committed to shifting mental health services from the medical model of care to the recovery-oriented model of care (Moller & McLoughlin, 2013). However, not all identified recovery-oriented practices have been fully implemented throughout mental health services, specifically in acute care settings. In 2015, San Mateo Medical Center’s acute psychiatric nursing staff completed McLoughlin’s (2005) Recovery Self-Assessment- Registered Nurse (RSA-RN). Data showed that 34% of nursing staff did not believe that the nurses …

Riding The Wave: How The Philanthropic Revolution Will Impact Museums In The United States And Canada, Sarah M. Mackey

Master's Projects and Capstones

This capstone project explores the history of philanthropy from 1970 to the present, and presents a strategy for museums to leverage contemporary trends in nonprofit giving. The methods proposed in this project are specifically targeted at engaging new community leaders and the family members of legacy donors. I have researched and created an updated job description and hiring plan for a Transformational Gift Officer. This person would be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding the donor portfolio outlined in this project. The individual who will be successful in this role will be able to move past institutional silos and collaboratively …

Creating Exhibits For Small History Museums On A Limited Budget, Annveig Bugge

Master's Projects and Capstones

In this capstone project, I study the process of developing an exhibition for small history museums. Working with the Treasure Island Museum, a small history museum in San Francisco, I explore the different options for developing exhibitions for small history museums, with small budgets, in contrast to the more well funded practice that larger museums have the opportunity to produce. For museums, exhibits are the media used to communicate with visitors, and it is important to install new ones regularly. Being limited by budget and staff constraints this can be a challenge, but I argue that the benefits from the …

The Immigrants In The Central Coast Of California Need Motivation To Attend Classes And Learn English As Their Second Language, Martin Rodriguez-Juarez

Master's Projects and Capstones

This field project shows that the immigrant community that works in the fields from the Central Coast of California need the motivation to attend adult school to learn English as their second language. A six-week courses is included.

Critical Pedagogy And Peace Education In International Service-Learning: A Curriculum Exploring Race, Positionality, Power, And Privilege, Lissette A. Lizárraga

Master's Projects and Capstones

My project is an international service-learning curriculum intended to address the neocolonial implications that are perpetuated when sending predominately white, affluent participants abroad. My curriculum unpacks whiteness, privilege, the white savior complex, and American immigration history. Using race, power, and privilege, I explore how these themes relate to acquiring awareness and understanding of participants' societal positioning. Through this lens, my aim is that students can become aware of how systemic oppression works to disenfranchise certain groups, while others remain in power. With this awareness, students can become more mindful, aware, conscious, and critically engaged with their host communities through an …

Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands: Advocating For Advanced Language Learning In Mainstream Classrooms Through A ‘Multi-Cultural Capital’ Curriculum, Jill N. Radwanski

Master's Projects and Capstones

The purpose of this project is to supply teachers with curriculum for targeted advanced language learning skills, particularly in writing. It is also to acknowledge that despite the language status of the advanced student, language development should be seen more as a continuum and should continue well after a student is labeled ‘proficient.’

With careful consideration, both units include language lesson targeted for advanced language learners, acknowledge various perspective on a particular subject, are Common Core aligned, and allow for deep student reflection.

An Esl Instructor's Guidebook For Reducing Test Anxiety At The Community College Level Through Exploring Alternatives In Assessment, Allison D. Grant

Master's Projects and Capstones

The purpose of this project is to decrease test anxiety within ESL community college students by providing their instructors with a guidebook for implementing alternatives in assessment. Chapter one dives right into the problem of ESL students experiencing test anxiety. At the community college level, there are added pressures from family needs, work, legal issues, adjusting to a new culture, and more. Teachers could offset this external anxiety by eliminating test anxiety in their classrooms.

Chapter two outlines much of the relevant literature dealing with the topics of test anxiety, foreign language anxiety, ESL testing practices, ESL at the community …