Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of School Based Nursing On Health Related Outcomes In Children: A Review Of Literature, Alexandra M. Pianalto, Mitchell C. Wall

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Background: School nursing staff deal with acute, chronic, screening, and education issues in the school based clinic. It is the school nursing staff’s role to provide care and treatment to children during school hours.

Purpose: Conduct a systematic review of the literature comparing disposition outcomes of children seen by school nursing staff to answer the PICO question: How does implementation of school based nursing affect health related outcomes in children within and outside the school environment?

Methods: Integrative literature review

Description of Evidence: Twenty research articles chosen from the database CINAHL, articles published within past nine years

Critical Appraisal: …

The Effect Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding On Balance And Self-Efficacy In Children With Developmental Disabilities, Alexandra Smola, Lauren Hurley

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has positive health related outcomes in children with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 10-week THR intervention on balance and task-specific self-efficacy in children with developmental disabilities. Bandura’s social cognitive theory and the physical stress theory guided the quasi-experimental study. A pre-test post-test design (N=20) was implemented with a 10-week THR class at a riding center in Midwest United States. The first research question was: In children with developmental disabilities ages 5 to 18, does one 10-week session of THR affect balance? With time 1 balance mean at …

The Prevalence And Impact Of Chronic Pain In Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Kathleen M. Davis, Julia E. Schwarz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Chronic pain is a problem because it can have a large impact on activities of daily life of people, regardless of age. Few researchers have described the prevalence and impact of chronic pain in young adults, while even fewer have done so in the United States. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of chronic pain and the impact it has on daily life for undergraduate nursing students. The theoretical framework is guided on the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain. This cross-sectional, descriptive study uses convenience sampling and data collected through an online Qualtrics survey, which was …

Relationship Among Motivation, Emotion Regulation, And Psychological Well-Being Of Sophomore And Senior Level Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Aryene C. Delgado, Douglas Garner, Nicole Langhals

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Nursing education and professional work involve stressful circumstances that may indirectly lead to attrition, which can further contribute to the projected nursing shortage. This study examines the relationships between motivation, emotional regulation, psychological well-being and academic performance in baccalaureate sophomore and senior level nursing students at a Midwest urban university in the United States. The non-experimental, correlational study is guided by the self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) and uses online survey data collection and convenience sampling. Motivation, emotional regulation, psychological well-being (burnout; inauthenticity), and academic performance (GPA) are measured respectively with Deci and Ryan’s scale, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, …

Professional Values In Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Hope E. Caldwell, Katie L. Miller

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Professional nursing values that affect patient safety and outcomes are important to the hospitals and facilities that hire nurses. Therefore, it is reasonable to be concerned with the consistency of professional value development within nursing education. The aim of this study was to determine level differences of professional nursing values in pre-nursing, sophomore, junior, and senior baccalaureate nursing students and examine the relationship between professional values and other demographics in the students. Benner’s novice-to-expert model served as a framework for this study. With this in mind, nursing values were evaluated with the 26-item Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised. A non-experimental cross-sectional …

The Relationship Between Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Staff Nurses' Attitudes Towards Them And Self-Efficacy In Sophomore- And Senior- Level Nursing Students, Sarah A. Mueller, Raechel M. Naragon, Rachael R. Smith

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Clinical teaching gives nursing students practical experience, allowing them to practice skills and to apply theories of nursing alongside a staff nurse. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nursing students’ perceptions of staff nurses’ attitudes towards them and self-efficacy in sophomore- and senior-level nursing students. According to scientist Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, self-efficacy is defined as a person’s belief in his or her own abilities. Using non-experimental comparative design, convenience sampling, and Likert scale questionnaires, sophomore- and senior- level baccalaureate nursing students were asked to complete the survey using the Nursing Clinical Self-Efficacy …

Stress And Exercise In Undergraduate Health Professions Students, Kristin R. Weismantel, Meghan G. Brickner, Leah N. Rosler

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Background: Stress is prevalent among undergraduate students, especially students in health professions majors. Exercise as a health promoting behavior decreases stress. At the same time, increased stress may decrease exercise. This study described exercise and stress among undergraduate health professions students. More specifically this study described the intensity and duration of each exercise and the frequency of exercise during a typical week of the semester for students in health professions majors.

Theoretical framework: Pender’s Health Promotion Model guided this study.

Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive survey.

Methods: A convenience sample of 437 undergraduate students in a college of health professions (N =2,700) …

Effect Of Case Management On Frequency Of Emergency Department Visits By Persons With Mental Illness: A Systematic Review, Allison M. Stanton, Kayla C. Osoteo

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A problem in healthcare is the increasing number of emergency department visits by repeat users with a comorbid mental illness. These visits increase costs, patient wait times, demand for service, overcrowding, and fragmented care; they may decrease quality of care and effective treatment. The purpose of this study is to identify, review, and critically appraise the evidence about the effect of case management on repeat emergency department (ED) use in those with comorbid mental illness. A systematic review of 21 studies was performed. All explored mental illness, frequent visits to the ED, and interventions. These twenty-one studies were reviewed and …

Professional Learning And Knowledge Transfer To Practice In Unregulated Care Provider Training In Resident-Centred Care, Sarah Pottier

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Ongoing training for unregulated care providers (UCPs) in Ontario is required to meet the care needs of the aging population. Inconsistencies in standards and options for formal training for UCPs as well as the evolving complex needs of the aging population are factors contributing to needing training programs for UCPs in the workforce. This thesis examined the delivery and transfer of professional learning for UCP training in resident centred care. Increasing resident-centred care behaviours and knowledge were the primary aims of the training. One 128-bed long-term care home in southwestern Ontario volunteered to participate in this study while providing the …

Difference In Knowledge Of Mrsa Regarding Sophomore And Senior Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Payton T. Lloyd, Daniel B. Whited, Lori N. Crimaldi

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

Background

The risk of infection by antibiotic resistant organisms is a common problem in hospital settings. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is the most common type of resistant bacteria that can have serious consequences or even lead to death. Nurses' knowledge of how to prevent and treat this problem is essential for patient safety. The purpose of this study is to determine the differences in level of knowledge of MRSA in sophomore and senior level baccalaureate nursing students.

Methods

This descriptive, comparative study will examine differences in knowledge of MRSA between sophomore and senior baccalaureate nursing students and determine if …

Understanding Cultural Health Beliefs And Practices In Ghana, Africa, Jamie Wossilek, Rachel Patterson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences and perceptions of university students and faculty after going on a medical mission trip to Ghana, Africa related to the health and illness beliefs of the Ghanaian people.

Background. Many organizations plan and conduct health mission trips. Although, many organizations are focused on improving health in developing countries, some may not understand cultural values and the health problems in those countries. “Improving health” is a complicated problem in developing countries and is hard to understand how those in the countries recognize health and illness.

Methodology. A purposeful, convenience …

Mysleep101©: An Educational Mobile Medical Application For Sleep Health In Primary Care, Sonya Cook

Theses and Dissertations

Insufficient sleep has emerged over the past few decades as a public health concern. As little as 1 to 2 hours of sleep loss can produce extreme fatigue and physiological drives similar to thirst and/or hunger which increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents, work related mistakes and injuries. Sleep restriction whether voluntary or involuntary has produced a culture of chronic sleep deprivation that can be seen throughout the population. Chronic lack of quality sleep has been shown to adversely affect cardiovascular health, cognitive function, memory, immune responses and hormonal regulation among other homeostatic functions. Sleep disorders represent the cause …

Nursing Attitudes Towards Suicidal Patients In The Emergency Department: Assessment Interview Training, Belinda Beaver

Theses and Dissertations

This project sought evidence for the effectiveness of pedagogy in professional nursing continuing education and its effect on emergency department nurse attitudes towards patients seeking crisis intervention for suicide. Approximately 12 million emergency department (ED) visits annually were for patients suffering with mental illness and/or suicidal ideation. Emergency department staffs were often not adequately prepared to manage these problems. The purpose of this project was to examine the impact of an educational initiative on nurses’ attitudes about patients expressing suicidal ideation in the emergency departments 2 rural southeastern towns.

The project question was; in two different rural community emergency departments …

Effects Of Sepsis Protocols On Health Outcomes Of Adult Patients With Sepsis, Monika U. Mróz

Theses and Dissertations

Sepsis is a condition that arises from the host’s own exaggerated response to an infection, directed towards pathogens, but causing multiple organ failure. Sepsis is one of the most common causes of death, and a considerable absorber of healthcare resources. This frequently fatal condition, despite progress in technology and improving knowledge of pathophysiology, is still poorly understood, carries high mortality and morbidity rates, and survivors are often left with permanent disabilities and poor health outcomes.

Initial presentation of sepsis is often nonspecific, making diagnosis difficult, and causing lifesaving treatment delays. Sepsis guidelines are derived from emerging evidence-based research. While there …

A Systematic Review: Effects Of Breastfeeding On Early And Late Childhood, Kara Campbell, Samantha Fritz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

The topic of the long-term impact of breast milk and formula milk composition on the health status of children continues to be a focus of discussion and research. The aim of this systematic review is to describe and critically appraise current evidence regarding the lasting effects of breastfeeding on health outcomes in children throughout early and late childhood. Twenty-one studies focusing on infant feeding were identified using PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline databases. These studies were then categorized according to health outcomes such as: weight, developmental, and immune system effects. Through a critical appraisal of this evidence, it was found …

A Systematic Review: Effects Of Psychosocial Interventions On Outcomes In Refugee Adolescents Resettled In The Us, Canada, And The Uk, Lauren Herr, Halle Kurtz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

Problem: The number of refugee and displaced people in the United States (US) increases annually. Because of trauma in countries of origin, they may have mental health problems and disrupted adjustments during resettlement, resulting in problems with refugee adolescents and their quality of life, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and overall well-being.

Purpose: To describe and appraise evidence about the effects of psychosocial interventions in refugee adolescents resettled in the US.

Methods: Studies from US, Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK) were identified in four databases. Inclusion criteria included: primary studies, children and/or adolescents, psychosocial health interventions, and refugees.

Review of …

The Effect Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding On Balance And Self-Efficacy In Children With Developmental Disabilities, Lauren M. Hurley, Alexandra Smola

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The prevalence of developmental disabilities in children in the United States is a serious problem. Since children with developmental disabilities often show decreased self-efficacy and balance, researchers have studied the effects of interventions in this population. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a 10-week THR session on balance and task-specific self-efficacy in children with physical disabilities ages 6 to 18 years old. Bandura’s social cognitive theory and The Physical Stress Theory will guide the quasi-experimental study. A pre-test post-test design will be implemented over a 12 week span at 3 different riding centers in the …

Exploring The Influence Of Bc-Adm Certification On Advanced Practice Nurses’ Clinical Practice And Knowledge Of Cognitive Dysfunction In Geriatric Diabetes Care, Kimberley J. Krapek

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

To meet the healthcare demands of an aging population one strategy is the use of advanced practice nurses (APN) in primary care (Buerhaus, DesRoches, Dittus, & Donelan, 2015). Diabetes affects 26.9% of people aged 65 and older in the United States. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often unrecognized in this population (Munshi, Hayes, Iwata, Lee &Weinger, 2012). Information on APN knowledge of this comorbidity or practice characteristics regarding cognitive function assessment is limited. This capstone project sought to increase understanding of APN practice and knowledge of MCI, comparing APNs board certified in advanced diabetes management (BC-ADM) to those without certification. …

The Impact Of Diabetes Education On Nurses’ Knowledge Of In-Patient Diabetes Management, Arletha Coffey

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Research strongly supports the use of an educational intervention to improve nurses’ knowledge of management of patients with diabetes (Abduelkarem & Shareif, 2013; Holmes & Dyer, 2012; Modic et al., 2013; Yacoub et al., 2014; Young, 2011). Nursing leadership in a small rural acute care facility voiced concerns related to ineffective communication among bedside nurses and lack of evidence-based knowledge in regard to prompt recognition, treatment and follow-up of episodic hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic reactions. The researcher used a convenience sample of 65 registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) from the critical care, progressive care, obstetrics, and medical-surgical units …

The Use Of Nitrous Oxide In The Management Of Labor Pain: Safet And Effiacy, Jennifer Ruth Christensen

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: All women will experience pain while going through childbirth. The pain is caused by pressure and stretching on the uterus and visceral organs, lack of oxygen during uterine contractions, and musculoskeletal and perineal stretching. Difficulty coping with pain leads to an increase in catecholamines, which further complicates the labor process and can contribute to long term psychological consequences. Up to 75% of women in other countries use nitrous oxide, a colorless odorless gas, to manage their labor pain. In the United States, the options for managing labor pain have consisted of non-pharmacological methods such as massage, breathing and relaxation …

Patterns Of Asthma Exacerbation Related To Climate And Weather In The Northeast Kingdom Of Vermont, Quincy Mckenzie Campbell

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by long- and short-term inflammation and bronchospasm susceptible to multiple triggers that affects patients across the lifespan. Asthma management is a primary care priority in Vermont, where there continues to be an above-average prevalence of asthma among both children and adults as compared to other states. However, many of Vermont's children and especially adults with asthma are not participating in regular check-ups for asthma management that would best prevent exacerbation of asthma symptoms. Several climate and weather elements including, but not limited to, extreme temperatures and particulate matter are known asthma triggers. Vermont's …

Correlates Of Adherence To An Adolescent Weight Management Program: A Secondary Data Analysis, Meredith Walker Hanson

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between HRQOL and

adherence to an adolescent weight management program and identify variables predictive of increased adherence which are critical to motivating engagement in weight

management. This study was a non-experimental, retrospective secondary analysis from

aggregate data collected as part of the REWARD Teens program, a weight management

program for overweight and obese adolescents. Data from 37 subjects were included in

this study. Subject adherence to the program was the primary outcome variable. There

was no significant relationship between baseline adolescent or parent-proxy sub-scale or total HRQOL scores with program …

Nurse Practitioners' Discussion Of Sexual Identity, Attraction And Behavior, Sarah J. Mclaughlin

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

ABSTRACT

Background: Sexual orientation is comprised of distinct components, including sexual identity, sexual attraction and sexual behavior. Lesbian, gay and bisexual adolescents are at an increased risk of experiencing poor health outcomes compared to non-sexual minority youth. Health care professional organizations recommend that health care providers discuss each component of sexual orientation at every adolescent health supervision visits in order to best assess the adolescent's health risks and needs for intervention and education.

Objective: This survey assessed the frequency with which nurse practitioners (NPs) in the state of Vermont discussed sexual identity, attraction and behavior with adolescents during annual health …

Reducing Preventable Hospitalizations: A Study Of Two Models Of Transitional Care, Jessica Morrison

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Purpose: Transitional care is an emerging model of health care designed to decrease preventable adverse events and associated utilization of healthcare through temporary follow-up after hospital discharge. This study describes the approach and outcomes of two transitional care programs: one is provided by masters-prepared clinical nurse specialists (CNS) with a chronic disease self-management focus, another by physicians specializing in palliative care (PPC). Existing research has shown that transitional care programs with intensive follow up reduce hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and costs. Few studies, however, have included side-by-side comparisons of the efficacy of transitional care programs varying by health care providers …

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives In Vermont: A Survey Based Assessment Of Current Knowledge Of Providers Of Women Of Reproductive Age, Erin O'Brien

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Unintended pregnancies are a long-standing public health issue nationally, with percentages hovering around 50% for at least the last five years. Vermont is doing slightly better than the national average, but is faced with it's own challenges due to it's rural nature. Agencies and organizations, such as the World Health Organization, March of Dimes and the Vermont Department of Health have made decreasing unintended pregnancies one of their priorities to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, as well as social and economic opportunities for families. Current evidence-based guidelines call for long- acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and …

The Experience Of Health Care Providers Who Care For The Refugee Population, Ashley Patricia Macdonald

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Refugees resettling in the United States face many challenges; especially within the health care setting. The purpose of this research was to add to the increasing body of knowledge about improving health care for the refugee population through investigating providers' lived experience caring for them. This study utilized qualitative research methods with a descriptive phenomenological approach. Five healthcare providers, one Nurse Practitioner, three Pediatricians and one Family Medicine Attending, were interviewed face to face through semi-structured interviews, utilizing twelve questions about their lived experience caring for the refugee population. The data from the five participants interviewed revealed three themes that …

Palliative Care Across The Lifespan, Sonya Sabrah

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

When a patient or a loved one has a chronic, life-threatening illness, it is critical to guarantee the healthcare provider or family member helping them explore their options in order to make them as comfortable and happy as possible. Palliative care programs aim to relieve the patient or loved one from suffering by managing their symptoms, and working with them to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life. Many people may confuse hospice with palliative care but it is important to realize hospice has certain requirements that a patient has to meet whereas palliative care programs can be …

Smoking Cessation And Nursing, Isabelle Mccormack

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Smoking is currently the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, and is responsible for nearly 20% of deaths each year (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2014). Ten times as many Americans have died prematurely from cigarette smoking than have died in all wars fought by the United States (USDHHS, 2014). Cigarette use negatively effects users' health, increases healthcare costs, is a financial burden, and negatively impacts the lifestyle of its users. This thesis will explore current cigarette use in the United States, the effects on its users, and the plan of action …

Childhood Obesity And Nursing Interventions, Rebecca Oswald

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This paper will examine obesity and the multitude of methods for a healthcare professional to help influence their patients using health promotion techniques for those who are at risk for obesity. This paper will discuss the pathophysiology of obesity as well as childhood obesity risk factors that pertain to this disease. This paper will investigate the nursing interventions being used today to combat childhood obesity within the following settings; school, in-patient, and clinic.