Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Reliability Of The American Community Survey For Unintentional Drowning And Submersion Injury Surveillance: A Comprehensive Assessment Of 10 Socioeconomic Indicators Derived From The 2006-2013 Annual And Multi-Year Data Cycles, Nathaniel Bell, Bo Cai

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to evaluate the reliability and predictability of ten socioeconomic indicators obtained from the 2006-2013 annual and multi-year ACS data cycles for unintentional drowning and submersion injury surveillance.

METHODS: Each indicator was evaluated using its margin of error and coefficient of variation. For the multi-year data cycles we calculated the frequency that estimates for the same geographic areas from consecutive surveys were statistically significantly different. Relative risk estimates of drowning-related deaths were constructed using the National Center for Health Statistics compressed mortality file. All analyses were derived using census counties.

RESULTS: Five of the …

Evaluation Of Vaccination Policies Among Outpatient Oncology Clinics In Utah: A Pilot Study, Karlen Beth Luthy, Sarah L. Stocksdale, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Renea L. Beckstrand, Katherine Edmonds

Faculty Publications

Background: In Utah, all major hospital facilities have employee vaccination policies. However, the presence of health care worker vaccination policies in the Utah outpatient oncology setting was unknown.

Objectives: The objectives were to identify Utah oncology outpatient employee vaccination policies and to identify what consequences, if any, were present for unvaccinated employees.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study design in which clinic managers from outpatient oncology clinics in Utah were asked, via questionnaire, to describe the clinic’s employee vaccination policy and the consequences for refusing the policy.

Findings: Most vaccination policies applied to employees primarily assigned to work in …

Evaluation And Management Of Spinal Column Fractures In Adults, Blaine A. Winters, Craig Nuttall

Faculty Publications

Nurse practitioners working in many settings are faced with the challenge of diagnosing and managing patients with potential or actual spinal column fractures. In this article we provide nurse practitioners with the knowledge necessary to evaluate for and diagnose spinal column fractures in adults. We also provide guidelines for the appropriate management of injuries and identify when referral is recommended.

Understanding Anterior Knee Pain: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Craig Nuttall, Blaine A. Winters

Faculty Publications

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is 1 of the most common causes of anterior knee pain and should be included in the differential diagnosis for anterior knee pain in every patient. PFPS is characterized as an overuse injury. The exact mechanism of injury is still under investigation, but it is believed to stem from maltracking of the patella. PFPS commonly presents in adults who complain of anterior knee pain with activity. This pain can lead to significant disability. When treated appropriately, disability and chronicity can be avoided or reduced.

Neurobiology Of Trauma, Julie L. Valentine, Linda Mabey, Leslie Miles

Faculty Publications

• The neurobiology of trauma can affect the functioning of the brain with lasting consequences.
• The body's hormonal response to trauma affects the encoding of memory.
• Acute stress disorder (ASD) can result following trauma and can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if symptoms last for more than 1 month.
• Trauma can cause immediate symptoms, such as tonic immobility and dissociation, and may lead to chronic symptoms oof depression and anxiety.
• Exposure to trauma can cause physical health problems.
• Evidence-based psychotherapy treatment options following traumatic exposure are available.
• Providing compassionate, nonjudgmental care to victims of trauma helps their healing process.

Nurses …

Validation Of Accelerometer Thresholds And Inclinometry For Measurement Of Sedentary Behavior In Young Adult University Students, Neil E. Peterson, John R. Sirard, Pamela A. Kulbok, Mark D. Deboer, Jeanne M. Erickson

Faculty Publications

Sedentary behavior (SB) is a major contributing factor to obesity and significant morbidity and mortality in adolescence and into adulthood, yet measuring SB is difficult. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of construct validity of the ActiGraph GT3X+ inclinometer function and accelerometry metrics in objectively measuring SB and physical activity in young adult university students while performing semi-structured activities: lying, sitting, reading, playing seated video gaming, video watching, seated conversation, standing, stationary biking, and walking. These nine activities were objectively assessed using inclinometry and four output metrics from the ActiGraph based on the axis used to …

Rural Emergency Nurses’ End-Of-Life Care Obstacle Experiences: Stories From The Last Frontier, Renea L. Beckstrand, Jonathan Rohwer, Karlen E. Luthy, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Ryan J. Rasmussen

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Rural emergency nurses face unique obstacles to providing quality end-of-life (EOL) care. Stories provided by emergency nurses embody their most difficult EOL care obstacles.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 53 rural hospitals. Respondents were asked to share stories that epitomized the obstacles faced while providing EOL care in the rural emergency setting.

Results: The lack of an ideal death (eg, the nurse personally knows the patient, issues with family members, and unknown patient wishes) was the top obstacle. Other reported obstacles were insufficient ED staff and power struggles between nurses and physicians.

Discussion: Rural emergency nurses often provide …

Addressing Parental Vaccination Questions In The School Setting: An Integrative Literature Review, Karlen Beth Luthy, Jana Burningham, Lacey M. Eden, Janelle L B Macintosh, Renea L. Beckstrand

Faculty Publications

School nurses work in a unique environment with key opportunities to address parental concerns and questions regarding their child’s health. A common concern for parents during school enrollment is childhood vaccination safety and efficacy. As public health leaders, school nurses are well respected among parents, therefore school nurses are in a prime position to educate parents and promote childhood vaccinations while also dispelling common vaccination myths. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to synthesize evidence-based answers to common parental questions regarding childhood vaccinations.

Qualitative Analysis Of Student Perceptions Of Bachelor Of Science-To-Doctor Of Philosophy In Nursing Programs, Neil E. Peterson, Karen O. Moss, Gwyneth R. Milbrath, Jane R. Von Gaudecker, Eunhee Park, Mihee Chung

Faculty Publications

Background: To address the shortage of PhD-prepared nursing faculty, universities in the United States of America offer direct entry BSN-to-PhD nursing programs. Little research has been done to explore students’ perceptions of these programs and formally evaluate the successes and opportunities for growth of this academic track. Methods: Focusing on the perceptions and experiential reflection of BSN-to-PhD education, a survey with open-ended questions was distributed among voluntary participants who are current BSN-to-PhD students or recent graduates (years) from various universities in the country. Textual data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach with thematic analysis. Results: This article elaborates on …

Updating The Simulation Effectiveness Tool: Item Modifications And Reevaluation Of Psychometric Properties, Kim Leighton, Patricia K. Ravert, Vickie Mudra, Christopher Macintosh

Faculty Publications

AIM This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the modified Simulation Effectiveness Tool (SET) and the SET-M.

BACKGROUND The SET, developed in 2005, was updated to be consistent with INACSL Standards of Best Practice, QSEN practices, and American Association of Colleges of Nursing baccalaureate essentials.

METHOD Undergraduate nursing students from two nursing programs, one with multiple campuses, completed the SET-M following completion of a simulated clinical experience; 1,288 students took part in the study.

RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis was completed using unweighted least squares. Four sub scales were identified with acceptable internal consistency: Prebriefing (α = .833), Learning (α = …

Use Of A Blog In An Undergraduate Nursing Leadership Course, Shelly Jensen Reed, Debra Edmunds

Faculty Publications

In this study, the use of a blog in a senior leadership clinical nursing course was analyzed qualitatively through two means; focus group interviews of those using the blog, and analysis of blog content. Initial feelings expressed by students were annoyance and intimidation concerning the blogging assignment. These feelings quickly dissipated, with students verbalizing many positive aspects related to the blog, including having a place to reflect, feeling connected as a group, valuing feedback provided by their peers, and learning from theirs and others' experiences. The mechanics of having to synthesize their thoughts in written form, in a shared venue …

Written Debriefing: Evaluating The Impact Of The Addition Of A Written Component When Debriefing Simulations, Shelly Jensen Reed

Faculty Publications

Debriefing, the reflective period following a simulation, is said to be where the bulk of simulation learning takes place. Many expert opinions regarding debriefing exist, but evidence-based best practices have yet to be identified. Written debriefing is one of these practices; experts state learning can be extended through the addition of a written component to the debriefing process, but no evidence exists to support this. This study compares three debriefing types: discussion alone, and discussion followed by journaling or blogging. Undergraduate nursing students participating in a simulation were randomized as a simulation group to one of these three debriefing types. …

Census-Based Socioeconomic Indicators For Monitoring Injury Causes In The Usa: A Review, Nathaniel Bell, Amanda Arrington, Swann Arp Adams

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND:

Unlike the UK or New Zealand, there is no standard set of census variables in the USA for characterising socioeconomic (SES, socioeconomic status) inequalities in health outcomes, including injury. We systematically reviewed existing US studies to identify conceptual and methodological strengths and limitations of current approaches to determine those most suitable for research and surveillance.

METHODS:

We searched seven electronic databases to identify census variables proposed in the peer-reviewed literature to monitor injury risk. Inclusion criteria were that numerator data were derived from hospital, trauma or vital statistics registries and that exposure variables included census SES constructs.

RESULTS:

From …

Elevating Research: An Important Role For Nurse Leaders, Katreena Collette Merrill, Diane Andrews, Barbara B. Brewer, Diane Storer Brown

Faculty Publications

As leaders, we recognize the importance of professional scholarship to provide the evidence needed to transform practice. One key initiative for the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is the elevation of nursing research and AONE competencies for nurse executives emphasize utilization, dissemination and participation in studies. However, given our current healthcare climate and competing priorities, nurse leaders must often focus efforts on fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness, making time and resources to support nursing research challenging. Initiatives that do not directly impact patient care, such as research, may be given a lower priority. Given today’s pressures, nurse leaders may …

Discovering Self: Childbearing Adolescents' Maternal Identity, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Lynn Clark Callister

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Adolescent pregnancy and motherhood have long been a topic of interest for many healthcare professionals. However, there are limited data on how childbearing adolescents incorporate motherhood identity into their sense of self. The purpose of this study was to explore how childbearing adolescents perceive motherhood as becoming part of their personal identity.

Study Design: This qualitative study using ethnographic data collection involved 7 months of observation, interaction, and interviews.

Methods: Data were collected from nine expectant adolescents during in-depth interviews. All participants were patients at a teen mother and child clinic staffed by certified nurse midwives and a pediatrician. …

Evaluation Of Vaccination Policies Among Utah Pediatric Clinic Employees, Karlen Beth Luthy, Tia Peterson, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Renea L. Beckstrand, Nathan H. Wiley

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Pediatric health care settings are high risk environments for spreading communicable and vaccine-preventable diseases from health care workers to susceptible patients. Method: All managers of pediatric clinics operating in the state of Utah were included. Participants were invited to complete a two-page questionnaire regarding their clinic vaccination policies. Results: Half (n = 23, 50%) of Utah pediatric outpatient clinic managers recommend employee vaccinations, although employee refusal was allowed without consequence. Of all adult vaccines, influenza was most often included by managers as part of the employee vaccination policy. Some managers required unvaccinated employees to wear masks in the event …

Leadership Style And Patient Safety: Implications For Nurse Managers, Katreena Collette Merrill

Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between nurse manager (NM) leadership style and safety climate.

BACKGROUND: Nursing leaders are needed who will change the environment and increase patient safety. Hospital NMs are positioned to impact day-to-day operations. Therefore, it is essential to inform nurse executives regarding the impact of leadership style on patient safety.

METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was conducted in 41 nursing departments across 9 hospitals. The hospital unit safety climate survey and multifactorial leadership questionnaire were completed by 466 staff nurses. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to determine how well leadership …

Napnap Position Statement On Immunizations, Lacey M. Eden

Faculty Publications

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) fully supports timely and complete immunization of all infants, children, adolescents, and adults to maximize the health and well-being of all people. Routine childhood immunizations prevent approximately 2.5 million deaths every year (World Health Organization, 2012). Maintaining the highest immunization rates possible is essential to prevent outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases across the nation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013). The CDC recommends that all children, adolescents, and adults be immunized to protect children who are most vulnerable to serious illness and death (CDC, 2014). In concert with the American …

Nursing Students’ Experiences With High-Fidelity Simulation, Rana Halabi Najjar, Bret Lyman, Nick Miehl

Faculty Publications

Research has revealed the effectiveness of simulation for facilitating student development of self-efficacy, knowledge, clinical judgment, and proficiency in technical skills. This grounded theory study was conducted to describe the experience of nursing students in high-fidelity simulation and develop a model which explicates the experience of nursing students in simulation. Focus group interviews were conducted with three cohorts of students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program who experienced simulation four to twelve times per academic year. Five prominent themes emerged during analysis Emotional Processing; Anxiety; Making Connections; Fidelity; and Learning. The Simulation Learning Model – Student Experience (SLM-SE) was developed …

Social Disparities: Household Income In Poverty Stricken Ecuador Affecting Cognitive Function In Children, A. Chamberlain, M. Williams, Jane H. Lassetter

Faculty Publications

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the largest nutritional disorders in the world. Approximately 25% of the world’s population has anemia with 50% of those cases being IDA, according to the World Health Organization. The reduced oxygen carrying capacity associated with anemia can have many adverse effects. Many anemia studies have been done on infants but few have been done on school-aged children. A charity organization in Ecuador has been identifying anemia prevalence among children within a suburb of Guayaquil. To further identify possible risks resulting from anemia, a study comparing cognitive function with anemia rates was conducted in …

Perception Of Safety, Importance, And Effectiveness Of Vaccinations Among Urban School Employees In Utah, Karlen E. Luthy, Kim E. Thompson, Renea L. Beckstrand, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden

Faculty Publications

Purpose: School employees are in direct contact with children in confined areas, a setting in which communicable infection can quickly spread. Therefore, it is important for school employees to be fully vaccinated. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the current vaccination status and perceptions of school employees in an urban school district.

Data Sources: The study employed a nonexperimental mixed-method design. School employee participants (N = 1,400) completed a questionnaire to evaluate vaccination status, availability of vaccination records, and vaccination awareness. Participants were randomly selected from 85 schools within one urban school district.

Conclusions: Two common perceptions about …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Comparison Of Medication Efficacy And Cost, Karlen E. Luthy, Robert M. David, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Renea L. Beckstrand

Faculty Publications

Although a common psychological disorder, pharmacological treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be a costly endeavor. Among 4-5 year olds, methylphenidate is a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective option for short-, intermediate-, and long-acting medication options. Short-acting methylphenidate, intermediate-acting methylphenidate ER and SR, and long-acting methylphenidate LA are the most efficacious and cost-effective medications. Selection of non-stimulant medications should be based upon recommended guidelines rather than primarily on cost. For children incapable of swallowing pills, the most efficacious and cost-effective treatments are short-acting dextroamphetamine liquid and long-acting methylphenidate LA capsules that can be opened and sprinkled over food.

Experiential Learning: Using Virtual Simulation In An Online Rn-Bsn Program, Henny Breen, Melissa Jones

Faculty Publications

This article highlights the innovative experiential learning used by an online RN-BSN program through the use of simulation that takes place in an online classroom. Three experiential learning activities using a virtual community are described. These learning activities engage the students in thinking about social justice and health policy as well as teaching concepts that include community, leadership, influence, advocacy, networking, collaboration, and vulnerable populations. These concepts are critical to the learning needs of diploma and associate degree-prepared nurses who wish to continue their education to be better prepared to meet the complex needs of today’s health care environment.

Joining Forces: Enriching Rn To Bsn Education With Veteran-Centered Learning, Melissa Jones, Henny Breen

Faculty Publications

This article highlights the commitment of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to engage nursing schools to support the Joining Forces initiative by enhancing the education and preparation of the nation’s nurses to care for veterans, service members, and their families. The progress toward meeting the Joining Forces pledge and integrating veteran-centered learning in an online RN to BSN program is described.

Assessing Online Collaborative Discourse, Henny Breen

Faculty Publications

This qualitative study using transcript analysis was undertaken to clarify the value of Harasim’s Online Collaborative Learning Theory as a way to assess the collaborative process within nursing education. The theory incorporated three phases: (1) idea generating; (2) idea organizing; and (3) intellectual convergence. The transcripts of asynchronous discussions from a two-week module about disaster nursing using a virtual community were analyzed and formed the data for this study.

This study supports the use of Online Collaborative Learning Theory as a framework for assessing online collaborative discourse. Individual or group outcomes were required for the students to move through all …

Journey To The Dnp, Jake Creviston

Faculty Publications

In this article, Dr. Jake Creviston shares details about his personal journey to earning the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree. Creviston clarifies what the degree is and suggests opportunities and responsibilities for future DNPs.

Cultural Norms Of Clinical Simulation In Undergraduate Nursing Education, Susan G. Mcniesh

Faculty Publications

Simulated practice of clinical skills has occurred in skills laboratories for generations, and there is strong evidence to support high-fidelity clinical simulation as an effective tool for learning performance-based skills. What are less known are the processes within clinical simulation environments that facilitate the learning of socially bound and integrated components of nursing practice. Our purpose in this study was to ethnographically describe the situated learning within a simulation laboratory for baccalaureate nursing students within the western United States. We gathered and analyzed data from observations of simulation sessions as well as interviews with students and faculty to produce a …

A Mixed Method Study Of The Impact And Outcomes Of Graduates Of The Csu Northern California Consortium Doctor Of Nursing Practice Program Class Of 2014, Lori Rodriguez

Faculty Publications

In 2010, in response to a demand for advanced practice nurses to meet the burgeoning needs of the state's population, the California legislature passed AB 867 which called for a pilot project to institute the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in the California State University campus system (Nava & Arambula, 2010). Two programs, one based in Southern California and the other in Northern California, opened in fall of 2012. In Northern California, Fresno State was chosen as the base campus with San Jose State University as the partner campus for the CSU Northern California Consortium of the Doctor of Nursing …