Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Soothability And Growth In Preterm Neonates, Holly Johanna Diesel

Dissertations

This proposal seeks to understand the relationship between soothability, weight gain and length of hospital stay in premature infants when the infants receive a simple, non-invasive treatment to help them cope with the noxious environment of the special care nursery. Thousands of premature infants are born every year in the United States, and the numbers are increasing. Prematurity is the leading cause of mortality in infants. Despite numerous technological and medical advances in treatment and care, premature infants still have difficulty adapting to life outside the uterus as a result of immature nervous systems and significant differences in the pre …

Rx For Change: Nurses' Response To A Smoking Cessation Intervention, Laura Louise Bisch Ochoa

Dissertations

Problem: An evaluation of a smoking cessation educational intervention for direct care RNs. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: The study was conducted at a large Midwestern academic medical center. Direct care Registered nurses (dcRN’s) employed at least .7 FTE and spending 80% of their time in direct patient care on general medicine or general surgery units were recruited. Recruitment occurred between April and May, 2009. Outcome data was abstracted from charts of patients receiving care from the intervention group. Interventions: Participants were randomized to either ‘Rx for Change’ which was a training program regarding tobacco cessation or to a …

A Head Injury Teaching Module For Pre-Hospital Assessment: Using The Four Score, Chris A. Wolf

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to create a teaching module and evaluation tool for a United States Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron for the pre-hospital assessment of patients with head injuries using the FOUR Score assessment scale. Specifically, this project integrates theory, relevant literature, and reflection on service to and caring for others. Information from published literature supports the development and implementation of a new assessment tool, such as the FOUR Score, to assess patients who have suffered a head injury. Ultimately, a teaching module is presented, described, and evaluated, along with potential questions to be addressed in the …

Strengthening Nurse/Physician Collaborative Relationships To Promote Patient Safety, Julie Lynch Weegman

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to identify implementable best practices that promote effective nurse physician collaboration in the hospital setting at the unit level for strengthening the culture of patient safety. These best practices will be shared with nurses and physicians at a workshop using the methods of powerpoint presentation and appreciative inquiry. The goal for this workshop is to inspire nurses and physicians to spread the seeds of collaborative practice throughout the organization through the path of shared governance.

Brad: A Model Of Caring For Persons With Frontotemporal Dementia, Jennifer Mcguire

Theses and Graduate Projects

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is caused by u progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain (Boxer & Miller, 2005), This degeneration causes profound alterations in personality, social behavior, and language skills. FTD is particularly devastating due to the fact that it commonly affects people during mid-life or earlier. Evidence has shown that caregivers face higher rates of burden, distress and isolation when providing care for someone with FTD than other forms of dementia (de Vugt, Riedijk, Aalten, Tibben, van Swieten, & Verhey,2006; Kumamoto, Arai, Hashimoto, Ikeda, Mizuno, & Washio, 2004). The Behavioral Recognition, Assessment and Delivery (BRAD) …

A Nursing Educational Program For Recognizing And Managing Emotional Labor, Kathleen Kuzelka

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to develop a one hour learning module on emotional labor for all staff that will enable them to recognize and manage emotional labor for themselves and their coworkers in their daily work. This project presents the concept of emotional labor and emotional labor in nursing. A one hour learning module is described. The presentation of this module is discussed. There is discussion of the implications of emotional labor for nursing research, nursing practice and nursing education.

Cardiovascular Reactivity To Forgiveness In Females, Carolyn Mccrocklin

Theses and Dissertations

Empirical evidence exists directly relating forgiveness to physiological markers of cardiovascular health based on the manner in which individuals respond to interpersonal offenses. Extant literature has identified the harmful effects of stress in cardiovascular disease and health in general and unforgiveness has been identified as a stressor with potential implications for cardiac health. Understanding cardiac response to the stress of unforgiveness may have favorable implications for heart disease prevention and treatment in women and may prove to be beneficial in reducing allostatic load.

Building Community Among Older Oromo Women Struggling With Sadness In A Large Urban Setting, Fatuma Kotile

Theses and Graduate Projects

Older Oromo women who immigrated to the United States in the early 1990s have experienced several stressful life events including war, famine, acculturation, harsh northern climate, a new language (English), and multiple experiences different from those in their native country, Ethiopia. Coping with these new experiences, correlates with a high level of depressive symptoms that Oromo people call "sadness." The purpose of this project is to create and describe a transcultural model of nursing practice in community that aims to decrease sadness among older Oromo women by promoting community building and healthy life choices in the midst of change. A …

Developing A Community Clinic To Address The Health Needs As Experienced By A Small Rural Village In Sierra Leone, Doris K. Acton

Theses and Graduate Projects

Developing countries experience a disproportionate amount of health care inequities due to extreme poverty, lack of education, minimal resources and marginalization from health care services. Additionally, barriers such as access, availability and affordability prevent people from seeking care. Development of community based clinics can help to address the health disparities that the people of these countries often experience. Utilizing Madeleine Leininger's Culture Care Theory and the Sunrise Enabler provide a framework on which to develop clinics and health care programs in ways that are culturally congruent and acceptable. This paper addresses the health needs of Manonkoh, a small village in …

Effect Of The Interactive Computerized Information For Surrogates Icu Program In Increasing The Understanding Of Informed Consent And The Knowledge Of Genetic And Genomics Research, Ann Kathleen Shelton

Dissertations

Background: A significant and growing number of clinical research studies conducted in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) today have some genetic and genomics component. Surrogates approached to authorize participation in clinical research for a loved-one in the ICU may not be prepared to make informed decisions. A model of stewardship of genetic and genomics research was used as a framework for this study. Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of an educational program, the Interactive Computerized Information for Surrogates (ICIS) ICU Education Program in assisting surrogates to (1) increase their understanding of the process of informed …

Small Windows Of Hope: Understanding The Meaning Of Fatigue Experienced By Cancer Patients, Lois Starnes Doane

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to describe the experience of early stage breast cancer women who were living with cancer-related fatigue. Using a phenomenological approach based on the work of Merleau-Ponty, the researcher completed six interviews in which women described the experience of being tired each day.

Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a hermeneutical approach developed by Pollio and applied to nursing research by Thomas. Each interview was examined within the context of all the interviews to identify themes noted in all transcriptions. Dealing with the prevailing and profound fatigue that entrenched these women‟s lives was overwhelming. …

The Current Practice Of Nursing Clinical Simulation Debriefing: A Multiple Case Study, Maria L. Overstreet

Doctoral Dissertations

Experts have identified simulation debriefing as the crucial or pivotal point to learning (Baldwin, 2007; Gaba, Howard, Fish, Smith, & Sowb, 2001), and the “heart and soul” of simulation (Rall, Manser, & Howard, 2000, p. 517). No research studies exist that support how best to perform this crucial activity, particularly as it relates to nursing clinical simulation (NCS) debriefing.

My aim in this study was to explore and describe the current practice of NCS debriefing. I studied the phenomenon as it naturally occurred, a group exercise, and interaction between the educator, student, and environment. The research question was the following: …

A Pilot Study Of Organizational Performance, Performance Barriers And Faculty Engagement In The Nursing Education Unit, Yolanda Chapman Turner

Dissertations

This pilot study was driven by the problem of market disequilibrium and the subsequent overarching desire to identify and describe principles and processes taken by nursing education units to optimize market equilibrium for nursing service in response to cyclical market demands. Given the complexities of market responsiveness in conjunction with changes in healthcare delivery, health economics, population demographics, higher education and other contextual factors, it is essential for nursing education as a whole to be in a position to respond to demand. The purpose of this study was to investigate organizational performance, performance barriers and faculty engagement in the nursing …

Growing Ambulatory Care Nurse Leaders In A Multigenerational Workforce, Beth Swan, Phd, Crnp, Faan

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Executive Summary:

Ambulatory care faces challenges in sustaining a nursing workforce in the future as newly licensed nurses are heavily recruited to inpatient settings and retirements will impact ambulatory care sooner than other areas.

Building a diverse team by recruiting nurses of different ages (generations) and skills may result in a more successful and robust organization.

Knowledge about generational characteristics and preferences will aid nurse leaders and recruiters in attracting high-quality, talented nurses.

Nurses of Generations X and Y can increase their likelihood of success in ambulatory care by better understanding intergenerational issues.

Comparing Perceptions Of The Nursing Profession Among Associate And Baccalaureate Nursing Students And Registered Nurses, Sherry R. Lovan

Nursing Faculty Publications

The inconsistencies between the perception of the profession of nursing and the reality of practice can lead to problems in student attrition or result in disillusionment with a career in nursing after a new graduate enters practice. With the nursing shortage reaching critical levels, it is important to examine possible discrepancies that exist and address strategies to reduce them.

For this study, a quantitative design was selected to explore how the perception of the nursing profession compared among first-semester associate degree nursing students, first-semester baccalaureate nursing students, and registered nurses. A convenience sample N = 238 included 69 ADN students, …

Tobacco And Alcohol Use In People Who Have A Learning Disability: Giving Voice To Their Health Promotion Needs, Maggie Lawrence, Susan M. Kerr, Christopher Darbyshire, Alan Middleton, Hazel Watson

Dr. Susan Kerr

Aim The aim of the study was to explore the tobacco and alcohol-related health promotion needs of people with mild/moderate learning disabilities.

Methodology & Methods The design of the study was grounded in the principles of the Medical Research Council’s Framework for the development and evaluation of complex healthcare interventions. Specifically, a developmental approach was adopted, where evidence was gathered and data collected and synthesised to inform the development of subsequent interventions. Systematic review methods were used to facilitate the gathering of evidence regarding the effectiveness of previous tobacco and alcohol-related interventions designed for people with learning disabilities (PwLD). Following …

Parental Perceptions Of Body Mass Index Referrals And Overweight School-Age Children, Misty Schwartz

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

It is well documented that there is a worldwide epidemic of obesity in children. To address obesity in children, emphasis must be on factors within family, school, and community environments. Although most parents and school officials are aware of the problem of overweight children, there is little data available to guide decision making about the acceptability of school-based Body Mass Index (BMI) screening and referral programs. As states mandate BMI screening and referral, parental insight is essential to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of BMI notification.

The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the perceptions of parents …

Are Your Ors Smoke Free?, Kay Ball

Nursing Faculty Scholarship

Are your ORs smoke free? They should be. Here's expert advice to overcome the 3 obstacles you're likely to encounter.

How Important Is Patient Privacy? A Reflection, Salima Farooq, Yasmin Parpio, Tazeen Saeed Ali

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Privacy is a basic human right; however, a patient's right to privacy is often violated because health care providers do not fulfill their ethical and professional responsibilities. There is an immediate need to preserve patients' privacy by health care professionals; a standardized policy on patients' privacy is important. This paper aims to analyze the significance of patents' privacy in health care. A case scenario of a pregnant woman from an antenatal setting has been integrated to support the concept of privacy in promoting and advocating patients' right.

A Descriptive Review Of Health Care Providers Perspective On Stigmatization Of Hiv/Aids Patients: United States And South Africa, Ana I. Fonseca

Honors Projects

Compares the issue of social stigma affecting people with HIV/AIDS in the United State and in South Africa. Posits that stigma is more of an interpersonal problem in the United States, while it is a huge barrier to access to care in South Africa. Data was compiled through personal conversations and experiences in South Africa during June 2009, interviews with health professional and community members in Rhode Island during the fall of 2009, and reading of the professional literature.

Is Parenting Style Related To Overweight In Mexican Or Mexican-American Preschoolers?, Darlene Mcpherson-Ventura Phd

Dissertations

The prevalence of childhood overweight (OW) continues to rise and children from low-income, Mexican or Mexican-American families are disproportionately affected. The preschool years have been identified as a critical period for excessive weight gain and during this time children respond to parental cues as they form their early eating habits. Certain parenting styles have been associated with improved health outcomes in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of parenting styles and feeding practices to the Mexican or Mexican-American preschool child's risk of overweight. Interdependence Theory was used to inform this study to understand the interaction …

Function And Pain In Community-Dwelling, Adult Mid-Southerners With Limb Loss, Cecile B. Evans

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: Limb loss affects about 1 in 190 people in the US. Risk factors for limb loss include diabetes, obesity, smoking, minority race, and poverty, which are all common in the Mid-South population. Function is impaired by limb loss, and pain associated with limb loss may further impair function.

Purpose: Describe the function, pain, health status, and demographics of community-dwelling, adult Mid-Southerners with limb loss. Estimate the relationship between function and pain, health status, and demographics of community-dwelling, adult Mid-Southerners with limb loss. Estimate the joint influences on function by pain, health status, and demographics of community-dwelling, adult Mid-Southerners with …

Giving End Of Life Care To Persons With Intellectual Disabilities: A Model Of Support For Community Based Caregivers, Emily K. Gress

Theses and Graduate Projects

Persons with intellectual disabilities are living longer lives, often outliving family caregivers, and experiencing chronic illnesses known to the general aging population. Ultimately, this translates to a need for end of life care. Hospice care seeks to provide individualized physical, emotional, and spiritual support to assist persons and their families in attaining the highest quality of life in the face of a life limiting illness. Hospice services have been underutilized for persons with intellectual disabilities and little has been studied about end of life care provided by community based residential caregivers. The purpose of this project is to use Margaret …

From Means To Ends: Artificial Nutrition And Hydration, Cheryl Monturo, Kevin Hook

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Ua61/1 Wku Nursing Class 2009, Wku Nursing

WKU Archives Records

Members of the 2009 nursing class: Aleia Bow, Mallori Carter, Courtney Garmon, Valerie Geralds, Marguerite McBride, Crystal Reynolds, Leslie Richardson, Casey Sacia and Emily Tabor-Taylor.

Finding Solutions To Language Barriers Between Nurses And Their Clients, Tammy Poisson

Honors Projects

Explores perceptions of current registered nurses' encounters with limited English proficiency (LEP) Spanish speaking clients, negative outcomes related to LEP perceived by these nurses, and suggestions offered by these RNs for innovative interventions that would lessen language barriers. Describes an exploratory study conducted via a survey of nurses working in urban health clinics within Rhode Island and discusses microscopic and macroscopic nursing implications related to language barriers between nurses and their clients.

The Professional Portfolio: An Evidence-Based Assessment Method, Michelle Byrne, Kathryn Schroeter, Shannon Carter, Julie Mower

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Competency assessment is critical for a myriad of disciplines, including medicine, law, education, and nursing. Many nurse managers and educators are responsible for nursing competency assessment, and assessment results are often used for annual reviews, promotions, and satisfying accrediting agencies' requirements. Credentialing bodies continually seek methods to measure and document the continuing competence of licensees or certificants. Many methods and frameworks for continued competency assessment exist. The portfolio process is one method to validate personal and professional accomplishments in an interactive, multidimensional manner. This article illustrates how portfolios can be used to assess competence. One specialty nursing certification board's process …

Effects On Resilience Of Women Family Caregivers Of Adults With Serious Mental Illness: The Role Of Positive Cognitions, Jaclene A. Zauszniewski, Abir K. Bekhet, M. Jane Suresky

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

This study examined the effects of risk and protective factors on resilience in 60 women family members of adults with serious mental illness. Both the risk factors constituting caregiver burden (strain, stigma, client dependence, and family disruption) and protective factors, including eight positive cognitions were found to predict two indicators of resilience: resourcefulness and sense of coherence. The effects of caregiver burden on resourcefulness and sense of coherence were mediated by positive cognitions, lending support to resilience theory and suggesting the need to develop interventions to encourage positive thinking among women caregivers of adults with mental illness.

Can We Get Nurses To Stay? A Qualitative Study To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of A Formal Mentoring Program In An Acute Care Health System, Eileen M. Willits

Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological case study was designed to investigate the affect that a formal mentoring program had on job satisfaction including a nurse's intent to stay with their current employer and their intent to stay in the nursing profession. The research was intended to determine whether mentoring programs could be used to help avoid the affect of the upcoming predicted nursing shortage in the acute care hospital.

The findings were based on the results of a sample of twelve nurses who had voluntarily signed up to take part in a formal mentoring program sponsored by the staff development department of …

Current Substance Use Behavior Among Severely Mentally Ill Individuals Diagnosed With Hiv And Hcv, Michelle Hampton, Linda Chafetz, Carmen Portillo

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Infection with HIV and HCV is higher among severely mentally ill (SMI) individuals than the general population. The literature addressing prevention focuses primarily on sexual risk, though substance-related risk is significant. Insufficient data is available about substance use behavior in this population to formulate effective secondary prevention interventions. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of a RCT. Subjects reporting a diagnosis of HIV/HCV (reporters) were compared to non-reporters. Data were extracted from interviews that included the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). Data were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 275 subjects, 64(23.3%) reported a HIV/HCV diagnosis. Compared to …