Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Conference Learnings, Nicole Wiswesser Rn, Laura Stubits Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Favorable Ratings Of Providers' Communication Behaviors Among U.S. Women With Depression: A Population-Based Study Applying The Behavioral Model Of Health Services Use, Abiola O. Keller, Ronald Gangnon, Whitney P. Witt

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Little is known about the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics and ratings of provider communication behavior among women with depression in the United States. This study uses the Andersen Behavioral Model to examine the relationships among predisposing, enabling, and need factors and ratings of perceived patient–provider communication in women with depression.

Methods

The sample consisted of women with depression who visited any provider in the previous 12 months in the 2002–2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (n = 3,179; weighted n = 4,707,255). Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the independent contribution of predisposing, enabling, and need factors on …

Taking Family Centered Care To A Whole New Level: Babycam, Cathy L. Bailey Rn, Ms, Crnp

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Conference Learnings, Jennifer Murray Rn, Cmsrn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Preparing Contaminated Instrumentation For Quick Turnover: A Team Approach, James C. Mcdonald

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Resourcefulness, Positive Cognitions, Relocation Controllability, And Relocation Adjustment Among Older People: A Cross Sectional Study Of Cultural Differences, Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background.  The population of older people in both the United States and Egypt is expected to double by the year 2030. With ageing, chronic illnesses increase and many older people need to relocate to retirement communities. Research has shown that positive cognitions and resourcefulness are positively correlated with adaptive functioning and better adjustment.

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to examine and compare relocation controllability, positive cognitions, resourcefulness and relocation adjustment between American and Egyptian older people living in retirement communities. The purpose of this cultural comparison is to gain insight into influencing factors in each culture …

Psychometric Assessment Of The Depressive Cognition Scale In Caregivers Of Persons With Dementia, Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Caregivers of persons with dementia are prone to depression. Early identification of cognitive depressive symptoms is important to prevent the development of clinical depression. The Depressive Cognition Scale (DCS) can be used for early detection, but the scale's psychometrics have not been tested in caregivers of persons with dementia. In this study, 80 caregivers of persons with dementia completed the eight-item DCS and measures of caregiver burden and resourcefulness. A Cronbach's alpha of .88 indicated internal consistency. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with caregiver burden (r = .40; p < .001) and resourcefulness (r = –.54; p < .001). Principal components factor analysis resulted in two factors in which five items loaded cleanly on one factor and two items have cross-loadings. Because prior factor analysis in previous studies resulted in one factor, we did confirmatory factor analysis in which we forced the items on one factor. All the items loaded on the single factor and the amount of variance explained was 55.99%. The findings suggest the DCS is useful for early detection of depression in caregivers of persons with dementia.

A Review Of Patients With Renal Disease Undergoing Vascular Access Surgery: Is Gray-Scale Ultrasound Enough?, Nancy M. Raml, Susan Breakwell

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

An adequate fistula or graft is essential to long-term survival and quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are receiving hemodialysis because of its lower complication rates, lower costs, and prolonged patency. Use of duplex ultrasound for preoperative planning is currently recommended by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative for patients with ESRD with prior fistulas or grafts, central lines, pacemakers, and prior chest or arm surgery. The preoperative evaluation consisted of gray-scale ultrasound and physical examination in all patients with ESRD in this study. The current study determined the baseline data, including the type …

Does Nurse Manager Education Really Matter?, Jared (Alex) Thompson, Roseanne Fairchild

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Measuring Use Of Positive Thinking Skills: Psychometric Testing Of A New Scale, Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene A. Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Positive thinking interventions improve adaptive functioning and quality of life in many populations. However, no direct measure of positive thinking skills taught during intervention exists. This psychometric study of a convenience sample of 109 autism spectrum disorder (ASD) caregivers examined a new eight-item Positive Thinking Skills Scale (PTSS), which measures the frequency of use of positive thinking skills. The PTSS was found to be internally consistent (α = .90). Construct validity was supported by significant correlations (p < .01) with positive cognitions (r = .53), resourcefulness (r = .63), depression (r = −.45), and general well-being (r = .40). The findings …

Immune Dysregulation And Glucocorticoid Resistance In Minority And Low Income Pregnant Women, Elizabeth J. Corwin, Ying Guo, Kathleen Pajer, Nancy Lowe, Donna O. Mccarthy, Sarah Schmiege, Mary Weber, Thaddeus Pace, Brian Stafford

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Chronic prenatal stress contributes to poor birth outcomes for women and infants. Importantly, poor birth outcomes are most common among minority and low income women. To investigate underlying mechanisms, we tested the hypothesis that chronic stress related to minority or low income status is associated with glucocorticoid resistance as indicated by disruption in the cytokine-glucocorticoid feedback circuit. Home visits were conducted during which 3rd trimester pregnant women completed stress and depression surveys and provided blood for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Saliva was collected 5 times the preceding day for diurnal cortisol levels. For statistical analyses, women were grouped 3 ways, …

Study Abroad Programs: Using Alumni And Graduate Students As Affiliate Faculty, Sheri Palmer, Debra Wing, Leslie Miles, Sondra Heaston, Karen H. De La Cruz

Faculty Publications

To expand student appreciation of global health and diversity, many schools of nursing offer study abroad programs. However, this type of labor-intensive program can be difficult in light of faculty shortages and constrained resources. The authors discuss how these issues were addressed using alumni and graduate students as affiliate teachers in 3 clinical study abroad settings.

Underutilization Of Primary Care Providers In Treating Opiate Addiction, Jennifer Jenkinson, Patricia K. Ravert

Faculty Publications

There are inadequate numbers of care providers or treatment programs to treat opioid abuse. Although many primary care nurse practitioners care for patients who are dependent on or abuse opioids, they are not allowed to prescribe the schedule 3 medications to treat them. This option is available to primary care physicians with additional training. This article discusses the effectiveness of opioid substitution therapy in a primary care setting, the patient populations, patient satisfaction, and barriers preventing primary care providers from providing treatment to opioid patients. Nurse practitioners can help overcome some of these barriers and improve access to this underserved …

Parental Perceptions: Religiosity And Sibling Relationships In Families Raising A Child With Diabetes, Caitlin Peterson (Herrman), Dr. Barbara Mandleco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Raising a child with diabetes (CWD) impacts the whole family, since it is a disease requiring parental vigilance to ensure dietary/ medication compliance, and sibling understanding. Clearly, religion serves as an important resource to couples and families; however, it may also act as a resource for families who are raising a CWD. In fact, qualitative and empirical studies alike show religious practices and spiritual beliefs predict relational outcomes (Richards & Bergin, 1997).

The Effect Of Family Support On Cancer Patient Quality Of Life And Coping, Laura Fisher Brown, Dr. Patricia Rushton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This research project has been such a growing experience for me. When I applied for my first grant in October of 2007, I had no idea that I would have gained so much from the opportunity to do undergraduate research. It has been a little over a year since I have started performing research in depth on my topic and it has been full of surprises, from both the actual process of research as well as the outcomes of my study. I have learned much about available support programs for cancer patients, the factors contributing to quality of life in …

Perceptions Of Giving Birth And Adherence To Cultural Practices In Chinese Women, Megan Cutler, Dr. Lynn Clark Callister

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Chinese childbearing women living in Taiwan have cultural beliefs and practices, including the common practice of “doing the month” after giving birth. Similar practices can also be found in Japan, South Korea, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Thailand, and Cambodia. There are an increasing number of immigrants from Asia living in the United States, and many women from these places bring with them traditions and customs that are unfamiliar to many. Considering the great diversity of America, it is important that nurses working with childbearing women provide culturally competent care for Asian childbearing women and other culturally diverse women. …

A Pilot Study: Relaxation Response To Vocal Training Intervention In Nursing Students, Leah Dymock, Dr. Glenda Christiaens

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As a profession, nursing requires a constant balance between professional standards, individual values, and patient needs (Luquette, 2007.) These responsibilities lead to stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout (ibid.) Thus it follows that an implicit part of nursing school is learning to care for another person without sacrificing your own physical or psychological wellbeing. This question is then raised: What is the best way to cope with stressful situations that are encountered by nurses? Although the best thing for one person will differ from what’s best for another person, there are inherent characteristics of activities that induce a relaxation state; namely, …

Autism Spectrum Disorders And Hyperbilirubinemia, Amber Blake, Dr. Lora Jean Campbell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have increased tenfold over the past fifty years. These disorders include: autistic disorder, Asperger disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) (Johnson & Myers, 1184). Symptoms of ASD are language delay, severe deficits in social skills, and repetitive behavioral patterns. These symptoms make it hard for children with ASD to form peer relationships, communicate effectively, and develop appropriately (Johnson, 1191-1194).

How Nurses Perceive Their Ability To Support Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients, Hannah Ross

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This study examined nurses’ feelings as they communicated with their newly diagnosed cancer patients. Qualitative interviews with ten oncology nurses from northern and central Utah were conducted. Nursing literature demonstrated that many newly diagnosed cancer patients felt healthcare staff were not empathetic. Qualitative interviews with study participants concluded that nurses with oncology experience feel confident and competent in supporting patients. The interviews also discussed that it is important for nurses to be empathetic, compassionate, understanding, and knowledgeable to feel competent in caring for these patients.

Apgar Scores And Oxygenation Levels: A Comparison Of Vaginal And Cesarean Section Modes Of Delivery, Allison Holt, Dr. Patricia Ravert

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Purpose Compare Apgar scores and oxygenation levels of well infants born by Cesarean section (c-section) to those delivered vaginally.

Is There A Relationship Between Parenting Styles And Sibling Relationships In A Family Containing A Child With A Disability?, Corinne Jackman (Johnson), Dr. Barbara Mandleco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of my research was to see if 1) there is a difference in parental perceptions of parenting styles and sibling relationships according to parent gender, sibling gender and type of disability as well as to 2) examine whether or not there is a linkage between parenting styles and sibling relationships in families raising a child with a disability (CWD). We studied autism, mental retardation, an orthopedic condition, other (deafness, blindness), and multiple disabilities.

Health And Healing In Compariative Perspective: U.S. And Mexico, Mary Scheerhorn, Jonathan D. Hagood

Faculty Presentations

A global experience comparing the development of the healing professions, the economics of the modern health sector, and practices of health and healing in the U. S. and México. An intense three week cultural experience in Querétaro, México in health clinics and hospitals under the supervision of faculty from the Universidad Autónoma de Queretaro and the Hope College Nursing Department. Cultural enrichment for nursing, pre-physical therapy, pre-med and other pre-health major students.

The Relationship Between Epidural Anesthesia During Labor And Successful Breastfeeding Behaviors Of Newborns, Kevara Wilson, Dr. Debra Hobbins-Garbett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Every mother wants to give the best to her baby, and many mothers feel breastfeeding is doing just that—giving the best. For these mothers, the effect of epidural anesthesia on those first breastfeeding encounters is an important one. Unfortunately, few researched-based answers about these effects exist.

Cultural Competence Of Taiwanese Nurses, Chin-Nu Lin

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Research on the cultural competence in nursing care in Taiwan is scarce. Little information has been documented regarding the level of cultural competence among its health care professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of cultural competence among Taiwanese nurses. This study employed a quantitative design using a self-report online survey. Research findings indicated that Taiwanese nurses had low to moderate level of cultural competence. They perceived themselves as being not culturally competent when caring for clients from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds. While Taiwanese nurses scored high on cultural sensitivity and awareness, they scored low …

Daily Needs Of Family Members Of Icu Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Christy Rae Lee, Dr. A. Elaine Bond

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In the intensive care unit (ICU), family members of severe traumatic brain-injured (STBI) patients struggle with the possibility of future dysfunction or untimely death. This is a vulnerable and precarious time for the families. In this crisis time, nurses must be able to provide holistic nursing care that includes the family as well as the patient. To determine and react to the family’s ongoing needs, nurses could return some stability to the family, aiding the patient’s recovery.

Childbirth Experience Of Chinese Women, Robin Kartchner, Dr. Lynn C. Callister

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Women across the world share in the same biological process of childbirth. However, their experience with childbirth can vary widely depending on their cultural and spiritual background. The quality of care a woman receives during and after her pregnancy is deeply influenced by the understanding of these factors that the nurse brings to their interaction (1). This research built on previous studies of women from other cultures (2) by interviewing Chinese women in China about their childbirth experience.

An Educational Approach: Increasing College Freshmen's Knowledge Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections, Jennie Mcclain

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

According to the Centers for Disease Control (2009), young adults account for only 25% o fsexually active persons in the United States, but account for 50% of the newly diagnosed cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some young adults may not have received appropriate or credible information on sexual health by which to make knowledgeable decisions that may influence the rest of their lives. High schools are not required to offer comprehensive sex education. Therefore, some students may have received abstinence-only sex education. Risk reduction and disease prevention are important in college health. This evidenced-based practice project included the creation, …

A Matter Of Choice: Perceptions Of Personal Mastery And Control After Giving Birth, Melissa A. Dalton-Richardson, Dr. Lynn Callister

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Within recent years, there has been a steady increase of births attended by midwives in the United States. The reemergence of midwives to the medical scene provides pregnant women with alternative methods of birth. In order to provide women with the most information possible about these two options of maternity care, there has been a good deal research done in the area of comparisons between obstetricians and certified nurse-midwives (CNM). Thus far, the research has done much in demarcating the differences in treatment and satisfaction of pregnant women. My research question took the next step in the research comparison. I …

Postpartum Depression And Help-Seeking Behaviors In Immigrant Hispanic Women, Glauco Souza, Dr. Lynn Clark Callister

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe the experience of having symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) and identify help seeking behaviors in immigrant Hispanic women.

The Experiences Of Siblings Of Children With Autism, Elizabeth Ward, Dr. Barbara Mandleco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The social and behavioral issues of autism are very unique and have a deep impact on families, particularly siblings, as they learn to cope and live with a child with autism (CWA). However, there is limited information in the literature relative to the experience of the sibling, and the information that does exist is often conflicting. The research shows that siblings of CWA experience stress, frightening behavior, and violence in the home (Benderix & Sivberg, 2007). Furthermore, some researchers found that siblings demonstrated less intimacy in sibling relationships, and were negatively affected socially and emotionally (Hastings, 2003; Kaminsky & Dewey, …