Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Increasing Cancer Survivorship Knowledge Through Individualized Cancer Survivorship Packets, Ashley Atkins

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This project was developed with the aim of formulating an individualized educational packet that would improve patients’ knowledge of their initial cancer diagnosis and provide additional information to facilitate a smooth transition from treatment to remission. Using a pretest and posttest, quantitative data was collected pertaining to 10 different types of patient education. The pretest survey collected eight questions that related to gathering information about their cancer diagnosis, resources, and knowledge level. The DNP Project Leader secured a Cancer Survivorship Guide through the American Society of Clinical Oncology that was added to the initial cancer survivorship education for all patients. …

Patient Navigator's Role Definition, Joann Smith

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Patient navigation as a care coordination model continues to evolve. Early programs focused on access to care for the underserved and uninsured. With no standard credentials, title, training or job descriptions, navigator programs are as varied as the people who perform these duties. The nurse navigator provides a holistic approach to care delivery and focuses on care coordination, education, and physical, social and emotional aspects of care. Workload for the navigators is increasing as a result of patient, facility, departmental, and national accreditation demands. The goal of this capstone project was to redefine the job descriptions of the Oncology Nurse …

Attitudes And Practices Of Perioperative Nurses Effecting The Election Of Wearing Protection From Occupational Radiation Exposure, Jane Leonard

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Health effects from exposure to radiation are unpredictable. On a daily bases, nurses working in the perioperative setting are exposed to medical x-rays (ionizing radiation) and are vulnerable to its carcinogenic effects. Regardless of the potential health consequences, the use of protective equipment remains inconsistent among perioperative nurses. Most research studies regarding nurses' occupational health risks either failed to include or separate radiation exposure from chemicals and blood borne pathogens. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the attitudes and practices of perioperative nurses that influence their decisions to wear or not wear radiation protection equipment …

Factors Influencing Early Detection Of Breast Cancer In African American Women, Tamrah Joy Parker

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Background. African American women are more likely to have breast cancer diagnosed at a later stage than Caucasian women and with a five year death rate 1.5 times greater than Caucasian women. Mammography screening detects breast cancer in its early stages and can reduce mortality.

Objective. To examine factors influencing early detection of breast cancer for African American women.

Methods. A convenience sample of 39 African American women 50 years of age and older was selected from two local Baptist churches in eastern North Carolina. Eligibility criteria included ability to read and write in English with no prior or present …