Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring Incivility Among Nursing And Health Science Students: A Descriptive Study, Diane Louise Smith

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Incivility has infiltrated our institutions of higher learning as well as the world of nursing. All too familiar in nursing is the phrase “eating their young,” which aptly describes how nurses treat other nurses, even though they should be nurturing and caring professionals.

The investigator explored nursing and health science students’ perceptions of student and faculty uncivil behaviors within the academic environment, seeking the levels and frequency of the problem. Bandura’s social learning theory presents a sound theoretical framework for this dissertation. The research methodology consisted of a quantitative descriptive approach. The Incivility in Higher Education-Revised (IHE-R) Survey was used …

Effects Of Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Versus Cycling Only On Walking Performance And Quality Of Life In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Clinical Pilot Study, Lori Hochman

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) stimulates peripheral nerves via electrical current to evoke muscle contractions and when combined with lower extremity cycling (LE), creates patterned leg movements. Previous studies demonstrated FES cycling is safe and effective in the spinal cord injury and stroke populations with improvements seen in walking speed, muscle mass, and bone density. Few studies have applied FES cycling to a neurodegenerative disorder, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study is to assess the effect of an 8-week training program using FES cycling, compared to Cycling Only, in people with MS (PWMS). Methods: Using a …

Variables Relevant To Self-Efficacy: Mexican-American High School Students With Specific Learning Disabilities, Matilde Barrera Alaniz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to ascertain if a relationship exists between self-efficacy and grade point average (GPA), age, gender, language proficiency, socioeconomic status, and failed grade levels during school career among Mexican-American high school students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) residing along the southwestern state of the Mexican border. Moreover, to learn if a relationship exists between motivation and the above variables. This study also observed if a relationship between motivation as measured by the Academic Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-A) (i.e., external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, and intrinsic motivation) and GPA existed; it also observed the correlation between …

Association Between Hispanic Parents' Attitudes And Knowledge Regarding Obesity And Their Children's Body Mass Index: Implications For The Development Of Obesity, Renee Starr

Theses and Dissertations

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017), more than 1.9 billion adults age 18 and older are overweight and over 650 million are obese. Data collected through the Centers for Disease Control indicates the prevalence of U.S. adults who are overweight and obese is estimated at 36.5% and the national childhood obesity rate is more than 12.7 million (17%), with approximately one in six school-aged children reaching the obesity level (Ogden, Carroll, Fryar, & Flegal, 2015). Hispanic children have the highest levels of obesity among all racial/ethnic groups (21.9%) and obesity rates are especially prevalent among impoverished Hispanics residing …

Relations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Current Maladaptive Beliefs In A College Sample, Ilana Starr Berman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cumulative childhood trauma has been associated with both symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. However, few studies have examined these relations with normative young adult populations nor have they explored the relation between childhood adversities and cognitive distortions as an outcome variable. The current study aimed to: 1) replicate and extend research on the relations between cumulative adversity, using a broad measure of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; Felitti et al., 1998), which assesses both maltreatment (e.g., physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect) and exposure to elements of household dysfunction (e.g., caregiver substance use, witnessing maternal abuse), and mental health …

The Role Of The Speech-Language Pathologist When Working With Clients Who Are Transgender: A Guide Of Gender Identity And Cultural Competency, Brett Welch

Theses and Dissertations

It is within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathologist to work with a client who is transgender for voice. However, regardless of the setting, a speech-language pathologist is likely to encounter a person who is transgender on their caseload. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association mandates that all of its members be culturally competent when working with clients from different cultural backgrounds, including those from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.

This thesis pulls from sociological, linguistic, and queer theory literature to provide an in-depth understanding of identity, gender, and transgender identity formation. With this nuanced understanding of …

Resilience And Social Support Among College Students With Disabilities, Rachita Sharma

Theses and Dissertations

Since the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, individuals with disabilities have found enhanced opportunities in various areas of living. The numbers of students with disabilities in institutions of postsecondary education have also increased in the past few decades; however, despite this increase, the degree completion rates of students with disabilities continue to lag in comparison to their non-disabled peers in colleges and universities. As such, most universities currently have a designated office or department of disability accommodations designed to provide academic accommodations for students with disabilities. Nonetheless, current rehabilitation research is lacking in knowledge regarding interventions …

Importance Of And Satisfaction With Characteristics Of Mentoring Among Nursing Faculty, Jacklyn Gentry

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The nursing faculty shortage and its contributing factors have been well documented in the literature. Contributory factors include lack of graduate prepared faculty, difficulty recruiting and retaining faculty, and a decrease in job satisfaction within the faculty role. The use of mentoring programs has the potential to impact the nursing faculty shortage by increasing job satisfaction while providing novice faculty with additional support during the transition from clinical nurse to nursing faculty.

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between the importance of and satisfaction with characteristics of mentoring in full time nursing faculty teaching in baccalaureate …

The Effect Of Floss Bands On Elbow Range Of Motion In Tennis Players, Kenna Hodeaux

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Floss bands have been used to improve ROM, restore joint mechanics, and break down adhesive tissue from previously injured musculature, however, there is limited research available and the few research studies have mixed results on the usefulness of floss bands. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of floss bands in increasing elbow range of motion (ROM) in tennis players. Twelve elite tennis players (6 female and 6 male) participated in this randomized crossover design study. Subjects attended two separate sessions. Passive ROM measures were taken with a standard goniometer for elbow flexion and extension and forearm …

A Study Of Innovation In Model Project Design: Addressing Mental Health Symptoms Among Co-Occurring Substance Use And Mentally Ill Clients Who Are Homeless In A Local Community Clinic Setting, Isis Dian Martel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Homeless persons with co-occurring substance use combined with mental illness constitute a particularly vulnerable subgroup with complex service needs. Unfortunately, the capacity to deliver critical treatment services has been extremely limited causing many from this population to remain untreated. Untreated co-occurring disorders can lead to a host of difficulties for both the individual and the community (Bouchery, Harwood, Sacks, Simon, & Brewer, 2011). Developing community based intervention services in Arkansas is a key activity necessary in strategically addressing this problem (Barbee, Gonzales, & Shelor, 2016). In partnership with the Arkansas Division of Behavioral Health Services, a local community treatment provider …

The Effect Of Gamification On Audiology Awareness Among Young Adults, Shenque Lester

Doctoral Dissertations

The profession of audiology is projecting a critical shortage of practicing professionals in the near future. Although there are many potential factors that are contributing to this problem, it is generally agreed that audiology as a profession is not readily identified as a career choice by undergraduate students, nor a recognizable healthcare field/service among the general public. Due to the increased instances of hearing loss in the general population as well as the aging of the population and need for audiological services, it is imperative to find an efficient means to improve the awareness of audiology as a potential career …

Acoustical Properties Of Amplified And Unamplified Stethoscopes When Examining Typical Body Sounds, Jeni Abrams Dunnington

Doctoral Dissertations

A stethoscope is intended for three main diagnostic purposes: listening to heart sounds, listening to lung sounds, and determining the presence or absence of bowel sounds (Callahan, Waugh, Matthew, & Granger, 2007). Currently, on the market there are two types of stethoscopes for practitioners to choose: unamplified and amplified stethoscopes. Furthermore, there is little research on the sound pressure levels (SPLs) produced by stethoscopes on the market. Therefore, the current study seeks to measure the SPL produced by various popular unamplified stethoscopes and compare those findings to the SPLs produced by amplified stethoscopes. Secondly, the SPL of selected amplified stethoscopes …

Correctional Nurses: Adult Opioid Dependence Referral Process, Christine Hilary Edmund

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Correctional nurses make up a large part of the corrections workforce and have increasing responsibility for making decisions about patient care in the opioid dependent incarcerated patients. The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) has intoxication and withdrawal standards that advocate individuals entering a correctional facility under the influence or undergoing withdrawal from opioids have their therapy continued, or a plan for appropriate referral for treatment. The NCCHC standard that incarcerated opioid dependent inmates have their therapy continued or a plan for appropriate referral for treatment is not adhered to consistently, as the current process lacks organization. Purpose: …

Effect Of Slant Boards In Combination With Handwriting Practice, Kristen N. Brevoort

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Handwriting difficulties affect 10% to 30% of children in elementary school often hindering their successful participation in a number of occupations, including academic participation. Occupational therapists provide treatments for handwriting difficulties; however, many of these interventions have limited to no evidence to support their effectiveness. One of these interventions is the use of a slant board, a treatment strategy often combined with handwriting practice. Clinicians commonly combine the use of slant boards and handwriting practice to facilitate the development of handwriting skills in young children. However, the effectiveness of this combination of interventions in improving the quality of handwriting remains …

Mealtime Insights: A Photovoice Project With African American Mothers And Their Young Children, Paula Ann Rabaey

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Mothering is a complex and multifaceted occupation that encompasses the nurturing work that women engage in. It addition, it has been established that ethnicity, class, and gender have effects on motherhood that need to be taken into account when looking at the occupations of motherhood across cultures. One important task that occurs within a mothers’ daily routine is that of making meals for their children. This dissertation sought to gain a rich, in-depth description of the phenomenon of the mealtime experience for African American mothers of low socioeconomic status and young children living in an inner-city environment in the Midwest. …

Effects Of Moderate Pressure Massage On Self-Regulation And Play In Preterm Babies, Helene Chaya Hendel

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine whether mother-administered moderate pressure massage intervention could improve self-regulation, which would result in improvements in play outcomes. It was posited that a child who is self-regulated may be more successful in his/her play and that moderate pressure massage could be an effective tool to improve self-regulation in preterm infants with decreased self-regulation. Participants in the study were five preterm children ranging from 12 to 18 months corrected age and their mothers. The study utilized an A-B nonconcurrent multiple baselines across subjects design in which each participant acted as his/her own control as …

Leadership Within Occupational Therapy : A Mixed Methods Study, Scott Truskowski

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

PURPOSE: This sequential embedded mixed methods study first identified the ways in which occupational therapy leaders experience leadership, then explored the ways in which those same leaders utilized their professional training as occupational therapists within their practice of leadership. METHODS: The twelve participants held formal leadership positions in either academia, clinical practice, or professional associations. The ecology of human performance model of practice was utilized to frame the research study. Data was collected through an initial interview with all 12 participants and through leadership artifacts and a second interview with six participants. RESULTS: Three themes resulted from thematic analysis of …

Prevalence Of Vitreomacular Traction In Patients 40 Years Of Age And Older, Julie Rodman

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Vitreomacular traction (VMT) is a condition characterized by an incomplete posterior vitreous detachment resulting in traction on the macula and decreased visual acuity. The process of vitreomacular traction can lead to a number of maculopathies including cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membranes, and macular holes. VMT is more common in patients over 40 years of age; however no population-based studies documenting the prevalence of VMT in this age group has been published. Purpose: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of vitreomacular traction syndrome in the population aged above 40. Clinical examination does not adequately illustrate the extent of …

Ocular Sensory Dominance And Viewing Distance, Karen Squier

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract Purpose: It is not clear as to whether sensory dominance is affected by test distance. Jiang et al previously reported that that the sensory dominant eyes may be affected by refractive error; however this study was done at a near distance only (60 cm). In this study, we investigated the effect of two different test distances (near, 60 cm vs distance, 6 meters) on the laterality of ocular dominance. Methods: Ocular sensory dominance was quantified in 60 subjects with a technique that involves the dichoptic presentation of a Mondrian noise and a Gabor patch. The threshold to detect the …

Comparison Of Three Clinical Tests Of Accommodation To Hofstetter's Norms To Guide Diagnosis And Treatment, Marc Brian Taub

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose. It has been documented previously that the push up (PU) and pull away (PA) methods overestimate accommodative amplitude (AA), while the minus lens-to-blur (MLB) method underestimates it. It also has been shown that the PU and PA methods produce similar results. We sought to compare data obtained from these three clinically used methods to determine AA in children and young adults with base-line normative data predicted by Hofstetter.

Methods. Ninety healthy subjects (mean 11.7 years, range: 6-36 and 50F/40M), split into two groups, children (mean 9.8 years, range: 6-13 and 38F/22M) and young adults (mean 25.5 years, range: 21-36 …

Lived Experience Of The Advanced Practice Provider On The Burn Surgery Service, Susan Lee Smith

Health Sciences Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this qualitative dissertation study was to examine the lived experience and meaning making of challenges, benefits, satisfaction, and professional sustainability for the advanced practice provider in the burn surgery specialty service. The problem addressed was the knowledge gap resulting from a lack of literature describing aspects of the advanced practice provider role in the burn specialty. An interpretive phenomenological analysis, informed by the philosophy of Dr. Martin Heidegger, was undertaken. Participants were solicited from the American Burn Association Advanced Practice Provider (APP) special interest group site. The results provided a thick description of the lived experience of …

Faculty And Staff Perceptions Of Interprofessional Education: A Comparative Survey Of Dental And Health Science/Nursing Faculty And Staff, Tabitha Nicole Fair

Health Sciences Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Research has shown a strong correlation between oral and systemic disease; therefore, there is an increased need for collaboration between dental and medical professionals. The purpose of this study was to examine the current opportunities that exist for interprofessional education (IPE) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), the perceived need for IPE for dental and health science/nursing students, the perceived advantages of an IPE program, the features that should be included in an IPE program, and the perceived administrative and financial barriers to increased interprofessional activities. This study surveyed graduate faculty and staff from NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences, College …

The Lived Experience In Relation To The Educational Needs Of Nurses Caring For Induced Hypothermia Patients, Marie Regina Hankinson

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Ongoing educational development is essential to ensure the effectiveness of professional nurses’ learning experiences. Understanding the ways in which workplace learning occurs is fundamental to enabling nurse educators to deliver that knowledge. Induced hypothermia was introduced as a new treatment modality in 2005 and education surrounding the care of the hypothermia patient is lacking in the literature. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to illuminate how nurses learn new knowledge in the clinical setting. Theoretical Framework: The learning theory chosen for this study is the three dimensions of learning by Illeris (2004). Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with …

Transition To Practice Experience: The Impact On Newly Licensed Rn Performance, Patricia P. Lawson

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This quantitative non-experimental descriptive correlational design sought to answer the question if there was a difference in newly licensed RN (NLRN) performance at one-year post hire after participation in a nurse residency program that offers a formalized curriculum that extends throughout the entire year, one that offers a formalized curriculum that does not extend throughout the entire year, or one that does not provide a formalized curriculum. The study utilized the Six Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance (SDNP) and evaluated NLRN performance on six subscales: leadership, critical care, teaching/collaboration, planning/evaluation, interpersonal relations/communication, and professional development at one-year post hire. Benner’s …

Professional Nursing Value Development In Nursing Students Who Participate In International Service Learning, Heather Ferrillo-Diiulio

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: International Service Learning (ISL) is becoming widely used in nursing education as a means to provide global learning opportunities. Concrete outcomes for these experiences have not been clearly supported in previous research. Determining if ISL experience facilitate the development of Professional Nursing Values (PNV) can support the use of ISL as a viable pedagogy. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine if there were a difference in PNV development in students who participate in ISL as part of their clinical experiences compared to those who do not. The hypothesis was that there was a difference in the …

Factors That Predit Levels Of Sleepiness Of Advanced Practice Nursing Students, Deana Shevit Goldin

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Due to arduous demands of graduate education, advanced practice nursing (APN) students who are classified as adult learners are at risk for suffering sleep deprivation. Factors contributing to sleep deprivation include stress, expected academic challenges, and everyday life stressors. Purpose: This study investigated if APN students’ grade-point average (GPA), gender, and employment status predicted levels of daytime sleepiness. Theoretical Framework. The psychological well-being model selected for this study was consistent with the theory that sleep is a resource essential to well-being; adequate sleep is the resource needed to optimally manage stressful life demands. Methods. Bivariate and multiple regression were …

Cancer-Related Fatigue Clinical Guideline And Protocol For Hospitalized Oncology Patients: A Quality Improvement Project, Sulotte Valcin Amilcar

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common symptom experienced by cancer patients throughout their cancer trajectory. However, very little effort has been made within many oncology practices to assess this clinical problem and to provide timely nursing interventions to reduce its impact. While there have been tremendous advancements in the treatments of the disease aspects of cancer in term of medicine and advanced technology, basic assessment of related physiological concerns, such as fatigue, have not seen the same progress. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop an evidence-based cancer-related fatigue assessment guideline and a …

Chemotherapy Side Effects At Home: A Nursing Impact, Gwendolyn E. Saint-Clarke

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Approximately 32% of all lymphoma patients experience immunocompromised severe avoidable side effects of nadir at home after discharge postchemotherapy. The certified oncology nurses employed at a large metropolitan hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, lack standardized discharge guidelines that include regulatory organizations’ recommendations to assist patients/families with at-home self-management of the avoidable side effects. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to utilize the institution’s existing postchemotherapy discharge protocol to assess certified oncology nurses’ knowledge of severe avoidable side effects of nadir; modify the existing healthcare institution’s postchemotherapy discharge protocol to reflect standardized practice for promoting clinical practice continuity …

Evidence-Based Diabetic Discharge Guideline: A Standardized Initiative To Promote Nurses' Adherence, Marjorie V. Scarlett

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects more than 29.1 million Americans. Standardized clinical practice guidelines recommended by regulatory healthcare agencies are the standard of care for diabetic patients and must be adhered to by healthcare professionals providing care. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to identify Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization’s, and other professional healthcare organizations’ guidelines for nurses’ knowledge of evidence-based discharge practices; determine level of nurses’ knowledge on evidence-based discharge practice process; develop a quality improvement plan, including development of an evidence-based guideline for diabetic discharge instructions; present …

Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia In Patients With Malignancies: Healthcare Team Adaptation To A Paradigm Shift, Miriam Ingrid Silva

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Caring for patients with malignancies and presenting hyperglycemia has been an ongoing problem that needed to be addressed. The Endocrinologist Society and the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care suggested a change in the process by which patients in this population are managed. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement evidence-based practice guidelines for managing steroid-induced hyperglycemia focusing on the interdisciplinary team and adaptation of nurses who care for patients with malignancies. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework selected for this project was Roy’s Adaptation Model. Methods: This project used a mixed method approach, with a triangulation …