The Effects Of Medical Misinformation About Vaccines On Parents Of Pediatric Patients, Mya Izabela B. Emelia

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention designed for parents of pediatric patients who are vaccine hesitant and its impact on childhood vaccination rates. This research proposal aims to assess whether targeted education addressing vaccine misinformation, safety concerns, and benefits influences parental decision-making and improves vaccine uptake.

Methods

Parents of pediatric patients will be recruited from pediatric clinics and community health centers. Participants will complete a baseline survey before receiving an educational intervention addressing vaccine misinformation, social media-driven misconceptions, and hesitancy. A post-intervention survey will then assess changes in vaccine hesitancy, …

Nursing Students’ Attitudes And Preparedness For Maid, Kristal Candray

Nursing | Senior Theses

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) also known as physician-assisted suicide in addition to euthanasia is on the rise with an increase in decriminalization of the practice(s) and enactment of practice-protected policies in many countries. Ethics and morals on the subject continue to be controversial in healthcare. As student nurses enter the field as clinicians, they may encounter a patient requesting MAiD. Studies from students in other countries where MAiD and/or euthanasia is practiced found that student nurses do not feel adequately prepared to navigate such situations. However, although MAiD has been legalized in a handful of states within the United …

Nurses Current State Of Knowledge On Prion Disease, Chelsy Grande

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Prion disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. Creutzfeldt-Jakob prion disease rapidly progresses, caused by an infectious pathogen that misfolds the normal prion protein which results in an accumulation of cellular prion proteins. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, only palliative care to provide support as the disease progresses. There is a gap in providing support for the patients and their families due to the limited understanding from the nurses, which can lead to the unmet needs of patients and their families. The purpose of the study is to evaluate what nurses …

African-American Perceptions On The Importance Of Racially-Concordant Care, John Moya

Nursing | Senior Theses

Racial concordance is defined as a relationship in which a healthcare provider and patient share the same race. Racially concordant care has been, in previous research, associated with improved health outcomes, particularly in minority populations such as African-Americans Despite this, little is known about how African-American patients perceive racial concordance, and how important it is to their care. The focus of this research proposal is to determine the perceptions of African-American patients on racial concordance and racially concordant care, and how important they deem it to be to their care. The literature review delves into racial concordance and its presence …

Education On The Early Recognition Of Antepartum Sepsis For Labor And Delivery Nurses, Diana Egan

Nursing | Senior Theses

Even though rare in occurrence, sepsis in pregnancy causes high morbidity and mortality rates, most deaths preventable with timely recognition and intervention. With symptoms difficult to identify, adjusted screening tools were created. The literature review highlighted the importance of using approaches such as these tools to improve on maternal outcomes and treatment. The review displayed how nurses in other departments find difficulty defining and identifying sepsis in adults as well as education surrounding interventions in maternal sepsis and obstetrical emergencies improve knowledge deficits. In response, questions emerge about what labor and delivery nurses know about recognizing sepsis in the pregnant …

Evaluating Pulmonary Tuberculosis Knowledge Deficits Among Nursing Students In The United States, Jamie Lynn Woo

Nursing | Senior Theses

The healthcare field consistently faces patients with a wide range of diseases and illnesses. Pulmonary Tuberculosis is an infectious lung disease with established tools to prevent, detect, and treat it. Yet, there has been a significant rise in cases within the past year. Amidst this troubling situation, it is crucial that all healthcare workers, nursing students, and nurses in particular, are properly educated on caring for TB patients. This research proposal aims to determine if there are TB treatment knowledge gaps among nursing students in the United States by conducting a 20-question survey utilizing the Likert Scale. If results show …

Nurses’ Perception On The Gut-Brain Axis And Its Implications On Mental Health, Geethika Manoj, Celine Bautista

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Most medical interventions recommended for patients with anxiety and depression include pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. Thus, undermining the existence of modifiable risk factors, such as diet. Despite being an area of growing research, the gut-brain axis is a very broad topic among the healthcare field. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate registered nurses’ perceptions and understanding of the gut-brain axis and its implications for mental health management. Methods: This proposed exploratory descriptive study will conduct research among fifteen registered nurses, each with at least two years of experience in specialties such as gastroenterology, psychiatry, or hospital …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Postpartum Depression And Suicide Prevention In Asian Women, Emily Tan

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of a culturally centered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and postpartum depression (PPD) education on reducing PPD which will prevent maternal suicide among Asian American mothers. There is stigma around PPD among Asian American mothers, and there’s a lack of research on culturally sensitive interventions. This emphasized the need for nurses to promote help-seeking practices and reduce mental health stigma in this community.

Methods

This quantitative true experimental design aims to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally competent CBT in reducing PPD thus ultimately decreasing maternal suicide. The sample will consist of 120 postpartum Asian American …

Optimizing Discharge Education For Patients With Heart Failure, Connie-Rose Pangan

Nursing | Senior Theses

Noncompliance can be a result of a lack of comprehension of discharge instructions and a lack of concise, effective educational resources. Due to this deficit, patients with heart failure are less likely to comply with their discharge protocol and are therefore more likely to be readmitted to the hospital. The aim of the study is to consolidate a teaching method that accommodates one's existing educational barriers, implement follow-up to increase knowledge retention and improve self care, and prevent readmission among HF patients. Two hundred hospitalized, English-speaking patients with heart failure above 65 years old across 20 US Hospitals will be …

Implementation Of Robotics And Artificial Intelligence To Oncological Surgery, Ian Ngo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background/ significance: Introduced in the late 20th century, robotic systems have enhanced surgeons’ capabilities by providing accurate and precise control of instruments. These systems helped minimize invasiveness in surgical procedures, providing greater precision, and gave flexibility to difficult-to-access areas of the body. Tools powered by AI help surgeons accurately identify and remove cancerous tissues, which can lead to better surgical outcomes and fewer complications. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to focus on evaluating how Robotic-Assisted Systems (RAS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) impact surgical precision, patient recovery, and to address economic efficiencies. associated with integrating said systems into the …

The Impact Of Complementary Therapies On Postpartum Pain Relief Among Mothers Of Multiples, Jewel Thomas

Nursing | Senior Theses

The process of recovery after birth can be an arduous process for many women. Many patients experience discomfort that affects their quality of life. Especially for mothers who give birth to twins or triplets, there is additional need for support in this crucial time as they are more likely to develop postpartum complications. Current management for postpartum pain include pain control medications and heat/cold therapy. The purpose of this proposal is to examine if complementary therapies such as aromatherapy and music therapy decreases the postpartum pain levels in mothers of multiples. This paper proposes an experimental trial, in which a …

Impact Of Whole Foods Diet On Cognitive Functions In Children From Low-Income Families With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd), Jasmine Le

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

Current studies have examined dietary interventions for ADHD, emphasizing the value of good nutrition, the lack of nutritional foods in schools, and the difficulties low-income families have finding healthy options. Nutritious food has been shown to enhance cognitive abilities, yet many low-income households still lack access to it. This quantitative research will provide vital information for nurses and healthcare professionals on how they can assist these populations.

Methods

A quantitative randomized controlled design study will be conducted, with students separated into an experimental and control group. The objective will be to evaluate the effects of nursing nutrition education and …

Reducing Levels Of Compassion Fatigue Among Generation Z Hospital Nurses, Kailani Yee

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Compassion fatigue is a critical issue and one of the many difficulties encompassed within the nursing profession. It affects a large number of registered nurses who work in hospital settings and who are constantly exposed to the suffering of others. With more young nurses entering the workforce, it's imperative that there is a better understanding of how to properly address this issue among the youngest generation of nurses: Generation Z, or those born between 1997-2012.

Objective: This research proposal aims to explore the most effective strategies to decrease levels of compassion fatigue in Generation Z nurses working in hospital …

The Critical Role Of External Involvement In Supporting Adolescent Mothers Facing Postpartum Depression, Samantha Campopiano

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health concern for adolescent mothers, especially those without a reliable support system. The current research demonstrates the importance of a support system, effective interventions, and prevention strategies for easier navigation of postpartum depression. Some effective interventions researched were therapy groups, personalized home visits, and using social media platforms to deliver therapy. This research proposal aims to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational intervention for postpartum adolescent mothers without support. A quasi-experimental design will be used, with pre-and post-test assessments using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to measure PPD symptoms in 100 …

Impact Of Non-Pharmacological Interventions On Immunization-Related Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients, Jessica Ho

Nursing | Senior Theses

Immunization-related anxiety can lead to vaccine hesitancy, which can be detrimental to public health by reducing herd immunity and increasing the spread of preventable diseases. This research proposal aims to investigate how nurses implementing non-pharmacological interventions can reduce immunization-related anxiety among pediatric patients. The literature critique focuses on examining the efficacy of various non-pharmacological interventions on reducing procedural pain, fear, and anxiety in pediatric patients. Research shows that those who received non-pharmacological interventions experienced decreased pain, fear, and anxiety levels. This proposal will use a randomized control trial design with a convenience sample of 200 pediatric patients from flu clinics …

The Impact Of A Educational Program On Depression And Anxiety For Low Socioeconomic Latina Postpartum Mothers, Lizbeth Valdez Duran

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are significant mental health challenges that affect many mothers, especially Latina women with low socioeconomic backgrounds. These mothers often face barriers to care, health literacy, and access to healthcare resources. The problem is compounded by a lack of culturally competent care, which can contribute to mistrust of healthcare providers and discourage Latina mothers from seeking help. The literature review articles highlight that health literacy plays a crucial role in managing mental health, with effective education potentially reducing negative outcomes by improving coping strategies and bringing awareness to symptoms that are associated with postpartum. This research …

Nursing Education On Sleep Health And Its Impact On Insulin Resistance In Adolescents, Salamasina Tufa

Nursing | Senior Theses

Modern-day adolescents are increasingly at risk for poor sleep quality due to rapid physical and physiological changes and stressors from technology and social media. Recent research suggests poor sleep affects endocrine function and contributes to insulin resistance (IR), a precursor to Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This proposed quasi-experimental study will examine if a nurse-led sleep education program can improve sleep quality and decrease the incidence of IR in adolescents with poor sleep. A total of 100 participants aged 12-18 across Berkley, California who score ≥ 5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) will be randomly assigned to either …

Preparing Nurses For Medical-Assistance In Dying: The Role Of Comprehensive Education And Training, Keira O'Reilly

Nursing | Senior Theses

Medical-assistance in dying (MAID) is a process in which a consenting patient self-administers lethal medications with the intent of ending their life. This process is marked with ethical, emotional, and spiritual complexities. Nurses play a key role in MAID, through providing care as well as being a patient advocate. Specifically, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses often provide care to critical or terminally ill patients. However, according to the research, little formal training or education about MAID has been put into place for ICU nurses. To investigate, primary research articles regarding healthcare professionals’ experiences with MAID, educational gaps, and current training …

Delayed And Misdiagnosed Endometriosis, Teresa Doyle

Nursing | Senior Theses

Aim: This research investigates whether targeted education can improve the early diagnosis of endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting around 10% of women of reproductive age. Unfortunately, endometriosis is often misdiagnosed, delaying treatment, prolonging discomfort, and lowering quality of life. Healthcare practitioners' knowledge gap is addressed by this study, which examines whether organized training promotes awareness and diagnostic accuracy. This research proposal evaluates an educational intervention developed to improve gynecological experts' knowledge and diagnostic skills. The main research issue is whether the intervention reduces misdiagnosis and improves patient outcomes. A quasi-experimental design will examine participants' knowledge and diagnosis accuracy before and …

Understanding Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (Arfid) In Autistic Children Through Parent’S Lens, Lisette Oviedo

Nursing | Senior Theses

This research reviews and proposes a study to assess parents' knowledge about their children with a dual diagnosis of autism and Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) with the intent to develop future care strategies that are both person-centered and family-centered.

Shadows Of Self Doubt: Exploring The Dual Threat Of Impostor Syndrome On New Nurses And Quality Care, Siona Patel

Nursing | Senior Theses

Every nursing student goes through a transition period after nursing school where they step into the role of a new graduate nurse, and adapt to the demands of the clinical setting. Their acquired knowledge and skills taught to them are now applied to high stake situations of the real world. This critical time period is often paired with a mental phenomenon known as imposter syndrome in which competent people feel doubt or fraudulently of their skill set which can affect patient care and cause burnout. This thesis explores the connection between imposter syndrome and burnout and their impact on patient …

Nursing Knowledge Regarding Pap Smears For Transgender Men, Caytlin Capulong

Nursing | Senior Theses

Cervical cancer screening (CCS) is a crucial test used for preventative measures against cervical cancer, yet transgender men (TM) experience significantly lower screening rates in comparison to cisgender women due to pain, anxiety, and systemic healthcare barriers. A major factor for deterrence is pain during speculum insertion, often because of vaginal atrophy related to testosterone usage. Other factors include fear of discrimination, mistreatment, and lack of provider awareness, particularly among nurses who play a pivotal role in patient preparation and care. This research aims to assess the extent of nurses’ knowledge regarding Pap smears for female-to-male (FTM) patients through a …

The Impact Of Workplace Stressors On Anxiety Levels And Mental Health Among Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses, Kelsey Ang

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses work in a high-stress environment where they are exposed daily to traumatic situations. The demanding emotional and physical challenges contribute to significant psychological burdens, including increased stress and anxiety. Purpose: The current paper proposes a research design to examine the outcomes of stress, anxiety levels, and mental well-being on PICU nurses when workplace support and structured debriefing sessions take place following a traumatic event. Methods: Participants will be recruited from PICU hospitals in Northern California. Participation will be voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained prior to the study. The selection criteria will …

The Impact Of Maternal Mental Health On Child Development, Jessica White

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of early maternal mental health interventions on child development, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors. The study aims to evaluate whether children whose mothers receive mental health interventions, such as support for depression and anxiety, show improved developmental outcomes compared to children whose mothers do not receive such interventions.

Methods

The study will include 100 mother-child pairs, recruited from clinics in Northern California. Child developmental outcomes will be assessed using standardized tools: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales (SSIS-RS). Follow-ups will …

The Impact Of Sleep Deprivation On Maternal Decision-Making And Risk-Taking Behavior, Stephanie Marea B. Martinez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

The purpose of this research proposal aims to explore the impact of sleep education in new mothers and their ability to manage sleep deprivation with interventions during the postpartum period.

Methods

This research proposal includes various methods to evaluate the effectiveness of sleep education and mental health screenings in new mothers. The baseline data for sleep quality, postpartum depression, and the new adaptation to motherhood will be collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, actigraphy to monitor sleep patterns, and a conduction of cognitive functioning with the Mini-Mental State Examination. After interventions are put into place, follow up data …

Reversible Degradation Of Peptidoglycan By Lytic Transglycosylases, Aaron Devereaux

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Antimicrobial resistance continues to be a burden on the global healthcare system with an estimated cost of billions of dollars and millions of deaths each year. Recently, there has been little to no development on new antibiotics to treat bacterial infection, and any that are developed become resisted to within a few years. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria contain a mesh-like layer called peptidoglycan (PG) that surrounds their cells providing strength, cell shape, and protection from their environments. This layer is a polymer of N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc) and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) connected via a b-1,4-glycosidic bond, with each strand being cross-linked …

New Graduate Nurse Professional Perseverance Strategies In A Time Of Crisis, Jennifer E. Smith Edd

Dissertations of Practice

This qualitative grounded theory study examined how new graduate nurses who entered practice just prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic developed and sustained resilience while navigating extraordinary professional and personal challenges. The study focused on associate degree nurses who graduated between December 2018 and May 2022 and were employed in acute and sub-acute care settings with direct patient care responsibilities, including the care of patients with COVID-19. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and reflective journal entries and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding.

Findings revealed that resilience was not a static characteristic but an evolving process influenced …

Beyond Grit: Structural Determinants Of Resilience Among College Women With Children In The U.S., Juliana Kahrs

Dissertations of Practice

This critical quantitative analysis explores how social determinants of health, including basic needs security, caregiving and work responsibilities, healthcare access, discrimination experiences, and institutional support predict resilience among U.S. college women with dependents. Using data from the Spring 2021 ACHA-NCHA III survey (n = 4,417), this study integrated the Health Equity Framework with the Social Ecological Theory of Resilience to examine multilevel influences on resilience. Descriptive analyses highlighted disproportionate burdens among single, first-generation, and racially minoritized groups. Bivariate chi-square tests revealed significant associations between resilience and sense of belonging, basic needs security, employment, healthcare utilization, and self-assessed overall health. Multinomial …

Understanding The Challenges And Satisfaction Among The Medical Professional Preceptors, Cornelia Ko

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study evaluates the Penn Medicine Family Medicine Clerkship program through a mixed-methods approach, exploring the challenges and factors influencing the satisfaction of medical professional preceptors when precepting students. A quantitative survey with 54 preceptor participants reveals the top challenges preceptors face: workload, conflicts with patient care, and limited clinical space. Despite this, there is strong support for the program, with 89% of preceptors enjoying the role and 85% expressing willingness to continue to precept for the next three years. Finally, data analysis shows no statistical correlation between preceptor motivation with gender, ethnicity, age group, years of serving, or total …

Infant Health Equity In Oklahoma: A Mixed-Methods Exploration Of Personal, Organizational, Environmental, And Policy Factors Contributing To Black Infant Mortality, Ayesha M. Lampkins

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Black women experience higher rates of adverse birth outcomes, including infant mortality. There is a gap in the literature on multilevel strategies to achieve infant health equity and engage Black women. This study is unique in that no others have looked at the views of Oklahoma Black women to inform and address infant health equity strategies and utilize these views to provide context to existing infant mortality data. The study research questions are: 1) What views on infant health equity and infant mortality are held by Black women in Oklahoma? 2) What differences exist between Black and White mothers in …