Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Prevention And Education Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Within Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, And Queer Adolescents, Kalie S. Johnson, Hayden Middleton

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are becoming an increasingly significant issue faced by high school adolescents in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adolescents 15 to 21 years of age account for over half of the STDs acquired in the United States every year. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) sub-group of adolescent populations is at a higher risk for STDs than their heterosexual counterparts, and with ten percent of American adolescents identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, the prevention and education of STDs in this sub-population is of utmost …

Attitudes Towards Vaccinations In The Minnesota Slavic Community, Maksim Kozak, Hannah Margaret Roy, Rachel Van Heest

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The incidence of vaccine preventable illnesses is increasing in the United States. Negative attitudes towards vaccinations, or vaccine hesitancy is fueling the decreasing vaccination rates. Ascertaining the level of vaccine hesitancy in susceptible populations is essential in combatting the rise of vaccine preventable illnesses in the United States. Very little research has previously been compiled on vaccine attitudes in Slavic immigrants. Slavic immigrants identify racially as “white” on surveys, masking differences in the Slavic population from the much larger Caucasian population in the United States. In order to better understand the level of vaccine hesitancy in the Minnesota Slavic immigrant …

Factors Contributing To Physician Assistant Burnout, Sarah F. Leonard, Tiffany J. Mellang, Connor Sacks

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Workplace burnout is known to be extremely prevalent among employees in the medical professions. For other health care professions such as physicians or nurses there is a plethora of existing literature on workplace burnout, but there is a lack of research on workplace burnout as it relates to Physician Assistants (PAs). This research study sought to discover what potential factors are specifically contributing to workplace burnout among PAs, symptoms of burnout experienced, and the personal strategies that PAs have found useful in coping with burnout. Interviews with ten currently practicing PAs in the Minnesota and Wisconsin region were conducted to …

Effects Of Palliative Care On Quality Of Life For People With Dementia And Their Informal Caregivers, Sara S. Martin

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Dementia is a leading cause of debility and dependence and its incidence is increasing exponentially as the global population ages. Despite the terminal nature of dementia, the end-of-life process is often poorly recognized due to a prolonged decline and cognitive deficits. As a result, people with dementia may be subject to health care interventions that have questionable efficacy and may not align with their wishes. Palliative care, a plan of care that prioritizes comfort, is becoming more widely utilized for patients with chronic illnesses such as dementia. Purpose: The purpose of this critical review of the literature is to …

The Impact Of Religious Beliefs Of Medical Practitioners On The Prescribing Of Contraceptives, Ashley M. Overby, Kayla Westling

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For centuries, the use of artificial birth control has been a highly debated topic across different religions and this debate continues to remain strong today. Living in a country made up of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, religious differences may influence the way practitioners and patients interact with each other when it comes to a variety of medical issues, especially contraception. There is little research, however, that has been done to evaluate for a significant correlation between religious views of practitioners and their tendencies to prescribe contraceptives to patients. A questionnaire was distributed to the Association of Physician Assistants in …

Obesity And Eating Disorders Prevention Programs: Effects On Adolescents And Young Adults With Weight Related Conditions, Jean Marie Parsons

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: With implementation of healthy weight education programs throughout schools, questions have been raised whether a preoccupation with obesity prevention contributes to an increase in the incidence of eating disorders. The purpose of this critical review of research is to compare obesity prevention programs and eating disorder prevention programs and possible unintended negative effects on adolescents with weight-related conditions. Theoretical Framework: Neuman Systems Model and Erickson’s Psychosocial Development were used. While Neuman theorizes a human being is a total person characterized by physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, and developmental factors, Erickson focuses on identity versus role confusion at the adolescent age. …

The Maternal And Neonatal Outcomes Of Utilizing Nitrous Oxide For Labor Analgesia, Joy L. Sayler

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Inhaled nitrous oxide has been used in many developing countries for labor analgesia but fell out of practice in the United States over the past 40 years. Recently it has been reintroduced into practice in the U.S. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the literature in order to determine the maternal and neonatal effects of utilizing nitrous oxide for labor analgesia. Methods: Twenty research articles were critically reviewed in order to determine the maternal and neonatal effects of utilizing nitrous oxide for labor analgesia. Results: Nitrous oxide appears to be safe for both mother and …

Teen Car Control Courses: Impact To Develop Safer Drivers?, Jaime (Wayne) W. Street

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Since the dawn of the automobile, crashes have resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, in our modern era the novice teen driver population suffers the most. In an attempt to decrease crashes, government officials have mandated that all teen drivers take a driver’s education course prior to having their driver’s license. Even with this intervention teen drivers still suffer from the highest morbidity and mortality rates from their crashes compared to any other population group. Recognizing this public health tragedy, the government has sponsored multiple studies examining various ways of reducing these crashes. As a result of these …

Assessment Of Nurses' Knowledge Of Tools And Implementation Of Interventions To Prevent Intensive Care Unit Delirium, Gertrude Brown Thomas

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) acquired delirium is a significant practice issue for nurses. Delirium in ICU patients can be perceived inaccurately by nurses as an expected part of patients’ ICU stay. Increased morbidity and mortality is highly correlated with increased symptoms of delirium during the ICU stay. Nurses are in the position to notice subtle changes in patients and intervene in a timely manner to avert negative outcomes resulting from delirium. Purpose: The aim of this research is to investigate nurses’ knowledge of assessment tools, and discover how effectively nurses are using the tools and implementing interventions to prevent …

Nursing Annual Report: 2018, Centracare Health

Nursing Annual Report

St Cloud Hospital Statistics

Nursing Strategic Plan FY 2017-2018

March of Dimes Distinguished Nurse of the Year - Melissa Fradette

Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Clinic

Fourth Magnet Designation

Nursing Research Studies

Shared Governance

Nursing Podium Presentations, Posters, and Publications

Nursing Awards

Why Worry About It? Clinicians’ Acceptance, Preference, And Use Of Imaginal Exposure And Other Techniques To Treat Generalized Anxiety, Marina Ellen Ross

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is challenging to treat; only approximately 50% of patients have been identified as having meaningful anxiety symptom reduction, with high relapse rates (e.g., Borkovec et al., 2002; Rapgay, Bystritsky, Dafter, & Spearman, 2011). Imaginal exposure (IE) has been shown to decrease behavioral avoidance of emotions as well as anxiety symptoms (Fracalanza, Koerner, & Antony, 2014; Hoyer & Beesdo-Baum, 2012), yet clinicians often do not use exposure treatments due to their attitudes about evidence-based practice, treatment preferences, and beliefs about client discomfort (e.g., Harned, Dimeff, Woodcock, & Contreras, 2013; Meyer, Farrell, Kemp, Blakey, & Deacon, 2014; Whiteside, …

Carry Your Candle...And Light The Way, Tiffany Omann-Bidinger, Deb Eisenstadt, Jenelle Brekken

Nursing Posters

The initial goal and purpose of this symposium was to develop a structured leadership class to prepare support charge nurses for the challenges they face in today's healthcare environment. Using a transformational leadership framework aligned with the Professional Practice Model (PPM): The Compass, a content outline was developed for the charge nurse's role. The focus was based on the charge nurse's role using the following components: autonomy, accountability, critical thinking, crucial conversations, innovation, productivity, coaching and mentoring, healthy work environment principles and shared governance. This would ultimately optimize the Neuroscience/Spine Unit and Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit charge nurse's professional function.

The Hidden Impact Of The Functional Independence Measure, Joyce Belanger

Nursing Posters

An integral piece to Rehabilitation is the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). All staff having a love/hate relationship with FIM scores. How do you make your staff understand the importance of FIM?

Improving Nursing Skills In Caring For Culturally Diverse Patients, Jenna Czech

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this project is to improve nursing competency in caring for culturally diverse populations within St. Cloud Hospital through nursing education and initiation of a care plan related to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patient populations.

Building The Foundations Of Practice Of The Lpn And Cma In Ambulatory Care, Renee Doetkott

Nursing Posters

The practice of the RN is well defined and supported across the profession. But, there is little published information supporting the practice of the LPN and MA in ambulatory care.

Exploring Community Associated Clostridium Difficile, Patricia Dumonceaux Msn, Rn, Cic, Phn, Dana Schmidt Rn

Nursing Posters

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a life threatening bacteria spread in spore form through diarrhea. C. difficile effects approximately 500,000 people annually (CDC, 2016). From 2009-2016, the incidence rate of C. difficile in Minnesota* has increased from 50 to 227/1000,000 persons, with 58% of cases considered community associated** (CA), 17% healthcare facility onset (HCFO), and 25% community onset-HCFO (MDH, 2016). MDH 2016 data indicates C. difficile is being transmitted within healthcare and community settings and among patients primarily greater than 65 years of age, with 54% of CA cases using antibiotics during the 12 weeks prior to positive specimen (2016).

Benefits Of Bedside Report, Golden Fisk

Nursing Posters

Bedside report is part of the nursing handoff policy at St. Cloud Hospital. This research was used to identify benefits of bedside reporting to present to staff to reinforce the importance of following this hospital policy.

Optimizing Documentation For Inpatient Nurses, Melinda Freund

Nursing Posters

For nurses (P) that document motor strength on the assessment flow sheet, will a new prototype for documentation (I), compared to the current system (C), reduce confusion (o) as to where motor strength should be located?

Project Goals: decrease double documentation , decrease confusion, improve end-user satisfaction, improve patient outcomes, improve ability to mine data.

Stop: No-Suicide Contracts, Paul Friebe

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this evidence-based project is to reduce the number of suicide attempts by identification of at risk patients with the Adult and Adolescent Mental Health Units (MHUs) through implementation of the APNA Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Essential Competencies for Assessment and Management of Individuals at Risk for Suicide as compared to the use of No-Suicide Contracts (NSCs).

Post-Stroke Bladder Management, Oniria Gillenwaters

Nursing Posters

Urinary incontinence is commonly observed in patients recovering from a stroke. Bladder management and nurse-led interventions such as timed voiding, and double voiding, may be helpful to decrease the risk of urinary tract infections and incontinence episodes in these patients.

Care Transitions For Hospital To Home: Ideal Discharge Planning, Jeanne Friebe

Nursing Posters

To increase patient satisfaction with the discharge process based on patient's readiness; for patients with uncomplicated vaginal and Cesarean birth through the application of the IDEAL model.

Ebp: House Wide Education, Melinda Jennings

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to improve the content and quality of Computer Based Training (CBT) education and reduce the average CBT module time, through the application of evidence-based guiding principles for CBT content and development, compared to previous practice of ineffective guidelines.

Clinical Research: Evaluation Of Healing Touch's Effect On Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (Cabg) Recovery, A Randomized Study, Bridget Klein, Kirsten Skillings, Roxanne Wilson Phd, Rn, Kathleen Sowada, Teresa Jahn, Jessica Thoma

Nursing Posters

This study is assessing the efficacy of Healing Touch on patients receiving Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting at St. Cloud Hospital. A single previous research study determined Healing Touch, when added to standard nursing care, can significantly reduce anxiety and length of stay in patients undergoing CABG procedures.

Reducing Dialysis Tunneled Catheter Blood Stream Infections, Sharon Hoffman

Nursing Posters

To reduce bloodstream infections related to tunneled dialysis catheters through implementation of aseptic, sterile dressing changes completed by RN's.

Irrisept: Redefining Irrigation, Nicole Koening

Nursing Posters

IrriSept is the only FDA-Cleared device that delivers a pressurized solution containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) for cleansing and debridement. As a final rinse, prior to closure in surgical procedures, IrriSept has the potential to help reduce SSIs and associated treatment costs. IrriSept was developed with the goal of becoming the "Standard of Care" and improving patient outcomes.

IrriSept has a wide range of activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It has demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy and persistence in laboratory testing.

Heart Failure Follow Up Phone Calls, Melissa Lampert, Anne Major

Nursing Posters

Increase the number of 72-hour post-discharge follow-up phone calls for patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of heart failure.

This is a quality measure required for Joint Commission Heart Failure Certification and also to maintain American Heart Association Gold Plus Status.

Central Line Policy Updates, Hanni Lyon, Sara Maciej, Alea Stanger

Nursing Posters

The policy changes reflect the current guidelines and standards used to prevent central lines and associated bloodstream infections and its complications.

Introduction Of A Yellow Flag List In A Call Center Setting, Allyson Mezera

Nursing Posters

Improve work processes of newly established triage/scheduling call center by creating a nurse driven yellow flag list that supports RN scope of practice, improves access to care, and an overall goal of reducing total cost of care.

Proper Hand Hygiene Practice In The Clinic Setting, Wendy Middendorf

Nursing Posters

The use of proper hand hygiene in the clinic setting is critical for infection control and prevention of nosocomial infections.

Orthostatic Blood Pressure Monitoring, Carla Olson

Nursing Posters

To apply the evidence of orthostatic blood (O B/P) pressure monitoring techniques as compared to inconsistent O B/P monitoring. Enhance the knowledge and skill of staff completing O B/P to promote consistent technique and reliable assessment data. Identify and modify order sets which include O B/P monitoring to ensure the order is written for use based on the evidence.