Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Using The Glasgow Coma Scale In Non-Neurological Clinical Areas, Tracey Thornley, Lauren Rullis

Nursing Conference Papers

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was designed for use in a wide range of clinical environments with staff that had no special training (Teasdale and Jennett 1974). Evidence (Waterhouse 2007 and 2008) suggests however that there are ongoing problems with the use of the GCS assessment, and the impact that this might have on patient outcome is unknown. Variations in practice have been found in all areas, including the neurological specialties wards, however the skill level of nursing staff in non neurological areas is concerning with inconsistency in practice.

The purpose of this project was to explore the use of …

The Health Impacts Of Nursing Shift Work, Amanda Maria Cason Shandor

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This descriptive pilot study was intended to evaluate negative outcomes of shift work stress in nursing. Objective analysis of waist-hip-circumference ratios (WHR) and subjective survey reports were utilized to assess whether differences existed in expressed stress, stress related health disorders, and stress associated behaviors among day shift, night shift, and rotating shift registered nurses (RNs). Statistical analysis of the WHRs indicates that no statistical difference exists in the results from this study across the three nursing shifts. Nonetheless, survey reports do suggest that variance exists between nursing shifts. For example, stress related health problems appear to be most prevalent with …

Spirit And Practice Excellence, Maine Medical Center

Annual Reports

Biennial Report on Nursing, 2011-2012

Critique And Appraisal Of A Study On The Attitudes Towards Organ Donor Advocacy Scale, Jessica Stamey, L. Lee Glenn

ETSU Faculty Works

Excerpt: The recent study by Floden, Lennerling, Fridh, Rizell and Forsberg [1] concluded that using the Attitude Towards Organ Donor Advocacy Scale (ATODAS) is ready for use in future research studies because it has good psychometric properties for measuring ICU nurses’ attitudes towards advocacy on behalf of potential and actual organ donors. However, that conclusion is not supported by the data in the study because of lack of evidence of measurement validity

Development And Evaluation Of An Instrument To Measure Mother-Infant Togetherness After Childbirth, Carol Lawrence

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No existing measure to date captures mother-infant togetherness. A valid measure of togetherness is essential to engage in evidence-based practice, evaluate obstetric delivery models and nursing interventions, and measure the level of togetherness which promotes optimal maternal-infant outcomes. When together and in close proximity, a women and her infant have access to one another to allow for mutual caregiving or caregiving on cue. A new measure entitled the Mother-Infant Togetherness Scale (MITS) was developed based on a review of the literature and conceptual framework of Mother-Newborn Mutual Caregiving. The MITS is a 35- item instrument composed of four subscales that …

Graduate Nurse Transition Programs In Western Australia: A Comparative Study Of Their Percieved Efficacy, Ce (Cecilia) Kealley

Theses

This research compares the findings of a survey questionnaire sent to 858 newly graduated Registered Nurses (RNs) in 2010, with those from a similar study conducted 10-years previously. The purpose of the present was threefold. Firstly, to investigate how current transition programs compared to those of 10-years ago; second, to gain insight into how well formal programs assisted the transition of the novice nurse into the workforce; and thirdly, to examine what effect transition programs have for making decisions to remain in the nursing workforce. A mixed methods triangulation design was selected to investigate the research questions. Additional questions to …

Tobacco Treatment In College Health, Joanne Brown

DNP Projects

ABSTRACT: Tobacco Treatment in College Health

The college years are a critical time in the development of smoking behavior and tobacco use. Smoking is linked to 30% of cancer deaths, 80% of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and early cardiovascular disease and death. Effective treatment interventions at this time provide an opportunity to drastically reduce premature morbidity and mortality.

This document follows the progression from the discussion of the problem to evaluation of an intervention. The first manuscript is a review of existing literature on Internet interventions with young adults, including methodology, theoretical frameworks and outcome measures for tobacco …

Mennonite College Of Nursing Annual Report, 2011-2012, Mennonite College Of Nursing

Annual Reports - Mennonite College of Nursing

Annual report of the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University

Acute-To-Home Care Nursing Handoffs: Distributed Cognition Across Patterns Of Knowledge, Rosemary Kennedy

Dissertations

Timely, explicit, and effective communication of patient information during care transitions is fundamental to safe care. Studies show that handoffs or transfers of patient care from one provider to another are susceptible to communication failures (Riesenberg et al., 2009a). Most studies on communication failures focus on communication between providers within the same setting of care. Few studies, if any, focus on communication between care settings in different locations. However, research has identified gaps in care during critical transitions and identified poor communication and incomplete transfer of information as the root cause (Naylor et al., 2004). This qualitative dissertation consists of …

Presence In Nursing Practice: A Critical Hermeneutic Analysis, Alicia Laurel Bright

Doctoral Dissertations

Research Topic

Presence, although it involves action at times, is a humanitarian quality of relating that is ethically generated and has real-world implications for both patient and nurse. It is an interpersonal process characterized by sensitivity, holism, intimacy, vulnerability, and adaptation to unique circumstances that results in enhanced mental wellbeing for nurses and patients, and improved physical wellbeing for patients. Knowing and being with are foundational to being present.

Theory and Protocol

This research is grounded in critical hermeneutics and follows an interpretive approach to field research and data analysis (Herda 1999). This orientation places the researcher and participants in …

Paediatric Nursing : An Investigation Of The Effect Of Specialist Paediatric Nurse Education On The Quality Of Children’S Nursing Care In Western Australia, Jonathan Mark Mould

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In Australia, specialist education in paediatrics is not a requirement for nurses caring for hospitalised children. Thus, nurses can work in paediatrics without any prior knowledge of the unique needs of children such as developmental stages or separation anxiety. As a consequence, there are some clinicians and authors who advocate that when children require health care, they should be cared for by nurses who are educated in, and understand the specific physical, psychological and social needs of children. Despite this, the evidence is lacking as to whether specialist nurse education affects the quality of care in paediatrics. This study investigates …

Nursing Students' Lived Experiences Surrounding Medication Administration, Sally Nan Morgan Phd

Dissertations

Medication errors are abounding and the complexity of medication administration creates an environment where health care providers are at risk for making errors. This environment includes nursing students learning medication administration. Coupled with a rigid, protocol-driven pedagogy, nursing students may be placed in a learning experience counterproductive to accuracy. Previous studies have focused on causes and perceptions of medication errors looking for the delineation between safe and unsafe practice. In doing so, past research may have narrowed the path of discovery needed to diminish medication errors. In addition, research regarding the lived experience of nursing students while they are learning …

Call-Shift Fatigue And Use Of Countermeasures And Strategies By Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Ramona M. Domen Phd, Crna

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) experience fatigue during call and to assess their use of fatigue avoidance strategies (practices that prevent fatigue) and fatigue countermeasures (practices that decrease fatigue) to mitigate its effects. Method: Using a cross sectional descriptive survey design, data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 323 practicing CRNAs who worked call shifts. Data analysis: Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. Results: The sample was fairly evenly distributed with slightly more female respondents, 55% (n = 179). Fifty four percent worked a weekday call …

A Study Of Expressed Emotion In Psychiatric Nurses And Its Relation To The General Role And Effects Of Emotions In Nursing, Lauren A. Buck

Senior Honors Theses

Nurses play a vital role in the health and care of a patient. Through that care, the nurse has the ability to improve the patient’s experience or ruin it. A vital component influencing the care provided are the emotions the nurse displays toward her coworkers, patients, and patients’ family members. The emotions of a nurse may positively or negatively impact a patient. The studies that examine the impact of the nurse’s emotions on patient’s outcomes are varied and few. The communication and emotion of nurses are likely to impact their care and, from that, the patient’s outcome; however, there is …

Navigating The Digital Divide: A Teaching-Learning Initiative With The Ipad2, Beth Ann Swan, Kathryn Shaffer, Kellie Smith, Anthony J. Frisby, Mary Hanson-Zalot

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Background/ Rationale: It has been established that Interprofessional Education (IPE) offers a solution to foster teamwork and improve patient care and should be implemented early in professional role development. Thomas Jefferson University has been providing IPE to interprofessional healthcare students for over 5 years. A long term strategic goal was identified to “create innovative learning environments that support interprofessional education including state-of-the-art technologies”. In actualizing this goal, the curriculum was enhanced with technology supported collaborative learning techniques to assist in group processing and reflection. Combining traditional IPE activities with technology supported components incorporated the advantages of both delivery methods, …

Health Information Technology (Hit) And Chemotherapy Management, Diane Abisaleh, Rn, Bsn, Msn

Department of Nursing papers and presentations

• Cancer is the 2nd most common cause of death, accounting for 26% of all deaths.
• Chemotherapy errors can potentially lead to significant harm or death
• 1 out of every 50 chemotherapy orders, results in serious death
• Lack of HIT support for workflow increases error

Partnership Between University Clnical Skills/Simulation Center And Nursing Staff Development-New Products, Mary Bent Mangano, Msn, Rn, Cns, John J. Duffy, Rn, Msn, Ccrn, Cnrn

Department of Nursing papers and presentations

There is a growing evidence in the nursing literature about the effectiveness of clinical simulation as a powerful teaching/learning strategy. This wealth of research attributes simulation's effectiveness to its design that creates an environment where "students become active learners, abandoning memorization for accessing knowledge, and thinking and applying learning in context rather than providing answers to fact-based test" (Jeffries, 2007). A simulation suite provides a "safe, supportive environment that allows students to learn a variety of complex skills in a stress-free environment" (Ghiglieri, Ruiz, & Vasudevan, 2007). Creating this environment requires meticulous planning to details. The learner must have a …

Factors Influencing The Implementation Of A Point-Of-Care Screening Tool For Delirium, Beth Ann Swan, Phd, Crnp, Faan, Julie Becker, Phd, Mph, Rickie Brawer, Mph, Phd, Christopher N. Sciamanna, Md, Mph

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Given the ample evidence delirium in hospitalized older adults is under diagnosed and not recognized by nurses up to 85% of the time, interventions are needed at the point of care to assist nurses in recognizing delirium. In this qualitative study, factors that might influence the implementation of a point-of-care screening tool for delirium were examined.

An Interprofessional Education Opportunity For Future Health Care Leaders, Denise Neill, Jere Hammer

Administrative Issues Journal

Increasing emphasis on interprofessional collaborative practice to improve health care delivery quality and safety led nursing faculty in a small liberal arts university to explore a unique educational initiative with School of Business Administration faculty. While developing a master of science in nursing administration option, the opportunity to create a collaborative undergraduate health care administration concentration with the School of Business Administration developed. Common competencies and potential shared courses were identified. After launching the initiative, faculty from both schools collaborated to evaluate outcomes. Student response has been overwhelmingly positive. The ability to examine health care issues from both business and …

Mid-Atlantic Ethics Committee Newsletter, Fall 2011-Winter 2012

Mid-Atlantic Ethics Committee Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Nurses Alumni Association Bulletin, Fall 2011, Susan Albrecht Curcio, Diane Warder Carugno, Sarah Hindson Wagner, Jane Ryan Dietrich, Aileen Ishuin Macmillan

Nursing Alumni Bulletins

2011 - 2012 Meeting Date Calendar

Cover 2012 Annual Luncheon & Meeting Notice

Officers, Committee Chairs, Satellite and Volunteers

Bulletin Publication Committee

The President's Message

Treasurer's Report

Resume of Minutes

Office News

Committee Reports

• Social
• Scholarship
• Relief Trust Fund
• Nominating
• Satellite - Harrisburg Satellite Area
• Bulletin
• By Laws

Annual Giving

Janet C. Hindson Award

Janet C. Hindson Award Criteria

Janet C. Hindson Award Recipient and Nominees

Memories

Era Ending (Part Two)

Mary Schaal, EdD, RN

Medical Clinic

Psychology and Nursing

Happy Birthday -To Be 80 or More

50th Anniversary Class Lists for 1961

Luncheon Attendees

Center Page

1962 - Anniversary …

Analysis Of Texas Nurses' Preparedness And Perceived Competence In Managing Disasters, Sylvia Theresa Baack

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Awareness of disaster preparedness has penetrated every level of the government and has captured the attention of citizens around the world. The increased prevalence of natural disasters cannot be denied, and the growing turbulence of world affairs is the focus of intense media attention. Nurses make up the largest sector of the healthcare workforce and are integral responders to major natural and human-induced disasters. It is essential that nurses have the knowledge and preparation needed to respond effectively, not only for the benefit of health care organizations, but for the safety of the community at large. This article explores the …

Health Literacy And Health Promotion Behaviors Among Samoans, Katherine Tong Phd, Msn, Cfnp, Phn

Dissertations

Limited health literacy is associated with failure to engage in health promotion behaviors. Few studies examine this relationship among Samoans. This study used a cross-sectional correlational design to determine health literacy levels and their relationship to health promoting behaviors in a southern California Samoan population. Health literacy (Short form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults) and health promotion behaviors (Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II) were measured in a convenience sample of 87 Samoans in southern California. Data analysis employed chi-square, t-test, and one- way ANOVA. Significant associations were found for health literacy and demographic characteristics of employment and marital …

Associations Among Perceived Benefits, Barriers, Cues, And Physical Activity In Thai Primary Students, Sireewat Ar-Yuwat Phd, Mph, Rn

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and cues to action and levels of physical activity in Thai fourth grade students. The Health Belief Model was used as the theoretical framework of the study to investigate students' beliefs related to physical activity. The participants in this cross-sectional study were fourth grade students selected by a simple random sampling method. A sample of 123 students was recruited from primary schools in Muang district, Phitsanulok province. The sample schools were selected by stratified random sampling. For data collection, the study utilized two instruments: the …

School Of Nursing Newsletter July 2011, Southern Adventist University School Of Nursing

Southern Nursing - School of Nursing Newsletter

The July 2011 issue of the newsletter features articles on the grand opening of Florida Hospital Hall, a visit from Japanese nursing students, mission trips, the nursing honor society, and new nursing faculty.

Lived Experience: East African Somali Speaking Women Accessing The U.S. Healthcare System, Shukri Adam Phd

Dissertations

Access to prenatal healthcare for East African Somali Speaking Women (EASSW) who are immigrants to the U.S. has been dependent on the availability of a systematic healthcare treatment model. The purpose of this study was to explore EASSW's lived experiences in accessing prenatal healthcare services in the U.S. A descriptive, qualitative phenomenological approach informed by the work of Husserl was used to explore EASSW's experiences, views, and problems encountered while attempting to access prenatal healthcare services in the U.S. Fifteen EASSW of childbearing age (ages 18–45) were recruited for this study. All participants interviewed privately, beginning with a semi-structured, open-ended …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Maternal And Child Outcomes Following An Obesity Intervention Program, Melinda S. Bender Phd

Dissertations

Background: One of the highest risk groups for childhood obesity and associated co-morbidities in the United States are low-income Hispanic preschool children. To reduce obesity, effective interventions are being sought to improve health behaviors among high risks groups. Objectives: To evaluate a subset of data from a larger 9-month promotora facilitated obesity intervention study. The aims were to determine: 1) pre- to post-program differences in health behaviors including: (a) children's consumption of high carbohydrate beverages (HCB); and (b) maternal walking, beliefs, knowledge, self-efficacy, and relationship building regarding nutrition and physical activity; and 2) which covariates were significant for change in …

The Experience Of Forgiving In The Marital Relationship, Kathleen M. Leo

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Effect Of Tai Chi Exercise On Balance And Falls In Persons With Parkinson’S, Beth A. Gladfelter

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that progresses to impair one’s gait and balance, often causing falls and subsequent disability. Current management of PD is aimed at treating the symptoms but is not effective in treating the underlying cause, nor does typical treatment effectively improve postural stability. Exercise can decrease symptoms of the disease and lessen disability. Providers need to find alternatives to the costly physical therapy that is prescribed to treat progressive and debilitating PD. Tai Chi (TC) has been shown to offer an enjoyable exercise routine that participants want to maintain. There is evidence to support the …

Interventions To Improve The Management Of Medically Uninsured Adult Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Primary Care, Community-Based Settings, Lynn Miskovich

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

This project measured the effect of a clinical algorithm on the provision of care to medically uninsured adult patients with type 2 diabetes and a low socioeconomic status (SES). Primary providers often fail to implement established standards for diabetes care to their maximal benefit and do not achieve American Diabetes Association (ADA) treatment standards. Saydah, et al. (2004) reported that only 48% of patients with diabetes achieved the recommended HbA1c goal, and 33% reached blood pressure and LDL targets. Goals for all three clinical parameters were obtained by only 7% of patients. The Stetler Model of Evidence-based Practice (EBP) provided …