Nursing Commons^™

Safe Patient Care Act Advocation, Julia Rhodes

Honors Theses

This paper discusses advocating for the Safe Patient Care Act and how it affects people in society. This topic is very relevant because it affects a vast majority of people including nurses, patients, and the healthcare systems as a whole. Methods used to advocate for this bill include grass roots activism, composing and presenting speeches, scheduling and attending meetings, presenting to different nursing school cohorts, collaborating with the Michigan Nurses Association, and participating in hearings held by the Michigan House of Representatives. Results consisted of positive feedback from representatives and their word to vote for the Safe Patient Care Act. …

Investigating The Relationship Between Consistent Workout Regimen On Quality Of Life Among Crossfitters In South Mississippi, Christian Glass

Honors Theses

Robust literature exists to support the utility of CrossFit in improving metabolic and cardiovascular well-being. However, a metaphorical chasm exists not in the study of the physiological effects of CrossFit but in the psychological effects, namely quality of life (QOL). This thesis aimed to offer an installment into this gap by investigating trends among a population of 81 CrossFitters in south Mississippi. To best fulfill this task, a quantitative study was conducted using a 32-item survey composed of a mixture of questions from the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL- BREF) to assess reported quality of life …

Nurses’ Perceptions Of Ppe Compliance Among South Mississippi Medical- Surgical Nurses, Jenna Roush

Honors Theses

Utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriately is critical in protecting nurses and patients from contracting infectious diseases. Poor compliance with PPE is associated with increased hospital-acquired infections and directly impacts infection control measures. This thesis delves into the perceptions of PPE compliance and awareness among medical-surgical nurses in South Mississippi. A quantitative study utilizing a 28-item survey was implemented. Likert-style and open-ended survey questions were completed by n=28 participants. Univariate analysis was used to determine compliance among each PPE item, awareness and confidence of PPE items, and whether there was a lack of training or a PPE shortage. Based on …

Loneliness Among College Students, Jaime Benson

Honors Theses

This study investigated the level of loneliness among health-focused scholars in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), Western Michigan University to improve student life experience, social opportunities, and support networks. We recruited participants from various CHHS programs using a convenience sampling method, requiring informed consent and program enrollment. The UCLA Loneliness Scale served as our measurement tool, allowing us to compare scores across program backgrounds using independent samples t-tests or non-parametric alternatives. Among 59 participants, 22.0% reported low loneliness levels, 49.1% moderate levels, 25.4% moderately high levels, and 3.4% high levels. Notably, the highest scores emerged in questions …

Gender Role Conflict Experienced By Baccalaureate Level Male Nursing Students At The University Of Southern Mississippi, Brantley Snowden

Honors Theses

This study aims to determine the presence of gender role conflict experienced by male nursing students at the University of Southern Mississippi. Thirty-one male nursing students participated in this study. A 55-question survey was distributed via email to men in the baccalaureate nursing program at the University of Southern Mississippi. The survey contained a brief demographic section and a 53-question Likert scale section. The Likert scale questions were adopted from two validated surveys; the Inventory of Male Friendliness in Nursing Programs (IMFNP), and the Gender Role Conflict Scale – Short Form (GRCS-SF). Thirty questions were derived from the IMFNP and …

Increasing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Baby-Friendly Initiatives, Courtney Ragsdell

Honors Theses

This research investigates the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and Baby-Friendly Community Initiative on increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates; it also suggests a plan for implementing the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative protocols within a small community.

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On New Graduate Nurses And Their Nursing Judgement And Decision Making, Marisa Szydlowski

Honors Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in the field of healthcare. COVID-19 has changed how providers and staff interact with patients and each other, limited access to healthcare in some groups, and led to changes in healthcare education in academia. To date, there has been little research conducted on the pandemic and the effects it had on nursing students. Current literature focuses on the pandemic and how it impacted already practicing and licensed healthcare workers such as registered nurses. Additional research is needed to assess those who were in school during the pandemic. In nursing education, there was a …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On New Graduate Nurses And Their Nursing Judgement And Decision Making, Chase Rosengarten

Honors Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in the field of healthcare. COVID-19 has changed how providers and staff interact with patients and each other, limited access to healthcare in some groups, and led to changes in healthcare education in academia. To date, there has been little research conducted on the pandemic and the effects it had on nursing students. Current literature focuses on the pandemic and how it impacted already practicing and licensed healthcare workers such as registered nurses. Additional research is needed to assess those who were in school during the pandemic. In nursing education, there was a …

The Impact Of The War In Gaza On Pediatric Mental Health, Noura Warsi

Honors Theses

Due to the military occupation and numerous violent wars that occur in the Gaza Strip, current research depicts that these occurrences not only suscept children to physical harm, but are also detrimental to children’s mental health, causing lasting consequences if left untreated. The purpose of this project is to understand and analyze the impact of the wars, specifically the 2021 war, and the military occupation on Gaza’s pediatric mental health. Unfortunately, children in Gaza, as well as parents, teachers, health care providers, and mental health counselors have the unique problem of navigating mental health crises in children who experience continuous …

Spiritual Care Within The Field Of Healthcare, Summer Sirrine

Honors Theses

This thesis can be interpreted as a fundamental and comprehensive resource that addresses major discussion points of spiritual care (SC) within the healthcare setting. It begins with definition of SC, information surrounding its value within healthcare, the qualifications necessary to practice it, simple yet effective tools and questions to perform SC, as well as acknowledgment of notable barriers and complications, and how those can be dealt with. SC correlates with not only the patient’s physical and mental health, but how it may impact medical practice, depending on how much an individual’s spirituality, religion, etc. affects their life. Healthcare providers should …

Intimate Partner Violence In Nursing Students: Prevalence And Impact Of Educational Workshop, Sara Michalowski

Honors Theses

Introduction

The overall purpose of this study was to understand the prevalence of intimate partner violence in nursing students and assess the amount of education and knowledge that nursing students have on this topic. In addition, resources were provided to the students. Suggestions for improvement are also provided for the nursing staff and faculty. There is currently little education being provided to nursing students regarding intimate partner violence, which leads to unpreparedness in the nurse role and failure to recognize abusive situations in their personal lives. The qualitative data is limited regarding the prevalence of intimate partner violence in nursing …

Communication Techniques For Nursing Students, Karlee Coddens

Honors Theses

This thesis will discuss the effects nursing preceptors have on nursing students' clinical experience. This thesis will explore multiple factors that negatively impact nursing student’s communication with their preceptors. It has been found that clinical experiences are extremely important for the future of nursing students. However, there is often a communication barrier between nursing students and their preceptors. This barrier can lead to negative outcomes for new nurses entering the field. Strained communication can also create dangerous situations for patients. Students who fear harsh comments or vertical violence may be reluctant to disclose the limitations of their knowledge. We completed …

Firefighter: 24/48 Versus 48/96; Sleep, Strain, And Recovery, Amy Sprague

Honors Theses

Firefighters provide important safety services for a 24-hour society. Sleep is very important to the human body. Without sleep a person can experience both short- and long-term side effects. These side effects not only put the sleep deprived person in danger but can also put the public in danger as well. There are many different shift schedules that fire departments can run on. While on duty firefighters must be ready to respond to any emergency call, they receive no matter the time. This can impact the amount of sleep they get while on duty. The current study used biometric straps …

Implicit Racial Bias In Healthcare: A Concept Analysis And Call To Action, Rachel Ferguson

Honors Theses

For students pursuing a nursing degree, exposure to implicit bias during their educational program is as concerning as the lack of training to acknowledge and conquer the development of implicit bias. Both facets can root negative attitudes and behaviors in the student nurse that will be carried into their practice throughout the healthcare system. It is a professional obligation for the registered nurse to be aware of implicit bias and understand its strong connection to increased risk of mortality, health complications, and other adverse health outcomes, especially in racial minority patient populations (Maina et al., 2018). This thesis contains a …

Ways To Decrease Risk Of Postpartum Hemorrhage, Madison Holcomb

Honors Theses

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading preventable cause of maternal mortality (Jena et al., 2022). In fact, it accounts for 25% of maternal deaths globally (Cooper et al., 2022). There is a tremendous need for education to the pregnant population There are methods to decrease the risk that needs to be taught to patients. The education on risk factors should be provided in the in the preconception period and throughout pregnancy. There are several components of educational practice that may improve the knowledge of pregnant individuals. The educational components can be divided into implementations during the antenatal period and the …

The Effects Of Holistic Modalities On Stress Reduction In Nursing Students Attending School During The Pandemic, Rachel Kamp

Honors Theses

Nursing students tend to experience high levels of stress due to the pressures and demands of nursing school, including exams, clinical, and interactions with professors and preceptors (Labrague et al., 2017). Recently, the COVID-19 Pandemic has created additional stressors. Both mind and body modalities (yoga, meditation, deep breathing etc.) and exercise modalities (running, walking, etc.) are some of many health promoting, stress reducing activities that were proven to be effective in reducing stress in nursing students prior to the pandemic. This study aims to determine if these modalities are still effective now, and how nursing faculty supports stress reduction in …

Communication Techniques For Nursing Students, Erin Raby

Honors Theses

This thesis will discuss the effects nursing preceptors have on nursing students' clinical experience. This thesis will explore multiple factors that negatively impact nursing student’s communication with their preceptors. It has been found that clinical experiences are extremely important for the future of nursing students. However, there is often a communication barrier between nursing students and their preceptors. This barrier can lead to negative outcomes for new nurses entering the field. Strained communication can also create dangerous situations for patients. Students who fear harsh comments or vertical violence may be reluctant to disclose the limitations of their knowledge. We completed …

Nursing Students Attitudes Towards Patients' With Disabilities, Sonny Miles

Honors Theses

Attitudes have been found to impact the quality of healthcare provided to patients. Nursing students are individuals that will eventually care for and impact the livelihood of all individuals including those with disabilities. Measurements of attitudes among nursing students serves to evaluate the efficacy of nursing curriculums regarding disability and determines if revision is needed to better promote healthcare administration for the patient with a disability. This study utilized the Scale of Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons (SADP) to measure attitudes among nursing students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program at a Southeastern University. The mean score from participants was 108.49 …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Well-Being Of Healthcare Workers, Hannah Meissner

Honors Theses

The development of the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, led to the spread of turmoil across the United States and further around the globe. With the virus creating uncertainty among the population, the evidence began to demonstrate that individuals could have devastating health effects, including death. Healthcare workers are among those who were on the frontlines in order to care for the infected, ultimately increasing their own chances of acquiring the virus and putting their health at risk. These workers have experienced a direct impact due to this exposure in the form of isolation, anxiety, depression, suicide, and sleep disturbances. With …

Exploring The Gap: Positive And Negative Experiences Of The Clinical Nurse Educator, Ariana Johnson

Honors Theses

The overall aim of this thesis is to understand clinical nurse educator experiences. Challenges to retain and recruit nurse educators' limits nursing student enrollment and the ability to meet nursing workforce demands. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) factors contributing to nursing faculty shortages guided this thesis research study. Asking research questions, “Describe what you like about being an academic clinical nurse educator” and “Describe what you don’t like about being an academic clinical nurse educator” can support understanding clinical nurse educator positive and negative experiences. A qualitative descriptive study and thematic analysis was conducted. An anonymous 22-question …

Sexual Assault: Disclosure, Healthcare Barriers And Facilitators, And Interventions, Meghan Stepnitz

Honors Theses

Sexual assault is apparent across the globe. Sexual assault victims and survivors face many barriers that decrease disclosure to healthcare providers leading to it becoming underreported. These barriers can be alleviated with interventions implemented by healthcare providers to ease the process of disclosure. Victims and survivors also face barriers seeking post-assault, follow-up, and mental healthcare. Researchers have described the barriers that sexual assault victims and survivors face accessing healthcare in the immediate period after assault, but less research has focused on healthcare beyond this period. Recognizing these barriers gives the opportunity for healthcare providers to remove them and make healthcare …

Barriers Of Bronson School Of Nursing Program, Karla Kline

Honors Theses

Aside from the rigorous coursework of nursing school, nursing students experience various barriers that impact their academic success. Barriers to successful completion of traditional Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) programs include isolation, lack of peer connections, lack of faculty connections, lack of family support, lack of financial support, and mental health struggles (Shaw, 2015) (Seal & Woods, 2021). This research will aim at assessing and exploring these barriers students are facing, along with the additional or exacerbated barriers the COVID-19 pandemic has surfaced.

This study will expand on the research conducted by Shaw (2015), in which she examined the …

Assessing The Impact Of Covid-19 Restrictions On The Perinatal Experience In Mississippi, Baylee Grimsley

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to assess how COVID-19 restrictions affected the perinatal experience of women in Mississippi. A flyer detailing the purpose and inclusion criteria of the study was sent via social media platforms. Five postpartum women from the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area participated in this study. Eight open-ended questions were asked in an interview format, and a seven-question demographic survey was given to each participant at the conclusion of the interview. Five restrictions related to COVID-19 were identified: visitor restrictions in the hospital, mask requirements in healthcare facilities, screening of patients upon admission to the Labor and Delivery …

The State Of Healthcare Policy Education In Nursing School Curricula: A Literature Review, Katelyn Gebelein

Honors Theses

The purpose of this paper was to conduct a literature review regarding the current state of health policy education in nursing school curricula. Additionally, the paper will outline what improvements are being implemented in nursing education. The database CINAHL was used to conduct this study. According to the literature, there are an inadequate number of nurses participating in health policy reform which can be linked back to a lack of health policy education while in nursing school. The literature suggests options such as experiential learning, group activities and reflections, enhancing faculty knowledge, suggesting new teaching strategies, and implementing new courses …

Synesthesia: Does It Have An Effect On Memory?, Elizabeth Evans

Honors Theses

Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon involving an inducer (a stimulus) and a concurrent (elicited response). For many years, scientists have striven to explain synesthesia and whether or not there are benefits to the people who experience it. In this study, nineteen participants were asked to complete a questionnaire in an attempt to see if their synesthetic experiences gave them advantages in the area of memory. The seven questions were given in a multiple-choice or text entry format, and the questionnaire was approved by The University of Southern Mississippi’s IRB before being sent out in an electronic format. The majority of …

The Assessment Of Senior-Level Nursing Students’ Knowledge Regarding Informal Caregiver Role Strain And The Presence Of Role Strain In Informal Caregivers Of Dementia Patients, Amanda Diard

Honors Theses

The goal of this study was to assess senior-level nursing students’ knowledge of informal caregivers of dementia patients, their confidence in their ability to work with informal caregivers, and how well they believe their nursing program prepared them to assist informal caregivers. Seventeen (n = 17) Bachelor of Science (BSN) nursing students participated in the study. A twenty-four-question survey was emailed to both junior- and senior-level students in the five-semester BSN program at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Responses from students of different levels were collected to determine if an accurate understanding of informal caregivers of dementia patients …

Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Knowledge Of Endometriosis: A Pilot Study, Stephanie Schlorke

Honors Theses

This descriptive post-test design study was conducted to assess knowledge level of undergraduate nursing students regarding risk factors, clinical manifestations, age of diagnosis, common psychiatric co-morbidities, treatment methods, and pathophysiology of endometriosis. An author-created 8 question multichoice and select all that apply questionnaire was used to collect the data. Twenty-eight students responded to the questionnaire. The results were divided to compare knowledge differences between second-semester and fifth-semester students.

It was determined that the undergraduate nursing students have a working knowledge of endometriosis, but there are knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Fifth-semester participants scored higher than the second-semester participants …

Rationalizing Academic Dishonesty And Its Effect On Nursing, Leah Salisbury

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of cheating in a bachelor’s degree nursing program and to determine if social normalization contributed to the increase. Three major sources for the increase in cheating were identified, and these are technological advances, lack of a specific cheating definition, and cultural socialization towards academic dishonesty (Wideman, 2011; DuPree and Sattler, 2010; Jones, 2011; Burrus, McGoldrick and Schuhmann, 2007). Studies showed a positive correlation between engagement in academic dishonesty and engagement in dishonest behaviors in nursing practice, which is the biggest concern for nursing programs (Krueger, 2014; Johnstone, 2016; McCrink, 2010). …

Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Chhs Students, Linnea Wood

Honors Theses

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has impacted students in various ways. Students around the world / in the U.S have been impacted in financial, emotional, mental, and physical ways as COVID-19 continues to change the way the world is navigated. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the feelings and vulnerabilities of students at the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) building during the 2020 Pandemic. In order to succeed in school, students need to feel financially stable, physically stable and mentally stable. While many students have struggled with this balance in the past, the effect of COVID-19 has …

Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Chhs Students, Macey Seal

Honors Theses

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has impacted students in various ways. Students around the world / in the U.S have been impacted in financial, emotional, mental, and physical ways as COVID-19 continues to change the way the world is navigated. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the feelings and vulnerabilities of students at the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) building during the 2020 Pandemic. In order to succeed in school, students need to feel financially stable, physically stable and mentally stable. While many students have struggled with this balance in the past, the effect of COVID-19 has …