Nursing Commons^™

A Literature Review Of Barriers To Immunization In Preterm, Low-Birth-Weight And Very-Low Birth Weight Infants, Sandra Burkinshaw, Janelle L. B. Macintosh

Student Works

Approximately 500,000 infants are born each year prior to 37 weeks gestation in the United States. Despite the increased immunologic risk for infants born pre-term (PT), low birth weight (LBW), or very low birth weight (VLBW), infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are often under immunized, if they are immunized at all. Factors that have been identified to inhibit immunization uptake in the NICU population include: immunization effectiveness, safety and adverse events, provider belief, and policy guidelines regarding vaccination in this population. Providers caring for these vulnerable infants can increase the immunization rates by implementing evidenced based education, developing …

International Nursing Collaboration: Finland And Russia: 2013-2015, Leslie Miles

Journal of Undergraduate Research

1) Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met.

Twenty nursing students participated in this international collaboration in Russia and Finland, with two of the students in the role of research assistants (RA). One outcome was for students to be able to closely analyze other healthcare systems. These RAs utilized research principles by devising and editing a research questionnaire to collect quantitative and qualitative data about nursing student’s perceptions about international collaboration activities. In addition the students were mentored to analyze the data and compare to current literature. Several student presentations have resulted.

Minimizing Pain During Childhood Vaccination Injections: Improving Adherence To Vaccination Schedules, Lacey M. Eden, Janelle L.B. Macintosh, Karlen E. Luthy, Renea L. Beckstrand

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Pain experienced in childhood can lead to long-term and psychologically detrimental effects. Unfortunately, the most common pain experienced in childhood is caused by vaccinations and may lead to non-adherence to the recommended vaccination schedule. As a result, it is the health care provider’s responsibility to take measures to reduce vaccination pain; however, there are a plethora of pain relieving interventions during immunizations and it is unclear which interventions are most cost efficient, timely, and effective. Studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of different pain management interventions during vaccinations. This review evaluates various pain relieving interventions and provide health …

N404 Nursing Care Of The Diverse Veteran Population In Rural And Urban Settings, Ron Ulberg, Kent Blad

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met:

The academic objectives of the MEG proposal were met and exceeded. Specifically, students were exposed to local and national venues in which Veterans and their history are prevalent. Examples of this include visits by the students and faculty to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, VA Medical Center War Related Injury and Illness Study Center, Arlington National Cemetery, US Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial, WW I Memorial, WW II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Museum of American History, etc. We also met with Senator Mike Lee …

Immunization Status Of Nicu Graduates At A Tertiary Care Children's Hospital, Leslie Jane Huggins

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this study were to determine the current rates of immunization and identify variables associated with immunizations of NICU graduates who were 60 days of age or older at time of discharge. This is a descriptive pilot study utilizing retrospective paper chart review. The relationships between immunization status and study variables were examined using logistic regression. Of 43 infants discharged at least 60 days of age or older from the NICU, 74.4% were up to date for immunizations in accordance with AAP recommendations. Additional variables were not significant. Immunization needs to be a priority in order to give …

Child Suicide Screening Methods: Are We Asking The Right Questions? A Review Of The Literature And Recommendations For Practice, Arwen York, Barbara Heise, Brandon Thatcher

Student Works

Few suicide screening instruments are specifically designed for the 5 to 14 year-old age group. This paper reviews five currently available suicide screening tools that might be appropriate for use with children, evaluates the quality of these tools, and recommends which tools might be useful in primary care practice. To detect and prevent child suicide, primary care nurse practitioners must be committed to child-centered care, recognize that suicidal thoughts and behaviors can develop early in life, identify pertinent state and trait risk factors in children, have knowledge about the quality of available screening tools, and facilitate specialty care services.

Evaluation Of Vaccination Policies Among Outpatient Oncology Clinics In Utah: A Pilot Study, Karlen Beth Luthy, Sarah L. Stocksdale, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Renea L. Beckstrand, Katherine Edmonds

Faculty Publications

Background: In Utah, all major hospital facilities have employee vaccination policies. However, the presence of health care worker vaccination policies in the Utah outpatient oncology setting was unknown.

Objectives: The objectives were to identify Utah oncology outpatient employee vaccination policies and to identify what consequences, if any, were present for unvaccinated employees.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study design in which clinic managers from outpatient oncology clinics in Utah were asked, via questionnaire, to describe the clinic’s employee vaccination policy and the consequences for refusing the policy.

Findings: Most vaccination policies applied to employees primarily assigned to work in …

Understanding Anterior Knee Pain: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Craig Nuttall, Blaine A. Winters

Faculty Publications

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is 1 of the most common causes of anterior knee pain and should be included in the differential diagnosis for anterior knee pain in every patient. PFPS is characterized as an overuse injury. The exact mechanism of injury is still under investigation, but it is believed to stem from maltracking of the patella. PFPS commonly presents in adults who complain of anterior knee pain with activity. This pain can lead to significant disability. When treated appropriately, disability and chronicity can be avoided or reduced.

Evaluation And Management Of Spinal Column Fractures In Adults, Blaine A. Winters, Craig Nuttall

Faculty Publications

Nurse practitioners working in many settings are faced with the challenge of diagnosing and managing patients with potential or actual spinal column fractures. In this article we provide nurse practitioners with the knowledge necessary to evaluate for and diagnose spinal column fractures in adults. We also provide guidelines for the appropriate management of injuries and identify when referral is recommended.

Neurobiology Of Trauma, Julie L. Valentine, Linda Mabey, Leslie Miles

Faculty Publications

• The neurobiology of trauma can affect the functioning of the brain with lasting consequences.
• The body's hormonal response to trauma affects the encoding of memory.
• Acute stress disorder (ASD) can result following trauma and can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if symptoms last for more than 1 month.
• Trauma can cause immediate symptoms, such as tonic immobility and dissociation, and may lead to chronic symptoms oof depression and anxiety.
• Exposure to trauma can cause physical health problems.
• Evidence-based psychotherapy treatment options following traumatic exposure are available.
• Providing compassionate, nonjudgmental care to victims of trauma helps their healing process.

Nurses …

Validation Of Accelerometer Thresholds And Inclinometry For Measurement Of Sedentary Behavior In Young Adult University Students, Neil E. Peterson, John R. Sirard, Pamela A. Kulbok, Mark D. Deboer, Jeanne M. Erickson

Faculty Publications

Sedentary behavior (SB) is a major contributing factor to obesity and significant morbidity and mortality in adolescence and into adulthood, yet measuring SB is difficult. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of construct validity of the ActiGraph GT3X+ inclinometer function and accelerometry metrics in objectively measuring SB and physical activity in young adult university students while performing semi-structured activities: lying, sitting, reading, playing seated video gaming, video watching, seated conversation, standing, stationary biking, and walking. These nine activities were objectively assessed using inclinometry and four output metrics from the ActiGraph based on the axis used to …

Rural Emergency Nurses’ End-Of-Life Care Obstacle Experiences: Stories From The Last Frontier, Renea L. Beckstrand, Jonathan Rohwer, Karlen E. Luthy, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Ryan J. Rasmussen

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Rural emergency nurses face unique obstacles to providing quality end-of-life (EOL) care. Stories provided by emergency nurses embody their most difficult EOL care obstacles.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 53 rural hospitals. Respondents were asked to share stories that epitomized the obstacles faced while providing EOL care in the rural emergency setting.

Results: The lack of an ideal death (eg, the nurse personally knows the patient, issues with family members, and unknown patient wishes) was the top obstacle. Other reported obstacles were insufficient ED staff and power struggles between nurses and physicians.

Discussion: Rural emergency nurses often provide …

Addressing Parental Vaccination Questions In The School Setting: An Integrative Literature Review, Karlen Beth Luthy, Jana Burningham, Lacey M. Eden, Janelle L B Macintosh, Renea L. Beckstrand

Faculty Publications

School nurses work in a unique environment with key opportunities to address parental concerns and questions regarding their child’s health. A common concern for parents during school enrollment is childhood vaccination safety and efficacy. As public health leaders, school nurses are well respected among parents, therefore school nurses are in a prime position to educate parents and promote childhood vaccinations while also dispelling common vaccination myths. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to synthesize evidence-based answers to common parental questions regarding childhood vaccinations.

Qualitative Analysis Of Student Perceptions Of Bachelor Of Science-To-Doctor Of Philosophy In Nursing Programs, Neil E. Peterson, Karen O. Moss, Gwyneth R. Milbrath, Jane R. Von Gaudecker, Eunhee Park, Mihee Chung

Faculty Publications

Background: To address the shortage of PhD-prepared nursing faculty, universities in the United States of America offer direct entry BSN-to-PhD nursing programs. Little research has been done to explore students’ perceptions of these programs and formally evaluate the successes and opportunities for growth of this academic track. Methods: Focusing on the perceptions and experiential reflection of BSN-to-PhD education, a survey with open-ended questions was distributed among voluntary participants who are current BSN-to-PhD students or recent graduates (years) from various universities in the country. Textual data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach with thematic analysis. Results: This article elaborates on …

Vitamin B12: Identification And Treatment Of Deficiencies, Max Mitchell, Donna S. Freeborn

Student Works

Vitamin B₁₂ is essential for the proper functioning of all cells. A deficiency can cause serious hematologic and neurologic damage. Groups at high risk for developing vitamin B₁₂ deficiency include the elderly, vegetarians, pregnant women, persons with pernicious anemia, and patients with a history of gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and discuss its pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnostic testing, and management

Age-Appropriate Post-Reduction Care Of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation, Hans B. Ayres, Blaine Winters, Craig Nuttall

Student Works

Background and Purpose: The shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body. This paper provides age-appropriate recommendations for post-reduction management of anterior shoulder dislocations. Methods: Literature was reviewed, limited to English language in the last five years. Appropriate articles were rated using the Levels of Evidence tool found in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. Conclusion: We recommend aggressive treatment in younger patients, and increased screening for concomitant injuries in older patients. Implications for Practice: Age should be an important consideration when formulating a plan of care for the patient with shoulder dislocation.

Vaccination Policies Of Utah Family Practice Clinics, Levi R. Kohler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to collect information regarding healthcare worker (HCW) vaccination policies in Utah family practice clinics. Data sources: The study was conducted in Utah family practice clinics in the most densely populated counties in the state and was a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data were collected from 155 family practice clinic managers. Analyses included frequencies and percentages for quantitative items and a content analysis for open-ended items. Conclusions: HCWs are employed in environments where infectious diseases can be easily spread from person to person, thus, vaccinations can be instrumental in protecting the health of HCWs and patients …

Updating The Simulation Effectiveness Tool: Item Modifications And Reevaluation Of Psychometric Properties, Kim Leighton, Patricia K. Ravert, Vickie Mudra, Christopher Macintosh

Faculty Publications

AIM This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the modified Simulation Effectiveness Tool (SET) and the SET-M.

BACKGROUND The SET, developed in 2005, was updated to be consistent with INACSL Standards of Best Practice, QSEN practices, and American Association of Colleges of Nursing baccalaureate essentials.

METHOD Undergraduate nursing students from two nursing programs, one with multiple campuses, completed the SET-M following completion of a simulated clinical experience; 1,288 students took part in the study.

RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis was completed using unweighted least squares. Four sub scales were identified with acceptable internal consistency: Prebriefing (α = .833), Learning (α = …

Use Of A Blog In An Undergraduate Nursing Leadership Course, Shelly Jensen Reed, Debra Edmunds

Faculty Publications

In this study, the use of a blog in a senior leadership clinical nursing course was analyzed qualitatively through two means; focus group interviews of those using the blog, and analysis of blog content. Initial feelings expressed by students were annoyance and intimidation concerning the blogging assignment. These feelings quickly dissipated, with students verbalizing many positive aspects related to the blog, including having a place to reflect, feeling connected as a group, valuing feedback provided by their peers, and learning from theirs and others' experiences. The mechanics of having to synthesize their thoughts in written form, in a shared venue …

Vitamin D Deficiency And Infertility: A Systematic Review, Susanne Stoddard Sollis

Student Works

Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus homeostasis in the body. In recent years, studies have been conducted examining the role vitamin D plays in reproduction. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with infertility, decreased pregnancy rates, and hormonal changes. Asians appear to have a reverse correlation with pregnancy rates and vitamin D levels. There are some conflicting studies regarding vitamin D levels in relationship to infertility. This paper reviews the most recent literature focusing on the relationship between vitamin D status and infertility. This review evidences vitamin D levels >30 ng/mL result in improved fertility outcomes.

Written Debriefing: Evaluating The Impact Of The Addition Of A Written Component When Debriefing Simulations, Shelly Jensen Reed

Faculty Publications

Debriefing, the reflective period following a simulation, is said to be where the bulk of simulation learning takes place. Many expert opinions regarding debriefing exist, but evidence-based best practices have yet to be identified. Written debriefing is one of these practices; experts state learning can be extended through the addition of a written component to the debriefing process, but no evidence exists to support this. This study compares three debriefing types: discussion alone, and discussion followed by journaling or blogging. Undergraduate nursing students participating in a simulation were randomized as a simulation group to one of these three debriefing types. …

Evaluation Of Vaccination Policies Among Outpatient Oncology Clinics In Utah: A Pilot Study, Sarah Louise Stocksdale

Theses and Dissertations

Background: In Utah, all major hospital facilities have employee vaccination policies. However, the presence of health care worker vaccination policies in the Utah outpatient oncology setting was unknown. Objectives: The objectives were to identify Utah oncology outpatient employee vaccination policies and to identify what consequences, if any, were present for unvaccinated employees. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study design in which clinic managers from outpatient oncology clinics in Utah were asked, via questionnaire, to describe the clinic's employee vaccination policy and the consequences for refusing the policy. Findings: Most vaccination policies applied to employees primarily assigned to work in …

Elevating Research: An Important Role For Nurse Leaders, Katreena Collette Merrill, Diane Andrews, Barbara B. Brewer, Diane Storer Brown

Faculty Publications

As leaders, we recognize the importance of professional scholarship to provide the evidence needed to transform practice. One key initiative for the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is the elevation of nursing research and AONE competencies for nurse executives emphasize utilization, dissemination and participation in studies. However, given our current healthcare climate and competing priorities, nurse leaders must often focus efforts on fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness, making time and resources to support nursing research challenging. Initiatives that do not directly impact patient care, such as research, may be given a lower priority. Given today’s pressures, nurse leaders may …

Discovering Self: Childbearing Adolescents' Maternal Identity, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Lynn Clark Callister

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Adolescent pregnancy and motherhood have long been a topic of interest for many healthcare professionals. However, there are limited data on how childbearing adolescents incorporate motherhood identity into their sense of self. The purpose of this study was to explore how childbearing adolescents perceive motherhood as becoming part of their personal identity.

Study Design: This qualitative study using ethnographic data collection involved 7 months of observation, interaction, and interviews.

Methods: Data were collected from nine expectant adolescents during in-depth interviews. All participants were patients at a teen mother and child clinic staffed by certified nurse midwives and a pediatrician. …

Examining The Relationship Between Anemia, Cognitive Function, And Socioeconomic Status In School-Aged Ecuadorian Children, Angela Chamberlain

Theses and Dissertations

Background and Objectives: It is estimated that over 40% of children in Ecuador are anemic. Anemia in children can influence physical and cognitive development and have lasting effects on adulthood productivity and quality of life. The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the relationship of anemia and cognitive function, and (2) determine the influence of demographic factors on cognitive function. Population and Setting: The sample consisted of 175 school-aged children between 5 to 11 years old attending a school in a poverty stricken area of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive correlational cross sectional design was used to study …

Examining The Relationship Between Anemia, Cognitive Function, And Socioeconomic Status In School-Aged Ecuadorian Children, Angela Chamberlain

Student Works

Background and Objectives: It is estimated that over 40% of children in Ecuador are anemic. Anemia in children can influence physical and cognitive development and have lasting effects on adulthood productivity and quality of life. The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the relationship of anemia and cognitive function, and (2) determine the influence of demographic factors on cognitive function. Population and Setting: The sample consisted of 175 school-aged children between 5 to 11 years old attending a school in a poverty stricken area of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive correlational cross sectional design was used to study …

Leadership Style And Patient Safety: Implications For Nurse Managers, Katreena Collette Merrill

Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between nurse manager (NM) leadership style and safety climate.

BACKGROUND: Nursing leaders are needed who will change the environment and increase patient safety. Hospital NMs are positioned to impact day-to-day operations. Therefore, it is essential to inform nurse executives regarding the impact of leadership style on patient safety.

METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was conducted in 41 nursing departments across 9 hospitals. The hospital unit safety climate survey and multifactorial leadership questionnaire were completed by 466 staff nurses. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to determine how well leadership …

Rural Emergency Nurses' Suggestions For Improving End-Of-Life Care Obstacles, Kelly Elizabeth Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: In 2010, of the 129 million visits to the emergency department (ED), 240,000 resulted in the patient dying or being pronounced dead on arrival. This number is likely to continue to increase as a significant portion of the American population ages and seeks care in the ED. Though care in the ED is focused on saving lives, death cannot always be prevented. Consequently, nurses face many barriers to providing quality end-of-life (EOL) care in the ED when death occurs. The purpose of this study was to identify suggestions emergency nurses have to improve EOL care specifically in rural ED's. …

Nicu Nurses' Perceptions Of Obstacles And Supportive Behaviors In End-Of-Life Care, Ann Rogerson

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Losing an infant is difficult for parents to face. To improve EOL care for dying neonates and their families, NICU nurses need to overcome obstacles and implement supportive behaviors. Understanding the size of obstacles and supportive behaviors will better enable NICU nurses to provide quality EOL care. Objectives: To determine the largest obstacles and supportive behaviors in NICU EOL care. Methods: A descriptive quantitative study of a random national sample of 1058 NICU nurses who were members of NANN (National Association of Neonatal Nurses). The National Survey of NICU Nurses' Perceptions of End-of-Life Care questionnaire was mailed twice yielding …

Evaluation Of Vaccination Policies Among Utah Pediatric Clinic Employees, Karlen Beth Luthy, Tia Peterson, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Renea L. Beckstrand, Nathan H. Wiley

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Pediatric health care settings are high risk environments for spreading communicable and vaccine-preventable diseases from health care workers to susceptible patients. Method: All managers of pediatric clinics operating in the state of Utah were included. Participants were invited to complete a two-page questionnaire regarding their clinic vaccination policies. Results: Half (n = 23, 50%) of Utah pediatric outpatient clinic managers recommend employee vaccinations, although employee refusal was allowed without consequence. Of all adult vaccines, influenza was most often included by managers as part of the employee vaccination policy. Some managers required unvaccinated employees to wear masks in the event …