Nursing Commons^™

Depression And Social Support In Families Raising A Child With A Disability/Chronic Condition, Shannon Mcomber

Journal of Undergraduate Research

An estimated 4 million children in the United States have a disability (Disability Statistic Center). How families adapt to the situation of raising a CWD may be related to a number of factors including the parents’ level and type of social support. Clearly, social support serves as an important resource to couples and families raising typically developing children; however, it may be an especially important resource for families who are raising a CWD. Since there is minimal literature examining this topic, and rarely are fathers’ perceptions of social support measured, one purpose of this study was to examine mothers’ and …

Moral Courage In Nursing: An Undergraduate Study, Heidi Newsome, Catherine Coverston, Dr. Beth Luthy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this study is to identify examples of moral courage in nurses at work and to analyze through case studies their traits, processes, and skills that may be related to courageous acts in their work. This research may lead to helping other nurses to develop moral courage and decrease the frequency of moral distress found in nursing practice. The research question this research will answer is “How have nurses developed moral courage?” We anticipate that the research will yield examples, themes, and patterns of how nurses have developed moral courage in the work place to resolve ethical and …

The Use Of Social Support Groups With Women Suffering From Postpartum Depression: Centeringpregnancy Model, Sarah Passey, Dr. Ana Birkhead

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a subtype of major depression affecting 10-20% of new mothers around the world, with onset within 6 months after childbirth (Norman, Sherburn, Osborne, & Galea, 2010; Xie, He, Koszycki, Walker, & Wen, 2009). “It is a serious problem that affects a woman’s health and well-being, marital relationship, as well as the offspring’s health and wellbeing” (Xie et al., 2009, p.1). The mother’s feelings of hopelessness can lead to isolation and a lack of maternal/infant bonding and attachment. It is believed that the duration of this debilitating depression is determined, in part, by the accessibility of support …

Charge Nurse Levels Of Stress: A Baseline Assessment, Arielle Muffler, Dr. Katreena Merrill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

When I first heard about Dr. Merrill’s interest in leadership styles and impact of stress, I was intrigued with the idea of how stress can greatly influence a working and healing environment. Due to personal experiences working under various healthcare leaders, I could attest to how a stressed boss could make work and the healing environment very unpleasant and negative. While conducting a literature review, I discovered that there is an increasing burnout rate and nursing shortage and that many hospital employers are interested in reducing stressors—especially for the charge nurses (Ilhan, Durukan, Taner, Maral, and Bumin, 2007). These charge …

Effective Leadership Qualities In Nursing Clinical Instructors, Elizabeth Gubler, Dr. Del La Cruz

Journal of Undergraduate Research

During the 20th century clinical nursing education underwent a drastic change. It shifted from apprentice training to faculty training, making it the responsibility of the teacher to promote learning in the clinical setting (Tang, Chou, & Chiang, 2005). Faculty have a profound influence on students’ feelings of success or failure in the clinical setting (Davidhizar & McBride, 1985), and have been proven to ‘make or break’ the practical experience (Cahill, 1996).

The March Of Dimes Teddy Bear Den: Promoting Prenatal Healthcare Among Hispanic Women, Maureen Goates Merrell, Lynn Clark Callister

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The March of Dimes’ Teddy Bear Den (TBD) program aims to promote effective maternal health care among socially disadvantaged Hispanic women. The program has benefitted many women since its inception in 2004, yet there was no research to support the program’s effectiveness or to better understand the women’s needs. The purpose of this project is to (a) to meet the March of Dimes Utah Chapter goal to support an evidence-based chapter driven community program, (b) to improve the quality of the program to more effectively meet the needs of the women, and (c) to generate data that can be provided …

Pacific Islander Parents’ Feeding Practices And Cultural Preferences About Infant Body Weight, Jaclyn Coleman, Jane H. Lassetter

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My Orca project aimed at researching Pacific Islander parents’ feeding practices and cultural preferences about infant body weight. I analyzed 10 interviews of Utahan Pacific Islander families in a focused ethnographic study about Pacific Islander caregivers’ infant feeding and health-related activities. The main stipulations of the interviews included: one of the participant caregivers needed to be Pacific Islander and at least one of the participant’s children needed to be an infant between six to 18 months of age. There were 11 females and 5 male caregivers interviewed ages 23-61 years, with a mean age of 29.6 years. Ethnicities of the …

Students’ Perceptions Of Learning Outcomes Throughout Simulation Experience, Brandon Lewis, Dr. Patricia Ravert

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The use of human patient simulation (HPS) is needed more than ever in nursing curriculum today (Bambini, Washburn, & Perkins, 2009). One reason is that it allows students to practice critical thinking and decision-making skills in a safe environment (Howard, Ross, Mitchell, & Nelson, 2010; Medley & Horne, 2005). HPS also creates situations where other learning outcomes, such as communication, teamwork, a better understanding of classroom material, and improved psychomotor skills, are achieved (Bambini et al., 2009; McGaghie, Issenberg, Petrusa, & Scalese, 2006).

Benefits, Barriers And Readiness To Adopt A Universal Serial Bus (Usb) Personal Health Record Among Older Adult Hispanic Americans, Kristen Painter, Dr. Barbara Heise

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As the older adult population has aged, learning to manage their health and concurring chronic disease conditions has become a prevalent topic for health care providers. It has been shown that advances in information technology can improve healthcare outcomes (IOM, 2001; IOM, 2008). Recently, personal health records (PHRs) have emerged as an important information exchange technology to avoid injury and death by increasing access to patient health information by clinicians (AHIMA/AMIA Position Statement, 2007). Yet older adults with chronic illnesses who may gain the most from this technology are reluctant to use a PHR system.

Interventional Workshops For Children With Type 1 Diabetes, Cristy Davis, Dr. Donna Freeborn

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of my project was to determine the effectiveness of interventional workshops to help children manage their type 1 diabetes. This project comprised the third and fourth phases of a larger interventional study, conducted by Dr. Donna Freeborn. The first two stages of the study focused on gathering and analyzing data about the needs of children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes. During the first two stages of the study Dr. Freeborn conducted a series of focus groups with children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes. From these focus groups, Dr. Freeborn identified four themes that were of concern for children/adolescents with diabetes. …

Evaluation Of Methods To Relieve Parental Perceptions Of Vaccine-Associated Pain And Anxiety In Children: A Pilot Study, Amy Pulsipher, Dr. Beth Luthy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The development and widespread use of vaccinations is one of the most important public health achievements of the 20th century (Schechter, Zempsky, Cohen, McGrath & McMurtry, 2007). Despite the immeasurable benefits of vaccinations, many parents are still reluctant to vaccinate their children. Multiple studies have reported that the perceived pain and anxiety associated with the administration of vaccines is a significant reason why parents are reluctant to vaccinate their children in a timely manner (Luthy, Beckstrand & Peterson, 2009; Luthy, Sperhac, Faux & Miner, 2010).

The Influence Of Family Hardiness On Caregiver Burden In Families With A Child With Disabilities, Devaun Sheppard, Dr. Barbara Mandleco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to examine caregiver burden and family hardiness in families raising children with disabilities (CWD) to determine 1) If there are differences in these variables according to parent gender and type of disability, and 2) If there is a relationship between the variables so more appropriate interventions can be provided to these families.

Survey Of The Perception Of Nurses In The Critical Care Setting Concerning End-Of-Life Care, Jeff Brown, Dr. Renea Beckstrand

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In an intensive care center, one sees many patients suffering and staff rushing about, caring for patients’ needs. The most important thing about working in the area of intensive care is efficiency. Dr. Renea Beckstrand of the Brigham Young University College of Nursing has been researching the best way to organize and run Intensive Care Units in the United States for several years. She has discovered many ways to improve patient care and resolve nurse burnout issues by asking nurses what they believe helps or impedes nursing care.

Mentoring Nursing Students In A Nutritional Improvement Study In Ecuador, Sheri P. Palmer

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The nutritional improvement study in Ecuador has been a worthwhile endeavor that has enabled many nursing students to participate. Students have been able to participate in actual data collection and data entry, as well as seeing and discussing results from previous years of the study. Students work with the schoolchildren with whom this study affects and can be a vital link in the progress of the research. The mentoring of these students in this important research work has helped them realize the significance of improving global health.

N402 Care Of The Veteran Patient In Rural, Ron Ulberg, Kent Blad

Journal of Undergraduate Research

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 from the State of Utah to discuss issues pertaining to our Veterans.

Mentoring Nursing Students In A Nutritional Improvement Study In Ecuador, Sheri P. Palmer

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The nutritional improvement study in Ecuador has been a worthwhile endeavor that has enabled many nursing students to participate. Students have been able to participate in actual data collection and data entry, as well as seeing and discussing results from previous years of the study. Students work with the schoolchildren with whom this study affects and can be a vital link in the progress of the research. The mentoring of these students in this important research work has helped them realize the significance of improving global health.

N402 Care Of The Veteran Patient In Rural, Ron Ulberg, Kent Blad

Journal of Undergraduate Research

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 from the State of Utah to discuss issues pertaining to our Veterans.

Computer Anxiety In Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Kimberly Ethington, Dr. Lynn Callister

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Computer usage is constantly increasing, both in nursing education and in nursing practice. From the computerized equipment in the critical care unit to the data-based computer terminals that are replacing charting, nurses need to have skills in order to adapt to the continually growing technology (1). Since beginning the nursing program, I have found many classmates frustrated in trying to complete assignments. Many had a difficult time participating in discussion groups through Internet News Groups, sending assignments by e-mail, and even using their password to log onto computers in the nursing computer lab. Each semester the Associate Dean of Curriculum …

Music Therapy For The Body And Soul, Rhonda Benzley, Dr. Barbara Mandleco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In effort to provide superior nursing practice, current research is examining the efficacy of a variety of novel nursing interventions. One such technique is Music Therapy, defined by Gillam as, “The controlled use of music in treatment, rehabilitation, education, and training of children and adults with a physical, mental or emotional disorder.”7 Numerous studies have shown the ability of music intervention to promote a sense of well being among various patient populations by decreasing anxiety, agitation and pain, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. These studies also show that music has been specifically beneficial in increasing orientation, memory and sociability among …

Helping Childbearing Women Make Choices About Health Care: A Pilot Study, Kathleen Harkness

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this study was to track the perceptions of a group of primiparous women as related to the selection of and relationship with a health care provider.

The Underutilization Of Primary Care Providers In Treating Opiate Addiction, Jennifer Jenkinson

Student Works

Opioid abuse is a worldwide problem and there are not enough care providers or treatment programs available to treat the opioid abuse epidemic. Many primary-care nurse practitioners care for patients who are dependant and/or abuse opioids. Under current legislation, nurse practitioners are not allowed to prescribe the schedule III medications necessary to treat them, even though they have been made available to primary-care physicians with some additional training. This paper discusses the effectiveness of opioid substitution therapy in a primary care setting, the patient population best suited for this therapy, patient satisfaction with primary care service, and the barriers preventing …

So, You Think You Have Sleep Deprivation?, Stacy J. Parry, Dr. Joan H. Baldwin

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Sleep plays an important role in maintaining health. Sleep affects two types of physiologic functions; the nervous system itself and other structures of the body. Sleep deprivation is often associated with continuous malfunction of the mind and at other times can cause abnormal behavioral activities of the nervous system. Sleep restores the natural balance among the neuronal centers (1). “Everyone has a sleep-wake cycle that corresponds to her or his optimum degree of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Studies show that adequate sleep enhances attentiveness, concentration, mood, and motivation.” (2)

Mentoring Nursing Students In Leprosy-Impacted Communities Of Tamil Nadu, India, Cheryl Corbett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The academic objectives for the Global Health nursing course were met and exceeded. Students had didactic courses that accompanied their international experience to enhance their knowledge and understanding of global health principles. Students successfully completed these accompanying nursing courses and had life changing opportunities working with the leprosy-afflicted in India. Students applied their nursing knowledge and skills and learned greater cultural competency in caring for culturally diverse populations.

Mentoring Nursing Students In Leprosy-Impacted Communities Of Tamil Nadu, India, Cheryl Corbett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The academic objectives for the Global Health nursing course were met and exceeded. Students had didactic courses that accompanied their international experience to enhance their knowledge and understanding of global health principles. Students successfully completed these accompanying nursing courses and had life changing opportunities working with the leprosy-afflicted in India. Students applied their nursing knowledge and skills and learned greater cultural competency in caring for culturally diverse populations.

Nurse Practitioners’ Present And Future Viability, Annette Mulkay

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My research project entitled Nurse Practitioners’ Present and Future Viability has four research questions:

• What is the role of nurse practitioners today?

• How do nurse practitioners perceive their role in health care reform?

• What do nurse practitioners perceive as barriers to acceptance in the current health care delivery system?

• What policy changes do nurse practitioners view as necessary to enable them to meet their potential for practice in the future?

Examining Factors That Contribute To The Application Of Improved Nutritional Practices In Guatemala, Kim Proffit, Ashley Jensen, Dr. Vickie Johnsen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Malnutrition is a significant problem in Guatemala. Malnutrition, and its related diseases, are part of most diagnoses of children in the hospital regardless of the reason for admission. Ruel, Habicht, Rasmussen & Martorell (1996, p. 671) report the severity of the problem, “Guatemala has one of the highest prevalences of stunting in the world.” In 2001 UNICEF reported that 29% of Guatemalan children under 5 years of age were underweight, 46% were stunted and 3% were wasting. Even in countries suffering with severe malnutrition, Zeitlin, Ghassemi, and Mansour, (1990) suggest that some children who live in poverty and have severely …

Giving Birth: Voices Of Chinese Women, Robin Kartchner, Dr. Lynn Clark Callister

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Women’s perceptions of the childbirth experience vary widely depending on the cultural context. The quality of care a childbearing woman receives is deeply influenced by the cultural understanding the nurse brings to their health care interaction. The purpose of this study was to examine the childbirth experiences of Chinese women living in Utah. It builds on a previous study with Chinese women living in China conducted by the researcher last year.

Nursing Curricula Changes: Reflections Of Shifts In Health Care Delivery, Chloe Allen Maycock, Dr. Cynthia O'Neill Conger

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My ORCA grant resulted in a 50 page thesis that I submitted for graduation with University Honors. The thesis was completed between April 1997 and August 1998. The focus of my thesis was change in nursing curricula. The convergence of change and nursing curricula are inevitable. In order to understand the underlying forces of change relating to nursing curricula, change, curricula, and the cumulative implications for nursing practice and education were reported. These concepts provided the foundation and significance for research questions aimed at determining why and how nursing curricula are changing. Research questions included: (a) are nursing curricula changing …

Long-Term Effects Of Hospitalization In Children, Katie Johnson, Dr. Barbara Mandleco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In an effort to improve nursing practice with children, this study looked at the long-term effects and memories of childhood hospitalization on adults. In young children, common behavioral changes observed include; initial aloofness toward parents followed by dependency behaviors, nightmares or new fears, resistance to going to bed and waking up during the night, withdrawal, shyness, etc. (Wong & Perry, 1998). These behaviors though temporarily displayed, may have long-term consequences. For example, the hospitalization may ultimately lead to the individual experiencing difficulty with strange environments, forming attachments with peers, and maintaining relationships. On the other hand, this stressful environment can …

Prenatal Care: A Study Of Perceived And Actual Barriers For Utah County Women, Melanie Droubay, Dr. Rosanne Schwartz

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prenatal care is a significant indicator of health care. Women who receive both early and adequate prenatal care have less problems with their pregnancy as well as decreased neonatal, infant and maternal mortality (Kiely & Kogan, 2000). Because Utah has a proportionally high volume of pregnancies, prenatal care is a major concern for this state. Through this research, the adequacy of prenatal care was studied as well as any possible barriers to receiving prenatal care for first-time mothers living in Utah County.