Nursing Commons^™

School Nurses' Role During Disease Outbreak, Christina Rickenbach

Theses and Dissertations

Background and Purpose: School nurses have the critical task of overseeing the health and wellness of school-aged students. Utah is 1 of 17 states which allow parents to exempt their children from vaccines. The most common parental reason for exempting children from vaccines is personal choice. With the number of students without vaccinations on the rise, school nurses are tasked with responsibilities related to the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, few studies have explored the role of school nurses in managing a disease outbreak. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to 1) explore the responsibilities of Utah school nurses …

Academic Electronic Health Record Implementation: Tips For Success, Patricia K. Ravert, Kristen Whipple, Stacie Hunsaker

Faculty Publications

Many nursing programs use simulation experiences to augment or replace clinical experiences. Use of an electronic health record (EHR) in the educational setting extends the realism. A task force reviewed EHR programs, selected an EHR, and created an implementation plan with successful rollout over 2 years.

Disruptive Innovation: Impact For Practice, Policy, And Academia, Heather V. Nelson-Brantley, K. David Bailey, Joyce Batcheller, Laura Caramanica, Bret Lyman, Francine Snow

Faculty Publications

The 2019 Association for Leadership Science in Nursing International Conference, Disruptive Innovation, was held in Los Angeles, California, with attendees from 30 US States, Canada, Brazil, and China. Presenters discussed the need for nurse leaders to advocate for health equity, lead evidence-based innovation, how robots and other technology are generating disruptive innovations in healthcare, and building strong academic-practice partnerships to address nursing workforce challenges. This article will report on these important insights.

Immunization Training Modules: Identifying Student Nurse Learning, Katie Bates

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Despite the importance of vaccination in disease prevention some people choose to remain unvaccinated. Nurses are influential in the choice to vaccinate. Considering the possibility of poor public understanding of vaccines and need for continued improvement in vaccination rates, it is essential for nurses to be knowledgeable and adept at addressing vaccine concerns. Vaccination education formally begins in nursing school. Objective: To identify nursing students' vaccine understanding by exploring information learned from formal online vaccine education specifically the Nursing Initiative Promoting Immunization Training Modules (NIP-IT). Design/Setting/Participants/Methods: Nursing students enrolled in a Community Health Nursing course were required to complete …

The Effect Of Dyad Rounding On Collaboration And Patient Experience, Amy Christensen, Korby Miller, Jason Neff, Rusty A. Moore, Sharee Hirschi, Katreena Collette Merrill

Faculty Publications

Communication among the healthcare team is essential to providing high-quality patient care. In the hospital, nurses care for multiple patients during their shift. Physicians or advanced practice clinicians (APCs) visit hospitalized patients daily to update orders, complete assessments, and contribute to care plans. One method to ensure that healthcare providers communicate effectively is interdisciplinary, or dyad, rounding in the hospital. This consists of purposeful rounding on each patient by the nurse and the physician or APC together to review the patient's status and update the care plan. When healthcare providers and nurses round together, it improves communication, patients are more …

Heart Failure Readmission And The Physical Activity Vital Sign (Pavs): Is There A Relationship?, Jacob Aaron Barlow

Theses and Dissertations

Background - Heart failure costs Americans billions of dollars a year and takes a toll on the patients afflicted by the disease. Recent changes in how healthcare systems and providers are reimbursed have motivated them to find new ways to prevent heart failure readmission. There is no cure for heart failure so healthcare providers try to help patients manage their symptoms. Physical activity is one of the interventions healthcare providers recommend for their patients in the management of heart failure. The Physical Activity Vital Sign is a tool that can be quickly administer and has significant validity. Objective - The …

Using Information Practices Of Nurses To Reform Information Literacy Instruction In Baccalaureate Nursing Programs, Anne R. Diekema, Betsy S. Hopkins, Brandon Patterson, Nena Schvaneveldt

Faculty Publications

Objective - Seeking information is a key element of evidence based practice and successful healthcare delivery. Significant literature exists on both the information seeking behaviour of professional nurses and information literacy teaching methods, but scarce evidence connects nurses’ information behaviour and environments with their education. This study sought to use data from nursing alumni to answer the following research questions: What are the current information practices of professional bachelor’s-prepared nurses? How do recently-graduated nurses suggest that their education could have better prepared them to find and evaluate information in the workplace?

Methods - The researchers conducted a descriptive study using …

Does Family Communication Matter? Exploring Knowledge Of Breast Cancer Genetics In Cancer Families, Deborah O. Himes Phd, Aprn-Bc, Sarah H. Davis, Jane H. Lassetter, Neil E. Peterson, Margaret F. Clayton, Wendy Birmingham Phd, Anita Y. Kinney

Faculty Publications

Knowledge of breast cancer genetics is critical for those at increased hereditary risk who must make decisions about breast cancer screening options. This descriptive study explored theory-based relationships among cognitive and emotional variables related to knowledge of breast cancer genetics in cancer families. Participants included first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer who had received genetic counseling and testing. Study participants themselves did not have breast cancer and had not received genetic counseling or testing. Data were collected by telephone interviews and surveys. Variables analyzed included numeracy, health literacy, cancer-related distress, age, education, and the reported amount of information shared …

Cryolipolysis: A Guide For Primary Care Practitioners, Miryam Harper, Jane H. Lassetter

Faculty Publications

A desire for the ideal body image has influenced the development of a nonsurgical body-shaping procedure known as cryolipolysis. The purpose of this clinical feature is to inform nurse practitioners about the risks and benefits of cryolipolysis so they can educate their patients. Cryolipolysis is a safe, effective method of reducing small areas of unwanted fat. Adverse effects are minimal and include pain, redness, bruising, and swelling. Results are seen within 12 weeks, but long-term effects are unknown. There are contraindications, and it is relatively expensive; however, it may be a safer option than invasive surgery.

Family Behaviors As Unchanging Obstacles In End-Of-Life Care: 16-Year Comparative Data, Jasmine Burson Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Critical care nurses (CCNs) provide end-of-life (EOL) care for critically ill patients. CCNs face many obstacles while trying to provide quality EOL care. Some research has been published focusing on obstacles CCNs face while trying to provide quality EOL care; however, research focusing on family behavior obstacles is limited.Objective: To determine if magnitude scores (obstacle item size x obstacle item frequency of occurrence) have changed since previous magnitude score data were first gathered in 1999.Methods: A random geographically dispersed sample of 2,000 members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) was surveyed. Responses from quantitative Likert- type items …

Empathy For Provider And Patient, Virginia Jefferies, Jane Lassetter Phd, Rn

Student Works

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) increasingly feel pressure to diagnose and treat patients in shorter timeframes. Simultaneously patients’ satisfaction with care impacts reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. Improving empathetic skills can encourage patients to openly communicate leading to more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment, which improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Empathetic providers find work more satisfying and experience less depression and increased quality of life. This article presents the benefits of empathy to patients and NPs and offers guidance for incorporating empathy into practice. By implementing the behaviors discussed herein, NPs can develop practical skills that benefit both patient and provider.

Standardized Education For Parents Requesting An Immunization Exemption For School Entry In Utah: A Mentored Experience, Lacey Eden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As a pedagogical strategy, the purposes of this service-learning activity were two-fold: 1) to provide students with an organized service activity that also met identified community needs; and 2) to help augment the students’ learning, giving them a broader appreciation of any given discipline, and enhance their sense of civic responsibility. Nursing students were mentored through the process of creating an online education module for parents choosing to exempt their children from immunizations and to assist county health departments to fulfill exemption requirements. The students collaborated with the state Immunization Exemption Workgroup, the Utah Association of Local Boards of Health …

Standardized Education For Parents Requesting An Immunization Exemption For School Entry In Utah: A Mentored Experience, Lacey Eden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As a pedagogical strategy, the purposes of this service-learning activity were two-fold: 1) to provide students with an organized service activity that also met identified community needs; and 2) to help augment the students’ learning, giving them a broader appreciation of any given discipline, and enhance their sense of civic responsibility. Nursing students were mentored through the process of creating an online education module for parents choosing to exempt their children from immunizations and to assist county health departments to fulfill exemption requirements. The students collaborated with the state Immunization Exemption Workgroup, the Utah Association of Local Boards of Health …

Improving Healthcare Through Interdisciplinary Education, Jonathan Jacobs, Katreena Collette-Merrill, Rn, Phd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The culture of education prepares healthcare professionals in silos, then expects them to work collaboratively upon graduation. Medical errors, resulting from communication issues, are considered a leading cause of patient death. Interdisciplinary education of future professionals may prevent communication issues and reduce patient deaths. Interprofessional education (IPE) of undergraduates may improve communication of future professionals educated in universities without medical schools. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the effect of interprofessional education (IPE) on undergraduate students’ attitudes of interprofessional work, perceptions of working together, and ratings of teamwork.

Transforming Health Through Precision Medicine: Content Analysis Of U.S. Guidelines Related To Genetic Counseling And Testing, Nicole Jackson, Deborah Himes

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My mentor and I conducted a descriptive, mixed-methods study involved content analysis of U.S. Guidelines as they relate to Precision Medicine. We were able to identify the prevalence of Precision Medicine healthcare guidelines through the completion of this project. In working with my mentor, I was able to learn about the research process, gain experience in the field of research and develop research skills. I was also able to develop my presentation skills and attend a national conference to learn how scholarly works are shared in the nursing profession.

Literature Survey To Understand Why Parents Don’T Receive Tdap Vaccine, Analisa Dawson, Janelle Macintosh

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to understand the reasons expectant and new parents don’t receive the pertussis vaccine and then to provide educational materials for parents on the importance of receiving vaccinations, specifically to protect infants from contracting pertussis.

Studies conducted over the past several years have shown a decline in vaccination rates. In fact, one study was done just a few years ago, with the purpose of educating parents and grandparents of newborns about the importance of receiving a vaccination against pertussis. During the follow up a month later, only 8% had been vaccinated (Tam, 2009). Because information …

Can Stress Management And Personal Wellness Courses Improve Student Resiliency? A Pilot Study, Aimee Schouten, Michael Thomas

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The nursing profession is emotionally and physically demanding. Long shifts, complex and often difficult patients, as well as working in an emotionally challenging environment all contribute major stress for nurses.[1,2] Over time this stress often turns into compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue and burnout become overwhelming to nurses, leading to physical, mental, and emotional health problems. Compassion fatigue not only negatively affects the nurse but patients as well. Many nurses experience burnout and leave the profession. Resiliency has been shown to be an important factor in retention of nurses as well as positively associated with empowerment among nursing students.[3,4,5] The purpose …

Whole-Genome Sequencing In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu): Nurses’ Roles In Communicating Test Results To Families, Laura Grenfell, Deborah Himes

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The grant I received through the Office of Research and Creative Activities was helpful in supporting this research project. My mentor and I started work on the project early in the year by analyzing the data we had gathered. In 2017, I attended a nursing conference hosted by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, which is where we surveyed nearly 200 NICU nurses about their understanding of whole-genome sequencing. This survey included both qualitative and quantitative questions. My mentor guided me through the process of interpreting and organizing the qualitative data, which we divided into several subsets within each question.

A Comparative Study On The Developing Impact Of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners In Utah, Lauren Bretzing, Julie Valentine

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In 2016, a case report was published revealing that the prosecution rate of adult sex crimes in Salt Lake County from 2003-2011 was a shockingly low 6% (Valentine, Shaw, Lark & Campbell, 2016). This research quickly became a front news story, with one local news station launching their own investigation and arriving at the same disturbing statistic (Headrick & Mashburn, 2014). The research findings and subsequent news coverage sparked a state-wide conversation concerning the far-reaching implications of sexual assault and the responsibility of each branch of government in stopping sex-crimes. In the years that followed, multiple new trainings and procedures …

Identifying Maternal Healthcare Needs Of Pregnant Refugee Women In Utah, Amanda Brower, Dr. Sheri Palmer, Rn, Dnp, Cne, Ctn-A,

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The refugee crisis has impacted nations and global health worldwide. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates there are currently 22.5 million refugees throughout the world (UN Refugee Agency, 2018). Since Fiscal Year 2016, over 300 refugees have resettled in the state of Utah (Refugee Processing Center, 2018); these individuals represent various cultures and health needs. Data from other regions of the world indicates there are great discrepancies and complications in maternal healthcare of refugees, including increasing risks of C-section births, preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW) infants, perinatal mortality, postpartum depression, and stillbirth (Lancaster 2017). Aim: The purpose of this …

Coolsculpting Or Cryolipolysis, A Guide For Primary Care Providers, Miryam Harper, Jane Lassetter

Student Works

A desire for the ideal body image has influenced development of a non-surgical body shaping procedure known as CoolSculpting, or cryolipolysis. The purpose of this clinical feature is to inform nurse practitioners regarding the risks and benefits of cryolipolysis so they can educate their patients. Cryolipolysis is a safe, effective method of reducing small areas of unwanted fat. Side effects are minimal and include pain, redness, bruising, and swelling. Results are seen within twelve weeks, but long-term effects are unknown. There are contraindications, and it is relatively expensive; however, it may be a safer option than invasive surgery.

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Nurse Practitioners About Antibiotic Stewardship, Robert M. Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Antibiotic stewardship (ABS) is a set of strategies to optimize the use of antibiotics with the goal of reducing antibiotic resistance, improving patient outcomes and decreasing unnecessary costs. ABS affects all venues of patient care, including outpatient, inpatient, and long-term care. While many strategies for ABS exist and best practice continues to evolve, successful ABS programs utilize a multidisciplinary approach. Nurse practitioners (NPs) play an essential role in health care education and represent a valuable potential resource for ABS efforts. The purpose of this study is to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of NPs towards ABS.Methods: A convenience …

State Requirements For Mandatory Vaccine Education Prior To Exemption, Chelsea Lynn Schult

Theses and Dissertations

Background: To prevent the spread of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD’s), school-aged children in the United States are required to receive vaccinations. In certain states, parents have the option to exempt their child from becoming vaccinated due to medical, religious, or personal reasons. The purpose of this research was to identify which states require mandatory vaccination education prior to granting vaccine exemptions and to identify the various types of required vaccination education.Methods: Immunization program managers from states requiring parents seeking exemptions to receive mandatory vaccination education were asked a series of open-ended questions. The interviews were conducted via telephone. The education-related …

Use Of New Oral Anticoagulants In Preventing Ischemic Stroke In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation, Travis Hunt, Blaine Winters, Rod Newman

Student Works

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects millions of Americans and puts them at increased risk for ischemic stroke. It is important for providers to recognize AF and know when it is appropriate to treat patients with anticoagulation. There are several options available for anticoagulation. Warfarin is the most widely used anticoagulant. Other alternatives to warfarin are new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) which are increasingly prescribed in recent years. It is vital providers know the differences between warfarin and NOACs, and what is the most appropriate anticoagulant to use for their patient with AF. The purpose of this paper is to review the clinical …

Antimicrobial Stewardship: Staff Nurse Knowledge And Attitudes, Katreena Collette Merrill, Sandra Forsyth Hanson, Sharon Sumner, Todd Vento, John Veillette, Brandono Webb

Faculty Publications

Background: Registered nurses are uniquely qualified to augment antimicrobial stewardship (AS) processes. However, the role of nursing in AS needs further development. More information is needed regarding gaps in registered nurse knowledge, attitudes toward AS, and how infection preventionists can help.

Methods: An online descriptive survey was deployed to a convenience sample of approximately 2,000 nurses at the bedside. The survey included 15 questions addressing: (1) overall knowledge of AS; (2) antimicrobial delivery; (3) knowledge and attitudes regarding antimicrobial use; (4) antimicrobial resistance; and (5) antimicrobial resources and education.

Results: Three hundred sixteen staff nurses from 3 hospitals (15.8%) responded …

Educating Patients About Opioid Disposal: A Key Role For Perianesthesia Nurses, Katreena C. Merrill, Valynn Christina Haslam, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy, Craig Nuttall

Faculty Publications

Purpose: To examine opioid prescription practices, patient use of opioids after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and patient knowledge about disposal of unused medication.

Design: Mixed methods design with a chart review and structured phone interview.

Methods: Thirty-four patients were interviewed by phone and asked how many opioids were prescribed, how many excess pills they had 6 to 10 days postoperatively, and if they knew how to dispose of them.

Findings: Average number of excess pills ranged from 0 to 42 (mean = 14; SD = 11.7). Nearly half of patients (47%) perceived the prescribed quantity as “too many.” Seventy-one percent of patients …

Exercises For Older Adults With Knee And Hip Pain, Neil E. Peterson, Kay D. Osterloh, M. Nichole Graff

Faculty Publications

Half of all older adults report knee and/or hip pain. Obesity and sedentary lifestyle contribute to the incidence and prevalence of painful knee and hip conditions. Weight loss should be a priority in overweight or obese patients. Improving joint function over time requires a balance of rest and usage. Practitioners should assess joint disorders and recommend exercises for reducing knee and hip pain with patients when appropriate. Instruction should include a combination of 1) stretching and flexibility, 2) strength training, and 3) endurance conditioning exercises. Even small improvements in exercise can make meaningful improvements in pain, movement, endurance, and quality …

Student Perspectives On Working In Interdisciplinary Teams To Implement Mhealth, Elina Chun

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Interprofessional education of students in healthcare professions can lead to positive outcomes for students that are unique in a university setting. The purpose of this thesis is to describe benefits and challenges students encounter when working with students of other majors. This study used a convenience sample of students working on a university project to implement mHealth. Participants responded to two surveys with quantitative and qualitative questions. Students reported greater appreciation for diversity, the necessity of communication skills, and self-awareness of their own responsibilities in a team.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring: An Overview For Nurse Practitioners, Casey Neeley, Donna Freeborn

Student Works

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a revolutionary addition to diabetic management for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). CGM, when used properly, improves overall glycemic control. In the short term, CGM decreases incidences of hypoglycemic events and improves day to day blood glucose control. In the long term, CGM decreases hemoglobin A1c levels and decreases incidences and severity of long term complications of diabetes. When patients are educated and supported by providers on the use of CGM, patients with T1DM can achieve optimal glycemic control.

Forensic Nursing: Overview Of A Growing Profession, Julie L. Valentine

Faculty Publications

IN THE CURRENT ERA of the #MeToo movement and prominent sexual assault disclosures, these types of crimes are finally receiving the attention they deserve. Our society is acknowledging what research has been telling us for years about the high incidence of sexual violence in the United States. According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, more than 36% of women have experienced contact sexual violence in their lifetime and 19% have experienced attempted or completed rape. Men also report high rates of sexual violence; more than 17% have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in …