Nursing Commons^™

Fall 2021

Scientia

A Decade of Progress and Success; Speech Language Pathology Program; COVID-19 Long-Hauler Study; Peer Mentors Initiative; Faculty Update; Expert Engagement: Three CSH initiatives further education and scholarship while supporting communities in need; Strategic Command: Business consultant and med tech expert Stephen Sichak helps others face pandemic challenges; Taking Care: A School of Nursing research team plumbs the pandemic experiences of nurses nationwide

Factors Impacting Bsn Degrees In Community Colleges In Illinois And Exploring Community Colleges To Address Nursing Education Reform: A Mixed Methods Study, Lovelle Reynolds

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the implementation of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs in Illinois community colleges, focusing on Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) faculty perceptions. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study first conducted a survey among full-time ADN faculty across Illinois community colleges to assess their support for BSN program offerings. An overwhelming 85% of respondents supported or strongly supported this offering, recognizing the potential benefits for meeting the complex demands of modern healthcare roles. Following the survey, in-depth interviews with volunteered faculty members provided deeper insight into the implementation challenges. These challenges included the need for …

Using Gerontechnology For Care Transition Conversations In Senior Living, Roschelle L. Fritz, Catherine Van Son, Chris Veloicaza, Stephanie Soriano, Gabrielle Barling

ICHRIE Research Reports

Every day across the United States, thousands of senior living organizations assist with housing transition decisions for older adults experiencing health-related changes. These decisions impact resources for older adults and senior housing corporations, yet these decisions are based primarily on subjective observational data regarding older adults’ changes in function or cognition. Smart homes offering continuous, unobtrusive health monitoring with artificial intelligence capabilities are emerging as solutions offering health maintenance support and objective functional and health information. Such systems are well-positioned to support hospitality staff conversing with residents about transitioning from independent to assisted living. Our interdisciplinary nursing research and hospitality …

Just-In-Time Training Improves Knowledge And Confidence In Neuraxial Anesthesia In Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Amanda Arredondo, Victoria Willis

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) are required by the Council on Accreditation to complete a minimum of ten spinal and ten epidural procedures. Neuraxial anesthesia, which includes spinal and epidural techniques, are challenging skills to master, requiring deliberate practice and active learning to achieve competency. There may be an extended period between when SRNAs learn the steps and implications of neuraxial procedures, and when they begin performing these skills in the clinical setting. Just-In-Time Training (JITT) is proven to be a successful teaching adjunct to bridge knowledge gaps for healthcare professionals. Purpose: To determine if using JITT, , as …

Clearing The Smoke Around Marijuana Laws For Healthcare Organizations: Evaluating Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists' Perceived Knowledge Of Their Organization’S Cannabis Use Policies, Jessica Aspan

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

The legalization of marijuana in many U.S. states, despite its federal illegality, has resulted in an influx of positive marijuana drug screens across the healthcare sector.1 To better understand this problem, CRNAs in the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IANA) were surveyed regarding their perceived knowledge of their organization’s policies regarding cannabis use using an online survey. The survey had a response rate of approximately 8.2% (n=148) and a majority (70%) of CRNAs disagreed or were neutral when asked if their organization’s policies were well-communicated regarding cannabis use. These results make clear that CRNAs lack clarity and communication from employers …

Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation Education Utilizing Simulation: A Quality Improvement Study, Aladin Bihorac, Jonathan Mangan

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Fiberoptic intubation has been used as a secondary option to intubate pediatric patients with difficult airways. Failure to understand how to properly use a fiberoptic scope could have severe consequences, such as increased trauma or mortality. This is a quality improvement research study that examines the effect of simulation training utilizing a pediatric flexible fiberoptic scope on the confidence and competence of Nurse Anesthesia Trainees (NATs). Competence was measured using time to successful intubation. The authors developed a survey tool to assess the confidence of the participants in intubating pediatric patients’ airways with a fiberoptic scope after educational training and …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Simulation-Based Education Of Venous Gas Embolism On Novice Nurse Anesthesia Trainees, Angelica Rejczak, Jenna Fitzpatrick

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Simulation-based education is a learning modality utilized in healthcare curriculum among nurse anesthesia trainees (NATs) for crisis management training. This learning modality may improve confidence and knowledge in novice NATs responding to a crisis scenario, such as a venous gas embolism (VGE).

Purpose: Evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based education in effectively managing a crisis scenario, VGE, as measured by novice NATs confidence and knowledge levels.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study with a pretest-posttest design on a group of novice second-year NATs (NAT-2s) from NorthShore University HealthSystems (NorthShore) School of Nurse Anesthesia was utilized. A total of 15 NATs participated …

A Systematic Review Examining The Efficacy Of Existing Child Abuse Screening Tools Used In The Emergency Department, Kaitlan Meyers, Alyssa Strapko

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Child abuse and neglect is a major health problem in the United States and has lasting and detrimental effects. This review examines the screening instruments that are in existence today to detect child maltreatment. The instruments are compared and evaluated for their feasibility of use in an emergency department setting.

Four electronic databases were searched to identify screening instruments that assessed for child physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and neglect. The following subject heading keywords were used: ‘child abuse or child maltreatment or child mistreatment or child neglect or child sexual abuse or non-accidental trauma or head trauma or battered …

Tefra 7 Requirements: Assessment Of Education On Crna Knowledge, Erin Tienhaara

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Failure to follow the seven requirements of the Tax Equality and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) when working in a medical direction model can place a CRNA at increased liability related to Medicare fraud. CRNAs and SRNAs often lack basic knowledge about the TEFRA 7 requirements which puts them at risk of committing inadvertent medical billing fraud. The purpose of this study was to determine if the investigator-developed educational flyer improved CRNA and SRNA knowledge regarding the TEFRA 7 requirements. A convenience sample of CRNAs and SRNAs (n=61) completed an online knowledge pre-test about TEFRA, reviewed the investigator-developed educational flyer about …

Increasing Anesthesia Bar Code Medication Administration Scanning Compliance, Andrew Calderon

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether the multimodal implementation of visual aids in anesthesia drug drawers, dissemination of virtual reminders through email and scheduling software, and alteration of the barcode scanner location to a more convenient location will improve barcode medication administration (BCMA) compliance.

Design: This study was a time series design study utilizing a retrospective chart review.

Methods: The data collection points included pre- vs. post-intervention, anesthesia provider type, medication type (ephedrine or phenylephrine), and whether the barcode was scanned or not. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Findings: The Chi-squared tests indicated that the type …

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block For Post-Dural Puncture Headaches: A Video And Simulation For Nurse Anesthesia Trainees, Nicole Kwolek, Samantha Tarnoff

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Dural punctures can cause debilitating headaches known as post-dural puncture headaches (PDPHs). The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block can be used to treat PDPHs. This study aimed to determine if an educational video and simulation focused on the SPG block for PDPHs increased nurse anesthesia trainees’ (NAT) knowledge of the SPG block and confidence in performing the block for PDPHs. Design: The study design utilized a one-group quasi experimental study with a pre-test and posttest to assess NATs’ knowledge of the SPG block and their confidence in the placement of the block. Methods: The design consisted of a pre-test, an …

Just-In-Time Training Videos For Specialty Operating Room Setups For Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Michelle Murray, Emily Miller

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Just-in-time training (JITT) is an accepted training method in healthcare education that can be used for newer concepts or for procedures that are not performed often. JITT training is focused, brief, and intended to be used in the moment to address a knowledge or skill deficit. This makes JITT videos an appropriate solution for when the student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA) needs a timely reminder on how to set up an operating room for a unique case, such as a pediatric case or a neonatal micrognathia case.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of …

Podcasting As An Education Modality On The Environmental Effect Of Desflurane, Jacob Bonnema

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Climate crisis is well-documented as posing a major threat to the population. The provision of anesthesia utilizes gases that contribute to this problem. Podcasts may serve as a useful modality to educate anesthesia providers on best practices.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based educational intervention in the form of a podcast which focuses on the evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and practice habits related to the use of desflurane among anesthesia providers.

Methods: An observational cross-section study using survey methodology was utilized in this pre-test post-test design. Knowledge, attitudes, and practice habits …

Examining Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ Perspective On The Utilization Of Regional Anesthesia In Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery, Hannah M. Robert, Jessica O. Stasinski

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Regional anesthesia has played a significant role in the reduction of perioperative opioid consumption while still providing high-quality analgesia, making it a fundamental practice in outpatient orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the experiences and perspectives of CRNAs surrounding the utilization of regional anesthesia in outpatient orthopedic surgery. A qualitative study design using semistructured interviews was conducted (N =14). Study participants described their current practices and experiences with regional anesthesia utilization in the outpatient orthopedic surgery setting. In particular, four themes describing factors that promote CRNAs’ utilization of regional anesthesia for outpatient orthopedic surgery emerged: …

Multiple Myeloma: Validation Of The Values And Preferences Elicitation Questionnaire- Cure And Survival Preference Scale (Vpeq-Csps), Anastasiia Savchenko

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: With the emergence of many novel therapies, the treatment decisions for multiple myeloma (MM) are increasingly guided by concerns of quality of life, achievement of cancerfree remission, living a longer overall survival, and a relentless search for a cure; however, the impact of these various treatment options on patients’ choices and lives is mainly unknown. Oncology clinicians face the challenge of uncovering their patient’s preferences and values and putting them into the actual treatment decision-making. Purpose: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Values and Preferences Elicitation Questionnaire-Cure and Survival Preference Scale (VPEQ-CSPS) instrument. Methods: The VPEQ-CSPS instrument …

Airway Management Simulation With Ppe To Improve Nat Education And Comfort, Blake Butler, Marius Zymantas

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Guidelines for the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) were created by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) half a century ago but PPE compliance remains low. To effectively protect healthcare workers from becoming infected and spreading infectious agents, PPE compliance must be improved. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of an educational tool and simulation on improving NAT (nurse anesthesia trainee) knowledge of PPE protocols as well as perceived comfort performing airway management procedures while wearing PPE. This study used a pre- and post- survey design to assess both knowledge of proper …

Playing Darts Blindfolded: A Quasi-Experimental Study On Crnas And Srnas Knowledge On Pre-Procedural Ultrasound For Neuraxial Anesthesia, Drew Golden, Kristine Kim

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Pre-procedural ultrasound is an emerging technique among anesthesia providers to increase procedural efficiency and safety of neuraxial procedures on patients with increased technical difficulty. The use of pre-procedural ultrasound in neuraxial anesthesia among certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) has not been previously described. This study examined the efficacy of an educational intervention on CRNAs’ and SRNAs’ knowledge and future intent to use pre-procedural ultrasound to identify lumbar intervertebral spaces. We utilized a pre-and post-test design with convenience sampling. This study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the participants’ knowledge in four out of seven …

Gender Affirming Anesthesia: It’S More Than Pronouns, Matthew Klimesh, Angela Kurth

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Transgender individuals experience healthcare-related discrimination, resulting in significant disparities and negative health outcomes in comparison to the general population. Many CRNAs do not receive formal or adequate education before being expected to care for transgender patients that contributes to these negative health outcomes. To correct this problem, an educational intervention was created to improve anesthesia providers' knowledge of genderaffirming therapies and to survey anesthesia provider attitudes towards transgender patients and knowledge, beliefs, and preferences towards treating transgender patients. A sample of anesthesia providers was collected (n=27) that included SRNAs and CRNAs at varying levels of professional experience from diverse sociodemographic …

Isolated & Impulsive: A Quality Improvement Pilot Survey Of The Perceived Icu Nurse Workload Implementing The A2f Care Bundle For Isolated Covid-19 Patients With Delirium., Ranier Calimlim

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Existing research focused on A2F Care Bundle efficacy to optimize patient care and improve patient outcomes among ICU patients. Perceived workflow evaluation has been validated for healthcare task analysis endorsed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. A needs assessment was identified to evaluate nursing challenges with the A2F Care Bundle interventions, inform allocation where support and resources may be necessary when providing patient care for isolated patients with COVID-19 delirium.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived workload of ICU nurses when implementing the A2F Care Bundle among isolated COVID-19 patients with delirium. …

Experiences Of Latinx Nurses During Covid-19, Jennifer Sandoval

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the experiences of Latinx nurses during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design: A primary analysis of qualitative interview data was used for this study.

Methods: Data analysis included thematic network analysis to identify main themes experienced by 20 Latinx nurses. The previously collected interview data were interviews conducted during May to September 2020. Formal coding of the interview data was conducted utilizing Dedoose cloud-based software. Study participant characteristics were tabulated using SPSS 27.

Findings: Study participants shared descriptions of their experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Five main themes …

A Systematic Review Of The Relationship Between Discrimination, Racism And Diabetes Care Outcomes For Black Americans, Sandra B. Anim

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Disparities in diabetes (DM) risk, care, and complications impact Black communities more than that of their White counterparts. While studies have thoroughly examined the impact discrimination and racism have on DM health disparities, no study has systematically reviewed the literature on the association between discrimination, racism, and DM care and outcomes in Black persons.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to examine the association between discrimination, racism, and DM care and outcomes in Black persons. The results of this systematic review will be utilized to guide best practices for this …

Examination Of The Relationship Between Breastfeeding Behaviors And Perinatal Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Saher Rehmani, Miriam Kanan

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Perinatal mental health disorders are often overlooked and have been heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the association between breastfeeding and perinatal mental health is imperative. To date, to our knowledge there are no known studies, that have examined the relationship between perinatal mental health and breastfeeding behaviors among US-based perinatal populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal mental health and breastfeeding behaviors among US childbearing populations during COVID-19.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, internet-based study was performed in the United States mainly in the Chicagoland area between …

Translation And Validation Of The Caprini Risk Assessment Score For Urdu Speakers, Khairunisa Lalani

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially fatal condition and determination of risk level and identification of risk factors for VTE should be performed during the post-operative period. The Caprini Risk Assessment Score (CRS), is a validated risk assessment instrument tool used widely to predict postoperative VTE in the Western world, but it has limited utility among resource-poor and developing countries due to the limited English language proficiency of potential instrument users.

Aims: We aimed to translate the CRS tool to Urdu and validate its use in the Urdu speaking population through a correlation of self-administered and healthcare professional-administered scores. …

Onboarding And Orientation Of Advanced Practice Providers In Metropolitan, Tracie Clisby

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are imperative in the provision of care within emergency departments. The employment of APPs requires an onboarding and orientation process to their respective facility. Employees undergoing onboarding and orientation to a new job have shown increased employee satisfaction and retention thereby reducing turnover and financial and non-financial costs associated with turnover.

Purpose: To describe the formal orientation and onboarding programs of APPs working in academic medical center emergency departments (EDs) of United States metropolitan cities.

Method: A qualitative descriptive design was utilized for this study using open-ended questions. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with APP …

Implications Of An Education Tool As A Noise Reduction Strategy In The Operating Room, Sona Wardius, Amanda Parker

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Noise in the operating room (OR) can be from many sources, including personnel and medical equipment. Excessive noise is prevalent in the OR and can lead to distractions, interruptions, stress, and medical errors. These distractions have been well-documented in the literature and can reduce the quality of patient care. Awareness and education have proven to be solutions to noise reduction, but there is little evidence in the literature regarding the adoption of a clinical guideline. The goal of this study is to bring awareness of noise levels in the OR, the most common noise distractions, and how these relate to …

A Qualitative Examination Of Opioid Sparing Anesthesia Practices Among Crnas, Stephanie Knell

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

The opioid epidemic has had significant consequences across the healthcare system in the United States. While anesthesia providers have historically provided quality intraoperative analgesia utilizing opioids, research to date suggests that these care experiences may have lasting implications on patients’ long term health outcomes. In contrast, opioid sparing anesthesia can provide patients superb analgesic coverage without the noxious side effects of opioids or the risk of misuse. As an emerging topic, no known study to date has described anesthesia providers’ qualitative experiences with opioid sparing anesthesia. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to conduct semi-structured interviews to …

Implementation Of An Emergency Reflex Action Drill To Improve Perceived Knowledge And Confidence In Intubation Skills Of Nurse Anesthesia Trainees, Amanda Lamacki

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Direct laryngoscopy remains the primary method for achieving intubation of the airway in general anesthesia. Novice laryngoscopists may encounter high stress and cognitive load when unexpectedly faced with a Cormack-Lehane Grade III or IV view in an unfamiliar and time-pressured environment. An Emergency Reflex Action Drill (ERAD) is a specifically designed action sequence intended to execute clinical interventions with minimal cognitive load in the setting of marked time pressure. The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of the ERAD “Head-Neck-Reset” to improve perceived knowledge and confidence in intubation skills of nurse anesthesia trainees. A convenience sample of …

Simulation Education For Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion, Ronald Mack

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA) knowledge and confidence of ultrasound guided peripheral intravenous catheter insertion (UGPIV) before and after viewing an educational video. As a basis for developing a single group pre-test and post-test study, the dual coding theory was used. The authors hypothesize that SRNA knowledge and confidence would improve after an educational video intervention. A convenience sample of first, second, and third year SRNAs was used (N=31). The study participants completed a pre-survey to evaluate UGPIV knowledge and confidence, along with demographic questions. Participants were then instructed to view a …

Perioperative Non-Opioid Modalities (Pnom) Questionnaire Implementation And Validation Of Its Psychometric Properties, Liliya Sprisovskiy

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The opioid epidemic and prescription opioid related deaths continue to grow in the US. Contributing factors to this epidemic include nonrestrictive opioid administration in the perioperative period. Though solutions to the epidemic has been discussed by anesthesia providers, there is no tool to quantiatively evaluate of their beliefs and practices for the perioperative management of pain. Over the past three years, there has been advancement in the science of nurse anesthesia on this front and in 2020 Tucker and Wong completed the development of a quantitative tool aimed at assessing CRNA beliefs and practices with regard to their use …

A Qualitative Examination Of Opioid Sparing Anesthesia Practices Among Crnas, Stephanie Knell

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

The opioid epidemic has had significant consequences across the healthcare system in the United States. While anesthesia providers have historically provided quality intraoperative analgesia utilizing opioids, research to date suggests that these care experiences may have lasting implications on patients’ long term health outcomes. In contrast, opioid sparing anesthesia can provide patients superb analgesic coverage without the noxious side effects of opioids or the risk of misuse. As an emerging topic, no known study to date has described anesthesia providers’ qualitative experiences with opioid sparing anesthesia. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to conduct semi-structured interviews to …