Nursing Commons^™

Pregnancy Resolution Counseling With Adolescents, Michelle Taylor Skipper

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The results of a positive pregnancy test for an adolescent female mandate a time-sensitive decision to be chosen on the outcome of that pregnancy--whether to continue to pregnancy or terminate. Ambivalence regarding the pregnancy in adolescence is typically high as the rate of unplanned pregnancies has been reported as high as eighty-six percent. In this project, Allanson's Abortion Decision Balance Sheet (ADBS) was modified to an age-appropriate literacy level and completed by nine adolescents in a public health department setting in the project "Pregnancy Resolution Counseling with Adolescents" (PRCA). Providing objective questions related to emotions regarding the pregnancy was proposed …

Registered Nurses Experience With And Perceived Effects Of Horizontal Violence, Reba B. Williams

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The prevalence of horizontal violence in nursing has been well documented in the past 20 years. Recently the focus of the literature has been on developing strategies to prevent horizontal violence from occurring. The purpose of this exploratory descriptive study was to ascertain how Registered Nurses at one rural North Carolina hospital experienced and perceived horizontal violence. A "zero" tolerance policy was in place at the time of the study. The Nursing 2011 horizontal violence survey was used to examine a convenience sample of 40 nurses in this facility. The subjects were employed in seven different units throughout the hospital. …

The Effects Of A Care Delivery Model Change On Nursing Staff And Patient Satisfaction, Kathleen Gier

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Hospitals across the nation are faced with the challenge of providing high-quality, cost-effective patient care. The purpose of the research study, The Effects of a Care Delivery Model Change on Nursing Staff and Patient Satisfaction, was to examine the impact of implementing a team-approach care delivery model on defined outcomes of staff satisfaction and patient satisfaction. A quasi-experimental design study was utilized to examine the effects of implementing a team-approach care delivery model on a 33-bed Medical-Surgical unit. Prior to and after implementation of the new care delivery model, data were collected regarding patient and staff satisfaction. All nursing and …

Development Of A Lateral Workplace Incivility Nurse Liaison Position In The Psychiatric Healthcare Setting, Christopher L. Brown

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Workplace incivility is becoming commonplace in all work environments including health care. Research highlights the dangerous, distressing, and costly side effects of lateral workplace incivility (LWPI) including nursing staff's overall health, organizational commitment, and intent to stay. Historically, organizations have been considered safe work environments but LWPI has increased over the last several decades. There has also been limited research related to LWPI as it affects psychiatric healthcare staff and no study recommending a needs assessment or developing a position to educate and assist victims. The purpose of this project was to assess psychiatric healthcare staff's understanding and exposure to …

Floating Nurses To Specialty Areas, Deborah S. Hickman

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

As the largest group of health care providers, nurses play a vital role in the safety and satisfaction of patients. Despite this vital role, the nursing shortage continues to grow. As a result of this shortage and to fix staffing insufficiencies, nurses are frequently assigned to work in an area that they are not familiar with. This reassignment of a nurse to a different unit from their normally assigned unit is referred to as "floating." Nurses that are reassigned to a different unit from their normally assigned unit are referred to as "float nurses." Some healthcare professionals believe the use …

Medication Safety: Improving Faculty Knowledge And Confidence, Sharon S. Cherry

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to increase knowledge and confidence among nursing faculty assisting pre-licensure nursing students with the medication administration process. The project administrator designed a one day Safe Medication Practices seminar that included a Medication Administration Toolkit to increase knowledge and confidence in faculty members about safety and efficiency in giving medications with multiple students on any clinical day. This toolkit included high-fidelity simulation medication scenario case examples as a teaching pedagogy, as well as other teaching strategies to utilize in the clinical environment. Bandura's Social Learning theory provided the framework for this capstone project. The …

Compassion Fatigue Among Emergency Department Nurses, Tracy Ann Petleski

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Aim: The purpose of this capstone project was to determine the prevalence of compassion fatigue among emergency department nurses. Background: Healthcare workers especially nurses working in high acuity areas are at high risk for developing compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary stress. A concern is nurses working in the emergency department are at risk for developing compassion fatigue and should be aware of the concept, self-care activities, and available resources to improve compassion satisfaction scores and to reduce the effects of compassion fatigue burnout, and secondary stress on nurses' working in stressful environments. Method: The project was carried out at a …

Registered Nurses Perceptions Of Patient Advocacy Behaviors In The Clinical Setting, Irma Laney

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Healthcare is becoming more complex and advanced; there is an increase in patient's awareness and safety, higher educational levels of the public, internet access, improved medical technology, development of the Patient's Bill of Rights, and distrust of experts. Patients are often left vulnerable and helpless in the healthcare setting due to limited knowledge about medicine, healthcare, illnesses, and their rights. The purpose of this thesis was to provide an understanding of the RN's perceptions of patient advocacy behaviors in the clinical settings. King's Interacting Systems Framework and middle range Theory of Goal Attainment provided the framework used to identify the …

Nurses' Perceptions Of Shared Medical Appointments, Kristin Monza

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

With the increased economic burdens placed on Americans in recent years, the topic of healthcare has been in the forefront. As healthcare reform embraces the country, healthcare organizations are forced to re-examine their business structure more accurately to reflect the changing culture and patient population. The Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) is a model in the chronic disease setting, and many of the benefits and proficiencies have been studied but no studies have assessed nurse experiences or perceptions of SMAs. The purpose of this study was to determine the Registered Nurses's experience with and perception of SMAs. A descriptive exploratory design …

The Late Preterm Infant: How Much Transition Time Is Needed To Prevent Hypothermia?, Sandi Lane

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Late preterm infants are those infants born between 34 weeks and 36 and 6/7 weeks gestation. They are generally the same weight and appearance of full term infants and are treated in level 1 or well baby nurseries the same as full term infants. Late preterm infants are not as physiologically mature as full term infants and have problems that may go overlooked. Late preterm infants experience complications such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory difficulties, and feeding problems that lead to hyperbilirubinemia. These complications can lead to longer hospital stays or readmissions and higher healthcare costs. It is the purpose of …

The Effect Of Emotional Freedom Technique On Stress And Anxiety In Nursing Students, Susan L. Patterson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Stress and anxiety have been identified as significant issues experienced by student nurses during their education. In fact, some studies have suggested that the stress experienced by nursing students is greater than that experienced by medical students, other non-nursing healthcare students, degreed nurses, and the female population in general. A recently introduced energy type therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), combines the tapping of meridian points with a focus on the feared object or negative emotion to provide desensitization to the fear. In addition, there is repetition of a statement of self-acceptance suggested to contribute to cognitive restructuring. The purpose of …

The Effect Of Diabetes Education On Self-Efficacy And Readmission Rates Of Diabetic Patients, Angela M. Rasheed

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a diabetes education program on self-efficacy and readmission rates of diabetic patients. All participants were recruited based on their current enrollment with one of the largest primary care physician's practices in the Southeastern United States. Qualifying criteria included the diagnosis of being either diabetic type I or II and commitment to attend a five-week diabetes educational workshop. Participants were given the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Survey at the initial start of the diabetes educational program and also at the end of the five-week workshop to evaluate the effectiveness of the diabetes …

Awareness Of Academic Incivility: Comparison Utilizing Second Year Associate Degree Nursing Students, Myra T. Thompson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Academic incivility is a growing concern on college campuses ranging from rude behaviors, offensive language, and cheating, to hostile violent behaviors. A quantitative descriptive design was used to compare the awareness of perceptions regarding academic incivility among fourth semester nursing students currently enrolled in a private, Christian, Baptist-related university, and a rural public community college. As evidenced in the literature, uncivil behaviors in the classroom negatively impact the teaching-learning environment. Research is limited regarding academic incivility in the private institution. An identifiable gap in research is found when comparing awareness of academic incivility among students who attend a private institution …

A Structured Orientation Development System For Nursing Faculty, Dana R. Mangum

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

A national nursing shortage is nearing its crest. The Baby Boomer generation is beginning to retire in record numbers. Healthcare technology is continually evolving and the topography of nursing education is changing. In order to acquire, develop, and retain excellent nursing faculty to meet the ever changing demands, nursing faculty need to be streamlined into the world of academia. A Structured Orientation Development System (SODS) was developed to aid nursing faculty into the transition from expert bedside nurse to expert nursing faculty. A literature review found no evidence of a structured type nursing faculty orientation system. The purpose of this …

A Descriptive Study Of Second Year Adn Students On The Use Of Study Groups Outside The Classroom, Francine Hebert Sheppard

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Study groups formed independently by students outside the classroom environment have been reported to provide some positive assistance to the learning process. This study was conducted to define the frequency that students use such study groups, to establish any relationship between using study groups and academic outcome, and to identify any themes common to the participants when describing their perceptions and experiences with study groups. The study utilized a previously-published survey tool acquired from the public domain. Forty-five ADN students enrolled at a private, Christian university participated in this study. Sample mean age of participants was 25.7 years of age. …

Hospice Nurse Perceptions Of Constipation And Attitudes Towards Abdominal Massage, Elizabeth Everette

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Constipation is a prevalent symptom in the hospice population, negatively effecting quality of life for patients. Constipation is frequently overlooked, undiagnosed, and untreated by healthcare providers. The role of the hospice nurse is ideal for managing the symptom of constipation with traditional and alternative therapies. Literature review reveals very limited research on constipation and hospice patients, and alternative therapies for constipation. No research was found regarding nurse attitudes towards alternative therapies, such as abdominal massage for constipation. This research study tested the following hypothesis: Hospice nurses perceive constipation as significantly impacting the quality of life for the hospice patient, and …

Nurses' Perceptions Of Intradermal Sterile Water Injection Use In Labor, Abby E. Garlock

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nurses' perceptions of barriers may influence the type of pain control options offered to women in labor. While effective in relieving low-back pain associated with labor, nurses rarely utilize intradermal sterile water injections for women during labor. Using the Nurses' Perceptions of the Use of Intradermal Sterile Water Injections in Labor survey, labor nurses identified barriers to offering intradermal sterile water injections during labor. Individual and institutional characteristics were associated with higher perceived barriers. Nurses who reported working primarily day shift ( t = 2.06, p = .05), higher epidural rates ( r = .45, p = .018), and higher …

Incivility Among Nurses - Prevalence And Impact, Nadin Knippschild

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Incivility, horizontal violence, uncivil behavior or bullying are only a few terms used to describe the conduct one individual may display toward another that are undesirable in healthcare organizations and consequently gained the attention of regulatory agencies, such as The Joint Commission. Incivility adversely affects healthy work environments, impedes with patient safety and collaboration, has negative financial implications for organizations, and represents an ethical concern in nursing. The purpose of this study was to identify the overall prevalence as well as prevalence based on work areas. In addition, further aims were to examine the likelihood of the study participants calling …

Attitudes And Practices Of Perioperative Nurses Effecting The Election Of Wearing Protection From Occupational Radiation Exposure, Jane Leonard

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Health effects from exposure to radiation are unpredictable. On a daily bases, nurses working in the perioperative setting are exposed to medical x-rays (ionizing radiation) and are vulnerable to its carcinogenic effects. Regardless of the potential health consequences, the use of protective equipment remains inconsistent among perioperative nurses. Most research studies regarding nurses' occupational health risks either failed to include or separate radiation exposure from chemicals and blood borne pathogens. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the attitudes and practices of perioperative nurses that influence their decisions to wear or not wear radiation protection equipment …

Workplace Violence: Emergency Department Versus Medical Surgical Nurses, Dakeita K. Roakes

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to answer the following question: Does a registered nurses department, medical-surgical versus emergency department, change the amount of workplace violence they may experience? To accomplish this, a cross sectional descriptive study using an anonymous web-based Workplace Violence questionnaire survey by Wolters Kluwer Health was used to collect data from nurses working on medical-surgical units and in the emergency department at the facility. The findings indicate more physical violence with more frequent or occasional occurrences in emergency departments. The medical-surgical nurses reported more intimidation or emotional violence and never experience workplace violence.

The Impact Of Simulation-Based Learning Experience On Critical Thinking Acquisition, Candice Rome

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this comparative experimental project was to compare the impact of simulation-based learning experiences to traditional clinical rotations on critical thinking acquisition of associate nursing students within a maternal-child course. Innovative pedagogies have been integrated in nursing programs to augment inadequate clinical placement and instructor availabilities. A longitudinal convenience sample of 45 second year associate level nursing students enrolled in a maternal-child course was utilized. Four experimental groups, 24 students were exposed to an eight-hour simulation-based learning experience in place of one clinical rotation. During the eight hour simulation day, students participated in three various maternal-child centered simulations. …

Nurses' Perception Of Clinical Ladder Programs, Bobbie Baucom

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to measure registered nurses' perceptions of clinical ladder programs and to determine what registered nurses consider to be satisfiers in order to keep them at the bedside. Clinical ladder programs reward registered nurses for their advancement in nursing education, nursing research, expert clinical skills, and leadership skills. This study was conducted on 68 post-licensed registered nurses from the ADN to BSN program at Gardner-Webb University. A quantitative descriptive study using an instrument which items measured perceptions of registered nurses' regarding clinical ladder programs was utilized. The results concluded that registered nurses thought autonomy and …

Nurse's Perception Of Factors Associated With Family Satisfaction In The Intensive Care, Phyllis K. Buie

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

In health care, family satisfaction has become one of the most important and challenging competitive elements of the industry. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors associated with the Registered Nurse's perception of family satisfaction with services provided during a patient's hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU). Registered Nurses, with critical care experience within the past five years, were asked to rate factors that influenced family satisfaction in the intensive care using the Critical Care Family Satisfaction Survey (CCFSS) developed by Thomas Wasser (2001). Watson's Theory of Human Caring was used as the theoretical framework for …

The Effect Of The Timing Of A Hospice Referral And The Perceived Quality Of Care By The Family, Melinda Reep

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Late referrals to hospice can result in less time for the hospice team to perform assessments, establish relationships, and initiate goals. This secondary analysis addresses the effects of the length of stay of a hospice patient and the level of satisfaction reported by their caregivers after the passing of their loved one. The hypothesis of the study is that there is a direct relationship between a family's perception of the value of hospice and the length of stay of their terminally ill loved one. The setting for this secondary analysis was a non-profit hospice in the piedmont of North Carolina. …

Evaluating The Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Pain Management Among Nurses In A Surgical Setting At An Acute Care Facility, Barbara Turner

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

It is estimated that seventy-three million patients undergo surgical procedures each year in the United States. Of these, 80% experience acute post-operative pain, and approximately 20% experience severe pain (Hutchinson, 2007). Benner's Theory from Novice to Expert was used to guide the study, "Evaluating the Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Pain Management Among Nurses in a Surgical Setting at an Acute Care Facility". A convenience sample of twenty-one nurses in an acute care hospital in Southwestern North Carolina participated in the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain. Results showed a weak correlation between knowledge and attitudes of pain management and years …

The Effect Of Education On Healthcare Personnel's Knowledge Of Lymphedema Detection And Prevention, Dolly Wilson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Secondary lymphedema (SLE) is a serious problem for many of the 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. It is estimated that 28 - 38% of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema. The five-year incidence ranges from 43% to 94% (Armer, 2010). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an education program on healthcare personnel's knowledge of the risk of and preventive measures for upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients. A sample of healthcare personnel (N = 32) included both trained healthcare personnel and ancillary staff who are employed in a single oncology center …

Care Of The Dying Patient: How Comfortable Are Nursing Students Toward The Care Of Dying Patients At The Completion Of The Associate Nursing Degree Program?, Phyllis Bray

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

People are living longer today due to lifestyle changes and treatment of illnesses. End of life nursing care has become a field of nursing practice that requires focus on meeting the needs of the patient and family. Nurses are central figures in advocating for interventions that minimize burden and distress and enhance quality of life for their patients. Given these extremely important responsibilities, new nurses must be adequately prepared to provide sensitive, quality of care for patients at the end of life. This quantitative study aimed to assess how comfortable nursing students feel toward the care of dying patients at …

Evidence Based Practice In School Nursing: A Study Of School Nurses In Central And Eastern North Carolina, Lisa M. Barnes

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of the study, Evidence Based Practice Use: A Study of School Nurses in Central and Eastern North Carolina, is to gain insight of the barriers and facilitators of evidence based research in the school setting. The unique and autonomous nature of school nursing makes evidence base practice and research utilization especially important to achieve optimal outcomes in this setting that is often isolated from other health care providers. A descriptive cross sectional survey design using the BARRIER scale was used in this quantitative study (Funk et al., 1991). Using the BARRIER scale by Sandra Funk, school nurses from …

Job Satisfaction Among A Multigenerational, Critical Care, Nursing Workforce, Sara Clay

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Despite the slight ease of the nursing shortage due to the current recession, the United States is expected to still have a shortage of approximately 260,000 registered nurses by the year 2025 (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2011). Healthcare is an ever changing profession where nurses, no matter their generation, must learn to adapt to their constantly changing environment and expectations. Job satisfaction is a strong and constant predictor of retention and can vary greatly across generations. The purpose of this study was to get insight into generational differences related to job satisfaction and to use these data to …

Medication Errors: It's A Matter Of Time, Thomas D. Smith Jr.

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

A retrospective review of medication errors is presented as a measurement tool. Times of medication errors are separated into categories. The numbers of errors are associated with the numbers of medication administrations. The first data set contains errors that occurred within the first 8 hours of a 12-hour shift and the second data set contains errors that occurred during the last 4 hours of a 12-hour shift.

Data was obtained from a 108 bed critical care hospital in the southeastern United States. A time period will be reviewed between the months of September 2010 until August 2011. All reports of …