Nursing Commons^™

Health Educational Needs Of Adolescent And Nonadolescent Mothers: A Comparative Study, Lisa Weeks

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive comparative study was to answer the following research questions : 1) Is there a difference in the health educational needs between adolescent and nonadolescent mothers, and 2) What are the specific differences in the health educational needs between adolescent and nonadolescent mothers?

Practitioner's Role In The Emergency Services Department, Tim South

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether physicians will accept the nurse practitioner as a health care provider in the emergency services department.

The Relationship Between Self-Concept And Perceived Chronic Pain In Elders, Shonda R. Phelon

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to determine the relationship between perceived chronic pain and self-concept in elders.

A Survey Of The Health Care Needs Of Elders Residing In Personal Care Homes In Mississippi, Patricia Mason White

MSN Research Projects

The area of particular interest in this study was the health care needs of elders living in licensed personal care homes.

Relationship Of Psychiatric Diagnosis And Medication To Falls By Elders Residing In A Long-Term Mental Health Facility, Linda Baird Christian

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this correlational study was to determine the impact of psychiatric diagnosis and dedication to the incidence of falls in elders residing in a long-term mental health facility.

Effects Of Shift Work On Insulin Dependent Diabetics, Rebecca D. Blount

MSN Research Projects

Over 25% of the work force is comprised of insulin-dependent diabetics. The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the impact of shift work on blood sugar levels in insulin-dependent diabetics. Rogers' Theory of Homeodynamics was the conceptual framework guiding the study. The research question was does rotating shift work have an impact on blood sugar levels in insulin-dependent diabetics. The total sample (N = 40) was selected from 100 insulin-dependent diabetics who work at an industrial plant in midwestern Alabama. Thirty insulin-dependent diabetics who were working rotating shifts and 10 insulin-dependent diabetics who worked regular day shift were …

The Management Of Nasogastric Tube Feedings In Chronic Care Settings, Joyce M. Robinson

MSN Research Projects

Nursing time is a valuable commodity and efficient use of that time is critical. The procedure for nasogastric tube (NG) placement verification has remained constant and is the same today as it was when intermittent tube feeding first emerged into practice. Technology has changed tremendously since that time, and it was this researcher's belief that the current procedure for tube placement verification represents redundancy and a resultant waste of time. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the management of continuous-flow, large-bore NG tube feeding with respect to two foci: tube displacement and consequent complications and the efficacy of the 2- …

Prevalence Of Asymptomatic Chlamydia In Pregnancy, Cynthia Mcalpin

MSN Research Projects

Chlamydia has become the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Most infected women are asymptomatic carriers of the infection. Chlamydia is not a reportable disease in the State of Mississippi. Therefore, no data are available regarding the magnitude of infection in Northeast Mississippi. The purpose of this study was to identify asymptomatic chlamydial infections in pregnant women attending a midwifery clinic in Northeast Mississippi. The Neuman Systems Model identifying levels of prevention was utilized as the theoretical framework. The research questions guiding the study were what percentage of pregnant women are asymptomatic and what are the clinical, …

Attitudes Of Nursing Personnel Toward Behaviors Of Cognitively Impaired Elders In Long-Term Care Facilities, Janice M. Cooper

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the attitudes of nursing personnel toward the behaviors of cognitively impaired elders in L.T.C.F.'s in a rural southeastern state.

Health-Risk Behaviors Of Adolescents In Southwest Mississippi, Irene J. Martin

MSN Research Projects

Early mortality among youth in the United States has prompted research to determine precipitating causes. It is believed that health-related behaviors are learned early in life and persist into adulthood. During the developmental period of adolescence, coping behaviors which may have positive or negative effects on teens' lives are adopted. These behaviors predispose adolescents to preventable premature death, disease, and social problems. The purpose of this descriptive study was to replicate and expand the research done by St. Lawrence and Brasfield (1991). This replicated survey expanded the population to include adolescents in Grades 7 and 8, ages 12 to 14 …

Benefits Of The Geriatric Nurse Clinician Role Within The Hospital Setting: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Gena Anne Vail

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to assss the benefits to the patient of the geriatric nurse clinician role within the hospital setting.

Comparison Of The Incidence Of Couvade Syndrome Among Fathers Who Attend Childbirth Classes And Fathers Who Do Not Attend Childbirth Classes, Jenean H. Smith

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of Couvade Syndrome among those fathers who attended childbirth classes and those who did not attend childbirth classes.

Coping Strategies And Effectiveness In School-Age Children With Cystic Fibrosis, Carmen M. Redlin

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the coping strategies and effectiveness in school age children with cystic fibrosis.

Parental Factors Related To The Use Of Car Seats For Children, Clara Rustin

MSN Research Projects

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death and injury in children. Studies have shown that placing children in car seats can prevent injury and save lives. The purpose of this study was to identify parental factors related to the use of car seats for infant, toddler, and preschool children. A descriptive design was selected for this study to identify which parental factors impact on the use of car seats. The research question which guided this study was what are the parental factors related to the use of automobile car seats for infant, toddler, and preschool children. A convenience sample …

The Effect Of Participation In A Wellness Program On Employee Productivity, Absenteeism, And Medical Costs, Wynelle Benson

MSN Research Projects

Although some studies have determined a positive relationship between participation in a wellness program and job performance, no research had focused specifically on the older employee. In the next 10 to 15 years, companies will be retaining and recruiting older workers. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive, retrospective study was to examine the effects of elder employee participation in a wellness program that includes aerobic activity. The Neuman Systems Model was used as the theoretical framework to guide this study. The sample (N = 30) consisted of blue-collar workers, age 50 years or older, who were randomly selected using a …

Utilization Of Community Service Programs By Elders In Rural Areas, Eddie Moore

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify existing community service programs and barriers to their use as identified by elders living in rural areas.

Comparison Of Level Of Satisfaction By Hiv-Infected Clients Who Have Received Care From Nurse Practitioners And Physicians In Outpatient Settings, Michael Hoffman

MSN Research Projects

Few studies have been done that examine the acceptance of nurse practitioners as providers of care by persons infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of satisfaction with care as experienced by the HIV-infected client in an outpatient setting who has received care from both nurse practitioners and physicians. The Health Belief Model (HBM) developed by Rosenstock, Hochbaum, and Kegeles in the 1950s, and specifically the concept of self-efficacy, was chosen as the conceptual framework for this study. In this descriptive study the null hypothesis examined was there will be …

Coping Styles Of Nurse Practitioners And The Effectiveness Of These Styles In Managing Stress, Carol J. Kolarik Smith

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to identify the coping styles used by nurse practitioners and determine the effectiveness of these styles in managing stress. The Roy Adaptation Model for Nursing was the theoretical framework used for this study. The research question which guided the data collection was what are the coping styles of nurse practitioners and how effective are these styles in managing the stress relative to functioning in the expanded role of nurse practitioner? The sample of convenience consisted of 72 nurse practitioners from Mississippi (30) and Tennessee (42) who completed and returned the survey questionnaire. …

Impact Of Follow-Up Encounters By A Geriatric Nurse Clinician On Return Visits To The Emergency Department By Elderly Clients, Lynn Smith

MSN Research Projects

Wiedenbach's Theory of Nursing as the helping art was the framework for this quasi-experimental study. This study sought to determine the effects of a follow-up encounter by a Geriatric Nurse Clinician on return visits to the emergency department by elderly clients. A nonprobability quota sampling consisted of elders, 65 to 92 years of age with chronic health problems, who utilized the emergency department of a 474-bed urban hospital. Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to three equal groups: Groups A and B received either a telephone call or a home visit, while Group C received no follow-up encounter. Demographic data were …

The Effects Of A Teaching Program About Aids Prevention On The Knowledge, Attitudes, And Behaviors Of High School Students, Deborah Whitehead

MSN Research Projects

As the number of adolescents contracting Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) increases, the importance of educational interventions to change behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge regarding AIDS becomes more significant. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of a teaching program about AIDS prevention on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of high school students. Orem's Self-Care Theory was used to guide this quasi-experimental study. The sample consisted of 49 twelfth-grade students who were drawn from two high schools in rural Northeast Mississippi. The Student Health survey was utilized to assess students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about AIDS. Descriptive analysis and …

The Level Of Self-Confidence Related To Knowledge And Skills Of Nurse Clinicians Practicing In The Expanded Role, Myra E. Fitts

MSN Research Projects

The level of self-confidence attained in a particular role affects the ability to perform in that role. Self- confidence is not innate but is developed through the interactions and experiences one has. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of self-confidence related to knowledge and skills of nurse clinicians practicing in the expanded role. Benner’s (1984) framework. From Novice to Expert, provided the direction and structure for this descriptive study. Three hundred thirty- three nurse clinicians licensed to practice primarily in four southeastern states participated in this study. Data were collected using the Thibodeau/Hawkins Self-Assessment Scale and …

Reasons Community-Based Hospice Patients Require Hospitalization, Patricia Northcutt Stephens

MSN Research Projects

The philosophy of a community-based hospice program involves care of terminally ill patients in their homes. However, some patients do not remain at home and are hospitalized. This descriptive study was conducted to determine reasons community-based hospice patients require hospitalization. Orem's Theory of Self-Care and Theory of Nursing Systems provided the theoretical framework. A convenience sample of 9 hospice patient primary caregivers from a community-based hospice program in West Central Alabama participated. These caregivers provided care to 9 hospice patients over the age of 40 years who required hospitalization in 1990 and had since expired. During scheduled home interview visits, …

A Comparison Study Of Coping Mechanisms In Clients And Significant Others Of Home And In-Center Hemodialysis, Judy Stevens

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the coping mechanisms used by clients with end-stage renal disease and their significant others. This descriptive, comparative study was guided by the hypothesis: Clients and significant others of home hemodialysis use different coping mechanisms from the clients and significant others of in-center hemodialysis. Orem's Nursing Systems Theory provided the theoretical framework. The sample (N = 43) consisted of 12 home hemodialysis clients and 12 home significant others and 12 in-center hemodialysis clients and 12 in-center significant others who resided in East Central, West Central, and Central Mississippi. Data were collected utilizing the …

The Impact Of Using Barrier Touch On The Client's Perception Of Caring, Barbara Chatham

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if the client perceived any difference in caring when nurses wore gloves and when they did not.

Postpartum Health Education Needs: Perceptions Of First-Time Mothers And Health Care Providers, Lisa Elam Rowland

MSN Research Projects

A descriptive study was designed to answer the following research questions: 1) What are the postpartum health education needs perceived by first-time mothers in the hospital setting and in the primary care setting, and 2) What are the postpartum health education needs of new mothers perceived by health care providers in the hospital setting and in the primary care setting. Mercer's Theory of Maternal Role Attainment was used to guide the research. Forty-nine subjects participated in the study. The samples consisted of first-time mothers in the hospital (n=22), first-time mothers in the primary care setting (n=15), hospital health care providers …

A Comparison Study Of Coping Mechanisms In Clients And Significant Others Of Home And In-Center Hemodialysis, Judy Stevens

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the coping mechanisms used by clients with end-stage renal disease and their significal others.

Self-Perceived Health Concerns Of Early, Middle, And Late Adolescents, Diane Baker

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the self-perceived health concerns of early, middle, and late adolescents.

Nurse Practitioners' Attitudes Toward Geriatric Euthanasia, Carol Thompson

MSN Research Projects

Health care professionals are being confronted with dilemmas about when and if life should be prolonged for the elder. This situation has been intensified because of the development of technology and the aging of the population. The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine nurse practitioners' attitudes toward geriatric euthanasia. Travelbee's Human-to-Human Relationship Model was the theoretical framework for this research. A sample of 47 nurse practitioners in Mississippi who had the probability of caring for the elder participated in this study. Nurse practitioners were asked to complete the Thompson Life- Prolonging Survey in which vignettes describing geriatric patients …

Health Locus Of Control And Spiritual Well-Being Of Participants In Narcotics Anonymous, Melinda Hamlin

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to determine the relationship between health locus of control and spiritual well-being of participants in Narcotics Anonymous .

Erickson, Tomlin, and Swain's (1983) Modeling and Role- Modeling provided the conceptual framework. The sample was composed of 20 men and women who were participants in Narcotics Anonymous and 18 years and older. Data were collected by a gatekeeper to maintain anonymity. Three questionnaires were used: Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and a Demographic Data Sheet. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation procedure, and content …

Spiritual Needs Of Chronically Ill Elders: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Susan Cox Hammond

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning and significance of the spiritual nature and needs of chronically ill elders.