Nursing Commons^™

Student Retention And Success In An Rn-Bsn Program: Determining Variables And Methods, Audrey C. Tolouian, Melissa Wholeben, Diane Rankin

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background

The Online Registered Nurse to Baccalaureate Science in Nursing (RN- BSN) Program has a retention rate of close to 97.5% (UTEP, 2020). Attrition rates in nursing programs are high. The National League for Nursing (NLN) last reported a 25 % attrition rate which may double for minority students in four-year nursing programs (NLN, 2014; Elkin, 2019). As online courses in colleges and universities are growing and are predicted to become mainstream by 2025, it is essential to identify factors contributing to our retention rates. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has made it part of its 2021-2022 policy …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Nurse Leadership Characteristics, Karen Fowler, Leslie K. Robbins

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Nurse leaders are vital for improving nursing efficiencies and the quality of care that they provide during a crisis and its aftermath. The value of positive leadership characteristics has never been more critical than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Functioning in a crisis mode required nurse leaders to demonstrate the necessary skills for clear communication and solid leadership. Therefore, nursing leadership, especially in emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, needs to be transformative in the sense that leaders are informational, motivating, and able to advance the organization, notwithstanding a global pandemic. Timely leadership research during and after COVID-19 is crucial …

Responding In A Pandemic: Student Nurse Educator Mentorships, The Other Side Of Blackboard, Audrey C. Tolouian, Diane B. Monsivais, Melissa Wholeben

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Nurse educators who are novice often express the need for improved preparation in the educator role. Problem: With the growth of online programs, one area of concern is the need for educators who are prepared to teach online. Approach: A mentorship for online teaching was developed to give student nurse educators the opportunity to develop educator competencies in the online environment. The process, benefits, challenges, and key points for the success of the mentorship are discussed. Outcomes: Since Spring 2016, 89 nurse educator graduate students have completed the mentorship. Their confidence related to the educator role in an online …

Gut Microbiota In Covid-19 Treatment, Tella Sadighpour, Audrey C. Tolouian

Nursing Faculty Publications

A novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus [SARS-CoV-2]), has been causing a COVID-19 pandemic of acute respiratory syndrome in humans since December 2019. It appears to be similar in structure to the virus that caused the SARS-CoV outbreak of 18 years ago. However, in addition to the respiratory disorders, the COVID-19 patients might suffer extra-pulmonary disorders, including gut dysfunction or liver dysfunction complications, which show as gut–lung crosstalk. Fecal specimens should be considered as a source of detection of SARS-CoV-2 as one of the routine diagnostic tests in order to guide hospital’s liberation and release of quarantine of patients.

Mandalas In The Nursing Classroom, Audrey C. Tolouian

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Nurse Manager Communication And Outcomes For Nursing: An Integrative Review, Karen Fowler, Leslie K. Robbins, Angela Lucero

Nursing Faculty Publications

Aim: To evaluate literature on the importance of good communication between managers and nurses, and its influence on nurses and patient care.

Background: In the nursing scenario, concepts such as engagement and job satisfaction are tied to manager communication and influence the care provided (Kunie et al., 2017). It is crucial to recognize the importance of manager communication on the nurses and patient care. The evaluation was guided by this question: in the review of post-2014 quantitative studies, is there evidence that nurse managers with high communication competence have better patient/staff outcomes than those with lower competencies?

Evaluation: We evaluated …

Are Office Hours Obsolete?, Karen Fowler

Nursing Faculty Publications

Office hours are a higher-education tradition. Unchanged for past-decades, the upheaval due to the COVID pandemic, transitioned office hours in many institutions from face-to-face to virtual and other formats. Historically office hours are a resource underused by students. Faculty-student interactions are considered a high-impact activity aimed at promoting student success. One purpose of office hours is to increase student access to faculty. It is time to revitalize and revamp this tradition. Increasing student engagement, clarifying course requirements, and role modeling professional behavior are potential goals for office hours and student-faculty interactions. To meet these goals, faculty will need to undertake …

A Simulated Reality For Patient Care: An Alternative To The Social Distancing Barriers Of Covid-19, Melissa Wholeben

Nursing Faculty Publications

At present, the conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic affects the consistency, quality, and amount of exposure prelicensing nursing students have to hands-on clinical experiences. Hospitals and other health care organizations are limiting or prohibiting student nurse clinical participation within their environments to comply with communicable disease policies and protect student and patient health. This contributes to an atmosphere in which entry-level nursing students may come into the workforce lacking a sound experiential base obtained in a clinical setting due to social distancing and other pandemic restrictions. Due to decreasing hands-on clinical experiences, it is important to fashion a …

Community Engagement: Moving From The Classroom To Interprofessional Education Collaboration, Melissa Wholeben, Sarah Yvonne Jimenez, Carla Ellis

Nursing Faculty Publications

In a dynamic, rapidly evolving global health care environment, it is vital that educators create arenas of learning that give students opportunities to put into action health concepts they have learned in the classroom and to actively engage in their communities. With limited clinical sites, it has become necessary to think outside the box for potential community opportunities. One baccalaureate nursing program has moved students from planning mock health fairs to collaborating with community partners to host large public health fairs with wide reach. Community outreach efforts have expanded to include interprofessional collaborations with students of other health care disciplines …

The Development Of An Innovative Mentorship Experience For An Online Rn-To-Bsn Program, Melissa Wholeben, Gloria Mckee, Audrey Tolouian, Diane Rankin

Nursing Faculty Publications

The Institute of Medicine, Carnegie Foundation and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) initially accelerated the movement to increase the number of Baccalaureate (BSN) prepared nurses in the workforce. Research demonstrated lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors and positive outcomes linked to nurses prepared at the BSN and higher levels. The purpose of this article is to describe the steps utilized in the development of an innovative mentorship project that provides mentored clinical practice experiences to students enrolled in an RN-to-BSN program delivered 100% online. This mentorship project was developed with two main aims in mind: 1) To …

Herbal Medicines In The Treatment Of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), Audrey C. Tolouian, Maryam Khosravian, Hedieh Ragati Haghi, Alireza Bolourian, Zahra Mojtahedi, Masoumeh Asgharpour, Amirhesam Alirezaei

Nursing Faculty Publications

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel coronavirus, started in livestock within the markets of Wuhan, China and was consequently spread around the world. The virus has been rapidly spread worldwide due to the outbreak. COVID-19 is the third serious coronavirus outbreak in less than 20 years after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2012. The novel virus has a nucleotide identity closer to that of the SARS coronavirus than that of the MERS coronavirus. Since there is still no vaccine, the main ways to improve personal immunity against this disease …

The Pandemic Need For Mindfulness, Audrey C. Tolouian, Melissa Wholeben

Nursing Faculty Publications

In a trauma facility, it is important that there be training for the healthcare providers that gives them tools to manage their internal reactions to the day-to-day events, as well as create a safe space and encourage a sense of community. For healthcare workers in high-trauma areas- such as the new COVID-19 units, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) has been on the rise, in 2011, 14% of nurses were diagnosed, in 2019 an estimated 40% of nurses suffer from the disorder. With the small amount of 18% of nurses feeling they are prepared with proficient self-care skills to manage the effects …

Lung Cancer And Kidney Injury: An Updated Review, Bhargav Patel, Mohammad Ebrahimi Kalan, Maryam Khosravian, Audrey C. Tolouian, Ramin Tolouian, Mahnaz Aboufazeli, Masoumeh Asgharpour, Amirhesam Alirezaei

Nursing Faculty Publications

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for an estimated 1.8 million deaths. Lung cancer is also the most common primary cancer leading to soft tissue (ST) metastasis. Renal disease may occur as a direct or indirect consequence of the cancer itself (e.g., postrenal obstruction, compression, or infiltration), its treatment (e.g., radiotherapy or chemotherapy), or its related complications (e.g., opportunistic infection). Existing evidence shows that the most frequent primary solid tumor responsible for renal metastasis is pulmonary carcinoma, followed by gastric, breast, soft tissue, and thyroid carcinomas. Chronic kidney disease is a potential risk factor in …

When Mistakes Happen: Using Aone Principles Of A Healthful Practice Environment, Karen Fowler

Nursing Faculty Publications

Whether medical errors will occur is not the question. When and to what degree of harm will the patient, nursing staff, and organization experience is a more valid question. The nurse leader’s ability to navigate staff through the aftermath of a negative patient event has far-reaching consequences. Errors impact the organization financially and reputationally, and can have devastating results for the nursing staff. This paper explores the use of AONL’s 9 elements of a healthful practice environment. These elements offer structure and guidance for the nurse leader to mindfully lead the nursing staff through a difficult situation while enhancing staff …

Taking Time To Enjoy Some Coffee! Adding Mindfulness To The Curriculum, Audrey C. Tolouian

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Covid-19: Outcomes For Trauma-Impacted Nurses And Nursing Students, Karen Fowler, Melissa Wholeben

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Herbal Antioxidants And Renal Ischemic-Reperfusion Injury; An Updated Review, Masoumeh Asgharpour, Audrey C. Tolouian, Lakkakula Vks Bhaskar, Ramin Tolouian, Nilofar Massoudi

Nursing Faculty Publications

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) is a pathological condition due to transient restriction of blood flow to the kidneys, which is followed by the subsequent recovery of perfusion and re-oxygenation. RIR injury contributes to the progression of renal dysfunction including acute kidney injury (AKI) in native and renal allograft transplant. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during oxidative stress contributes to the occurrence of RIR. Hence, the use of antioxidant compounds can improve oxidative stress due to RIR. This review highlights herbal antioxidant efficacy against RIR injury. The findings of this study indicate that antioxidant compounds with herbal origin could reduce …

Renal Transplantation In A Patient With Mhy9-Related Disease; A Case Report, Sepideh Zununi Vahed, Bahram Niknafs, Hamid Noshad, Ramin Tolouian, Mohammadali Mohajel Shoja, Audrey C. Tolouian, Mohammadreza Ardalan

Nursing Faculty Publications

MYH9-related diseases (MYH9-RD) are clinically represented by thrombocytopenia, large platelets, proteinuria and various degrees of renal dysfunction. We present a 25-year-old male with thrombocytopenia, large platelets, renal dysfunction and proteinuria. Gene sequencing of whole exons of MYH9 gene confirmed the diagnosis of MYH9-related disorder and revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the introns 13 (rs3752462) and 14 (rs2413396) and a mutation in exon 26 of MYH9 gene. Our result supported the possibility of non-coding SNPs involvement in the pathogenicity of the MYH9-RD disease and successful renal transplant in this patient.

The Impact Of Metformin In Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral And Bone Disorder, Rohollah Masumi, Ramin Tolouian, Audrey C. Tolouian, Leila Mohmoodnia

Nursing Faculty Publications

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a disorder of mineral and bone metabolism due to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Bone disease and mortality are more common in patients with CKD. In addition of antidiabetic properties of metformin (MET), it possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic properties and increases the markers of osteogenic effects. Therefore, it improves bone quality and decreases the risk of fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin can also inhibit arterial calcification, maintain calcium-phosphorus balance, decrease cellular infiltration, fibrosis, and inflammation in kidney. Based on evidence, the prevalence of lactic acidosis due to metformin in patients with …

The Footprint Of Androgen Sensitive Serine Protease (Tmprss2) In Gender Mortality With Covid-19, Sepideh Zununi Vahed, Shahram Ghiyasvand, Ramin Tolouian, Hamid Noshad, Audrey C. Tolouian, Mohammadali Mohajel Shoja, Mohammadreza Ardalan

Nursing Faculty Publications

Male gender is an obvious risk factor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and mortality rate is higher in men than women. Undoubtedly, gender-related behavioral factors, such as higher amounts of smoking, alcohol consumption, and biological differences in immune systems could make males more vulnerable. The role of androgen-responsive elements (AREs) of transmembrane serine proteases type II (TMPRSS2) gene as one of the major players of male dominancy in severe COVID-19 infection has been under appreciated and needs to be clarified.

Healthcare Educational Practices On Stigmatism Of Chronic Illness: A Qualitative Narrative Study, Audrey C. Tolouian

Nursing Faculty Publications

The problem is the identified stigma related to certain diseases affecting the quality of care provided by healthcare workers. Somatic diseases or those with vague signs and symptoms are subject to various stigmas. Due to the lack of a known cause of fibromyalgia, the disease is subject to stigma. The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to bring awareness to healthcare educators about the potential impact of stigma. Educators may transfer stigma to their students, which may affect the quality of care. The research question guiding this study was, “How might healthcare educators’ perceptions of chronic illness transfer to …

Covid-19 Interactions With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (Ace2) And The Kinin System; Looking At A Potential Treatment, Ramin Tolouian, Sepideh Zununi Vahed, Shahram Ghiyasvand, Audrey C. Tolouian, Mohammadreza Ardalan

Nursing Faculty Publications

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly expanding infection around the world. The world Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020 announced the Coronavirus pandemic. This infection causes many deaths on daily basis. Therapeutic options are currently limited. It is revealed that COVID-19 binds to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enter the host cells. One of the activities of ACE2 is hydrolyzing the active bradykinin metabolite [des-Arg973] BK (DABK). A decreased activity or reducing expression of ACE2 by the virus impairs the inactivation of DABK. This enhances its signaling through the bradykinin B1 receptor (BKB1R) and could lead …

Apolipoprotein L1 Associated Nephropathy; An Overview, Mohsen Akhavan Sepahi, Lvks Bhaskar, Audrey C. Tolouian, Ramin Tolouian

Nursing Faculty Publications

Genetic variants of apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) have been recognized as a risk factor for kidney disease in people of African ancestry. APOL1 mediate renal damage in podocytes through necrosis, apoptosis and pyroptosis processes. APOL1 gene contains G1 and G2 alleles that mediate in increasing risk of renal disorders in African Americans. People who carry APOL1 risk alleles have a three to four-fold increase risk for non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD), Idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). Therefore, identifying genetic factors involved in the pathogenesis of renal disorders, including APOL1 risk variants, may help to improve our understanding of …

Communicating In A Culturally Diverse Workforce, Karen Fowler

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Narco-Trauma: The Phenomenology Of The Mexican Drug War Among Binational Students At The Border, Kathleen A. O'Connor

Nursing Faculty Publications

In this article, I present research conducted among 242 university students living in the binational metropolitan area encompassing El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, that has been affected by drug violence. The particular focus is on narratives of social suffering and lived experience in the context of drug violence.

Examining Nervios Among Immigrant Male Farmworkers In The Micasa Study: Sociodemographics, Housing Conditions And Psychosocial Factors, Maria Stoecklin-Marois, Marc Schenker, Kathleen A. O'Connor

Nursing Faculty Publications

Nervios is a culturally defined condition of psychological stress with important implications for Latino health. Using epidemiological research methods, we examined the prevalence of nerviosand associated risk factors, including drug and alcohol use, acculturation, and housing conditions in a population-based study of farm worker families in Mendota, CA (the MICASA Study). A household enumeration procedure was used for sampling, and 843 individuals were interviewed in 2006–2007. In this analysis, we present data on 422 men, 381 accompanied (family) males and 41 unaccompanied males. The prevalence of nervios was 22 %, with no difference in prevalence by household status. Low …