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Full-Text Articles in Nursing

Glaucoma And Quality Of Life And The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner, Lesleigh Norris Wilbourbe Aug 2006

Glaucoma And Quality Of Life And The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner, Lesleigh Norris Wilbourbe

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this research project was to develop a nurse practitioner knowledgebase regarding the role of the nurse practitioner in screening and caring for the patient with glaucoma in primary care.


The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Support Of Families Experiencing Chronic Sorrow, Teresa Ann Wood Aug 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Support Of Families Experiencing Chronic Sorrow, Teresa Ann Wood

MSN Research Projects

Chronic sorrow is the periodic recurrence of permanent, pervasive sadness or other grief-related feelings associated with ongoing disparity resulting from a loss experience (Eakes, 2004). As a concept, chronic sorrow speaks to the emotional strain in the lived experiences of caregivers of the chronically ill and disabled. The term chronic sorrow was first used by Olshansky (1962) to describe the grief and sadness that parents felt when their child was first diagnosed as being mentally retarded. Research on chronic sorrow has proven its presence not only in parents, but in other family members, caregivers, and those with an illness or …


Providers' Use Of Standards Of Care For Methicillin Resistant Staphlyococcus Aureus Abcesses, Lesleigh Norris Wilbourbe Aug 2006

Providers' Use Of Standards Of Care For Methicillin Resistant Staphlyococcus Aureus Abcesses, Lesleigh Norris Wilbourbe

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this research project was to develop a nurse practitioner knowledgebase regarding the role of the nurse practitioner in screening and caring for the patient with glaucoma in primary care.


Effect Of Health Disparities On African American Clients, Sonia L. Mcclinton Aug 2006

Effect Of Health Disparities On African American Clients, Sonia L. Mcclinton

MSN Research Projects

The concept of health disparities have moved to the forefront of the nation’s healthcare agenda in the 2T* century due to the overwhelming disproportionate numbers of health care problems noted in African American populations as opposed to their counter parts. Despite the advances that have been made in biotechnology, improvement in medical procedures, and the eradication o f certain infectious diseases, African Americans continue to have poorer health status than other Americans. The literature extensively described several contributing factors for disparities in health such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and geographical location. Many of the differences in health occur because …


An Evidence Based Practice Perspective Regarding The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Men's Health Promotion, Ronald Anthony Perkins Aug 2006

An Evidence Based Practice Perspective Regarding The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Men's Health Promotion, Ronald Anthony Perkins

MSN Research Projects

A core concept in society is health. The concept of health can be defined by each individual with qualifiers such as good, bad, reasonable, or poor based on a variety of factors such as age, gender, current conditions, past conditions, or the demands of various roles in society. Health has been defined as, “a state of physical, mental, and social functioning that realizes a person’s potential” (Greiner, Fain, & Edelman, 2002, p. 6). The importance o f health promotion as a concept has been researched and defined throughout history. Early theories on health promotion or disease prevention began by Florence …


An Evidenced Based Practice Perspective Regarding The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Disaster Preparedness And Education, Angeles Lynn Russell Bayou Jul 2006

An Evidenced Based Practice Perspective Regarding The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Disaster Preparedness And Education, Angeles Lynn Russell Bayou

MSN Research Projects

Disasters have plagued the earth since the beginning of time and will continue to be a part of life as long as the earth exist. Disasters can be either natural or man made, regardless of which one, they are always devastating to mankind. The risk of disasters, both natural and man made, has increased tremendously in recent years. The increasing risk of terror attacks and worldly unrest has become commonplace in our society, causing federal, state, and local governments to act on disaster planning and education. Most of the literature has revealed weaknesses in the nation’s preparedness for disaster, especially …


The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In End Of Life Care, C'Sara R. Strong Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In End Of Life Care, C'Sara R. Strong

MSN Research Projects

Comfort is an essential concept related to end of life care. Webster’s (2004) defines comfort as “ freedom from pain, want, anxiety, encouragement or discomfort.” The aging process of the body brings about increasing discomfort (Malinowski & Staimler, 2002). At the start of the 21st century, the oldest of America’s 76 million baby boomers are in their mid 50s and the youngest are approaching age 40 (CMS, 2004). As advances in medical technology continue to extend life, these aging Americans will have to contend with the aches, pains and progressive disabilities of chronic illness. The need for specialized palliative care …


The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Health Promotion And Childhood Obesity, Michelle Rosamond Rice Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Health Promotion And Childhood Obesity, Michelle Rosamond Rice

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study is to consider patient satisfaction of this role. Many factors can affect patient satisfaction and these also will be investigated. The nurse practitioner role is a major factor in healthcare. Patient satisfaction with the role is an important fact to consider and will impact the future of the role.


Autonomy As It Relates To The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner, James A. Ray Jul 2006

Autonomy As It Relates To The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner, James A. Ray

MSN Research Projects

The quintessential issue of nurse practitioner practice is the establishment of autonomy. The intention o f the pioneers o f nursing was to build on existing nursing autonomy and significantly expand it to accommodate the new role (Brown & Draye, 2003). While it is true nurse practitioners enjoy a limited amount of practice autonomy today, true autonomy cannot be achieved until the stigmata of collaborating physician is removed as a requirement for practice. The purpose o f this integrative literature review was to investigate the level of knowledge regarding nurse practitioner coping with role transition. The current level o f …


Quality Of Life In Men With Prostate Cancer, Pamela Lott Baird Jul 2006

Quality Of Life In Men With Prostate Cancer, Pamela Lott Baird

MSN Research Projects

The diagnosis of prostate cancer is extremely serious and overwhelming for men of any gender, age, or socioeconomic class. Unfortunately, many patients are left to deal with the ramifications of the illness with little information or coping mechanisms. Perhaps prostate cancer could be dealt with in a more productive and positive manner if patients had opportunities to vocalize feelings and ask pertinent and relevant questions of healthcare providers without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Clearly, quality of life is changed in many ways by this serious and often lethal illness. According to Willener & Hantikainen, the illness is quite prevalent: Prostate …


Evidence-Based Practice Considerations For The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Promoting Resilience, Amanda M. Weeks Jul 2006

Evidence-Based Practice Considerations For The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Promoting Resilience, Amanda M. Weeks

MSN Research Projects

The importance o f resilience as a concept is clearly defined throughout the lifespan. Therefore it is very important to understand the responsibility o f nurse practitioners in promoting resilience. Resilience is affected by assessment, diagnosis, education, and health promotion given from all healthcare providers. McAllister (2003), states that “whilst a problem focus is criticized by some, it remains largely unchallenged as the guiding light for nursing practice” (p.l). She goes on to state that “by refocusing on a solution focused approach, we could show how we are different from medicine, and how we aim to do nursing differently through …


The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In A Perioperative Setting, Michael Collins Nelms Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In A Perioperative Setting, Michael Collins Nelms

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this project is to explore the healthcare literature regarding the role of the nurse practitioner in a perioperative setting and further to determine applicable evidenced based practice behaviors as a basis for future study.


Patient Satisfaction With The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner, Michelle Rosamond Rice Jul 2006

Patient Satisfaction With The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner, Michelle Rosamond Rice

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study is to consider patient satisfaction of this role. Many factors can affect patient satisfaction and these also will be investigated. The nurse practitioner role is a major factor in healthcare. Patient satisfaction with the role is an important fact to consider and will impact the future of the role.


The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner Regarding The Promotion Of Health In Childhood Obesity, Joanna R. Mccollum Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner Regarding The Promotion Of Health In Childhood Obesity, Joanna R. Mccollum

MSN Research Projects

Childhood obesity is a condition that is growing in epidemic proportions in the United States (U.S.). The prevalence of childhood obesity has doubled since the 1980’s. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2002), stated that approximately 55 % o f the U.S. population is overweight. According to Moran (1999), preventing childhood obesity significantly decreases morbidity related to type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and other chronic conditions. The purpose o f this Evidence Based Practice (EBP) project was to develop a nurse practitioner knowledgebase regarding health promotion in childhood obesity. The research questions asked: (a) What is the level o …


Patient Satisfaction With The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner, Michael Collins Nelms Jul 2006

Patient Satisfaction With The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner, Michael Collins Nelms

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this project is to explore the healthcare literature regarding the role of the nurse practitioner in a perioperative setting and further to determine applicable evidenced based practice behaviors as a basis for future study.


The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Health Promotion During Pregnancy, Sarah Elizabeth Hendrix Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Health Promotion During Pregnancy, Sarah Elizabeth Hendrix

MSN Research Projects

Health promotion is fundamental to nurse practitioner practice. To be effective in health promotion, the nurse practitioner must have a clear understanding of the nature of behavioral change, the individual issues each client brings to a particular behavior, and have expertise in health promotion. The nurse practitioner must possess specific skills to facilitate the client’s movement along the continuum of health behavior change. Health promotion that enhances prenatal care has been described and established by evidence-based research and professional practice guidelines. The purpose of this evidence-based research project was to develop a current nurse practitioner knowledgebase regarding the role of …


The Role Of The Nurse Pracitioner In End Of Life Care, Caryn Alison Johnson Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Pracitioner In End Of Life Care, Caryn Alison Johnson

MSN Research Projects

Although advances in medical technology have increased the average lifespan of the elderly population, many patients do not receive assistance at the end of life, and suffer with avoidable pain and distress. Practitioners and researchers have identified the need for further research to improve the quality of EOLC. Research shows that the NP may be the best choice of hospital staff to initiate EOLC discussions and decisions with patients and their families. For this reason, it is likely that the role of the NP in EOLC will expand to a specialty focus in the near future. Therefore, the purpose of …


An Evidence Based Practice Perspective Regarding The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Access To Mental Health Care, Alvin Terry Ricks Jr. Jul 2006

An Evidence Based Practice Perspective Regarding The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Access To Mental Health Care, Alvin Terry Ricks Jr.

MSN Research Projects

Mental health care, persecuted without merit, has long suffered from the prejudice and shame fashioned by a public blinded by ignorance. The real barriers created by the primary health care system hampering access to mental health care are increased by the preconceived ideals that ridicule the patient in crisis confronts. The purpose o f this project is to identify the barriers to access, how access it mental health care can be achieved through primary care and how the nurse practitioner can aid in mental health access as a primary care provider. Research o f literature provides a base o f …


The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In The Use Of Homeopathy In Healthcare, Misty Mathis Harris Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In The Use Of Homeopathy In Healthcare, Misty Mathis Harris

MSN Research Projects

Homeopathy is the administration of diluted substances, derived from plants, minerals, or animal products, that would in a healthy person induce symptoms of the disease treated (Skinner, 1996). Samuel Hahnermann, the founder of homeopathy, insisted that homeopathy is the restoration of the bioenergetic field surrounding the life force (Skinner, 1996) . The purpose of this project was to develop a nurse practitioner knowledgebase regarding the use of homeopathy. Martha Rogers' Theory of Unitary Human Beings served as the theoretical foundation for this clinical project and guided the systematic review of literature. The consideration of the use of homeopathy by nurse …


The Current Level Of Nursing Knowledge Regarding The Management Of Cardiovascular Disease In Postmenopausal Women, Lynda Smith Hardin Jul 2006

The Current Level Of Nursing Knowledge Regarding The Management Of Cardiovascular Disease In Postmenopausal Women, Lynda Smith Hardin

MSN Research Projects

Cardiovascular disease (CYD) is the single leading cause o f death and a significant cause o f morbidity o f American women. Despite years of research and compelling data indicating that CYD is largely preventable, alarming trends in the prevalence and management o f risk factors in women continue to occur. In 2005, the estimated direct and indirect cost o f CYD was $393.5 billion (American Heart Association [AHA], 2005). Despite the fact that CYD kills more women per year than the next six causes of death combined; only 13% o f women consider CYD to be their greatest health …


The Relationship Between The Health Behaviors Of Female University Freshmen And Their Academic Success, Courtney Taylor Jul 2006

The Relationship Between The Health Behaviors Of Female University Freshmen And Their Academic Success, Courtney Taylor

MSN Research Projects

The purpose o f this study was to characterize the relationship between the health behaviors and academic achievement o f university women. To this end, female freshmen at Mississippi University for Women were given questionnaires measuring their healthrelated lifestyle habits that were then correlated with the students’ grade point averages. Lifestyle habits were assessed via the Wellness Worksheet questionnaire (WW), and academic success, first semester grade point averages (GPA). The analysis revealed a moderately weak and positive relationship between healthier lifestyle choices and first semester GPA, r = .34. Among the behaviors addressed by the WW, alcohol and other drug …


Role Of The Nurse Practitioner: Health Promotion And Education In Teenage Pregnancy Prevention, Alissa Anne Hood Jul 2006

Role Of The Nurse Practitioner: Health Promotion And Education In Teenage Pregnancy Prevention, Alissa Anne Hood

MSN Research Projects

According to Martin, Kochanek, Strobino, Guyer, & MacDorman (2005), the lowest reported rate in the past six decades for teenage pregnancy in the United States occurred in the year 2003. Although this was found significant, the United States still holds the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the industrialized world. It has been estimated that by the year 2010 there will be a 10% increase in the number of teenage girls between the ages of 15-19(Coren, 2005). Therefore, it was found imperative to increase the awareness and promotion of healthy sexual behaviors to reduce further teenage pregnancy. The purpose of …


Patient Satisfaction With Nurse Practitioner Care In Telemergency, Melissa Henry King Jul 2006

Patient Satisfaction With Nurse Practitioner Care In Telemergency, Melissa Henry King

MSN Research Projects

Recent studies suggest that patient satisfaction has a direct correlation to patient outcome. In today’s healthcare system, satisfaction is the ultimate measure of services rendered from a provider to a consumer. From retail sales to the delivery of healthcare services, satisfaction surveys are highly regarded by the provider of services as a means to correct and improve products or services. A patient who is not satisfied with provided services will seek out providers with whom they gain the greatest amount of satisfaction. Telemergency is a fairly new concept that is growing rapidly in popularity with both hospital administrations and providers. …


Evidenced Based Practice Considerations Regarding Rural Health And Access To Care, Amy S. Benjamin May 2006

Evidenced Based Practice Considerations Regarding Rural Health And Access To Care, Amy S. Benjamin

MSN Research Projects

While the United States (U.S.) healthcare system has been extremely successful, concerns remain about access to care for a large segment of the population (Rivers, 2003). Availability o f health care to rural areas is limited, leaving a large portion of the American population with limited access to care. According to the data of the U.S. Census Bureau collected in 2001 27% of the United States population was considered rural. Rural, as defined by the Census Bureau, is a town of less than 2,500 residents’ (Schmidt, 2005). Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can offer increased accessibility to local care by addressing primary …


Evidence-Based Practice Considerations In Facilitating The Risk Surveillance Of Occupational Exposure To Antineoplastic Agents, Theresa A. Rafique Aug 2005

Evidence-Based Practice Considerations In Facilitating The Risk Surveillance Of Occupational Exposure To Antineoplastic Agents, Theresa A. Rafique

MSN Research Projects

According to Martin and Larson (2003), healthcare professionals involved with handling antineoplastic drugs may be exposed inadvertently to these agents, placing them at potential risk for acute and long-term adverse effects. For example, cyclophosphamide one of the most frequently used antineoplastic agents in clinical treatment facilities, is a known human carcinogen (Larson, Khazaeli, & Dillon, 2003). While the health risks associated with cytotoxic use have been well established, there is little information available about how people perceive these risks, particularly among those most affected by it-chemotherapy nurses. Therefore, the purpose of this Evidence Based Practice (EBP) project was to develop …


The Effectiveness Of A Congestive Heart Failure Teaching Program To Community-Based Elders, Debbie Meggs Aug 2003

The Effectiveness Of A Congestive Heart Failure Teaching Program To Community-Based Elders, Debbie Meggs

MSN Research Projects

Heart failure affects more than 4.6 million people in the United States (Dahl & Penque, 2000). While mortality from myocardial infarction is on the decline, congestive heart failure numbers continue to rise. Statistics indicate that 550,000 cases occur each year, at an estimated cost of $21.4 billion a year (National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 2002). Elders with congestive heart failure (CHF) do not always understand their disease nor do they recognize its symptoms. Recognition of CHF symptoms can lead to improved management and self-care. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide basic, low-literacy …


Primary Care Providers' Prescribing Practices Of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Ginger Dowell Aug 2003

Primary Care Providers' Prescribing Practices Of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Ginger Dowell

MSN Research Projects

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is rapidly growing among the general population. Researchers have identified only minimal empirical data regarding the SSRI-prescribing practices among primary care providers. The focus of this descriptive study was to explore SSRI-prescribing practices of primary care providers. Benner's (1984) Novice to Expert Model was the theoretical framework used to conduct this study. The research questions used to guide the research were as follows: What factors influence the prescribing practices of primary care providers regarding SSRIs? And what are the perceived competency levels of primary care providers in prescribing SSRIs? The research design …


Facilitators And Barriers To Compliance Of Middle-Aged Hypertensive African-American Adults, Monica Jones Aug 2003

Facilitators And Barriers To Compliance Of Middle-Aged Hypertensive African-American Adults, Monica Jones

MSN Research Projects

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Surveys indicate that one out of four Americans has high blood pressure. It occurs more often in men than women and is most common in African-American males. Despite the fact that there are constantly improving treatments available, many hypertensive patients are noncompliant with prescribed treatment plans. The focus of this descriptive study was to identify facilitators and barriers to compliance in hypertensive middle-aged African American adults. Pender's Health Promotion Model served as the theoretical framework. The research question guiding this study was as follows: …


Effects Of Mentholatum On Onychomycosis Of The Toenail, Susan Cappleman Aug 2003

Effects Of Mentholatum On Onychomycosis Of The Toenail, Susan Cappleman

MSN Research Projects

As many as 25% of the population age 60 years and older may be affected by onychomycosis, a chronic infection that is difficult to cure. Onychomycosis can cause pain and soft tissue injury that can lead to infection affecting gait from discomfort. Current oral medications available for the treatment of onychomycosis are costly and can pose the risk of serious side effects. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of Mentholatum was an effective and cost-efficient means to treat onychomycosis of the toenail in elders. The Neuman Systems Model was used as the theoretical framework: specifically, …


Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Perception Of Risk In Women, Kimberly Kuykendall-Marlar Aug 2003

Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Perception Of Risk In Women, Kimberly Kuykendall-Marlar

MSN Research Projects

More women than men are dying of cardiovascular disease. The misconception persists that heart disease is a "man's disease" and not an urgent health care issue for women. In the United States, heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined. In 1997, 228,679 women died due to cardiovascular disease, and 41,443 women died from breast cancer. Yet, women are still not assessed effectively for their risk factors for cardiovascular disease; therefore, women are under-diagnosed and under-treated for this disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate women's knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors, assess their perception of risk, …