Nursing Commons^™

Emergency Department Nurses' Suggestions For Improving End-Of-Life Care, Robert D. Wood

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Death is not an uncommon outcome for patients who seek immediate care in an emergency department. Although death is common in the emergency department there is little literature regarding end-of-life care in the emergency department. The purpose of this research study is to determine what changes emergency nurses would suggest to improve end-of-life care for dying patients and their families in emergency departments.

Background: A national, geographically dispersed, random sample of 1000 emergency nurses were sent a questionnaire entitled, "Emergency Nurses' Perceptions of End-of-Life Care." Inclusion criteria included nurses who were members of the Emergency Nurses Association, could read …

Patient Care Provider Safety: Examining One Intervention To Reduce Hospital Violence, Paul Leslie Ford

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

In the summer of 2009, Tampa General care providers met with Hospital Administration to express concern that violence on care units was a growing problem and making it difficult to provide quality care. Nurses stated that such violence was one important reason many of their peers choose to retire. Administration took this situation seriously and formed a committee to gather information and submit suggestions to reduce the violence. The committee consisted of representatives from several nursing units, human resources, risk management, security, and administration. Duties assigned included investigation of the actual number of reports on all units and trends. …

The Last Frontier: Rural Emergency Nurses’ Perceptions Of End-Of-Life Care Obstacles, Renea L. Beckstrand, Virginia C. Giles, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy, Lynn C. Callister, Sondra Heaston

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Caring for dying patients is part of working in a rural emergency department. Rural emergency nurses are prepared to provide life-saving treatments but find there are barriers or obstacles to providing end-of-life (EOL) care. This study was completed to discover the size, frequency, and magnitude of obstacles in providing EOL care in rural emergency departments as perceived by rural emergency nurses.

Methods: A 57-item questionnaire was sent to 52 rural hospitals in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and Alaska. Respondents were asked to rate items on size and frequency of perceived obstacles to providing EOL care in rural emergency departments. …

Exploring The Contribution Of General Self-Efficacy To The Use Of Self-Care Symptom Management Strategies By People Living With Hiv Infection, Inge B. Corless, Dean Wantland, Kenn M. Kirksey, Patrice K. Nicholas, Sarie Human, John Arudo, Maria Rosa, Yvette Cuca, Sue Willard, Mary Jane Hamilton, Carmen Portillo, Elizabeth Sefcik, Linda Robinson, Cathy Bain, Shanaz Moezzi, Mary Maryland, Emily Huang, William L. Holzemer

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

General self-efficacy (GSE), the expectation that one is able to perform a behavior successfully, may differentiate those who are able to successfully utilize self-care symptom management strategies (SCSMS). This subanalysis (n = 569) of an international 12 site longitudinal randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n = 775), investigated GSE as an important factor determining symptom burden, SCSMS, engagement with the provider, and medication adherence over time, and identified differences in those with high and low GSE ratings concerning these variables. Parametric and nonparametric repeated-measures tests were employed to assess GSE and the perceived effectiveness of SCSMS for anxiety, depression, diarrhea, fatigue, …

Postpartum Depression In Immigrant Hispanic Women: A Comparative Community Sample, Laura Mae Shellman

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study was initiated to verify whether a remarkably high rate of postpartum depression (PPD), previously found in immigrant Hispanic women receiving health care at a community clinic, would also be found in a community sample with a similar demographic.

Data Sources: Sixty immigrant Hispanic women who had recently given birth were recruited from local community settings. The Beck Postpartum Depression Screening Scale-Spanish version (PPDS-S) and the General Acculturation Index (GAI) were used to screen for PPD symptoms and to collect demographic data. These data were then compared with previously published data from the community clinic sample.

Conclusions: Sixty …

Chhs June 2012 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Knowledge, Skill And Attitude Of Oncology Nurses In Chemotherapy Administration In Tertiary Hospital Pakistan., Najma Khan, Khurshid Zulfiqar Ali Khowaja, Tazeen Saeed Ali

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Objective:

To measure the levels of nurse’s knowledge and attitude after the conduct of education session regarding chemotherapy administration and management.

Methodology:

This research study was conducted at two oncology units of tertiary Hospital Rawalpindi. A prepost test intervention study design was used on 35 nurses by using Verity’s tools.

Results:

The mean scores of knowledge were calculated by Cochran’s Q test showed that knowledge scores have significantly increased with ‘educational training’ (p value < 0.001). The difference in the attitude of the nurses was not found to be statistically significant in repeated measure of ANOVA.

Conclusion:

The results show that knowledge is the weakest component and attitude is strongest component of oncology nurses ‘competencies in chemotherapy administration.

Treatment Outcomes Of A Tailored Smoking Cessation Programme For Individuals Accessing Addiction Treatment Services, Milan Khara, Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli

Nursing Presentations

Background: Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) have disproportionately higher smoking prevalence and tobacco-related mortality than the general population. This high prevalence of smoking warrants a need for targeted tobacco treatment efforts.

Objectives: To examine smoking cessation outcomes and predictors of successful smoking cessation among individuals with SUD accessing a tobacco dependence clinic (TDC) within Addiction Services.

Methods: Based on clinical guidelines, participants of the TDC received behavioural therapy combined with tailored pharmacotherapy for tobacco treatment (at no cost). A retrospective chart review from 678 participants enrolled in the TDC between Sept 2007 and Dec 2011 was analyzed. 7-day point-prevalence …

Commencement Program 2012, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2012 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

7 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 The Good Samaritan

10 | University History Highlights

12 | Loma Linda University Song - "Healing Love"

13 | The Speakers

24 | The University Honorees

36 | The School Honorees

54 | The Program

• School of Medicine, 55
• School of Pharmacy, 72
• School of Dentistry, 79
• School of Science and Technology/School of Behavioral Health and School of Religion, 97
• School of Nursing, 109
• School of Allied Health Professions - Physical Therapy, 117
• School of …

Parenting Behaviors Of African American And Caucasian Families: Parent And Child Perceptions, Associations With Child Weight And Ability To Identify Abnormal Weight Status, Michele Polfuss, Marilyn Frenn

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

This study examined the agreement between parent and child perceptions of parenting behaviors, the relationship of the behaviors with the child's weight status, and the ability of the parent to correctly identify weight status in 176 parent–child dyads (89 Caucasian and 87 African American). Correlational and regression analyses were used. Findings included moderate to weak correlations in child and parent assessments of parenting behaviors. Caucasian dyads had higher correlations than African American dyads. Most parents correctly identified their own and their child's weight status. Parents of overweight children used increased controlling behaviors, but the number of controlling behaviors decreased when …

Mental Health Of Elders In Retirement Communities: Is Loneliness A Key Factor?, Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Short Of Transformation: American Adn Students' Thoughts, Feelings, And Experiences Of Studying Abroad In A Low-Income Country, Cynthia Foronda, Ruth Ann Belknap

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

ADN students are a large yet distinct subgroup of nursing students who require research and understanding. The purpose of this study was to describe the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of American associate degree nursing (ADN) students who participated in a short study abroad course in a low-income country. A qualitative, narrative method was used. Three categories emerged from the analysis. Participants revealed thoughts of “constant comparisons”, feelings of an “emotional journey”, and they experienced “learning”. Participants did not demonstrate perspective transformation as defined by Mezirow as participants signified no intent for social action. Several potential blocks to perspective transformation were …

A Comparison Of Topical Menthol To Ice On Pain, Evoked Tetanic And Voluntary Force During Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Pramod Johar, Varun Grover, Robert V. Topp, David G. Behm

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose/Background: Pain can adversely affect muscle functioning by inhibiting muscle contractions. Delayed onset muscle soreness was used as a tool to ascertain whether a topical menthol-based analgesic or ice was more effective at reducing pain and permitting greater muscular voluntary and evoked force. Methods: Sixteen subjects were randomized to receive either a topical gel containing 3.5% menthol or topical application of ice to the non-dominant elbow flexors two days following the performance of an exercise designed to induce muscle soreness. Two days later, DOMS discomfort was treated with a menthol based analgesic or ice. Maximum voluntary contractions and evoked tetanic …

Clinical Observation Reflections From Students In An Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Course, Marcia Phillips, Susan Breakwell, Kim Minju, Margaret Faut Callahan

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how a brief clinical observation encounter contributed to students’ experiences in an interdisciplinary palliative care course. This course was required of all graduate nursing students and was available as an elective for medical and other healthcare professions students at a healthcare sciences university. The students were required to spend approximately 8 to 12 hours attending interdisciplinary team meetings or accompanying a team on rounds and patient visits.

The students’ summary narratives of their observation experience were analyzed in this qualitative study that focused on six categories of feedback: (1) patients’ …

Jsn Ipad2 Intergration Project: Sharing Strategies, Kellie Smith, Edd, Rn, Kathryn Shaffer, Msn, Rn, Mary Hanson-Zalot, Msn, Rn, Aocn, Anthony J. Frisby, Phd, Beth Ann Swan, Phd, Crnp, Faan

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Podium presentation at Thomas Jefferson University’s Fourth Annual Faculty Days, Philadelphia, PA.

24 PowerPoint slides.

Influences Of Health Insurance And Primary Care On Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening Among Black Women In Boston, Gail Barlow Gall

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Healthy People 2010 promoted breast and cervical cancer screening to reduce cancer among all women and reduce disparities in cancer deaths between Black and White women. The REACH 2010 program targeted improving screening rates among Black women and funded a demonstration project to provide outreach, screening, patient navigation and case management for Black women in Boston. The purpose of this study was to describe associations between health insurance and primary care (having a primary care provider [PCP], quality of communications and relationship with PCP) on differences in breast and cervical cancer screening reported by Black women born in the United …

Diffusion Of The Egfr Assay: The Underutilization And The Urban/Rural Divide, Julie Ann Lynch

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Purpose - The EGFR assay is a molecular diagnostic test which identifies a targetable mutation in lung tumors. Guidelines call for EGFR testing for non-small cell lung cancer patients to direct first line treatment. We explored institutional and regional factors predicting the likelihood acute care hospitals ordered the assay. Methods: This was a retrospective study which analyzed US acute care hospitals (n=4780). We linked proprietary industry data for orders of the EGFR assay to public datasets that provided hospital and regional characteristics. We conducted logistic regression to identify significant characteristics that predict likelihood a hospital ordered the assay. Results - …

Relevancy=Qsen + Complete Baccalaureate Curriculum Redesign, Charlene M. Smith

Nursing Faculty/Staff Publications

Faculty in the WSON opted to consider a complete curriculum redesign of the baccalaureate nursing program to assure relevancy to practice. A quality improvement process was used to accomplish the curriculum redesign.

Nursing Informatics Competencies: Implications For Safe And Effective Practice, Hayes Greer

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the implications and availability of nursing informatics competencies, and to address the current state of informatics competency guidelines and assessment tools. To possess competence in nursing informatics, one must possess the ability to obtain, store, retrieve, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom, which is essential to nursing practice. Nurses must be educated and competent in nursing informatics in order to exhibit safe and effective nursing practice. Many various lists and guidelines exist to address the distinct competencies that nurses must possess; however, very few resources are available to assess the degree …

Student Attitudes Toward Older Adults, Anna Feenstra

Honors Theses

An aging American population means more older adults will be entering the health care system. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the attitudes of nursing students toward older adults and to determine if these attitudes change over the course of a nursing program. This study was carried out in a university in the Midwest United States. A pre-test post-test single group design was used for this study. Students were surveyed three times throughout the program using Kogan’s Old People scale (KOP) and a demographic questionnaire. Testing was conducted at the beginning and end of the sophomore geriatric course …

Self-Tracking, Social Media And Personal Health Records For Patient Empowered Self-Care, C Paton, Margaret M. Hansen Edd, Msn, Rn, L Fernandez-Luque, Ays Lau

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Objectives: This paper explores the range of self-tracking devices and social media platforms used by the self-tracking community, and examines the implications of widespread adoption of these tools for scientific progress in health informatics. Methods: A literature review was performed to investigate the use of social media and self-tracking technologies in the health sector. An environmental scan identified a range of products and services which were used to exemplify three levels of self-tracking: self-experi- mentation, social sharing of data and patient controlled electronic health records. Results: There appears to be an increase in the use of self-tracking tools, particularly in …

Smoking Cessation Education: A Prescription And Opportunity For Change, Amanda Aust

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Tobacco usage is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Smoking claims the lives of people more than acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, alcohol, accidents, homicides, suicides, fires, and drugs combined (Green & Briggs, 2006). In 2009, 46 million people in the United States were estimated to be smokers (Regents of the University of California, 2011). Despite the availability of guidelines to assess and provide smoking cessation interventions to patients, a disconnect exists in nurses being able to implement these guidelines. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if an educational intervention for nurses about smoking cessation, as compared …

Emergency Nurses' Perception Of Department Design As An Obstacle To Providing End-Of-Life Care, Renea L. Beckstrand, Ryan J. Rasmussen, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy, Sondra Heaston

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Of the 119.2 million visits to the emergency department in 2006, it was estimated that about 249,000 visits resulted in the patient dying or being pronounced dead on arrival. In 2 national studies of emergency nurses' perceptions of end-of-life (EOL) care, ED design was identified as a large and frequent obstacle to providing EOL care. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of ED design on EOL care as perceived by emergency nurses and to determine how much input emergency nurses have on the design of their emergency department.

Methods: A 25-item questionnaire regarding ED …

Computer-Based Sex Education For High School Students, Ashley Jones

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Adolescents are four times more likely than other age groups to contract chlamydia or gonorrhea. In the USA, young people between 15 to 24 years of age acquire almost half of all newly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STI) a year. The purpose of this computer-based sex education EBP project was to increase student knowledge regarding transmission, disease process, and treatment for STIs, as well as to reduce high risk sexual behaviors. The evidence-based practice model for change and the Modeling, Role-Modeling nursing theory guided this project. Computer-based sex education is supported in research. Articles critiqued, utilizing Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2011) …

Patient Safety Competencies In Rural Asn Students: An Evidence-Based Curricular Innovation, Janeen Berndt

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hospital clinical experiences are important events in prelicensure nursing education. Benefits include the opportunity for students to experience actual nursing responsibilities, immersion into environment, and professional socialization. However, challenges in finding appropriate clinical experiences include competition over clinical sites, decreasing patient acuity, and high student-faculty ratios. Rural schools of nursing have these challenges and those inherent in rural environments such as limited health care access, restricted critical access hospitals, and limited resources. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to plan, implement, and evaluate the use of a series of patient care simulations as an educational intervention to improve …

Delivering Quality Care: The Roles And Future Of Midwives In Southern California, Abigail Jones

Scripps Senior Theses

The United States is ranked 27^th in the world for maternal mortality, yet spends twice as much on maternity care services as countries with better maternal health indicators. Stuck in a technocratic and physician-dominated maternity care system, the U.S. depends on expensive technologies to control birth out of fear of pain and litigation, costing Americans billions of dollars and depriving women of the opportunity to have a transformative birth experience. Through an analysis of the medicalization of birth and the current biomedical model in birth, in conjunction with open-ended interviews with 5 hospital midwives and 3 homebirth midwives, the …

Barriers And Motivators For Influenza Vaccination Compliance Among Healthcare, Shelby Rogers

Honors Theses

The influenza vaccine is a topic of much debate and concern throughout the healthcare profession. This vaccination has been shown to drastically reduce the number of nosocomial infections of the flu among hospitalized patients. While many healthcare professionals are aware of the benefits of obtaining the influenza vaccination, many remain noncompliant to actually getting vaccinated. This research will use a form of evidence-based practice known as an integrative review of literature in order to determine the course of nursing action to implement regarding influenza vaccination that will best increase the rates of its compliance among health professionals. A number of …

Obesity Trends In Head Start Preschoolers, Anna Sanders

Honors Theses

The purpose of this natural comparative study is to see if changes in diet, education, and activity made in a South Mississippi Head Start (HS) preschool from Fall 2007 through Fall 2010 made any changes in the Body Mass Index (BMI) trends in two cohorts of low-income African American 3-year-olds. Cohort 1 BMI trends were measured in Fall 2006 and Spring 2007, before major HS changes in diet, education and activity were made (pre-treatment), and Cohort 2 was measured in Fall 2010 and Spring 2011, after major changes were made (post-treatment).

Symptom Clusters In Lung Cancer Patients, Debra Rattican

Theses and Dissertations

SYMPTOM CLUSTERS IN LUNG CANCER PATIENTS By Debra Rattican, PhD, RN A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Major Director: Debra E. Lyon, PhD. Professor and Chair Family and Community Health Nursing The purpose of the study was to examine selected relationships among symptoms common to individuals with lung cancer. The specific aims were: 1) To examine the relationship between the symptoms of dyspnea and anxiety in patients with lung cancer. 2) To examine the relationships among the symptoms of dyspnea, anxiety, and …

A Multi-Component Intervention To Reduce Alcohol Consumption In College Freshmen, Kimberley L. Jelinek

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Alcohol consumption is a health concern on all college campuses in the United States. College students’ alcohol consumption is a highly prevalent behavior, with 44% reporting that they are consuming alcohol at the binge level or greater (Wechsler & Nelson, 2008). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to answer the clinical question: In college freshmen, how does a multi-component intervention influence alcohol consumption over a four-month period? The Transtheoretical Model of Behavioral Change (TTM) and Diffusion of Innovations (DoI) were used to guide the project. Evidence demonstrates that implementing brief intervention, promoting substance-free events, and increasing campus …