Nursing Commons^™

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. …

Advancing Employee Engagement Through The Development And Responsible Use Of An Internal Social Media Wiki, Marci Timlin

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this Evidence-based practice project is to increase employee engagement on the Surgical Care Unit through the use of social media. The fundamental reason for the project is to increase cohesion among employees by increasing communication, team building, and personal relationships.

Evidence Facilitating Culture Change: Should Everyone Have Routine Supplemental Oxygen?, Tamara Miller

Nursing Posters

To evaluate the use of routinely administered supplemental oxygen in postoperative total joint replacement patients compared to like patients who had not had supplemental oxygen applied routinely as measured by SpO2.

Expanding The Concept Of Presence During Radiation Therapy Treatment, Carol Thelen

Nursing Posters

Background: Radiation Oncology is an invasive invisible process often given during a time that both patients and their families feel considerable burden. The acute phase of treatment after diagnosis is a time of uncertainty, fear and anxiety. The psychological impacts of this fear and anxiety reduce patient's ability to take in all of the information they are given. Families are often active participants in supporting patients as a second set of eyes and ears. There are no national or organizational guidelines on family presence during radiation treatment. Coborn Cancer Center's practice is not consistent but generally included family waiting in …

Wiki's And Ebp: Linking Academia And Practice, Susan Schleper, Joyce Simones, Rachelle Larsen, Judy Gilsdorf-Gracie

Nursing Posters

To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using a Wiki to develop an evidence-based practice research project.

Distress Screening, Jolene Dickerman

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this project is to implement an evidence-based distress screening tool and referral process to support patients diagnosed with cancer. Evaluations of success will include comparison of patient satisfaction and distress level changes over time.

Reduction Of Erosion Risk In Adult Patients With Implanted Ports, Mary K. Weis, Jennifer Burris, Joannie Nei, Hoang D. Nguyen, Bob Miller, Mary Super, Brenda Swendra-Henry, Roxanne Wilson

Nursing Posters

To reduce the percent of port erosion per year to at or below the number reported in the literature.

The Use Of Simulation In Staff Preparation For A New Environment Of Care, Centracare Health

Nursing Posters

Overview: The use of experiential learning in the form of simulation enabled our staff to prepare to coordinate and deliver care during a department move and within the new environment.

The Task: Planning and execution of simulation as a staff training modality for a complete patient department move into a newly constructed environment of care encompassing training of new technology systems including call light and infant security systems, new equipment, and expanded physical space from

Falls And Fall Protocols In The Care Of Older Adults: A Comparison Of Inpatient And Community Dwelling Veterans, Katy Torchia

Nursing Student Work

Project Title: Falls and Fall Protocols in the Care of Older Adults: A Comparison of Inpatient and Community Dwelling Veterans

Background: There is currently no literature that compares fall risks and fall prevention protocols among community dwelling and institutionalized elderly veterans.

Objective: This research project aims to eliminate this literature gap by utilizing a retrospective descriptive design to analyze existing health records of veterans from the St. Cloud Veterans Administration Health Care System (VAHS).

Method: This purpose of this study was to compare fall risk factors for inpatients and outpatient veterans. A repeated measure, retrospective record review …

Patient Engagement: Patients As Partners In Their Own Health Care, Nancy L. Falk, Mary Jean Schumann

Nursing Faculty Posters and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Randomized Comparison Of Two Internet-Supported Natural Family Planning Methods (Preliminary Findings), Richard J. Fehring, Mary Schneider

Randomized Comparison of Two Internet-Supported Methods of Natural Family Planning

The aims of this study were to determine and compare efficacy, satisfaction, ease of use, and motivation in using an internet-based method of Natural Family Planning (NFP) that utilizes either electronic hormonal fertility monitoring (EHFM) or cervical-mucus monitoring (CMM). Four hundred fifty women (mean age 30.1) and their male partners (mean age 31.9) who sought to avoid pregnancy were randomized into either an EHFM (N=228) or CMM NFP group (N=222). Both groups utilized a Web site that provided NFP instructions, an electronic charting system, and support from professional nurses. Participants were assessed for satisfaction, ease of use, and motivation in …

Comparison Of Biomarkers In Blood And Saliva In Healthy Adults, Sarah Williamson, Cindy Munro, Rita Pickler, Mary Jo Grap, R. K. Elswick Jr.

School of Nursing Publications

Researchers measure biomarkers as a reflection of patient health status or intervention outcomes. While blood is generally regarded as the best body fluid for evaluation of systemic processes, substitution of saliva samples for blood would be less invasive and more convenient. The concentration of specific biomarkers may differ between blood and saliva. The objective of this study was to compare multiple biomarkers (27 cytokines) in plasma samples, passive drool saliva samples, and filter paper saliva samples in 50 healthy adults. Demographic data and three samples were obtained from each subject: saliva collected on filter paper over 1 minute, saliva collected …

Toothbrush Contamination: A Review Of The Literature, Michelle R. Frazelle, Cindy L. Munro

School of Nursing Publications

Toothbrushes are commonly used in hospital settings and may harbor potentially harmful microorganisms. A peer-reviewed literature review was conducted to evaluate the cumulative state of knowledge related to toothbrush contamination and its possible role in disease transmission. A systematic review was conducted on adult human subjects through three distinct searches. The review resulted in seven experimental and three descriptive studies which identified multiple concepts related to toothbrush contamination to include contamination, methods for decontamination, storage, design, and environmental factors. The selected studies found that toothbrushes of healthy and oral diseased adults become contaminated with pathogenic bacteria from the dental plaque, …

Factors That Motivate Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists To Practice Independently In The Appalachian Region, Michael Lee Frame Jr.

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Independent Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) provide anesthesia services without the supervision or medical direction of anesthesiologists in healthcare facilities throughout the United States. The present literature is limited concerning the factors that motivate CRNAs to choose employment in rural independent practice.

Research Hypothesis: In a sample of CRNAs who practice independently in one of the 13 states of the Appalachian region there will be no differences between the CRNAs from Appalachian and Non-Appalachian counties in their responses to the motivation factors of achievement, recognition, responsibility, advancement, work itself, salary, working conditions, company and administrative policies, supervision, and …

Risk Factors For Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia In The Adult Trauma Patient: A Retrospective Case-Control Study From A Level I Trauma Center, Summer L. Chapman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) continues to be a common complication among the adult trauma population. Little advancements have been made to decrease the incidence, suggesting further research is needed to establish modifiable risk factors. The purpose of this study was to test for an associated link between prehospital intubation and the development of VAP in the adult trauma patient.

Methodology: A retrospective, case-control study design was utilized. The sample included 494 adult trauma patients who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation for a minimum of 24 hours. All patients presented as a priority one or two trauma to the Charleston …

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 …

Effects Of Intubation And Maintenance Sedation On Blood Pressure In Acute Stroke Patients Undergoing Mechanical Endovascular Thrombectomy, Frank Farkash

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Infusing Oral Health Care Into Nursing Curriculum: Addressing Preventive Health In Aging And Disability, Joan Earle Hahn, Leah Fitzgerald, Young Kee Markham, Paul Glassman, Nancy Guenther

Nursing

Access to oral health care is essential for promoting and maintaining overall health and well-being, yet oral health disparities exist among vulnerable and underserved populations. While nurses make up the largest portion of the health care work force, educational preparation to address oral health needs of elders and persons with disabilities is limited across nursing curricula. This descriptive study reports on the interdisciplinary development, implementation, and testing of an oral health module that was included and infused into a graduate nursing curriculum in a three-phase plan. Phase 1 includes evaluation of a lecture presented to eight gerontological nurse practitioner (GNP) …

Master Of Science In Nursing 2012-2013, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Protocol Assessment Adherence For Depression Among Community-Dwelling And Inpatient Older Adults, Cassie Cabor

Nursing Student Work

Many older adults are under diagnosed and undertreated for depression by healthcare professionals (Brown, Bruce, McAvay, Raue, Lachs, & Nassisi, 2003). Depression is very prevalent in all older adults and, during times of war, veterans are at increased risk for development of some type of mental disorder (Allen & Annells, 2009). Cully, Khan, Peterson, and Zimmer (2008) indicate that almost one in 10 veterans are affected by depression. This study aimed to fill some of the gaps that exist in literature regarding depression screening and adherence to protocols for older adults. This retrospective study looked at impatient versus outpatient PHQ-2 …