Nursing Commons^™

Assessing Awareness Of The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act Of 2008 (Gina) Among Nurse Practitioners, Mary Steck

All Dissertations

Genetic advancements during the latter part of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century have presented individuals, the medical community, and legislators at state and federal levels, with numerous genetic discrimination predicaments. Oncology nurses need to be knowledgeable about GINA (The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008) and its applications to clinical practice. GINA is the first federal law passed to protect United States' citizens with inherited disorders from being treated unfairly due to their genetic make-up. Understanding the legislation known as GINA, including how it modifies existing federal laws governing health insurance coverage and employment discrimination, …

The Experience Of Latino Parents Of Hospitalized Children During Family Centered Rounds, Lisa Ann Walker-Vischer

Doctoral Projects

Problem: Hospitalization of a child is stressful. The parental role is altered and parents have a primary need to receive timely information. Family centered rounds (FCR) provide a mechanism to exchange information and facilitates shared decision making with the medical team while parents advocate for their child's needs. FCR has been linked to increased satisfaction and improved outcomes. A recent study suggests that Latino parents have a suboptimal experience related to language barriers and a lack of empowerment. The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of Latino parents of hospitalized children during FCR in a public safety …

Pilot Study: Avoiding Readmissions Of Heart Failure Patients Across Transitions Of Care, Analiza Baldonado

Doctoral Projects

Background: A major problem facing the U.S. healthcare system is avoidable hospital readmissions. Patients with Heart Failure (HF) face variety of barriers to health care and are at higher risk for readmissions. To address this problem, evidence-based interventions focused on safe transition from hospital to home are needed.

Methods: A quality improvement pilot project was implemented to evaluate the feasibility of evidence based interventions in preventing avoidable readmissions. The project setting was in a 900 bed health care system. The descriptive statistical methods were means and frequencies. The Transition Coordinator (TC) enrolled a convenience sample of 30 participants. The evidence …

Development And Evaluation Of An Opioid Monitoring Clinic, Richard Luna Talusan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

An APRN-led Opioid Monitoring Clinic was developed and implemented in the primary care setting of Las Vegas' Department of Veterans Affairs in July 2013 to assist primary care providers (PCP) in the management of high risk patients on chronic opioid

therapy for chronic noncancer pain. The clinic assisted in monitoring patients for abuse and misuse of opioids and referred patients for treatment when abuse and misuse were discovered. A study to evaluate the OMC was undertaken from November 22, 2013

through February 23, 2014 to assess the effectiveness of the OMC in meeting its objectives. A total of 61 patients …

The Reduction Of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections In Intensive Care Units Through The Implementation Of The Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program, Michael Andrew Basinger

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are one of the most significant healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting resulting in increased lengths of stay, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates (Institute of Healthcare Improvement [IHI], 2012). Evidence that CLABSIs are largely preventable has created opportunities for healthcare organizations to implement evidence-based bloodstream infection prevention practices to reduce or eliminate these infections (Lissauer, Leekisa, Prease, Thom, & Johnson, 2012). Other efforts to reduce CLABSIs include implementation of safety programs to improve the safety culture in ICUs (Lissauer et al., 2012). One program, the comprehensive unit-based safety program …

The Relationship Among School Playground Design And Conditions And Physical Activity Levels In Children, Ipuna Estavillo Black

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Almost 20% of children aged 6 to 11 years are obese in the United States, tripling over the last ten years. The rise in childhood obesity challenges nurses in their efforts to improve community health and sustainability. A decrease in physical activity (PA) levels has been associated with an increase in obesity. Schools have been identified as a primary setting to provide children adequate amounts of daily PA, and nurses working in the area of child health promotion can work with schools to provide opportunities for children to increase PA levels. The playground is one environment where children can increase …

Relationship Of Mitochondrial Enzymes To Fatigue Intensity And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Men With Prostate Cancer Receiving External Beam Radiation Therapy, Kristin Filler

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Cancer-related fatigue is often described by patients as a lack of energy, mental or physical tiredness, diminished endurance, and prolonged recovery after activity. Etiologic mechanisms underlying CRF are not well understood. Methods: A literature review was conducted to examine studies that had investigated the association of mitochondrial dysfunction with fatigue. The major conclusion from this review was that alterations in energy metabolism may contribute to fatigue. Therefore, the dissertation study focused on laboratory techniques for measuring mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation enzymes (complexes I-V) and a mitochondrial-specific oxidative stress marker (superoxide dismutase 2 [SOD2]). The primary aim of the dissertation research …

Factors Contributing To Infant Feeding Practices With Latina Mothers, Diana Cartagena

Theses and Dissertations

Background: An estimated 9.7% of U.S. infants and toddlers are considered overweight. Hispanic infants persistently show higher prevalence rates for being overweight compared to black and white infants. Little is known about factors promoting excessive infant weight gain in Latinos. Purpose: Primary aim of this study was to describe multidimensional factors and maternal feeding practices that may correlate with infant overfeeding in Latina mothers. A secondary aim was to determine whether there was an association between these factors and infant weight gain. Subjects: Sixty-two low-income immigrant Latina mothers and their infants ages 4-12 months receiving assistance through the Special Supplemental …

Retirement And The Registered Nurse: The Saver Study, Shanna Field Keele

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sixty percent of U.S. registered nurses (RNs) age 45-60 have not participated in retirement planning. Further, in the next 10 to 15 years, this cohort of 1 million RNs will reach retirement age. Previous RN retirement studies have focused on RN retirement outlook, RN economic preparation for retirement, or retirement intent. However, no contemporary research explores the psychological influences in RN retirement preparation; a concern since retirement benefits have been suggested as a retention strategy to improve patient care outcomes, satisfaction, and safety by reducing RN turnover. The purpose of the SAVER study was to identify predictors of future time …

Successful Aging In The United States And China : A Theoretical Basis To Guide Nursing Research, Practice, And Policy., Valerie Lander Mccarthy, Hong Ji, Jiying Ling

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Successful aging is an idea gaining increasing attention given the exponential growth in the older adult population. Criteria and definitions within multiple disciplines vary greatly in Western literature, with no consensus on its meaning. Moreover, sociocultural, economic and political differences between the Western view of successful aging and its use in China – with the world’s largest older adult population – add to the confusion. Similarities and differences in the meaning of successful aging in the United States and China are examined and the potential for a common definition that is useful to nursing in both countries is explored. Using …

Cultural Competency In The Medical Workplace: A Look At Outpatient Clinic Nurses At A Children's Hospital In New England, Evelyn S. Callahan

Honors Scholar Theses

This paper analyzes the current state of progress toward cultural competency in the medical workplace, specifically in the hospital setting. It compares the current writing on the topic to research done at a large New England children’s hospital. The nurses are all individuals who work in an out patient setting so they often see the same patients regularly for longer periods of time. This differs from the in-patient or floor nurses who only spend limited time with a constantly changing population of patients. The research involved one-on-one interviews and a focus group with nurses at the hospital. The focus group …

A Sleep Apnea Program For Commercial Drivers, Gayla Ann Dace

Dissertations

Sleepy driving is a major contributing factor to the motor vehicle crash risk associated with commercial drivers (Pack et al., 2006). In commercial vehicles, approximately 31% to 41% of major crashes can be linked to sleepy driving (Gurubhagavatula et al., 2004). An average non-fatality crash involving a commercial motor vehicle costs about $75,637 while a fatality crash averages about $3.54 million (Gurubhagavatula et al., 2004). A contributing factor to sleepy driving is obstructive sleep apnea (Pack et al., 2006). The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine how many commercial motor vehicle drivers referred to a sleep center as …

An Examination Of Correctional Nursing Competencies For Improved Patient Care, Bing Zheng

Honors Scholar Theses

The concept of this honors project was to explore correctional nursing competency, working closely with my advisor and the research team. Key findings from the initial competency assessment evaluation phase were compiled, organized, and analyzed. A podium presentation “Advancing Correctional Nurse Competencies for Quality Care: Evaluation of Simulation Learning and Satisfaction” was given at the 2013 American Correctional Health Services Association (ACHSA) Multidisciplinary Educational Conference on Correctional Healthcare: Ring a Bell. Additionally, a poster presentation, “Correctional Nurse Competencies: Evaluation of Simulation Learning and Satisfaction,” was given at the 2013 Frontiers conference. A poster presentation was given at the University of …

Medication Adherence And Intervention To Create Success In Hypertensive African Americans In A Rural Setting, Laneita Davis

DNP Projects

Hypertension is a chronic disease that has been a major problem in the African American community for decades. Although numerous research studies have examined interventions to combat this disease, there has been very little research published that focused on African Americans with hypertension in a rural setting. Rural residents experience many difficulties in accessing healthcare services. This difficult access is a disadvantage that results in higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to those of their urban counterparts. Being from a small town in Mississippi, I have witnessed first hand the many barriers that are encountered. Individuals who live in a …

Engaging Staff To Change A Culture, Mary Kunkel, Erin Joyce Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Environmental Cleaning In The Emergency Department, Jenny Vang

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

Emergency Departments (ED) have protocols in place for cleaning rooms vacated by patients in order to reduce the spread of infection. What is the health care staff’s responsibility to ensure these protocols are being updated and implemented as part of infection control? The principle objective of this project is to re-educate healthcare staff on the importance of the environmental cleaning policy in the ED to decrease transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO). Secondary objectives include a review of the literature to provide evidence on the most effective disinfectant wipe to reduce MDROs, and best methods for evaluating cleanliness. Data will …

The Use Of Original Song-Writing To Help Families Cope With Hospice Care, Kelsey Mcquillan

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

No abstract provided.

Coming Home: The Use Of Skilled Nursing Visits On Recently Discharged Nicu Patients, Brittany Mattson

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

This research analyzes the facility’s use of skilled nursing visits of premature infants and recommends the best practice to support positive patient outcomes.

Evaluation Of A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Sane) Program On Sexual Assault Criminal Case Outcomes, Julie Valentine, Alyssa Lark, Michael Worthington

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a community-based sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program on sexual assault criminal case outcomes in Salt Lake County, Utah.

Exploring The Influence Of Charge Nurses On Patient Safety, Charity Rowley, Dr. Katreena Merrill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In 2010, The Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that adverse events during hospitalization contribute to the deaths of 180,000 patients each year! The study at hand was based on these findings and aims to improve the safety in the hospital environment.

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Kathryn E. Brackett

Senior Honors Theses

Abstract

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a worldwide movement started by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that is aimed at providing hospitals with a certification that guarantees the best possible patient-centered care for mothers and infants. It focuses on breastfeeding as optimal infant nutrition, and implements strategies to encourage and support mothers to breastfeed their infants exclusively for six months after birth. The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are a set of 10 simple, easy to understand guidelines developed by WHO and UNICEF for implementing this initiative in the hospital setting and …

Home Care Role In Reducing Re-Hospitalization For Patients With Chf And Pneumonia Within 30 Days Of Discharge, Janelle (Nelli) Hodorff

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

No abstract provided.

Adults With Type I Diabetes: Lifetime Support And Management, Jordan Lynne Prescott, Dr. Donna Freeborn

Journal of Undergraduate Research

To explore the effects of family support and how that relates to personal management of people diagnosed with Type I DM.

Vaccination Perceptions Of School Employees In A Rural School District, Jennifer Orton, Dr. Beth Luthy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Comparing the pre-vaccine rates to the 2010 rates, vaccine preventable diseases have decreased by 98% or greater for diseases such as smallpox, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella (American Academy of Microbiology [AAM], 2010). High vaccination rates are required to maintain low disease prevalence, and all 50 states have legislated mandates with childhood vaccination requirements before enrolling in public schools in an effort to maintain high vaccination rates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011). Conversely, adult vaccination rates are low and many adults are unsure of their vaccination status (Johnson, Nichol, & Lipczynski, 2008) or are not completely vaccinated …

Nursing Home Staff Perceptions Of Older Adults With End-Stage Dementia, Camille Tranter, Dr. Barbara Heise Phd, Aprn, Bc, Cne

Journal of Undergraduate Research

According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2012), one in eight older adults has Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and by 2050, someone will develop AD every 33 seconds doubling the current number of people suffering from AD. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the impact of an end-of-life educational module on nursing home staff perceptions of end-stage dementia care. End-of-life education may improve the quality of care for nursing home residents with advanced dementia.

What Do Nursing Students Know About Quality And Safety? A Pilot Study, Arlene S. N. Johnston, Dr. Katreena Collette Merrill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Quality and patient safety has become a strong focus in the hospitals. However, academic institutions vary in their approach to preparing student nurses in the areas of quality and patient safety. Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) was initiated in 2007 with the charge to prepare student nurses with the knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSAs) necessary to improve healthcare quality and patient safety. Six QSEN competencies were developed. These QSEN competencies are patient centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, informatics, and safety. These QSEN competencies are beginning to be implemented across nursing curriculums. Emphasis has been …

Accuracy Of Blood And Fluid Loss Estimation In The Adult Patient: A Comparison Among Healthcare Team Members, Diana Carter, James E. Kohl

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The ability of registered nurses and healthcare providers to correctly quantify blood and fluid loss is an important factor in providing quality care as it often directs healthcare interventions. Underestimation of blood and fluid loss can lead to delays in treatment and can be detrimental to the patient. Overestimation can lead to needless, wasteful, costly and often times dangerous treatments placing the patient at risk for harm and additional comorbidities. Multiple studies have shown that blood loss is overestimated in small amounts, and underestimated in large amounts. As blood and fluids are lost, the mean arterial pressure may decrease to …

Religiosity, Spirituality, And Family Hardiness In Parents: Raising A Child With A Disability, Brittni Carr, Dr. Barbara Mandleco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

According to Cohn, the number of children in the United States with a disability has increased to 5.2 million, making 1 in every 12 children disabled (2002). This number continues to rise with every passing decade, so more research is being done concerning the parenting of these children. While some studies have been done relating to religiosity and coping, there is a falling out in the literature on religiosity’s correlation to family hardiness. These two variables greatly influence the upbringing and development of CWD. Some researchers have assessed that a parent’s faith helps him or her through stressful situations (Dura-Vila, …

The Intersection Of Child Abuse And Parenting Self-Efficacy In A Teen Population: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Madeline Goodfellow, Dr. Janelle Macintosh

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Over three quarters (79.6%) of rape victims are assaulted before the age of 25 years (Black et al., 2011). In a nationwide survey, 11.8 percent of female high school students report being abused (hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose) by their significant other in the last year (Eaton et al., 2012). It has been suggested that traumatic childhood experiences affect many adjustment processes (Liang, Williams, & Siegel, 2006). Although teen pregnancy rates are the lowest they have been in years, teens that have experienced maltreatment, abuse, or sexual abuse are at a higher risk for becoming pregnant (Noll, Shenk, …

Evaluation Of A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Sane) Program On Sexual Assault Criminal Case Outcomes, Alyssa Lark, Dr. Julie Valentine

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of a community-based sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program on sexual assault criminal case outcomes in Salt Lake County, Utah. SANEs work with law enforcement and other personnel to collect evidence which is used in prosecution of sexual assault cases. The idea is that SANEs collect more accurate, and therefore usable, evidence which leads to higher prosecution rates.