Nursing Commons^™

Patients’ Perceptions Of Nurses As Role Models Of Healthy Behaviors, Sarah C. Baker

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Nurses are caregivers who are instrumental in improving patient outcomes through providing hands-on care and health education. In addition to performing prescribed interventions and providing instruction to patients, nurses can also have a positive impact by modeling healthy behaviors for their patients (Blake & Harrison, 2012). Nurses educate patients on the importance of maintaining healthy habits such as eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise, and avoiding alcohol and drug use; however, studies demonstrate that nurses have similar difficulty maintaining healthy lifestyles as the general population’s and in some cases are even more prone to develop problems with unhealthy habits. …

Nurses' Knowledge Of Eating Disorders, Carly S. Price

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Eating Disorders are a range of disorders marked by abnormal eating habits. These habits can often have a detrimental effect on the body and have the potential to complicate acute medical problems if they are a pre-existing condition. Due to this, it is important that members of the healthcare team be aware of the nature of these disorders from both a physical and mental health perspective in order to provide the best, most holistic care. In this study, individuals with nursing experience in acute medical and acute psychiatric care were asked 11 questions concerning the assessment and knowledge of eating …

Nursing Students' Interest In And Perceived Barriers To International Clinical Experience, Bethany Rowell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

East Tennessee State University has a variety of international travel opportunities for general education within its undergraduate study abroad program. Some opportunities even exist within specific degree programs. Despite the literature purporting the benefits acquired from clinical experience abroad, the College of Nursing has yet to incorporate an international component to its BSN curriculum. This study explores College of Nursing students' interest in participating in international clinical experiences and the perceived barriers for students who are willing to travel.

Strategies To Improve Rn Communication Hcahps, Karen Montoro, Bsn, Rn, Ne-Bc

Department of Nursing papers and presentations

BACKGROUND

The impact of value based purchasing on reimbursement based on HCAHPS is a reality that Heath Care Organizations need to address. This Quality Improvement Project was designed by the CNO, Vice president of Nursing and the Nurse Manager to oversee the project. The decision was made to utilize an existing group of frontline staff who were engaged in efforts to improve patient satisfaction. This RN Communication Team met monthly beginning in March 2015.

Smoking Perceptions Among Adult Cameroonian Men Who Smoke Cigarettes, Elvis N. Ngyia

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

Background: Over five million people die annually from smoking related illnesses. As more people consider quitting smoking in industrialized nations, the rate of smoking has been rising in African countries, also referred to as low and middle-income countries. The projected population growth in Africa has led tobacco manufacturers to strategically target African teenagers who do not clearly understand the adverse effects of smoking cigarettes. In developed countries such as the United States, public education about the dangers of smoking and the availability of structured smoking cessation programs have been influential in helping smokers quit. Unfortunately in most developing countries in …

Engagement With Activity And Functional Status Among Older Adults, Thomas A. Dombrowsky

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

This study reports on the relationship between engagement with activity and functional status in a sample of 92 older adults. Engagement was found to be a significant predictor of functional status as measured by the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, but was not statistically significant when functional status was measured using the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. Age was found to be a significant covariate, but comorbidity, depression, and marital status were not statistically significant in the models tested.

Preoperative Depression And Postopertive Outcomes In Older Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients, Alaina Michelle Tellson

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

Depression following cardiac surgery has been reported in older adults; however, the evidence to date does not clearly specify the onset of depression and its relationship to cardiac surgery. The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to examine the association between preoperative depression and selected postoperative outcomes in older adults following CABG surgery. The five selected postoperative outcomes were 30 day readmission rate, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, ventilator time, and 30 day mortality. A sample size of 87 older adult cardiovascular surgery patients was selected for this study. Thirteen (14.9%) of the participants …

The Influence Of Socioeconomic Status And Ethnicity On Body Mass Index In Children In Northwest Arkansas, Madison E. Davidson

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat that is calculated based on the height, weight, age, and gender of a child. Body Mass Index (BMI) is an important indicator of potential health risks in children. Determining correlations between ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and BMI may assist in identifying children at risk for comorbidities associated with either an elevated or low BMI. An elevated BMI may lead to complications later in life such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, obesity in adulthood, and psychosocial issues (Geason & Dodd, 2009). On the other hand, a low BMI could lead to …

Association Of Self-Care Confidence And Hospital Readmission Following Student Nurse Led Congestive Heart Failure Transitional Care Project, Peyton A. Phelps

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Over 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with heart failure, and that number is growing. This disease is burdensome to the patient as it lessens their quality of life and to the healthcare system due to costliness and frequent readmissions. This study aims to evaluate if a student nurse led transitional care program can increase patient self-care confidence, in turn reducing 30 day hospital readmission rates. Twenty patients completed the Self Care of Heart Failure Index before and after a 14-week transitional care program. These reported data were compared using a paired samples t-test. There was not a …

The Complicated Process Of Disenfranchised Grief While In College, Daniella Markowski

Senior Honors Projects

In order to demonstrate the importance of understanding and recognizing grief, this research project explores the capacity for young adults within the college setting to experience two negative grief processes: disenfranchised and complicated grieving. In broad terms, disenfranchised grief occurs when society does not recognize the grief a bereaved person is experiencing; complicated grief occurs when the bereaved continues to grieve for a prolonged period of time in which they are unable to adapt to their life. While it can be difficult to define a specific population who is at risk for experiencing these types of grief, society often fails …

Breastfeeding Rates In Marshallese Mothers; A Needs Assessment, Olivia N. Pennington

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

ABSTRACT

Background. Multiple health disparities are associated with the Marshallese population in Northwest Arkansas. Childhood obesity, linked to a decrease in exclusive breastfeeding, is one of the predominant issues. Since their migration to the United States, exclusive breastfeeding rates of Marshallese mothers have steadily declined throughout the years. Little research has been conducted to help combat this growing health disparity. Due to the increased growth in this population in Northwest Arkansas, it is imperative that measures are taken to decrease these disparities to improve the overall health of the future generations.

Objective: To determine the relationship between maternal age, …

Effective Coping Mechanisms For Nurses Following Patient Death, Tiffany Gagliardo

Senior Honors Projects

The loss of a loved one affects family and friends but also the nurses and health care providers. At the time of death, nurses are at the bedside providing comfort and words of support. But who is there to support the nurses when the patient dies? The objective of this research project is to identify positive coping mechanisms that nurses can use on a daily basis through an extensive analysis of the literature and individual nurse interviews.

Unfortunately, patient death may be more common for nurses who work on Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Hospice agencies. With the daily requirements …

Impact Of Nursing Interventions On Positive Confusion Assessment Method (Cam) Scores, Katie Halsell

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Delirium occurs in patients of all ages, especially in the older adult population. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, and delirium is often misdiagnosed. Patients with delirium have a higher cost of care and a longer length of stay in the hospital. Delirium is a stressful event for both the nurse and the patient, resulting in poor patient outcomes. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) tool is used to diagnose delirium in confused patients; a positive CAM score indicates delirium. Nursing interventions are used to treat delirium. Interventions used range from non-pharmacologic measures to use of pharmacological measures and restraints. This …

The Effects Of Congestive Heart Failure On Quality Of Life: As Evaluated By The Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire, Diana G. Gonzalez

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic disease that impairs the quality of life (QoL) of patients and is associated with both high hospital readmission rates and healthcare resource utilization such as emergency services. This study proposed use a student led transitional care program in providing home care to NYHA functional class II and III CHF patients. It evaluated the impact of the program on their quality of life as measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire© (MLWHFQ), the percentage of patients requiring readmission to the hospital within 30 days of initial hospitalization, and healthcare utilization. Thirty-six …

Information Processing Speed Impairment After Stroke, A Descriptive Study, Susan Alderman

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background Information processing speed (IPS) is an elemental cognitive function impacting multiple other functions including memory, attention, and executive function, and academic skills like arithmetic, reading and writing. However, little research has been done on IPS impairment in acute stroke. This article compares the frequency and severity of IPS impairment in mild and moderate stroke and its impact on quality of life.

Methods The longitudinal study of patients with mild stroke (NIHSS

Results Using linear mixed model regression, similar frequency and severity of IPS and memory impairments were noted, regardless of stroke severity, in the sample of 30 patients (60% …

Psychometric Performance Of The Arabic Versions Of The Cancer Behavior Inventory‐Brief And The Functional Assessment Of Cancer Therapy‐Breast In Saudi Arabia, Maaidah M. Algamdi Msn

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Arabic is the mother tongue of 26 countries, including Saudi Arabia where cancer is the fourth leading cause of death. Cancer is a sensitive issue in the Arabic population and a clear understanding of patients’ perceptions of self-efficacy for coping with cancer and quality of life helps assess interventions designed to facilitate optimal patient outcomes. In preliminary studies, the Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief (CBI-B) was translated and back translated between English and Arabic, and reviewed for translational validity by an expert panel. The Arabic version of the CBI-B (CBI-BA) had acceptable evidence of translational validity with an overall translational validity …

The Influence Of Birth Weight On Body Mass Index In Young Children In Northwest Arkansas, Margaret Frame

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool to measure body fat that is calculated based on the height, weight, age, and gender of a child. Being overweight as a child is defined as having a BMI between the 85^th and 95^th percentiles. Obesity is defined as having a BMI at or above the 95^th percentile (“Basics About Childhood Obesity,” 2012). Having a high BMI comes with an increased risk of multiple co-morbidities, both physical and psychosocial (Pulgarón, 2013). Birth weight has been presumed to play a role in the prevalence of obesity in children. The purpose …

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates In Marshallese Mothers Residing In The U.S., Bentley S. Snider

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Background: The Marshallese are one of the fastest growing migrant populations in the U.S. They have considerable health disparities despite their increasing access to health care. The Marshallese women in this population prefer to breastfeed, but have encountered many cultural barriers that have deterred them from exclusively breastfeeding for a significant amount of time. Breastfeeding is linked to many protective benefits for children’s health, such as decreasing the likelihood of obesity, even into the adult years.

Objective: The purpose was to evaluate the impact on breastfeeding rates through implementation of a culturally significant educational intervention for the …

The Effects Of Patient Education And Knowledge Of Chf Patients As Evaluated By The Paksac Survey, Nabil Tovar

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

After diagnosis, management of congestive heart failure (CHF) can pose quite a struggle to many patients, since it requires that lifestyle changes be implemented into their daily life. Patients require the sufficient knowledge and education in order to best manage symptoms and improve their quality of life after being diagnosed. Use of Patient Knowledge of Self-care activities in Congestive Heart Failure^© (PaKSAC) survey in transitional care programs could identify patient gaps in knowledge, as well as decreasing acute care service use. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the knowledge level of CHF patients at the time …

Probiotics For Treatment And Prevention Of Urogenital Infections In Women: A Systematic Review, Lisa Hanson, Leona Vandevusse, Martha G. Jermé, Cybéle L. Abad, Nasia Safdar

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Probiotics are a complementary and integrative therapy useful in the treatment and prevention of urogenital infections in women. This study extends the work of researchers who systematically investigated the scientific literature on probiotics to prevent or treat urogenital infections.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy of probiotics for prevention and/or treatment of urogenital infections in adult women from January 1, 2008, through June 30, 2015. We searched in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Dissertations and Theses, and Alt-HealthWatch. After removing duplicates and studies that did not meet inclusion criteria, …

Exploring Asian Indian's Perceptions Regarding Organ Donation, Sandip Suprai

Doctoral Projects

Organ donation saves many lives and gives many people a second chance at life. With over 123,000 candidates on the organ transplant list, it is crucial to increase organ awareness in an effort to increase organ allocation. The growing Asian Indian population in the United States along with low rates of organ donation in this unique cultural group provides an opportunity to explore perceptions and barriers that may exist. This study will explore the perceptions of Asian Indians regarding organ donation. Findings will provide much needed data for interventions to educate and promote organ awareness in this ethnic group. Increasing …

An Exploration Of Social Capital Among Nurses In The Ambulatory Setting, Anna Lutz, Tamara Mckinnon

Doctoral Projects

Bullying and lateral violence are a sadly, common phenomena among nurses. While this issue has been examined within the inpatient, acute setting, it has not been widely researched in the ambulatory setting. This concept is usually looked at from a negative standpoint, looking at the levels of lateral violence. The purpose of this research study was done to explore the levels of social capital, also known as positive peer support, among nurses in the ambulatory setting. The participants of the study were 39 registered nurses from a public health department and an embedded care management department. The tool used was …

The Effect Of Music Intervention On Cam Scores Of Hospitalized Older Adults Experiencing Delirium, Mae Lavente Dizon

Doctoral Projects

Older adults are vulnerable to developing while hospitalized is delirium. Research has shown that non-pharmacological interventions are effective in managing delirium and should be the first-line of treatment; however despite this, nurses fmd it difficult to address delirium. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effectiveness of classical music intervention in hospitalized older adults experiencing delirium by evaluating their Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) scores. A pre-and-post study design to compare the CAM scores of patients before and after music intervention was implemented. Study participants were patients 65 years and older identified to be experiencing delirium by a …

Assessing Readiness For Interprofessional Learning About Sepsis Among Registered Nurses, Physicians, And Respiratory Therapists In A Community Hospital, Katie Choy

Doctoral Projects

Interprofessional teamwork and education have been advanced as methods to address the complexities of patient care (National Academy of Medicine [NAM], 2011-2013). One area needing further exploration is health care professionals' readiness to learn together in the acute care setting. The application of interprofessionalleaming (IPL) focused on sepsis education and improvement in sepsis outcomes in a community hospital has not been fully assessed. This descriptive, quantitative study explored interprofessional readiness to learn, perceptions of professional identity, and understanding of roles and responsibilities, by examining three subgroups. Registered nurses (n = 52), physicians (n = 29), and respiratory therapists (n = …

Barriers To Preoperative Teaching In A Culturally Diverse Healthcare Environment, Rancelle Ablan

Doctoral Projects

The role of the professional nurse is integral in educating and ensuring that patients understand essential components of their plan of care. This is especially true for patients who are to undergo surgical interventions; evidence has demonstrated that preoperative education provided to patients is linked with positive patient outcomes and a decrease in post-operative complications (Blackstone, Garrett, & Hasselkus, 2011). This qualitative study investigated the barriers that nurses experience in providing preoperative education to diverse patients in a multicultural healthcare environment. Ten registered nurses at a private community hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area participated in an hour long …

Development And Evaluation Of A Chronic Care Management Toolkit, Heidi Hongxin He

Doctoral Projects

Currently, little research is available on the topic of Chronic Care Management (CCM) service and its impact on patient health outcomes, largely because the service was recently introduced by Medicare in January 2015. The purpose of this Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) project is to create a Chronic Care Management (CCM) Toolkit specific to an established pulmonology practice based in a Central California community. This quality improvement pilot project also included an evaluation of the newly developed CCM Toolkit designed for this project. The evaluation was accomplished by surveying CCM care team members in this pulmonary practice (an internal group), …

A Comparison Of Educational Approaches To The End-Of-Life-Nursing Education Consortium (Elnec) Course, Jennifer L. Bodine

Doctoral Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to compare the effectiveness of two different educational approaches to teaching the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium course.

Background: Terminally ill patients frequently visit the emergency department for palliative care. However, various references show that staff does not have the knowledge base necessary to provide quality end-of-life care in the emergency setting.

Method: Participants from the emergency department at a Level I Trauma Center were recruited. A quantitative, cross-sectional pilot study was conducted to investigate whether lecture or lecture with simulation was more effective in increasing the knowledge base of participants regarding …

Relationship Between Parental Alcoholism And Family Unpredictability, Kamie L. Stephens

Honors Theses

This research is a retrospective study on adult children of alcoholics using a previous researcher’s, Dr. Ross, unpredictability scale. Family Unpredictability is defined as “a lack of consistency in family behaviors and regulatory systems,” (Ross and Hill, 2000). There is currently a lack of research related to parental alcoholism and its effect on family structure. The researcher hopes to gain insight on the relationship between parental alcoholism and family unpredictability. Previous research suggests children growing up with a caregiver who is an alcoholic experience a higher level of unpredictability in the home. Examples of this unpredictability are: a decreased amount …

Married To Nursing School: How Stress Affects Marital Satisfaction Of Nursing Students, Krysta Af Laabs

Honors Theses

In this paper, the lived experience of married nursing students and their stress during nursing school was explored. This project aimed to answer the questions: 1) what is the lived experience of married nursing student during one semester of their nursing program and 2) what is the students’ combined experience of nursing school stress and marital stress or satisfaction? The research design was qualitative with a phenomenological approach. The participants of the study consisted of 7 volunteer, married nursing students attending the BSN program at the University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Park campus during the fall 2015 semester. The participants were …

The Impact Of Amputation On Body Image, Anna C. Gilg

Honors Theses

There is a lack of history regarding appearance-related concerns in healthcare. There are roughly two million people living with limb loss in the United States with nearly 185,000 amputations occurring each year. Alterations in body image are due to individuals being unable to adapt to appearance change and can take them far from their ideal body image. It has previously been discovered that amputees generally disclose negative feelings regarding their bodies.

The sample included 207 adults aged 21 years and older with lower-limb amputations. The participants completed a survey composed of demographics and the Amputee Body Image Scale. Statistical analysis …