Nursing Commons^™

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Significant Other Caregivers Providing Care To Partners Surviving A Spinal Cord Injury, Lisa Ann Lumley

Theses & Dissertations

According to the World Health Organization, 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide have suffered a spinal cord injury. Significant others may become caregivers responsible for meeting the needs of the dependent partner. The focus of this study is on significant other caregivers’ experiences providing care for partners after a spinal cord injury. The effects of stress from providing care may be detrimental to caregivers' psychological and physical well-being. Psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression in caregivers, is a significant public health issue that affects the quality of life for millions of individuals. There is a lack of studies focusing on …

Tlif Is Associated With Lower Rates Of Adjacent Segment Disease And Complications Compared To Alif: A Matched-Cohort Analysis, Xu Tao, Abhijith V. Matur, Syed Khalid, Louisa Onyewadume, Rebecca Garner, Kyle Mcgrath, Bryce Owen, Justin Gibson, Daryn Cass, Juan C. Mejia Munne, Phillip Vorster, Geet Shukla, Andrew Wu, Kelly Childress, Paolo Palmisciano, Henry Ofori Duah, Benjamin Motley, Joseph Cheng, Owoicho Adogwa

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Study Design. 

Retrospective cohort.

Objective. 

To compare the rate of adjacent segment disease (ASD) in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for the treatment of degenerative stenosis and spondylolisthesis.

Summary of Background Data. 

ALIF and TLIF are frequently used to treat Lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. While both approaches have distinct advantages, it is unclear whether there are any differences in rates of ASD and postoperative complications.

Methods. 

A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent index 1-3 levels ALIF or TLIF between 2010 and 2022, using the PearlDiver Mariner Database, an all-claims insurance …

A Trauma-Informed Mentoring Framework For Forensic Nurses: An Overview Of Steerr—Structure, Process, And Evaluation, Sarah J. Hoffman, Tara Dillon, Kaylen M. Moore, Ellen A. Frerich, Carolyn M. Porta

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

The STEERR Mentoring Framework, grounded in decolonized and feminist mentorship approaches, integrates foundational principles of mentoring with the unique and complex characteristics of the role of the forensic nurse. The primary objective of the program is to support a competent, sustainable, and resilient forensic nursing workforce. In this article, we describe the development process, framework structure, and evaluation approach implemented within a 1-year pilot initiative focused on forensic nurses in the sexual assault nurse examiner role. We reflect on strategies for broader application and replication in forensic nursing programs across the United States.

Recent Economic Intimate Partner Violence And Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among A Racially And Ethnically Diverse Sample Of U.S. Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence, Tiara C. Willie, Kamila A. Alexander, Laurel Sharpless, Jessica L. Zemlak, Megan V. Smith, Trace S. Kershaw

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent consequence of physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV); however, little is known about the unique contributions of economic IPV. Furthermore, women’s economic self-sufficiency may explicate the potential relationship between economic IPV and PTSD symptoms. Guided by the Stress Process Theory and Intersectionality, this study examined associations between economic IPV and women’s PTSD symptoms and assessed economic self-sufficiency as a mediator. Participants were 255 adult women experiencing IPV recruited from metropolitan Baltimore, MD, and the state of CT who participated in two different studies. Participants completed surveys on IPV, economic self-sufficiency, and PTSD. …

Early Evidence For Using A Train-The-Trainer Program To Teach Debriefing For Meaningful Learning, Aimee A. Woda, Cynthia Sherraden Bradley, Brandon Kyle Johnson, Jamie Hansen, Sylvia Peña, Nolan Cox, Kristina Dreifuerst

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background Competent debriefers are essential to promote positive learner outcomes. While important, providing training to faculty may be difficult. The Train-The-Trainer (TTT) model is a successful approach for efficiently training large groups of individuals. Methods This study used a purposive, descriptive research design to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a TTT program for teaching debriefers how to implement and train others to use Debriefing for Meaningful Learning (DML). Results With training, assessment, and individualized feedback, trainers and trainees alike improved their ability to use DML, as well as self-assess their debriefing. Conclusion The TTT program was a successful, feasible, …

The Effect Of Perineal Massage During The Second Stage Of Labour On Perineal Outcomes, Amira Ahmed Altweel, Entesar Fatouh Abd-Elmoneim, Hanan Fahmy Azzam, Amr Mahmoud Riad

Nursing

Abstract Perineal tears affect approximately 80% of women during childbirth worldwide. Thus, perineal management techniques are a necessary need to prevent perineal tears during childbirth. Aim: The current study aimed to examine the effect of perineal massage during the second stage of labor on perineal outcomes. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted in the labor& and delivery unit at Ain Shams Maternity Hospital, Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample of one hundred parturient women divided into study and control groups (50 women in each group) were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. …

The Use Of The Agency Healthcare Research And Quality Patient Safety Indicator 11 Toolkit To Decrease Postoperative Respiratory Failure, Nancy Garcia

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Postoperative respiratory failure incidents can lead to adverse outcomes, including prolonged hospitalizations, increased admissions to intensive care units, and the risk of complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, sepsis, and mortality. This project aimed to assess the effectiveness of implementing the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicator 11 toolkit intervention for noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation in reducing postoperative respiratory failure rates compared to traditional practices. Adopting evidence- based toolkits, such as those provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, aids healthcare organizations in enhancing the quality of patient care. The quality improvement project employed a quasi-experimental design, …

Understanding The Gap Between Nursing Workforce In The United States And Population Needs-A Policy Brief, Mayar Al Mohajer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose  This report is intended to analyze the root causes for the current gap between the nursing workforce and population needs in the United States. It aims to consolidate what is known about these contributing reasons and provide evidence-based recommendations for action.

Methods  The report utilized the Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type framework to develop the research question and the 5 Whys methodology for the root cause analysis.

Results  This report highlighted six major causative problems, including workforce market mismatch, poor financing design, inadequate governance, flawed technologies, insufficient research, and suboptimal service delivery. A detailed evaluation of …

Application Of The Social Determinants Of Health To Geriatric Patients By Nurse Practitioner Students, Theresa Marie Gruenke Schnable

Dissertations (1934 -)

ABSTRACT APPLICATION OF THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH TO GERIATRIC PATIENTS BY NURSE PRACTITIONER STUDENTS Patient outcomes are influenced by the social determinants of health (SDOH), which influence differing exposures to opportunities or health risks. Holistic care of geriatric patients includes considering SDOH in patient assessment, diagnosis, and care delivery. Understanding how NP students care for geriatric patients using a SDOH lens provides insight into their practice behaviors and helps educators understand how to strengthen NP programs to achieve better patient outcomes and advance health equity for the geriatric population. The purpose of this study was to describe how NP …

Human Milk At Discharge, Leslie D. Meredith

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: In a 16-bed neonatal intensive care unit, there was a lack of support for lactating mothers. As infants were admitted, mothers experienced up to a 48-hour delay in lactation support to initiate breastfeeding or pumping.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to ensure lactating parents had adequate support for breastfeeding and pumping to increase human milk at discharge rate. Project interventions aligned with Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies.

Review of the Evidence: Evidence showed that human milk discharge rates improved with lactation support. Additionally, noted was a significant increase in exclusive breastfeeding, or …

Prescribing Protocol For Postoperative Opioids In An Orthopedic Spine Practice, Kelly M. Manda

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: The opioid epidemic is magnified by excessive post-surgery prescriptions. Over six months at an orthopedic spine practice, 50% of patients received two or more opioid refills beyond their first. This highlighted the absence of a clear prescribing policy and emphasized the need for a structured protocol and to promote patient safety.

Aim of the Project: The primary aim was to implement a prescribing protocol to lower opioid refills provided to post-surgical patients in this surgical practice. The desired result was to reduce the number of opioid refills provided to patients after surgery.

Review of the Evidence: Evidence highlighted …

Enhancing A Pressure Injury Prevention Bundle In A Skilled Nursing Facility, Lorillie Soleta

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: The purpose of the project was to address the increase in pressure injuries in a skilled nursing facility, which had risen from 6% to 10% despite the implementation of a prevention bundle. The project aimed to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of existing interventions.

Aim of the Project: The aim was to add evidence-based interventions to the existing pressure injury prevention bundle. The desired outcome was to decrease the number of acquired pressure injuries.

Review of the Evidence: Research indicated that pressure injury prevention bundles were more successful when incorporating offloading interventions. These offloading measures, including frequent turning and …

The Effects Of Postpartum Hemorrhage Simulation, Kera Olson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Evidence supports the importance and impact simulation has had on preparation for postpartum hemorrhage. Preparation with hands-on education is imperative for a safe outcome during a real-life hemorrhage situation. Lack of frequent education and simulation can equate to negative outcomes for all involved. The purpose of this project was to increase exposure to a safe environment to explore knowledge and skills during a postpartum hemorrhage event. This quality improvement project surveyed postpartum nurses pre and post-mock postpartum hemorrhage simulation. The setting allowed for mistakes, discussion, and open …

Nurses’ Perceptions Of Using Volunteer Support In Health Care Settings: A Systematic Scoping Review, Kate Crookes, Rosemary Saunders, Vivien Kemp, Olivia Gallagher, Manonita Ghosh, Caroline Bulsara, Karen Gullick, Bev O'Connell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To understand nurses’ perceptions of volunteer support in health care settings. Background: Increasingly, volunteers provide specialised support to health care service users, requiring volunteers and nurses to work closely together. However, little is known about nurses’ perceptions of volunteer support. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A mixed-methods convergent integrative approach was taken guided by the JBI framework. Quantitative data were transformed into qualitative data for synthesis and descriptive thematic analysis. Six databases were searched (CINHAL+, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, ProQuest Health and Medical Collection) on 24 January 2022 using terms related to nurses, perceptions, …

Burn Out To Balance, Emily Jacobs

Website/Multimedia Contributions

No abstract provided.

The Muslim Faith Community Nurse Can Facilitate Healthy Grieving From An Islamic Perspective, Nancy A. Romanchek

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

The purpose of this Practice Matters article, is to explore grief from an Islamic perspective and to discuss how the Muslim Faith Community Nurse can facilitate healthy, whole person grieving in the context of a Mosque Community.

Competency-Based Nursing Education And The Future Of Nursing: Where The Faith Community Nurse Fits In, Mary Lynne Knighten Dnp, Rn, Nea-Bc

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

Two significant nursing landmark reports published in 2021 are enhancing standards and providing guidance for nursing education and practice. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials: Core Competencies of Professional Nursing Education (2021) provides a blueprint for educationally and experientially preparing nurses for practice. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity report defines issues such as health disparities and inequities, with recommendations for the role nurses should play in making change to improve the health of the nation.

This paper seeks to explore the intersections of these two reports with the specialty …

Practice Matters: Hypertension, Maire M. Blankenship

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Hypertension remains a significant public health concern in the United States, affecting over 110 million adults, nearly half of the adult population. As a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, hypertension accounts for a large number of deaths annually. Many individuals with hypertension remain undiagnosed and undertreated, leading to increased healthcare costs. Recognizing the importance of addressing this widespread issue, the healthcare community, including Faith Community Nurses (FCNs), has played an essential role in the prevention and management of hypertension. While pharmacological interventions are common, lifestyle changes have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing blood pressure and …

Be Still And Know That I Am God, Phyllis Ann Solari-Twadell Phd, Rn, Mpa, Faan

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

A short reflection that can be used to center self and increase relaxation

Nourishing Our Spirits, Marilyn D. Harris, Msn, Rn, Nea-Bc, Faan

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

This meditation shares experiences with growth of flowers from seeds to blooms, how the progress is incorporated into math lessons with kindergarteners, and the application to our spiritual life.

President's 10th Anniversary Message

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of A Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Care Protocol In A Primary Care Clinic, Kakecha Taylor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Diabetes-related complications are significant in the diabetic patient population in the United States. Appropriate measures must be implemented to ensure that diabetic foot disease is prevented. One suggested approach to stopping the progression of complications is to ensure comprehensive diabetic foot exams and foot care education are performed and documented by providers, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) annually. Diabetes poses a public health challenge requiring the implementation of evidence-based guidelines in primary care. This quality improvement project aimed to implement a comprehensive diabetic foot care protocol to impact providers' documentation and performance of foot exams in diabetic …

Simultaneous Family Planning Counseling During Visits For Chronic Conditions That Increase Preeclampsia Risk, Jessica Cotton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Treatment plans are incomplete until providers address a condition’s impact on a potential pregnancy. Primary care providers (PCPs) routinely treat hypertension (HTN), diabetes (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), lupus (LP), and antiphospholipid syndrome (APL), which all increase preeclampsia in pregnancy. PCPs may be more prone to overlook pregnancy potential in the context of diseases than those specializing in obstetrics. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to see if this was true in a small nurse practitioner-owned and run family practice clinic in Oklahoma. A 2022 retrospective chart review for non-pregnant reproductive-age adult females confirmed that no ICD-10 codes for HTN, …

Differences In Symptom Severity And Quality Of Life Among Patients With Cancer Using Conventional Therapies With/Without Herbal Medicines In Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study, John Baptist Asiimwe, Prakash B. Nagendrappa, Alfred Jatho, Maud M. Kamatenesi, Esther C. Atukunda

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Objective:

Patients with cancer experience numerous symptoms related to cancer and treatment side effects that reduce their quality of life (QOL). Although herbal medicine (HM) is used to manage such symptoms by patients in sub-Saharan Africa, data on patients perceived clinical outcomes are limited. We compared differences in QOL and symptom severity between patients with cancer using HM plus conventional therapies (i.e., chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, surgery) and those using conventional therapies alone.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included patients with cancer aged >18 years who were consecutively sampled and completed a researcher-administered questionnaire between December 2022 and January 2023. Specifically, …

Social Connectedness Between Family Caregivers And Older Adults Living In Long-Term Care Homes In The Context Of Covid-19, Anna Garnett, Hannah Pollock, Natalie Floriancic, Kristin Prentice, Lorie Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, Carri Hand, Abe Oudshoorn, Yolanda Babenko-Mould, Cheryl Forchuk

Publications

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and resulting restrictions on physical access to long-term care homes culminated in health declines for older adults living there and their families. Knowledge gaps exist regarding maintaining social connectedness when physically separated. The study aimed to explore family members' perceptions of the impact that restrictions on physical access to long-term care homes had on the experience of social connectedness between family members and older adults living in long-term care. The method used was a qualitative description, using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Themes arising from inductive qualitative content analysis of 21 interviews with family members included: (a) …

Hypothermia In The Operating Room Promoting Normothermia In The Hysterectomy Population, Adina Indries

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are Advanced Practice Providers that provide safe, evidence-based practice to their surgical patients. They not only monitor the vital signs throughout surgery but also strive to improve care and outcome by implementing different measures to keep the patient safe and promote a positive outcome during a stressful time for the surgical patient. To improve outcomes, it has been identified that hypothermia is a common occurrence in the surgical patient, especially in the GYN surgical population at this level one trauma center. Hypothermia is defined as the body’s core temperature less than 36 degrees Celsius. With hypothermia …

Discrimination Against Hispanic And African American Women And Interventions To Improve Patient Outcome: An Integrative Review, Sandi Daneri Cruz Rivera

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Racial discrimination in health care has been a heavy topic of discussion on social media. Discrimination against women of color such as those of African American and Hispanic descent has been found to have negative health effects. The aim of this project was to identify how racial discrimination influenced African-American and Hispanic women’s health and current interventions that have been implemented to help address these issues. The findings showed that women who experienced discrimination not only in health care but in everyday life did experience negative health outcomes including cardiovascular disparities, obesity, increasing inflammatory markers, and mental health disparities. Implementations …

Investigating Nurses Lived Experiences Toward Family Presence During Resuscitation To Enhance The Future Of Nursing Curriculum, Laurie Stone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Death is inevitable, but dying alone can be an agonizing prospect for patients and their families. Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) is a controversial but evidence-based concept that helps relieve some of the fear and anxiety for the family. Sadly, loved ones are often not allowed to be with the patient during resuscitation. FPDR importance is typically taught within the healthcare setting but still lacks implementation. By starting education while healthcare students are in a higher learning setting, this concept has a higher probability of success. To fill the gap concerning FPDR, this researcher interviewed nurses who have witnessed FPDR. …

Screening Patients For Physical Frailty In The Preoperative Phase, Sean V. Pottenger, Amanuel Gebeyehu

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Student Projects

Background: Frailty is a syndrome characterized by an increased burden of symptoms and higher susceptibility to adverse health, including higher functional decline rates, pressure ulcers, falls, delirium, extended hospital stay, and discharge to assisted living facilities. Screening patients for frailty before undergoing a surgical procedure is recommended to minimize postoperative complications. In the preoperative phase at a midwestern academic hospital, surgical patients are not screened for frailty using a validated screening tool.

Purpose: This project sought to calculate the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score using a novel algorithm. After validating the novel algorithm, this research project predicted that clinicians would …

Addressing Barriers To Anesthesia Clinicians Utilization Of The Perioperative Glycemic Management Guideline In Adult Surgical Patients With Diabetes At A Level 1 Midwestern Trauma Center, Neil Frydrych, Meghan Marshall

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Student Projects

Background and Review of Literature: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia leading to adverse outcomes. There is an association between dysglycemia and adverse perioperative outcomes. Evidence-based research supports consistent blood glucose (BG) monitoring and narrow glycemic parameters for surgical patients in the perioperative setting. Implementing and adhering to a glycemic guideline can help improve patient outcomes and decrease hospital costs.

Purpose: This quality improvement project (QIP) aims to determine the barriers to anesthesia clinicians implementing the perioperative glycemic management guideline for BG levels greater than 180 mg/dL. Then, develop an educational component to increase anesthesia …