Nursing Commons^™

The Impact Of Kangaroo Care On The Weight Gain Of Premature Infants, Heather Vincequere

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Premature birth remains a global health concern, affecting approximately 15 million infants annually (WHO, 2023). Kangaroo Care (KC), involving skin-to-skin contact between caregivers and infants, was developed as a promising intervention to mitigate the adverse effects of prematurity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of KC on weight gain among preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Doctors Hospital of Augusta (DHOA). A quasi-experimental quantitative posttest-only design was employed, with eight preterm infants (< 37 weeks gestation) participating in KC for at least 30 minutes daily. Daily weight measurements were collected over a four-week period and compared to the expected weight gain for infants receiving traditional incubator care. Results revealed a statistically significant increase in weight gain among infants receiving KC compared to the historical average for infants in traditional incubator care (t (7) = 2.443, p = 0.022). A large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.864) further supported the significance of these findings. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and convenience sampling, this study emphasizes that KC enhances weight gain in preterm infants, thus improving overall health outcomes. Implementation of KC requires ongoing support from nurse leaders to ensure proper education and successful integration into routine care practices. Nonetheless, continued research with larger samples and improved randomization is warranted to fully understand the long-term benefits of KC in neonatal care settings.

The Implementation Of A Mass Casualty Simulation For Utah County Search And Rescue, Nathan Smart, Scott Summers, Craig Nuttall, Janelle Macintosh

Student Works

Background: Utah County’s population growth has precipitated a surge in search and rescue (SAR) missions, including mass casualty incidents (MCIs) in remote wilderness areas. Recognizing the critical need for enhanced preparedness in MCI response, Utah County SAR sought assistance to expand the training of their medical team in MCI. This project was initiated with the primary objective of augmenting the knowledge and readiness of Utah County SAR volunteers for managing MCIs in wilderness settings.

Methods: A one-day, on-site MCI simulation event designed by the project team was held at Rock Canyon, Provo, UT, on June 24, 2023. Focused …

Neonatal Autonomic Regulation As A Predictor Of Autism Symptoms In Very Preterm Infants, Jessica Bradshaw, Christian O'Reilly, Kayla C. Everhart Phd, Rn, Elizabeth Dixon, Amy Vinyard, Abbas Tavakoli Drph, Robin Dail Phd, Rn, Faan

Publications

No abstract provided.

Neonatal Autonomic Regulation As A Predictor Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Very Preterm Infants, Jessica Bradshaw, Christian O'Reilly, Kayla C. Everhart, Elizabeth Dixon, Amy Vinyard, Abbas Tavakoli Drph, Robin B. Dail

Publications

Infants born preterm are at a significantly higher likelihood of having autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with reports of a 10-fold increase in the rate of ASD for very preterm infants (VPT, born <32 weeks gestation) [1] and a 20-fold increase for extremely preterm infants (born <28 weeks gestation) [2]. Yet, the etiological link between preterm birth and ASD remains unknown. Preterm birth and ASD are both associated with neurological differences, notably autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. ANS dysfunction can be measured using abnormal heart rate characteristics (HRCs) and thermal gradients (TGs), and previous research has linked ANS dysfunction to neurodevelopmental impairment and autism-specific outcomes. …

The Effect Of Virtual Standardized Patient Integrated Health Coach Training On Professional Confidence Gain In Veterans Health Administration Primary Care Nurses, David Mullins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Poor health behaviors cost the United States billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives every year. The Veterans Affairs primary care delivery model uses health coaching as a catalyst to improve health behaviors in veterans. Health coaching is a complex skill that requires specialized training, repetitive practice, and professional confidence. Albert Bandura believed most people acquire skills and develop the confidence to use those skills through social learning. He posited that professional confidence played a critical role in skill acquisition, and people with low professional confidence were less likely to attempt to perform a skill. Bandura’s Theory of …

Nurses’ Attitudes And Knowledge Differences Toward Pain In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease, Peggy Boyd

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Smoking Cessation In Primary Care Using The 5 A’S Model Of Motivational Interviewing: A Quality Improvement Project, Lauren M. Violette

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States, greatly contributing to morbidity and mortality. Motivational Interviewing (MI), a counseling style, has been shown to increase motivation for change in people. Successful intervention for behavior modification starts with identifying a person’s readiness for change. The 5 A’s model is an established form of motivational interviewing that addresses the five major steps of intervention: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) endorses the use of the 5 A’s brief tobacco intervention to protect the public’s health from …

Emotional Support Animals And Mental Health, Kyla E. Barnett, Kaia Miller

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Depression and anxiety disorders are a significant problem in adults and teenagers. These disorders continue to increase in prevalence year by year. One way to combat this is the use of emotional support animals (ESA’s), which have become increasingly popular. This study investigates the relationship between the use of emotional support animals and mental well-being of students with mental health disorders. This study is designed to illustrate the increase in sense of well-being in patients with mental health disorders who utilize ESA’s. This study applies both a qualitative and quantitative study design, the qualitative design of this study is phenomenological. …

Effects Of Postpartum Depression On Mothers And Children, Natalie Taylor, Kennedy Harrington, Jeffrey Wick

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Postpartum depression plagues many women in today’s society. To look deeper into postpartum depression, we questioned who could be affected other than the mother in this issue? The objective of this study is to analyze how postpartum affects children’s cognitive and behavioral development. We investigated cognitive and behavioral development of children 1-3 years old. Our research design of this study was a non-experimental observation approach. The setting used for our research was the Women’s Health Center at HaysMed. This research focuses on patients in the obstetrics department who recently gave birth. Participants of this study were the children of 75 …

Pharmacological Interventions Versus Non-Pharmacological Interventions On Pain In Chronic Pain Patients, Harley Page, Olivia Mcswain

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The study is a comparison experiment that looks at the different types of interventions to treat chronic pain. This study is set at Haysmed Rehabilitation to gather data on adult patients with chronic pain. When studying the interventions used for chronic pain, we found numerous ways of treatment. They are categorized as pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. During the study we found, that an understanding of what is causing the pain and the use of both interventions is the best way to go about treating/managing chronic pain.

Use Of An Electronic Health Record System In The Nursing Education Lab & Simulation Setting, Easlyn Koch

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Simulation has become a significant component of nursing education in recent years, especially with the increasing demand for high-fidelity simulations. However, nursing education struggles to keep up with the ever-changing healthcare technology, specifically electronic health records (EHR). Integrating EHRs into nursing education in areas such as the lab or simulation settings has the potential to impact overall patient safety, familiarity with similar technology, critical thinking skills, and practice readiness of student nurses. A review of the literature was performed, and it was found that the implementation and integration of an EHR in nursing education has overwhelming effects on overall student …

Undergraduate Nursing Education Simulation Training Using Virtual Reality Goggles And Teamstepps Methodology, Jennifer Koalenz

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Due to changes in educational processes during global pandemic restrictions and the rapid pace of innovation and developments in virtual reality technology, this modality of education is expected to become a common presence in healthcare education. Immersive simulation activities can be an effective way to facilitate collaboration and communication skills in a constructivist-based classroom. Evidence shows that virtual simulation improves critical thinking skills, psychomotor skills, and decision making (Padilha et al., 2019). In addition, the availability of an on-demand, customizable scenario is highly useful to supplement clinical learning when necessary. But many caution that virtual simulation, just like any …

Nursing Education And The Emerging Artificial Intelligence, Somi Nagaraj, Nancy J. Macmullen

Faculty Research Events

The emerging artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming patient care across all domains of nursing practice, including administration, clinical care, education, policy, and research. Nursing researchers are exploring the potential influences of AI health technologies (AIHTs) on nursing in general and on nursing education more specifically. ChatGPT, a trending Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool developed by Open AI. The impact of ChatGPT on the nursing education is profound. The technological evolution in healthcare is advancing. The complexity of curricular revision can create challenges in the face of rapid practice change.

This PowerPoint presentation explains the meaning of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the history …

Utilizing Social Media To Increase Skill Confidence In Parenteral Medication Administration In Undergraduate Practical Nursing Students, Natalie K. Hernandez

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

A major shift in education developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and educators were forced to stay home, and new ways of learning emerged. Nursing is a hands on field and many skills must be learned hands on such as the technique for administering parenteral medications. To master a skill such as this you need to be able to hold the supplies and understand how to properly dose a medication.This was definitely a challenge to teach students hands-on skills when being in a hands on skill lab environment was not allowed. Nurse educators started to create innovative ways to teach …

Increasing The Awareness Of Healthcare Violence Risk To Improve Safety In A Community Hospital, Allyson Dalton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020) identified the current incident rate for nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses, resulting in days out from work due to intentional injury within the healthcare industry. This statistic was revealed to be 10.4 per every 10,000 full-time employees. This figure is notably five times higher than the non-healthcare worker rate of 2.1 per every 10,000 full-time employees (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). The purpose of the identified scholarly project is to evaluate the overall impact the integration of a Violent Risk Assessment and utilization of resourceful safety measures have on raising awareness and …

The Missing Link: The Significance Of Mental Health Screenings Post Natural Disasters: An Integrative Review, Chalita Mccormick Ellis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Following a natural disaster, the emotional and psychological demands on survivors are great. In addition to generating suffering, such as bodily injuries, natural disasters impact disaster victims’ lives in catastrophic ways, causing loss of homes, property, and jobs; food insecurities; transportation disruption; and communication difficulties. These events disrupt communities, exacerbating adversities to physical and psychological well-being. This presents a critical need for effective mental health response. Screening specific to post-disaster trauma may assist in identifying clients who require prioritized mental health care. Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder are three common mental health issues that are often triggered by disasters. …

Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Toolkit To Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening In A Federally Qualified Health Center, Stephanie Mckithan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The change in payor fee-for-service to value-based care is creating an opportunity for primary care clinics nationally to adjust their focus to meeting key clinical quality measures during patient encounters. Colorectal screening is one of such quality measures. Previous research has shown that early detection saves lives. The guidelines have lowered the recommended age of initial screening to 45 due to the incidence of colorectal cancer in younger patients. But with all the objectives that need to be met in the limited time of the visit, how can nurse practitioners improve their efficiency? This evidence-based project assessed the implementation of …

A Structured Handoff Report And Its Impact On Patient Experience, Gary N. Hicks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over the past decade, a fast-moving industry has challenged hospital health systems. Today, hospitals are measured on the effectiveness of healthcare delivery ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety. In addition to the delivery of effective healthcare, hospitals are now accountable for the overall patient experience, a system known as value-based purchasing. Value-based purchasing directly impacts the overall financial status of any healthcare organization and is based on data collected from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). Nursing practice can significantly influence the overall impact and outcomes of value-based purchasing by helping with an improvement of HCAHPS. One …

What Resilience (Strength) Means For Australian Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Professionals And Practitioners: An Exploratory Study, Eileen Willis, Amy-Louise J. Byrne, Sandy Mclellan, Venessa Curnow, Harvey Clare, Janie Brown, Amelia Britton

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

This article explores the concept of resilience from the perspective of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and practitioners, with the aim of describing what it is and how it is practiced in the workplace. Interviews in the form of Yarns were conducted with ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals in regional North Queensland. We found that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and practitioners, resilience encompasses cultural identity and an ability to manage both Indigenous and western cultures and structures. Resilience, understood as ‘Strength’, draws on strong relationships to family and Country, often …

Preoperative Warming To Improve Patient Outcomes: Implementation Of A Warming Protocol, Tiara Switzer-Houston

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (IPH) is noted to be the most common surgical complication. IPH is associated with a variety of complications which are known to impact the well-being of the patient, family, and healthcare system.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this scholarly project was scheduled for total hip and knee arthroplasty surgical procedures under general or neuraxial anesthesia greater than 60 minutes (P), how effective is the implementation of an evidence-based pre-surgical warming protocol including forced-air warming (FAW) (I) compared to current practices (C) in improving normothermia readings within 15 minutes of arriving to the PACU, …

Hormonal Birth Control Effects On The Neurological And Cardiovascular Systems, Alondra Perez, Paige Fink, Adell Riedel

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

The present study theoretically investigated the effects of long-term use of hormonal birth control on the female cardiovascular and neurologic systems. The setting will take place at Fort Hays State University campus. Our participants of the survey will include 200 random females ages 16 to 25. This data will be taken from those women who take hormonal birth control versus those females who do not take it on a daily basis. The long-term use of hormonal birth control is creating changes in the neurological and cardiovascular system. Evidence from previous research shows alterations to both the structure and function …

Flipping The Classroom To Improve Knowledge Retention Among Practical Nursing Students, Paige Cooper

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Typical nursing lectures consist of a power point, and a lecturer discussion of a particular subject, such as a disorders, treatments, or pharmacology (HEW & LO, 2018). Flipping the classroom is a lecture style tailored to a variety of student learning styles, and utilizes prerecorded lectures, and participation in projects or discussions during class time. There are four main learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing. Each style comes with their own strategies, but all have similar advantages, including the opportunity to learn in the best way for individual students. Flipping the classroom avoids the typical lecture, and implements activities …

Health Provider Experiences In Supporting Social Connectedness Between Families And Older Adults Living In Long-Term Care Homes, Anna Garnett, Hannah Pollock, Kristin Prentice, Natalie Floriancic, Lorie Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, Carri Hand, Abe Oudshoorn, Yolanda Babenko-Mould, Cheryl Forchuk

Publications

INTRODUCTION: Many people, often older adults, living in long-term care homes (OA-LTCH) became socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to variable restrictions on in-person visits and challenges associated with using technology for social connectivity. Health providers were key to supporting these OA by providing additional care and facilitating their connections with family using technology such as smartphones and iPads. It is important to learn from these experiences to move forwards from the COVID-19 pandemic with evidence-informed strategies that will better position health providers to foster social engagement for OA-LTCH across a range of contextual situations. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory qualitative …

Effects Of Maternal-Infant Golden Hour On Breastfeeding, Julina A. Wall-Penner, Katilyn Rasmussen, Madeline Suderman

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

This study examines the effects of immediate maternal-infant skin-to-skin contact, and how those effects compare to mothers and babies who have delayed or skin-to-skin. Skin-to-skin contact, also known as “the golden hour”, is a remarkable practice that occurs immediately after birth. During this intimate bonding experience, the newborn is placed directly on the mother's chest, their tiny body nestled against her warm skin. Studies have shown numerous benefits from this practice. Breastfeeding success through early initiation is one the benefits this study focuses on. This cohort observational study is recommended to take place at Hays Medical Center with mothers …

Breastfeeding Vs. Formula-Feeding: Effects On Early Childhood Immune Health, Nicole L. Taylor, Gavin C. Tuttle, Grace A. Theurer

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Objective: Collect and analyze data to compare benefits/risks of breastfeeding/formula-feeding on immune systems through early childhood.

Design: Pragmatic Experimental Comparative Effectiveness Research

Setting: Hays Medical Center Pediatrics

Participants: 300 newborn babies – through first 8 years

Results/Conclusions: Data collection and results pending

Nurse-Led Brief Intervention For Enhancing Safe Sex Practice Among Emerging Adults In Hong Kong Using Instant Messaging: Feasibility Study, Sharon Hoi Lam Pak, Man Ping Wang, Anne M. Teitelman, Janet Yuen Ha Wong, Daniel Yee Tak Fong, Edmond Pui Hang Choi

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections has been increasing throughout the world. Additionally, substantial changes in emerging adults' attitudes toward sex and the popularization of premarital sex could further affect the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. With the high acceptability and effectiveness of instant messaging (IM) interventions for health promotion, there is potential for such interventions to improve condom use knowledge and promote safer sex practice.

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluates the feasibility of a nurse-led IM intervention to promote safer sex practices in emerging adults.

METHODS: A 30-minute adaptive IM intervention and a 5-day booster dose of …

Leveraging Qualitative Approaches To Guide Sustainable International Research Collaborations, Roxanne Vandermause, Rachel Kryah, Julie E. Bertram, Hannah L. Stewart, Nil Ean, Steven Bruce, Adam W. Carrico, Julie A. Mannarino, Robert H. Paul

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

Qualitative research approaches were used to launch an international research collaboration between the U. S. and Cambodia. Cambodian officials requested assistance in learning qualitative approaches to complement the research skills of Cambodian mental health providers. This article provides a description of how U. S. researchers responded to that request and engaged with Cambodian psychiatrists to explore mental health needs and interventions in both countries and initiate a sustainable relationship. The early focus on qualitative research methodologies may be an avenue that mitigates some of the challenges that can characterize international research. In this study, early communications involved developing a plan …

Implementation Of The Dynamic Appraisal Of Situational Aggression (Dasa) Tool On Inpatient Mental Health Unit, Maira Rodriguez

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Inpatient mental health units are vulnerable to aggression and violence, which may lead to physical injuries. It is essential to implement proactive measures to prevent violence before it escalates.

PICOT: In an adult inpatient mental health unit (P), does the use of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) (I), compared to no screening for aggression (C) decrease restraints and seclusion, provide early detection and awareness of aggressive behaviors (O) within ten weeks.

Evidence: The DASA assessment tool has been tested in various settings, such as forensic and general adult mental health units. It has also been found …

Adhd Medication Compared To Behavioral Therapy In Children’S Test Scores And Behavior Throughout A School Year, Lyly N. Le, Sydni Herdt

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of ADHD medication to behavioral therapy in children, aged 6-10, through test scores and behavior throughout a school year.

Design: Quasi-experimental

Setting: Roosevelt Elementary School in Hays, KS

Participants: Children ages 6-10 diagnosed with ADHD

Methods: With the necessary consents, participants meeting the necessary criteria will undergo their fall semester with only behavioral therapy to manage their ADHD and then utilize medications their spring semester. The SNAP-IV survey will be utilized to measure the efficacy of the two treatment approaches based on teacher and parent perceptions. Test scores will offer a quantitative measurement.

Results/conclusion: …

Standardized Patient Overlays In Undergraduate Nursing Simulation To Improve Clinical Competency, Vivian Bowman

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Nurse educators use simulation as a tool to teach and evaluate clinical skills. The opportunities have expanded with the advancement of new technologies related to high-fidelity (HFS) simulation. However, HFS has limitations, as there is a lack of meaningful two-way communication. During the last 10 years, educators have increased the usage of standardized patients (SPs) in simulation experiences. SPs can add realism to a simulation, providing nonverbal cues and psychological responses that a manikin cannot produce. Hybrid simulation further enhances the SP experience by incorporating a wearable overlay, such as a tracheostomy, urinary catheterization, or chest tube care simulator. This …