Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Commons^™

Assessing For Barriers To Shared Governance To Increase Employee Engagement, Cheryl Allison Motte

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Empirical evidence supports the numerous benefits to an organization with engaged employees as well as benefits to those engaged employees. Never-the-less, over half of American workers are not engaged in their work. In healthcare, nurses score the lowest of all professional healthcare disciplines with engagement. Participation in shared governance has been shown to increase work engagement. The purpose of this MSN descriptive research is to assess for barriers to participation in shared governance and increase work engagement on a geriatric behavioral health unit. The study began with an online shared governance needs assessment questionnaire followed by the Utrecht Work Engagement …

Depression And Personal Depression Stigma Among Hospital Employed Nurses, Christy Herman Moose

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Background. Nurses experience depression at twice the rate of the general public. Personal depression stigma may complicate the issue by creating a barrier to help-seeking behaviors. This study sought to determine if depressed nurses have a higher rate of personal depression stigma than non-depressed nurses. Method. This study used a quantitative study design and a convenience sampling method of nurses at a community hospital. Data was obtained using a web-based survey that included the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 item depression scale (PHQ-9) and the Depression Stigma Scale – personal (DSS – personal). The total depression score (TDS) was used to …

Clinical Workload Policy In Nursing Programs: Striving To Be Equitable And Transparent, Melinda West

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nursing schools throughout the country are facing a dilemma over how to concisely and fairly count faculty's clinical workload hours. Faculty members report dissatisfaction with their workload as one of the reasons for leaving the education field and contributing to the shortage of qualified nursing educators. There is no standardized method or policy for counting clinical teaching hours, so schools are left to create their own policies or simply not have one. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of the faculty members at a community college of the current clinical teaching workload policy and to determine …

Compassion Fatigue In Medical Surgical Nurses, Ashlee Nicole Simmons

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Often nurses are consumed by providing care to others and forget to care for themselves. The lack of self-care can lead to compassion fatigue in the nurse's life. The purpose of this thesis was to assess the level of compassion fatigue within medical surgical nurses, and determine the correlation between years of experience as a registered nurse and compassion fatigue. The Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-5) was used to identify the existence of compassion fatigue in medical surgical nurses. Data was collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Seventy-five medical surgical nurses working in an acute …

Hospice Nurses’ Perception Of Factors Influencing Nurse Retention, Vanessa Kelly Boris

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Aim. To identify factors that affect hospice nurses’ intent to remain employed. Background. Recent literature indicates that turnover is a major problem for health care organizations, since it is costly and negatively affects patient care. Several strategies have been highlighted to help improve retention rates, however hospice nurses have special needs. Methods. To assess hospice nurse perspectives, a survey was conducted using registered nurses working in a multi-county Hospice and Palliative Care facility in the southeastern U.S. Survey items were based on information gathered from previous focus groups exploring determinants of nurse retention. Results. Eighty-eight percent (n=7) of nurses chose …

Nurse Workloads: The Relationship Between Nurse Compassion Satisfaction And Burnout, Lisa M. Greene

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nurses face a wide variety of challenges and demands while caring for their patients and families. While nurses are an important part of healthcare, both for their compassion and care and for their skills at the bedside, they can become stressed and burned out. Compassion satisfaction is essential for nurses in today’s society. Compassion satisfaction has been defined as the pleasure an individual derives from being able to help others and do their work to the best of their ability. The lack of compassion satisfaction can lead to compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue affects the care provided to patients. Compassion fatigue …

Assessment Of Horizontal Violence And Healthy Work Environments Of Two Nursing Units, Rebekah Dailey

DNP Projects

PURPOSE: Horizontal Violence plagues the health of nursing work environments. In order to diminish this phenomenon and establish healthy work environments as established by the AACN, assessments must be completed to identify strengths and weaknesses and determine the proper interventions to employ. However, there is a lack of evidence in actionable interventions. The purpose of this project was to assess healthy work environments of two nursing units by examining horizontal violence, civility, teamwork, and satisfaction, and identify interventions to strengthen the health of the work environment.

METHODS: This study was a descriptive study using an electronic survey of two nursing …

A Snapshot Of Physical Activity Programs Targeting Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People In Australia, Rona Macniven, Michelle Elwell, Kathy Ride, Adrian Bauman, Justin W. Richards

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Issue addressed Participation in physical activity programs can be an effective strategy to reduce chronic disease risk factors and improve broader social outcomes. Health and social outcomes are worse among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders than non-Indigenous Australians, who represent an important group for culturally specific programs. The extent of current practice in physical activity programs is largely unknown. This study identifies such programs targeting this population group and describes their characteristics. Methods Bibliographic and Internet searches and snowball sampling identified eligible programs operating between 2012 and 2015 in Australia (phase 1). Program coordinators were contacted to verify sourced information …

Educating Nurses On The Use Of Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (Bmat) Through E-Learning/Online Education Module, Wei Li Lee

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background Hospital setting is reviewed the most hazardous workplace comparing to other industries. Nursing assistants and orderlies have the high risk of work-related injury. The study found that the top reason that causes the injuries was due to over-exertion or bodily reaction.

Aim State of California requires hospitals to implement a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) policy as part of an injury and illness prevention program (Department of Industrial Regulations, 2016). Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) is the latest evidence based practice, reliable and valid tool, which helps nurses to assess the patients’ current and ongoing mobility and to …

Reducing Annual Emergency Department Visits Through Improved Asthma Discharge Teaching, Alvin R. Walters

Master's Projects and Capstones

Asthma is the most common pediatric condition in the United States, and a child's home environment plays an impactful role in the triggering of asthma exacerbations (Harper et al., 2015). Current emergency department (ED) ideology focuses on symptoms management, with little time spent on education, and virtually no attention paid to the home environment. Evidence shows that programs which incorporate home environmental assessments into asthma patient education produce a reduction in annual ED visits, fewer missed school days, decreased use of rescue medications, and improvements in quality of life (Gruber K.J., et al, 2016, Hollenbach J.P. & Cloutier M.M., 2015, …

Job Satisfaction And Stress Level Of The Occupational Health Nurse, Angela Ballard

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Occupational health nursing is a specialized field of nursing, employing only about 1% of total U.S. nurses (Moore & Moore, 2014). For this reason, it is often difficult to recruit prospective occupational health nurses (OHN). The need for OHN has grown in the auto industry in 2014 and 2015 due to increased production rates. It is important to determine whether or not current OHN, specifically in the auto manufacturing field, are satisfied and plan to stay in their current positions. Identifying reasons for job stress and job satisfaction helps leadership to correct deficiencies and develop and maintain a positive work …

Outcomes Of Peer Mentoring At An Associate Degree Nursing Program, Melissa B. Harper

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nursing students have described clinical experiences as being stressful, yet the application of classroom knowledge to the clinical health care setting is a requirement. The purpose of this mixed-method study is to compare students’ perceptions of the peer mentoring leadership experience (PMLE) and the student charge nurse experience (SCNE). The PMLE was piloted at a southeastern community college’s associate degree nursing (ADN) program. Hand-selected PMLE second-year nursing students (n=5) were paired with hand-selected PMLE first-year nursing students (n=5) for medical/surgical clinical rotations. The ADN program’s purpose for these clinical rotations was to provide a mutually beneficial mentoring experience. The remaining …

Stress Management In A Corporate Setting, Erinn Gelakoska, Susan Instone

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

The purpose of this evidence-based project was to implement a sustainable stress management program in a corporate setting, utilizing company stress management resources. A three-step program was initiated to include a 30-minute stress education session, followed by a 30-minute one-on-one session with a nurse practitioner student utilizing aspects of motivational interviewing to develop a goal oriented stress management plan. An individual one-month follow up was also performed. Of the 30 employees who attended the educational session, 15 signed up for a one-on-one session. Eight out of the 15 employees completed the one-month follow up. Employees completed a pre and …

Improving Postexposure Hiv Follow-Up In Healthcare Workers, Linda Valles Gutierrez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project is to improve the HIV postexposure follow-up (PEFU) rate in healthcare workers (HCWs) through implementation of a revised infection control policy and reminder system. Occupational exposure to HIV is a significant risk for all healthcare workers. In the United States every year, 1 out of 10 U.S. healthcare workers suffers a blood or body fluid exposure (BBFE). Transmission of one serious blood-borne infection can cost more than a million dollars for medications, follow-up laboratory testing, clinical evaluation, lost wages, and disability payments. Completion of HIV PEFU in HCWs is very low nationally. …

Pre-Employment Testing To Improve Nurse Retention, Jonathan Brandon

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nurse retention is an issue healthcare organizations cannot afford to ignore. The nursing shortage continues to impact healthcare in this country which increases the importance and urgency of retaining nurses. Job success, also referred as job satisfaction, is a key indicator of a nurse’s intent to stay. There are pre-employment tests that were designed specifically for healthcare organizations to help them choose applicants that are most likely to be successful resulting in better patient outcomes and improved nurse retention. The purpose of this study was to compare the perceived job satisfaction and intent to stay of nurses that completed pre-employment …

Rekindling The Passion For Nursing, Susan M. Cannon

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nurses often experience compassion fatigue and burnout when working in stressful environments. Nurses tend to put the needs of their patients above their own needs. It is imperative for the work environment to promote relaxation and restoration, to avert compassion fatigue and nursing burnout. All employees of the project director’s organization were encouraged to attend Caring for the Caregiver Day, a hospital-sponsored event which provided education and promoted self-help interventions aimed to decrease compassion fatigue and burnout. The event included aromatherapy, music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, massage therapy, and education on compassion fatigue for nurses. In addition, the Progressive …

Incivility In Nursing Education: An Intervention, Ruthanne Palumbo

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Incivility in nursing education is an unfortunate phenomenon affecting nursing students. in all aspects of their educational experience. Students and their instructors are often ill equipped to deal with academic incivility and their lack of ability to handle such behaviors has proven detrimental to the future of the nursing profession. Nursing instructors need tools to help educate nursing students on how to recognize uncivil behaviors within themselves as well as others and ways to combat it. This Capstone Project addressed these aspects of academic incivility and implemented an e-learning module that was developed to educate students on incivility. The data …

Pretty Nails, Crooked Nose: Air Quality In Nail Salons, Rebecca Stillwell

Research Horizons Day Posters

No abstract provided.

Ua61/1 Nursing Spirit, Volume 1, Neal Chambler, Dean, Mary Bennett, Director, Susan Megahee, Editor, Creative, Wku School Of Nursing

School of Nursing Publications

No abstract provided.

A Phenomenological Assessment Of Factors That Affect Medication Adherence Among Hypertensive Nigerian Immigrants, Beulah Iroegbu

Doctoral Projects

This qualitative study explored the perceptions that affect medication adherence among hypertensive Nigerian immigrants in Sacramento, California. The research questions focused on factors that influenced the adherence to hypertension medication; specifically, how the sample population explained the cause of hypertension and whether culture and religion impacted the cause and management of hypertension. A phenomenological approach was used to understand perceptions about medication adherence. A predefined group of 9 acted as a purposive sample and was given semi-structured individual interviews. Qualitative data analysis of the interviews was performed using Colaizzi's 7-step method. Results from the study found the cause of hypertension …

Stress Of Conscience: Concept Clarification, Muder Alkrisat, Manal Alatrash

Journal of Health Ethics

Workers in healthcare systems are predisposed to work-related stress based on moral factors. Stress results when nurses are exposed to ambiguous moral situations, or when they are prevented by hospitals or their employees from doing what they ought to do. Such experiences have been described as stress of conscience because they give rise to a troubled conscience. Empirical studies indicate that health care employees, including nurses, sometimes refer to stress of conscience when faced with ethically difficult situations related to patient care.

Truck Drivers: The Challenge With Healthy Living, Kim Bourne

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Retention Of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Knowledge And Psychomotor Skill Among Undergraduate Nursing Students: An Integrative Review Of Literature, Fernanda Tirado

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to explore the effectiveness of different training modalities on the acquisition and retention of CPR knowledge and psychomotor skill among undergraduate nursing students. Background: It is well known that standard CPR-training is ineffective at preparing nurses for the rigors of a cardiac arrest event. Survival rates for in-hospital cardiac arrests remain low and the proportion of neurobehavioral sequelae among survivors is very high. Methods: A review of relevant literature published between 2006 and 2016 was conducted using the CINAHL and MEDLINE databases. The following key terms were used in the search: …

Effects Of Obesity On United States Farmers: A Pilot Study, Sharon C. Hunsucker

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

Previous research described the value farmers place on their ability to work. The impact of obesity on workers is an increasing concern in occupational health research; yet, knowledge regarding the impact of obesity on the performance of farm work is limited. Identifying the impact of obesity on farmer’s work ability can guide healthcare workers in promoting and motivating farmers to implement lifestyle changes to improve health and sustain longevity in their ability to work.

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the impact of obesity on the work ability of U.S. farmers. Specific aims were to 1) examine the …

Relationship Among Motivation, Emotion Regulation, And Psychological Well-Being Of Sophomore And Senior Level Nursing Students, Aryene Delgado, Douglas Garner, Nicole Langhals

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Nursing education and professional work involve stressful circumstances that may lead to attrition, which can further contribute to the projected nursing shortage. This study examines the relationships between motivation, emotional regulation, psychological well-being and academic performance in baccalaureate sophomore and senior level nursing students at a Midwest urban university in the United States. The non-experimental, correlational study is guided by Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory and uses an online survey data collection and convenience sampling. Measures include: motivation, emotional regulation, psychological well-being (burnout; inauthenticity), and academic performance (GPA), and will be measured using Deci and Ryan’s scale, the Emotion Regulation …

Evaluation Of Serum Vitamin D Levels In Older Adults Who Fall And Sustain A Fracture: A Retrospective Chart Review, Suzanne L. Pilon

DNP Projects

Purpose: This practice inquiry project was designed to (i) evaluate serum vitamin D levels in individuals aged 65 years and older who had fallen and sustained a fracture and (ii) identify if the serum vitamin D levels were within therapeutic range.

Background: Older adults are at increased risk of falling and sustaining a fracture as a result of falls. Vitamin D has been shown to be effective in fall prevention yet vitamin D is deficient in the older population worldwide. Evaluating current serum vitamin D levels in older adults who fall and sustain a fracture may provide additional insight in …

Diabetic Prevention The Hard Way: Modified Diet And Increased Exercise, Torrie Reese St.Julien

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background and Purpose: In the United States, 79 million people are pre-diabetic: most have no symptoms. If left untreated, 37% will develop diabetes within 4 years. Fourteen percent of United States health care expenditures are related to diabetic complications. This Evidenced Based Project (EBP) involved a behavioral lifestyle change with the purpose of 7% weight loss and a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity a week. It was also designed to reduce risk factors and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c) levels.

Methods: The interventional approach was modeled after the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Group Lifestyle Balance Program. Participants were …

Oral Wellness: Using Occupational Therapy To Enhance Oral Hygiene Delivery In Long-Term Care, Lauryn J. Banovitz, Liberty Bellah, Rosemarie Lion

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Based on current literature, oral health in long-term care (LTC) facilities is frequently of low priority and does not follow evidence-based best practices. Poor oral health reduces the quality of life of older adult residents and patients and can lead to systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pneumonia, the leading cause of death in LTC. Occupational therapists can play an instrumental role as oral care consultants, and educators, and can act as resource guides to raise the standards of oral care in LTC facilities.

This capstone project explored ways in which occupational therapy, a profession traditionally designated for …

Connecting Gender, Race, Class, And Immigration Status To Disease Management, Marie-Anne S. Rosemberg Phd, Mn, Rn, Jenny Hsin-Chun Tsai Phd, Arnp, Pmhcns-Bc

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Objective: Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death in the United States. Chronic disease management occurs within all aspects of an individual’s life, including the workplace. Though the social constructs of gender, race, class, and immigration status within the workplace have been considered, their connection to disease management among workers has been less explicitly explored. Using a sample of immigrant hotel housekeepers, we explored the connections between these four social constructs and hypertension management.

Methods: This qualitative research study was guided by critical ethnography methodology. Twenty-seven hotel room cleaners and four housemen were recruited (N = 31) and …

The Impact Of Self-Care Education On Heart Failure Patients With A High Risk For Readmission, Neil Williams Ii

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this Capstone Project study was to answer the question: Does self-care education improve knowledge and decrease 30 day readmission rates in a class of heart failure patients that are at high risk for exacerbation? The study used a randomized control design with a pre-test/post-test. A convenience sample of 50 African Americans diagnosed with heart failure were entered; control group (n=25) and experimental group (n=25). Both groups received the Heart failure Pre/Post Test developed by the researcher during the initial interview and four weeks post discharge. The experimental group received a phone call weekly over the four weeks …