Other Nursing Commons^™

Long-Term Effects On Nursing Alumni: Assessing A Course In Public And Global Health, Sheri P. Palmer, Karen Lundberg, Karen De La Cruz, Cheryl A. Corbett, Sondra Heatson, Shelly Reed, Mary Williams

Faculty Publications

The impact of a cultural awareness course among nursing students may affect the particular person for years to come. Cultural awareness can be taught via many methods, often requiring study abroad and/or extreme investment of time, money and effort. There is little research on sustained effects on nursing alumni from such a course. The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to determine the long term outcomes of a cultural awareness course and 2) compare the long term effects between alumni who went abroad and those who chose to complete the course locally. One hundred and twenty-one nursing alumni completed …

Differentiating Between Lactose Intolerance, Celiac Disease, And Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Diarrhea, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy, Sophia G. Larimer, Donna S. Freeborn

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this article is to assist nurse practitioners (NPs) and other primary care providers in differentiating between lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in adults. Based on subtle characteristics gathered from the history and physical examination, the NP’s examination and approach to testing will help distinguish between the 3 conditions. NPs should use a sequential process of examination and testing to distinguish gastrointestinal disorders that share common symptoms. A best practice algorithm is provided.

Critical Care Nurses' Perceptions Of End-Of-Life Care Obstacles: Comparative 17-Year Data, Renea L. Beckstrand, Nicole Lamoreaux, Karlen E. Luthy, Janelle L. B. Macintosh

Faculty Publications

Background: Nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) frequently care for patients and their families at the end of life (EOL). Providing high-quality EOL care is important for both patients and families, yet ICU nurses face many obstacles that hinder EOL care. Researchers have identified various ICU nurse-perceived obstacles, but no studies have been found addressing the progress that has been made for the last 17 years.

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the most common and current obstacles in EOL care as perceived by ICU nurses and then to evaluate whether meaningful changes have occurred since …

Organizational Learning In A Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: A Learning History, Bret Lyman, Kalene M. Ethington, Carly King, Jonathan D. Jacobs, Hayley Lundeen

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Providing high-quality care to every patient is challenging, particularly in critical care units (CCUs). However, this standard can be achieved through organizational learning. Unfortunately, the process of organizational learning in CCUs is not well understood.

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the developmental progression of a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) to reach its current state of reliably excellent clinical performance.

Methods: The method selected for this study was a learning history. A total of 43 individuals with experience working on the CICU participated in small group interviews. Participants included nurses, surgeons, unit clerks, administrators, nursing …

Honoring Motherhood: The Meaning Of Childbirth For Tongan Women, Shelly J. Reed, Lynn Clark Callister, 'Ana Kavaefiafi, Cheryl A. Corbett, Debra Edmunds

Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this ethnographic study was to describe the meaning of childbirth for Tongan women.

Study Design and Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, 38 Tongan women, 18 from Tonga and 20 from the United States, who had given birth in the past year were invited to share their perceptions of childbirth. Themes were generated collaboratively by the research team.

Findings: The overarching theme was honoring motherhood; other themes include using strength to facilitate an unmedicated vaginal birth, describing the spiritual dimensions of birth, adhering to cultural practices associated with childbearing, and the influence of the concept of …

The Meaning Of Giving Birth: Voices Of Hmong Women Living In Vietnam, Cheryl A. Corbett, Lynn Clark Callister, Jamie Peterson Gettys, Jacob R. Hickman

Faculty Publications

Increasing knowledge about the sociocultural context of birth is essential to promote culturally sensitive nursing care. This qualitative study provides an ethnographic view of the perspectives of birthing of Hmong mothers living in the highlands of Vietnam. Unique cultural beliefs exist in Hmong culture about the spiritual and physical wold as well as ritual practices associated with childbearing. This includes variations of ancestor worship, reincarnation, and healing practices by shamans. Traditionally, Hmong families take an active role in childbirth with birth frequently occurring in the home. Situated within a large collaborative anthropology project, a convenience sample of 8 Hmong women, …

Nursing Informatics Research And Emerging Trends In 2015, Jane M. Carrington, Victoria Tiase, Nicolette Estrada, Kimberly D. Shea, Katherine M. Dudding, Brooke A. Finley, Christine Nibbelink, Ryan Jay Rasmussen, Monte L. Roberts

Faculty Publications

This article presents the annual project where we search the literature to learn the advances made in nursing informatics research. The Nursing Informatics Year in Review project originated with the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)-Nursing Informatics Work Group (NIWG) as a regular presentation at the AMIA-NIWG Sunday meeting. This article reports on the findings from project year four, 2015, that was presented at the AMIA-NIWG meeting in San Francisco, CA, in November 2015. As with prior years of this project, we have read articles that have contributed to further development of the science. This article presents the results from our …

Vaccination Perceptions Of Urban School Employees, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Karlen E. Luthy, Katreena C. Merrill, Renea L. Beckstrand, Lacey M. Eden, Emily L. Wright

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to explore public school employee perceptions regarding vaccinations. Employees from 1 urban school district in Utah responded to the School Employees' Perception of Immunizations Questionnaire. Lack of perceived efficacy was the most common explanation for lack of seasonal influenza vaccine. Being unsure of need was the most common reason participants were unvaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella. The most common reason for rejecting a mandatory vaccine policy was a perceived violation of personal freedoms. Nurse practitioners can positively influence the health of public school employees by ensuring they are properly vaccinated.

Understanding Anterior Knee Pain: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Craig Nuttall, Blaine A. Winters

Faculty Publications

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is 1 of the most common causes of anterior knee pain and should be included in the differential diagnosis for anterior knee pain in every patient. PFPS is characterized as an overuse injury. The exact mechanism of injury is still under investigation, but it is believed to stem from maltracking of the patella. PFPS commonly presents in adults who complain of anterior knee pain with activity. This pain can lead to significant disability. When treated appropriately, disability and chronicity can be avoided or reduced.

Evaluation And Management Of Spinal Column Fractures In Adults, Blaine A. Winters, Craig Nuttall

Faculty Publications

Nurse practitioners working in many settings are faced with the challenge of diagnosing and managing patients with potential or actual spinal column fractures. In this article we provide nurse practitioners with the knowledge necessary to evaluate for and diagnose spinal column fractures in adults. We also provide guidelines for the appropriate management of injuries and identify when referral is recommended.

Neurobiology Of Trauma, Julie L. Valentine, Linda Mabey, Leslie Miles

Faculty Publications

• The neurobiology of trauma can affect the functioning of the brain with lasting consequences.
• The body's hormonal response to trauma affects the encoding of memory.
• Acute stress disorder (ASD) can result following trauma and can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if symptoms last for more than 1 month.
• Trauma can cause immediate symptoms, such as tonic immobility and dissociation, and may lead to chronic symptoms oof depression and anxiety.
• Exposure to trauma can cause physical health problems.
• Evidence-based psychotherapy treatment options following traumatic exposure are available.
• Providing compassionate, nonjudgmental care to victims of trauma helps their healing process.

Nurses …

Rural Emergency Nurses’ End-Of-Life Care Obstacle Experiences: Stories From The Last Frontier, Renea L. Beckstrand, Jonathan Rohwer, Karlen E. Luthy, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Ryan J. Rasmussen

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Rural emergency nurses face unique obstacles to providing quality end-of-life (EOL) care. Stories provided by emergency nurses embody their most difficult EOL care obstacles.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 53 rural hospitals. Respondents were asked to share stories that epitomized the obstacles faced while providing EOL care in the rural emergency setting.

Results: The lack of an ideal death (eg, the nurse personally knows the patient, issues with family members, and unknown patient wishes) was the top obstacle. Other reported obstacles were insufficient ED staff and power struggles between nurses and physicians.

Discussion: Rural emergency nurses often provide …

Updating The Simulation Effectiveness Tool: Item Modifications And Reevaluation Of Psychometric Properties, Kim Leighton, Patricia K. Ravert, Vickie Mudra, Christopher Macintosh

Faculty Publications

AIM This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the modified Simulation Effectiveness Tool (SET) and the SET-M.

BACKGROUND The SET, developed in 2005, was updated to be consistent with INACSL Standards of Best Practice, QSEN practices, and American Association of Colleges of Nursing baccalaureate essentials.

METHOD Undergraduate nursing students from two nursing programs, one with multiple campuses, completed the SET-M following completion of a simulated clinical experience; 1,288 students took part in the study.

RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis was completed using unweighted least squares. Four sub scales were identified with acceptable internal consistency: Prebriefing (α = .833), Learning (α = …

Use Of A Blog In An Undergraduate Nursing Leadership Course, Shelly Jensen Reed, Debra Edmunds

Faculty Publications

In this study, the use of a blog in a senior leadership clinical nursing course was analyzed qualitatively through two means; focus group interviews of those using the blog, and analysis of blog content. Initial feelings expressed by students were annoyance and intimidation concerning the blogging assignment. These feelings quickly dissipated, with students verbalizing many positive aspects related to the blog, including having a place to reflect, feeling connected as a group, valuing feedback provided by their peers, and learning from theirs and others' experiences. The mechanics of having to synthesize their thoughts in written form, in a shared venue …

Written Debriefing: Evaluating The Impact Of The Addition Of A Written Component When Debriefing Simulations, Shelly Jensen Reed

Faculty Publications

Debriefing, the reflective period following a simulation, is said to be where the bulk of simulation learning takes place. Many expert opinions regarding debriefing exist, but evidence-based best practices have yet to be identified. Written debriefing is one of these practices; experts state learning can be extended through the addition of a written component to the debriefing process, but no evidence exists to support this. This study compares three debriefing types: discussion alone, and discussion followed by journaling or blogging. Undergraduate nursing students participating in a simulation were randomized as a simulation group to one of these three debriefing types. …

Elevating Research: An Important Role For Nurse Leaders, Katreena Collette Merrill, Diane Andrews, Barbara B. Brewer, Diane Storer Brown

Faculty Publications

As leaders, we recognize the importance of professional scholarship to provide the evidence needed to transform practice. One key initiative for the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is the elevation of nursing research and AONE competencies for nurse executives emphasize utilization, dissemination and participation in studies. However, given our current healthcare climate and competing priorities, nurse leaders must often focus efforts on fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness, making time and resources to support nursing research challenging. Initiatives that do not directly impact patient care, such as research, may be given a lower priority. Given today’s pressures, nurse leaders may …

Discovering Self: Childbearing Adolescents' Maternal Identity, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Lynn Clark Callister

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Adolescent pregnancy and motherhood have long been a topic of interest for many healthcare professionals. However, there are limited data on how childbearing adolescents incorporate motherhood identity into their sense of self. The purpose of this study was to explore how childbearing adolescents perceive motherhood as becoming part of their personal identity.

Study Design: This qualitative study using ethnographic data collection involved 7 months of observation, interaction, and interviews.

Methods: Data were collected from nine expectant adolescents during in-depth interviews. All participants were patients at a teen mother and child clinic staffed by certified nurse midwives and a pediatrician. …

Leadership Style And Patient Safety: Implications For Nurse Managers, Katreena Collette Merrill

Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between nurse manager (NM) leadership style and safety climate.

BACKGROUND: Nursing leaders are needed who will change the environment and increase patient safety. Hospital NMs are positioned to impact day-to-day operations. Therefore, it is essential to inform nurse executives regarding the impact of leadership style on patient safety.

METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was conducted in 41 nursing departments across 9 hospitals. The hospital unit safety climate survey and multifactorial leadership questionnaire were completed by 466 staff nurses. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to determine how well leadership …

Napnap Position Statement On Immunizations, Lacey M. Eden

Faculty Publications

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) fully supports timely and complete immunization of all infants, children, adolescents, and adults to maximize the health and well-being of all people. Routine childhood immunizations prevent approximately 2.5 million deaths every year (World Health Organization, 2012). Maintaining the highest immunization rates possible is essential to prevent outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases across the nation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013). The CDC recommends that all children, adolescents, and adults be immunized to protect children who are most vulnerable to serious illness and death (CDC, 2014). In concert with the American …

Nursing Students’ Experiences With High-Fidelity Simulation, Rana Halabi Najjar, Bret Lyman, Nick Miehl

Faculty Publications

Research has revealed the effectiveness of simulation for facilitating student development of self-efficacy, knowledge, clinical judgment, and proficiency in technical skills. This grounded theory study was conducted to describe the experience of nursing students in high-fidelity simulation and develop a model which explicates the experience of nursing students in simulation. Focus group interviews were conducted with three cohorts of students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program who experienced simulation four to twelve times per academic year. Five prominent themes emerged during analysis Emotional Processing; Anxiety; Making Connections; Fidelity; and Learning. The Simulation Learning Model – Student Experience (SLM-SE) was developed …

Social Disparities: Household Income In Poverty Stricken Ecuador Affecting Cognitive Function In Children, A. Chamberlain, M. Williams, Jane H. Lassetter

Faculty Publications

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the largest nutritional disorders in the world. Approximately 25% of the world’s population has anemia with 50% of those cases being IDA, according to the World Health Organization. The reduced oxygen carrying capacity associated with anemia can have many adverse effects. Many anemia studies have been done on infants but few have been done on school-aged children. A charity organization in Ecuador has been identifying anemia prevalence among children within a suburb of Guayaquil. To further identify possible risks resulting from anemia, a study comparing cognitive function with anemia rates was conducted in …

High-Stakes Evaluation: Five Years Later, Tonya Rutherford-Hemming, Suzan Kardong-Edgren, Teresa Gore, Patricia K. Ravert, Mary Anne Rizzolo

Faculty Publications

This article compares the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) memberships' thoughts and discussions about the use of simulation for high- stakes evaluation in nursing education to a similar town hall discussion, five years ago. Data on the topic of high-stakes testing were collected through a survey before the INACSL conference in June 2014. During a town hall meeting at the conference, the survey data was presented, attendees shared their thoughts and reacted to prepared comments by selected simulation leaders. Half of the town hall attendees favored high stakes testing before the survey findings and discussion. This …

Impact Of Universal Disinfectant Cap Implementation On Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections, Katreena Collette Merrill, Sharon Sumner, Lorraine Linford, Carrie Taylor, Christopher Macintosh

Faculty Publications

Background: Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in increased length of stay, cost, and patient morbidity and mortality. One CLABSI prevention method is disinfection of intravenous access points. The literature suggests that placing disinfectant caps over needleless connectors decreases CLABSI risk.

Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted in a >430-bed trauma I center. In addition to an existing standard central line bundle, a new intervention consisting of a luer-lock disinfectant cap with 70% alcohol was implemented in all intravenous (IV) needleless connectors on patients with peripheral and central lines. Compliance to the disinfectant cap was monitored weekly. A generalized …

Vitamin D Deficiency And Acute Lower Respiratory Infections In Children Younger Than 5 Years: Identification And Treatment, Allison Larkin, Jane H. Lassetter

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is a leading cause of childhood mortality. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency (VDD) puts children at risk for ALRI. The purpose of this review is to examine ALRI and VDD in children 5 years and younger. Common etiologies, diagnosis, prevention, treatment of ALRI, and recommendations for vitamin D supplementation are summarized.

Method: Databases were searched for studies investigating VDD and ALRI in children. Independent reviewers assessed the internal validity of the studies.

Results: Of 18 studies examined, VDD was found to be associated with increased risk or severity of ALRI in 13 studies; …

Tendinopathy: Setting The Record Straight, Craig Nuttall, Ryan Rasmussen

Faculty Publications

Tendinopathy is a commonly diagnosed injury. Traditionally, tendinopathy was considered to be caused by an inflammatory process. It is now known that a majority of tendinopathies are caused by tendinosis, a failed healing response resulting in a degenerated tendon. The recurrent nature of tendinopathies can present a challenge for the health care provider and be very frustrating for the patient. There are several principles that should be followed when treating tendinopathies. These principles include rest, ice, eccentric exercises, and avoidance of corticosteroid injections. Proper treatment of tendinopathies can lead to optimal healing and decrease the risk of recurrence.

Minimizing Pain During Childhood Vaccination Injections: Improving Adherence To Vaccination Schedules, Lacey M. Eden, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Karlen E. Luthy, Renea L. Beckstrand

Faculty Publications

Pain experienced in childhood can lead to long-term and psychologically detrimental effects. Unfortunately, the most common pain experienced in childhood is caused by vaccinations and may lead to non-adherence to the recommended vaccination schedule. As a result, it is the health care provider's responsibility to take measures to reduce vaccination pain; however, there are a plethora of pain relieving interventions during immunizations and it is unclear which interventions are most cost efficient, timely, and effective. Studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of different pain management interventions during vaccinations. This review evaluates various pain relieving interventions and provide health …

Np Bookshelf. [Review Of The Book Compassion Fatigue And Burnout In Nursing: Enhancing Professional Quality Of Life, By V. Todaro-Franceschi], Leslie W. Miles

Faculty Publications

This book is not just for nurses who care for the dying patient but for all nurses who find themselves at some point in their career feeling burned out, dissatisfied with work life, bullied, or lacking a sense of meaning and purpose in their professional quality of life. Todaro-Franceschi identifies the causes of compassion fatigue and burnout as being multifactorial, yet having a core symptom of the nurse internalizing suffering to the point that it negatively transforms the care a nurse can give. The target audience is wide, with application to current practitioners, students, nurse educators, and anyone working in …

Vaccination Perceptions Of School Employees In A Rural School District, Janelle Macintosh, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy, Renea L. Beckstrand, Lacey M. Eden, Jennifer Orton

Faculty Publications

Background: There continues to be a need for increases in adult vaccination rates, especially among those working in environments which may easily become communicable disease outbreak centers, such as school employees in the school environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate why rural Utah school employees were non-compliant with the influenza and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, as well as to identify their views on mandatory vaccination policies.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to all school employees in a rural Utah school district. Data analysis included frequencies and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative items …

Role Modeling Clinical Judgment For An Unfolding Older Adult Simulation, Kathie Lasater, Elizabeth A. Johnson, Patricia K. Ravert, Doris Rink

Faculty Publications

Nurse educators must foster development of clinical judgment in students to help them provide the best care for the increasing population of older adult patients. This article reports qualitative findings from a mixed-methods study that focused on clinical judgment in the simulated perioperative care of an older adult. The sample was composed of treatment and control groups of prelicensure students (N = 275) at five sites. The treatment group watched a video of an expert nurse role model caring for a patient similar to the simulation patient, whereas the control group did not watch the video. Four weeks after simulation, …

Intraosseous Vascular Access For Alert Patients, Stacie Hunsaker

Faculty Publications

Nurses are often faced with the challenge of starting an IV line in a patient who is dehydrated, has suffered trauma, or is in shock. Even the efforts of the most skilled clinician may fail, while valuable time is lost. Intraosseous access is a rapid, safe, and effective route for delivering fluids and medications, and is recommended by numerous professional and specialty organizations for both pediatric and adult patients. Yet many clinicians remain unaware of the procedure. This article outlines the procedure and devices used, describes support for use in the literature, and discusses various considerations and nursing implications.