Nursing Commons^™

Physical Activity Behaviors Of Prehypertensive And Stage I Hypertensive African American Women, Hope Jackson

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe the physical activity (PA) behaviors and PA biomarkers of prehypertensive and stage I hypertensive African American women (AAW) and to examine the relationships between PA and personal factors and selected behavior-specific influences (perceived barriers to and interpersonal support for PA). Pender’s Health Promotion Model was the conceptual framework for the study.

A cross sectional design and convenience sample were used. Personal factors examined were: systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP], body mass index [BMI], and waist circumference. Other variables measured were: International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 400 meter walk test, Borg perceived exertion …

Association Between Adverse Events In Childhood And Bmi Among People With Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder, Nicholas Guenzel

Theses & Dissertations

Background: People with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder die significantly earlier than members of the general public (16-18 years and 12-13 years, respectively). Diseases associated with obesity such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke account for much of this discrepancy. People with mental illness often have difficulty losing weight despite intensive interventions. As a result, nurses caring for patients with mental illness need to monitor their weight diligently and implement individualized interventions to promote achieving or maintaining a healthy weight. Because intensive interventions come with some risk and expense, programs must target individuals with the most potential to develop obesity. In …

Psychiatric Comorbidities And Bmi: An Exploratory Analysis, Nicholas Guenzel

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Individuals with most forms of mental illness have higher rates of obesity than members of the general public putting them at an increased risk for many physical health problems that reduce both quality of life and life expectancy. The presence of multiple comorbid psychiatric disorders has been associated with poorer clinical outcomes in other mental health measures such as disability and sobriety and is proposed as a risk factor for elevated BMI (body mass index) in this study.

Objective: Determine if multiple psychiatric comorbidities are associated with elevated BMI and, if so, which combinations are linked with the greatest …

School Of Nursing News, Georgia Southern University

Nursing: News & Publications (2013-2023)

• School of Nursing Ranks 8th for the Most Affordable Competitive College

The Effect Of Workload, Job Satisfaction, And Role Conflict On The Timing Of Leaving Of Nursing Faculty From Their Current Faculty Position, Sherri Henry Suozzo

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

Due to the significant nursing faculty shortage and the probable impact on healthcare, it is imperative to expand the available literature on the nursing faculty shortage. The descriptive data in this study highlight the critical nature of the aging and retiring nursing faculty body. The statistics available in this study regarding this are quite alarming. The Northeast may be looking at a mass exodus of nursing faculty in the next 5 years with up to 70 percent of the faculty leaving their current position. Another alarming factor is the significant level of inexperience the remaining faculty may have and …

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 …

Vitamin D Deficiency And Infertility: A Systematic Review, Susanne Stoddard Sollis

Student Works

Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus homeostasis in the body. In recent years, studies have been conducted examining the role vitamin D plays in reproduction. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with infertility, decreased pregnancy rates, and hormonal changes. Asians appear to have a reverse correlation with pregnancy rates and vitamin D levels. There are some conflicting studies regarding vitamin D levels in relationship to infertility. This paper reviews the most recent literature focusing on the relationship between vitamin D status and infertility. This review evidences vitamin D levels >30 ng/mL result in improved fertility outcomes.

Improving Hand Off Communication To Enhance Patient Outcomes And Staff Satisfaction, Karin Weinstock

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

The specific aim statement is: Improving hand off communication to enhance patient outcomes and staff satisfaction 50% by August 6. Staff had 100% participation. Reduction in unnecessary appointments occurred and a structured standardized hand off form with situation, background, assessment, and recommendation (SBAR) was implemented at the start date. The clinic has 2 exam rooms, 1 lab, a reception area, and two small offices. The majority of the clients are Hispanic females ages 15-25. The non-profit clinic provides free medical services to the community. Evaluation methods yielded quantitative and qualitative results through chart audits and direct observations.

In-services, one-to-one …

School Of Nursing News, Georgia Southern University

Nursing: News & Publications (2013-2023)

• Georgia Southern University Receives $1.6 Million Grant for Advanced Nursing Education

Global Collaboration Between Tanzania And Japan To Advance Midwifery Profession: A Case Report Of A Partnership Model, Yoko Shimpuku, Shigeko Horiuchi, Sebalda C. Leshabari, Dickson Mkoka, Yasuko Nagamatsu, Miwako Matsutani, Hiromi Eto, Michiko Oguro, Yukari Yaju, Mariko Iida, Columba Mbekenga, Lilian Mselle, Agnes Mtawa

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

The global health agenda to reduce maternal mortality is delayed in Sub-Saharan Africa. The shortage of skilled birth attendants in Tanzania hinders the improvement of midwifery care to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity. It is urgently neccesary to develop midwifery leaders capable of working as educators, researchers, administrators, and advanced practitioners, contributing to the improvement of midwifery care and maternal child health in their own country. This report describes the process of establishing the first midwifery master’s program in Tanzania through the efforts of two academic institutions, one in Tanzania and one in Japan. The collaboration developed a sustainable partnership …

Improving Nutrition Habits In Overweight Obese Adults With Physical Disabilities, Michelle Ullery

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

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. …

Screening The Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver For Sleep Apnea, Dianna Ohlman

Dissertations

Abstract The transportation industry has the third highest occupational risk for death and disability (BLS, 2010) with 7% of Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers (CMVD) falling asleep while driving (NHTSA, 2006). One contributing factor may be undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) (Tregear et al, 2009). In 2006, a Joint Task Force (JTF) published screening recommendations for OSA, which led to a change in the Department of Transportation screening practices within a local Occupational Medicine clinic. The purpose of this study was to: (a) determine what percentage of drivers having had a positive clinical screening examination (met two of three objective measures) …

Effects Of An Instructional Intervention On Student Nurses' Awareness Of Hearing Impaired Patients' Communication Needs, Charles G. Marx, Kimberly Ward, Edward L. Goshorn, Virginia L. Sumrall

Journal of Health Ethics

A recent survey (Kemker, et al, 2013) of practicing nurses’ awareness of hearing impaired patients’ communication needs revealed a potential need to supplement the curriculum. The instructional areas that required supplemental information were related to assisting patients with their amplification devices and in verifying that a verbal message has been accurately received. These areas may not be sufficiently covered in a typical School of Nursing curriculum. To meet the curriculum needs and to address any potential ethical concerns regarding provision of care to this patient population, instructional materials were developed by the authors that directly addressed the identified areas. These …

Impact Of Standardized Oral Health Assessment On Preventing Ventilator-Associated Events, Juana Ambriz De Williams

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common but preventable health-care associated infection that affects up to 20% of mechanically ventilated adult patients, resulting in estimated mortality rates ranging from 13% to 55% (Chahoud, Semaan, Almoosa, 2015; Melsen et al., 2013). In an effort to reduce morbidity, mortality and related costs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), proposed ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention as a national patient safety goal. In 2014, amid growing concerns that the subjectivity of existing definitions had led to inconsistent reporting, thereby impeding efforts to reduce VAP, the CDC refocused surveillance …

Prescriber Education Of Current Clinical Practice Guidelines For Urinary Tract Infections, Carol Medura

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common illnesses and inappropriate treatment of a urinary tract infection can have severe implications for the patient, including development of antibiotic resistance, increases in illness and health care costs. Discrepancies exist between provider practice behaviors and use of current clinical practice guidelines. This capstone project was to present clinical practice guidelines to emergency department providers to educate and improve the use of first-line antibiotics for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The review of the literature supported the use of education to increase adherence to guidelines. The providers at the emergency …

The Effectiveness Of Implementing Standard Of Care Best Practices Including Use Of Daily Incentive Spirometry To Improve Dyspnea And Quality Of Life In Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), Christine Gallagher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable disease characterized by symptoms of dyspnea, cough, and wheezing. Many patients with COPD are on daily medications for their symptoms yet these symptoms continue to persist, impairing their quality of life. Patients with COPD experience respiratory muscle weakness that contributes to dyspnea and an inability to participate in daily activities. GOLD (2014) guidelines state that the goal of therapy in these patients is to reduce symptoms, increase participation in activities, and restore the highest level of independent functioning. The guidelines recommend the use of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in …

Lipid Management Of Patients With Probable Familial Hypercholesterolemia By A Nurse Practitioner, Carla Weidner

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans. Patient’s high cholesterol numbers are a major risk factor for the development of heart disease. Studies performed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have recognized this as an area in need of improvement. Strategies for improvement of patients’ serum cholesterol and adherence to the recommended therapies have been explored. The purpose of this evidence based project is to compare cholesterol management outcomes in patients cared for by a nurse practitioner, with lipid management certification, to patients cared for by their …

The Retrospective Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Implementing Standard Of Care Best Practices On Fear Of Hypoglycemia (Foh) In Insulin Requiring Diabetics, Melissa Laporte

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

The population of individuals with diabetes is expected to rise along with a rise in the use of insulin therapy to control hyperglycemia and prevent diabetic complications. Insulin therapy is implicated as one of the leading causes of hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening adverse drug event. Hypoglycemia is recognized by patients and clinicians as the greatest barrier to achieving adequate glycemic control and it causes physical, psychosocial, financial, and safety concerns for individuals, their families, communities and health care systems. Hypoglycemia often causes insulin requiring diabetics to develop a fear of hypoglycemia, a complex phenomenon that manifests as avoidance of hypoglycemia …

Chhs August 2015 E-Newsletter,, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.