Nursing Commons^™

The Cost Of Caring: Compassion Fatigue In Hospice Nursing, Stephanie O'Neil

Senior Honors Projects

Compassion fatigue is a concept that is often referred to as the “cost of caring.” Hospice nurses, who regularly care for patients at the end of life, are most susceptible to this sense of helplessness, isolation, and confusion, as each day they are faced with bearing witness to the tragic loss of their patients. Compassion fatigue has detrimental effects on the health and wellbeing of nurses, and impacts on the safety and dignity preservation of patients. The purpose of this project was to explore the concept of compassion fatigue in Hospice nursing practice. Kim and Schwartz-Barcott’s Hybrid Model is a …

Caregiving Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Duration Within A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit., Sharon G. Casavant, Georgine Burke, Carrie-Ellen Briere, Jacqueline Mcgrath

University Scholar Projects

Abstract

Background: Increasingly, evidence supports oral feeding of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants exclusively at breast or with breastmilk. Despite known breastmilk benefits, outcomes related to exclusive breastmilk provision are poor. Identifying factors that promote breastmilk provision is critical.

Purpose: Breastfeeding practices of mothers of VLBW infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were explored to identify factors associated with mode of feeding at discharge.

Method:

This retrospective study replicates previous work. Subjects were VLBW preterm infants consecutively admitted during a 24-month period. Primary outcomes included receiving any breastmilk at discharge. Infant variables included gestational age (GA), post-menstrual age (PMA) …

Factors That Affect Adherence With Long-Term Controller Medications Used To Manage Asthma In Children, Brittany Bowks

HIM 1990-2015

Problem: Asthma affects one out of every ten children in the United States. It is recommended that children with persistent asthma take long-term controller (LTC) medications to achieve control. However, adherence varies, and many children do not take their LTC medication at all. The average cost for hospitalization of a child with asthma is $8,406. Asthma in children also contributes to school absenteeism and a decrease in quality of life. Objective: A literature review was performed to examine factors that affect adherence to LTC medications used to control asthma in children. Method: A literature review was performed using the CINAHL, …

The Effects Of Complementary Hippotherapy For Children With Austism Spectrum Disorder, Jamie Hicks

HIM 1990-2015

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an intricate and complex disorder that continues to grow in its prevalence year after year. The disorder is based on decreased social communication with prevalent stereotypical behaviors and problems in sensory processing. Due to the disorder diagnosis based on a spectrum, each child is different in their severity, and thus requires individualized forms of therapies and treatments. The cause of ASD is unknown, which makes the treatment difficult to standardize. Desperate to find a regimen that benefits their child’s ability to function more successfully, more and more parents are utilizing complementary alternative medicine (CAM). The …

Family-Centered Pediatric Radiation Therapy: A Nurse-Led Quality Improvement Collaboration Model, Elizabeth A. Austin

Doctoral Projects

Problem: Parents of children diagnosed with cancer face a number of physical, emotional, and social hurdles in the race for a cure. Family schedules shift dramatically to accommodate daily radiation therapy treatment appointments. Ambulatory procedure unit nursing staff attempt to teach and interpret the process without the benefit of a family-centered intradepartmental structured communication process to promote safe care with these families.

Methods: Implementation of a structured family-centered interprofessional standard work model to promote interdepartmental collaboration. The project implemented a structured family-centered interview and standard work algorithms to improve the radiation therapy family experience.

Results: A structured, streamlined, interdepartmental interview, …

Medical Crises In Older People: Cohort Study Of Older People Attending Acute Medical Units, Developmental Work And Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Specialist Geriatric Medical Intervention For High-Risk Older People; Cohort Study Of Older People With Mental Health Problems Admitted To Hospital, Developmental Work And Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Specialist Medical And Mental Health Unit For General Hospital Patients With Delirium And Dementia; And Cohort Study Of Residents Of Care Homes And Interview Study Of Health-Care Provision To Residents Of Care Homes, John Gladman, Rowan Harwood, Simon Conroy, Pip Logan, Rachel Elliot, Rob Jones, Sarah Lewis, Jane Dyas, Justine Schneider, Davina Porock, Kristian Pollock, Sarah Goldberg, Judi Edmans, Adam Gordon, Lucy Bradshaw, Matthew Franklin, Katherine Whittamore, Isabella Robbins, Aidan Dunphy, Karen Spencer, Janet Darby, Lukasz Tanajewski, Vladislav Berdunov, Georgios Gkountouras, Pippa Foster, Nadia Frowd

Publications and Research

Background: This programme of research addressed shortcomings in the care of three groups of older patients: patients discharged from acute medical units (AMUs), patients with dementia and delirium admitted to general hospitals, and care home residents.

Methods: In the AMU workstream we undertook literature reviews, performed a cohort study of older people discharged from AMU (Acute Medical Unit Outcome Study; AMOS), developed an intervention (interface geriatricians) and evaluated the intervention in a randomised controlled trial (Acute Medical Unit Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Intervention Study; AMIGOS). In the second workstream we undertook a cohort study of older people with mental health problems …

Impact Of Prior Healthcare Experience On Self-Reported Confidence And Competency Among Third Year Clinical Nursing Students, Conrad N. Bukoski, Jennifer Fuvich

Senior Honors Projects

There is a long-running debate amongst nurse educators if prior healthcare experience facilitates or encumbers a nursing student’s clinical training and education. Nursing students with prior healthcare experience have often worked as home health aids (HHAs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), patient care technicians (PCTs), emergency medical technicians (EMTs), electrocardiogram technicians (EKG tech), student nurse associates (SNAs), and paramedics. The psychomotor and cognitive nursing skills utilized in these healthcare positions vary and some overlap with nursing skills. All of these positions interact with other healthcare positions to deliver patient care.

Some educators feel that inadequate skills and training may be acquired …

Comparing Access To Medical Homes For Children Aged 6-17 Years With Add/Adhd And Autism In Arkansas, Marie Mackenzie Plum

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

A growing number of children are being diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD) and autism in Arkansas. These developmental disorders necessitate comprehensive, holistic, effective and well-coordinated care, and require a complex treatment regimen. Lack of access to coordinated care creates a real impediment for these children as they are in constant need for medical services. Pediatric care provided within a medical home has been suggested to improve health outcomes of children with special health care needs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine access to a medical home among children aged 6-17 years with ADD/ADHD, autism, …

Coping Mechanisms Of Children With Atopic Dermatitis, Whitney A. St. Mary

Honors Theses

This was a qualitative study that explored the lived experience of parents who had children with atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema. The study had seven volunteer participants and the objective of this study was to determine any coping mechanisms used to overcome the negative aspects of atopic dermatitis. Volunteers were obtained from the Oak Grove Family Clinic. Phone interviews were then conducted and the participants were asked a series of eight questions. After the interviews concluded the researcher then transcribed the interviews and determined common themes from parents’ responses. All of the parents discussed how using unscented lotion, preventing …

Attitudes Toward And Willingness To Use Music Therapy In Southern Mississippi, Megan E. Mcdaniel

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes toward and willingness to use music therapy in the population without previous medical conditions and to determine if there was a difference in attitudes toward music therapy between genders and age groups. A 19-question, 5-point Likert scale survey assessing the knowledge and attitudes of music therapy was distributed via a faculty, staff, and student email listserv at The University of Southern Mississippi and Facebook. Additionally, two demographic questions were asked. Overall, the participants (n=184) in this study reported positive attitudes toward the use of music therapy. Females and adults ages …

Assessment Of Tracheostomy Care Practices In A Simulated Setting, Thomas Bolsega

HIM 1990-2015

Background: Although a tracheostomy is a common procedure for patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation, little evidence exists as to the best practices for performing tracheostomy care to maintain the airway and promote skin integrity. Therefore, variability is likely, which may negatively impact patient outcomes. This study described tracheostomy care practices of registered nurses (RNs) and respiratory therapists (RTs) who regularly perform tracheostomy care in critical care settings. Methodology: The descriptive study was conducted following informed consent. RNs (n=15) and RTs (n=5) were asked to perform tracheostomy care on a simulated mannequin patient. An array of supplies (both required and …

Subcutaneous Injection Techniques Of Anticoagulant Therapies, Leah Morissette

HIM 1990-2015

Subcutaneous anticoagulant medications like Heparin and Low-Molecular Weight Heparin are injections that readily cause bruising, pain, induration, and hematoma formation at the injection site. It is known that these adverse reactions can be correlated to the technique used to administer these medications; however, there is no established technique that reduces bruising, pain, induration, and hematoma formation at the site. Currently, the only protocol for subcutaneous Heparin and Low-Molecular Weight Heparin is that it is to be administered subcutaneously in the abdomen and when using a prefilled syringe, the air bubble should not be removed. The purpose of this study was …

Acculturation Factors Associated With The Prevalence Of Obesity In Immigrant Children And Adolescents, Suzeline Desir

HIM 1990-2015

Childhood obesity (CO) is a significant public health issue in the United States, including the immigrant populations. Obese children and adolescents are at increased risk for multiple preventable comorbidities that affect their physical health and psychological well-being. The perception exists that the immigrant child population may possess protection against CO, but this group also experienced an increased prevalence of CO. Acculturation, or the adaptation to American culture and lifestyles, has been shown to be associated with the increased obesity rate among immigrant children and adolescents. Understanding the association between acculturation factors and CO is necessary to effectively combat obesity among …

Assessing Quality Of Life, Psychological Well-Being And Depression In Hispanic American Women: Does Cultural Competence Matter?, Elizabeth T. Alvarez

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Thesis Title: Assessing Quality of Life, Psychological Well-Being and Depression in Hispanic American Women: Does Cultural Competence Matter? ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hispanic people are at an elevated risk of developing depression as compared to any other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Hispanic women, in particular, experience depression at roughly twice the rate of Hispanic men. The projected growth of the Hispanic population coupled with the high prevalence of depression among Hispanic women will exacerbate this already serious public health conundrum if targeted and culturally competent interventions are not tailored to better tackle this illness. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of …

Parent Perceptions Of Patient Safety Culture In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Madelene J. Ottosen

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Understanding and promoting a positive culture of patient safety within neonatal intensive care units (NICU) has been to shown to decrease threats to patient safety. Parents are an integral part of the NICU culture, yet little is known about how they perceive patient safety and what role they would find meaningful and appropriate for engaging in safety promotion activities in the NICU. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine how neonatal parents conceptualize patient safety and their role within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Methods: Using an ethnographic qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews and field observations of …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Psychological Factors In Licensed Nurses, Cynthia Pipkins

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Physical risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among licensed nurses have been well established. Rehabilitation following WMSD traditionally focuses on physical dimensions, but both physical and psychological factors may be useful during rehabilitation, as suggested by the Fear Avoidance Model of Chronic Pain (FAMCP) and the Pain Experience Psychological View model (PE).

Purpose: The purpose was to describe demographic characteristics of nurses with and without WMSD and relationships among related psychological factors of pain (intensity, severity, and interference), personality traits (extraversion and neuroticism), and coping strategies (catastrophizing, diversion, reinterpreting, cognitive coping, fear avoidance, and depression) as postulated in …

Activity-Rest And Skin Temperature Circadian Rhythms And Sleep Patterns In Community-Dwelling Women, Kristina L. Leyden

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore activity-rest and temperature circadian rhythms and sleep patterns in ambulatory women of reproductive, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal stages. Study aims were to (1) correlate the patterns of activity-rest with skin temperature and determine (2) lead-lag relation between activity-rest and circadian temperature rhythm, (3) stability of activity-rest patterns during work and non-work days, (4) duration of actigraphy sampling sufficient to reliably capture activity-rest patterns, and (5) sleep parameters in participating women across reproductive stages.

Design: Analysis of extant data sets.

Sample and Setting: Seven community-dwelling women, 27-to-54-years old

Methods: Participants wore an actigraph …

A Study Designed To Explore Trends In 30-Day Readmission Rates Of Patients With Congestive Heart Failure After Implementation Of New Patient Education Tools, Kelly Williams

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a major problem in the United States today. So many aspects to the disease process exist that creating and implementing interventions to manage symptoms during the progression of the disease presents a challenge. Providing effective patient education to patients with this chronic disease process is a challenge due to the high frequency of readmissions to the hospital for these patients. Recently a CHF discharge class and visual educational tool were implemented at a hospital in Northwest Arkansas in an attempt to improve knowledge retention of patient education material. The purpose of this study was to …

Live Model Simulation: Improving Nursing Students' Attitudes And Knowledge Of Alzheimer's Disease, Teresa Maharaj

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Our country's older adult population (those 65 and older) continues to grow at unprecedented rates yet few nurses are prepared to safely and competently care for them with their challenging needs, especially those with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Research focused on teaching strategies that influenced students' preconceived attitudes and improved knowledge toward older adults with or without Alzheimer's disease (AD) is limited. This study examined whether a live-model simulation used as a teaching modality could improve student attitudes and knowledge of AD. Findings indicated that within the group of students who participated in the AD lecture and AD …

Job Embeddedness: The Differences Between Registered Nurses And Health Care Assistants, Zelda Gibbs

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Job embeddedness (JE) directly affects job retention and quality of service. Financial challenges for hospitals demand strategies to ensure superior patient satisfaction scores. Knowledge regarding JE of HCAs is lacking, and studies about the differences between JE of RNs and HCAs in acute care facilities could not be located. Job descriptions for HCAs in acute care facilities are extremely diverse, and RNs feel reluctant to assign responsibilities to HCAs. Job retention, job satisfaction, commitment, and professional relationships can potentially suffer as a result. RNs valued community sacrifices significantly higher than HCAs. Total JE scores between baby boomers and millennials were …