Nursing Commons^™

Examination Of The Potential Association Of Stress With Morbidity And Mortality Outcomes In Patient With Heart Failure, Abdullah S. Alhurani, Rebecca Dekker, Elizabeth Tovar, Alison Bailey, Terry A. Lennie, David C. Randall, Debra K. Moser

Nursing Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVES: The high mortality and morbidity rates associated with heart failure are still not well explained. A few psychosocial factors have been studied and explain some of this risk, but other factors, like stress, remain largely unexplored in heart failure. This study aimed to (1) examine the association of stress with 6-month cardiac event-free survival, (2) examine the relationship of stress with salivary cortisol, and (3) examine the association of salivary cortisol level with 6-month cardiac event-free survival.

METHOD: A total of 81 heart failure patients participated. Stress was measured using the brief Perceived Stress Scale. Cortisol was …

Adverse Health Effects Of Spousal Violence Among Women Attending Saudi Arabian Primary Health-Care Clinics, H. M. Eldoseri, K. A. Tufts, Q. Zhang, J. N. Fish

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of spousal violence among Saudi women and document the related health effects and injuries, as well as their attitudes to gender and violence. Structured interviews were conducted with 200 ever-married women recruited from primary-care centres in Jeddah. Nearly half of the surveyed women (44.5%) reported ever experiencing physical violence from their spouse. Although 37 women (18.5%) had received violence-related injuries, only 6.5% had reported these injuries to a health-care provider. Victims of spousal violence had poor perceptions of their overall health, and reported pain or discomfort, antidepressant use and suicidal thoughts. Women mostly …

Telehealth: Preparing Advanced Practice Nurses To Address Healthcare Needs In Rural And Underserved Populations, Carolyn M. Rutledge, Tina Haney, Michele Bordelon, Michelle Renaud, Christianne Fowler

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Healthcare is being confronted with questions on how to deliver quality, affordable, and timely care to patients, especially those in rural areas, in systems already burdened by the lack of providers. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have been challenged to lead this movement in providing care to these populations through the use of technologies, specifically telehealth. Unfortunately, APRNs have limited exposure to telehealth during their educational experience, thereby limiting their understanding and comfort with telehealth. To address this problem, a telehealth program was developed at a large university that prepares Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) APRN students. The telehealth program, …

Predicting Post-Deployment Family Adaptation In U.S. Navy Families, Micah A. Scott, Esther H. Condon, Arlene J. Montgomery, Spencer R. Baker

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Although military families worldwide face changes that include adapting to peace and wartime deployments, few studies have explored how military families adapt to the post-deployment return of a service member.

Objectives: To identify variables that predicted post-deployment adaptation of U.S. Navy families.

Methods: A mixed method study guided by the Roy Adaptation Model included a convenience sample of 142 spouses of service members recently returned from deployment. The degree to which length of deployment, prior deployments, and years married, number of children, participation in religious and family support groups, communication, race, and interdependence predicted post-deployment family adaptation was tested. …

Symptoms, Cytokines, And Quality Of Life Of Patients With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Debra Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a serious complication following allo-HSCT characterized by immune dysregulation, organ dysfunction, risk for infection, and distressing symptoms. Complications may include scleroderma, hepatic dysfunction and bronchiolitis obliterans. Advances in allo-HSCT for many hematologic dyscrasias (e.g. acute and chronic leukemias, aplastic anemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome) have improved survival which has generated a renewed focus on survivorship issues. Distressing symptoms are noted as negatively impacting quality of life (QoL). The relationship between inflammation and behavioral responses may impact symptoms. Examining patterns and levels of inflammation with symptoms is relevant. Objective: The aims of this study were to …

Effectiveness Of A Structured Curriculum Focused On Recognition And Response To Acute Patient Deterioration In An Undergraduate Bsn Program, Patricia L. Hart, Jane D. Brannan, Janice M. Long, Mary Beth R. Maguire, Lois R. Robley

Faculty Articles

The study purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured education curriculum with simulation training in educating undergraduate Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) students to recognize and respond to patients experiencing acute deterioration as first responders. Researchers have demonstrated a lack of adequate clinical reasoning skills in new graduate nurses is a factor in critical patient incidents. A mixed methods design using a quasi-experimental, repeated measures and a descriptive, qualitative approach was used. A convenience sample of 48 BSN students was recruited. Statistically significant increases were shown in knowledge, self-confidence, and perceptions of teamwork. Six categories emerged from …

Family Caregivers’ Knowledge Of Delirium And Preferred Modalities For Receipt Of Information, Margaret J. Bull, Lesley Boaz, Jennifer M. Sjostedt

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Delirium is a life-threatening, frequently reversible condition that is often a sign of an underlying health problem. In-hospital mortality alone for older adults with delirium ranges from 25% to 33%. Early recognition of delirium is critical because prolonged duration poses a greater risk of poor functional outcomes for older adults. Family caregivers, who are familiar with the older adult’s usual behaviors, are most likely to recognize delirium symptoms but might dismiss them as due to aging. It is important to learn what family caregivers know about delirium to ascertain their need for education. The aims of this study were to …

Strategies For A Successful Phd Program: Words Of Wisdom From The Wjnr Editorial Board, Vicki S. Conn, Julie Zerwic, Susan M. Rawl, Jean F. Wyman, Janet L. Larson, Cindy M. Anderson, Nancy L. Fahrenwald, Lazelle E. Benefield, Marlene Z. Cohen, Carol E. Smith, Robert V. Topp, Natalie E. Markis

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Nursing doctoral programs prepare students for research-focused careers within academic settings. The purpose of this Editorial Board Special Article is to provide PhD students and advisors with suggestions for making the most of their doctoral experience. Editorial Board members provide their individual insights on the skills and attributes students must acquire during the course of their doctoral education in order to succeed. The authors provide practical tips and advice on how to excel in a PhD program, including how to select an advisor and a dissertation committee, the importance of attending conferences to increase visibility and develop a network of …

A Comparison Of Quality Of Care In Critical Access Hospitals And Other Rural Hospitals, Marianne Baernholdt, Jessica Keim-Malpass, Ivora D. Hinton, Guofen Yan, Marilyn Meyer Bratt

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose:

The United States has about 2100 rural hospitals. Approximately 1300 are Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) with 25 beds or less. CAHs receive cost-based reimbursement through the federal Flex program with the goal to improve quality and access to health care. Reports on quality of care (QOC) and factors that influence quality in CAHs are mixed. This study compared QOC and factors that influence QOC in CAHs and other rural hospitals.

Sample: 385 staff nurses in 6 CAHs and 9 other rural hospitals in North Carolina and Virginia.

Method:

Descriptive cross-sectional design using nurse surveys aggregated to the hospital level, …

Meta-Analysis Of Herbal Cannabis Therapy For Chronic Pain, Michael J. Seneca

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Since the first so-called “medical marijuana” legislation was passed in California in 1996, a total of twenty states and the District of Columbia have passed laws permitting limited use of cannabis. Despite the changes in state laws, cannabis remains illegal for any purpose under federal law. Changes in state laws have coincided with a renewed interest in the substance for the treatment of a variety of conditions. There has been a significant increase in published data over the past twenty years examining the efficacy of cannabis as an appetite stimulant, antiemetic agent, and analgesic adjuvant. The purpose of this meta-analysis …

Mothering And The Functional Self: A Hermeneutic Exploration Of Texts On Perinatal Mood And Anxiety Disorders, Kathleen M. Pape

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Mothering is a rich and complex experience involving challenging tasks, a developing relationship with one's child, and socially defined roles. How mothering is viewed varies depending on the cultural norms and historical era under consideration. This study is a textual interpretation of three books written about perinatal mental health, especially how those texts describe the challenges and struggles of birthing and mothering. I develop understandings about how clinicians respond to those issues and in the process understand themselves, their practices, and their sociocultural roles. I consider the shape of the current social terrain that brings to light the experiences of …

Augmentative And Alternative Communication In The Intensive Care Unit, Jonathan Todd Sizemore

Online Theses and Dissertations

Current research is lacking on the frequency of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system use in intensive care units (ICU) and clinical decision making patterns. AAC is use of any alternative method of communication when oral communication cannot be achieved (ASHA, 2013). Patients in the ICU may become nonverbal for many reasons including tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation (McKinley, Pooke, & White, 2010) and intubation (Radtke, Bauman, Garrett, & Happ, 2011). Being nonverbal in the ICU may lead to poorer health outcomes (Patak, Wilson-Stronks, & Costello, 2009). AAC systems may improve outcomes by allowing patients to communicate more clearly with family, friends, …

Patient Safety Organization Advances Patient Safety Through Collaboration, Geri Schimmel, Gina Vogt

All Publications

No abstract provided.

Experiences And Perceptions Of Novice Associate Degree Nursing Faculty Assuming A Classroom Instructors Role, Mary N. Fontenelle

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to explore the classroom experiences and perceptions of novice faculty in the classroom setting of an Associate Degree of Nursing programs, located in community colleges. The transition from expert practitioner to novice teacher can be a difficult experience for new classroom nursing instructors. Novice nursing faculty often has very limited educational preparation or background in classroom instruction skills. Nursing research, typically conducted at university level, has minimal applicability for the community college nursing programs. Community colleges educate sixty percent of the graduate Registered Nurses in the United States and have scant research into their …

The Relationships Between Licensed Vocational Nurses' Care, Documentation, And Perceptions Of Dementia-Compromised Behaviors In The Nursing Home, Jennifer J. Yeager

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia increase as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias progress; these symptoms occur in as many as 80% of persons with dementia living in nursing homes. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, also known as dementia-compromised behaviors, are a source of stress for nursing home staff, family members, and other residents and adversely affect the quality of life and safety of residents. Ethnonursing, a qualitative research method, was used to examine the relationship between licensed vocational nurses' responses to dementia-compromised behaviors, documentation, and perceptions of dementia care. Data analysis resulted in three overarching themes related to …

Improving An Outpatient Diabetes Program Telephone Follow-Up Process: Evaluating Its Impact On Glycosylated Hemoglobin Levels, Joan B. Niemczewski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Telephone follow-up for diabetes self-management is used to facilitate ongoing support for individuals striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With the use of telephone follow-up after Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME), key concepts can be emphasized and goal reinforcement can occur. When successfully managed, improved glycemic control occurs, as evidenced by reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels. A review of the literature surrounding this topic and description of a capstone scholarly project utilizing findings from the literature to create an evidence-based telephone follow-up pilot study are included. Findings from this study did not reveal statistically significant reductions in A1C levels with …

Assessing Quality Outcomes In A Behavioral Oncology Program: Capstone Project, Elizabeth M. Archer-Nanda

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The landscape of cancer care has changed dramatically over the past several decades. An illness that was once often fatal, now represents both an acute life threatening illness and a chronic condition. While there have been tremendous advancements in the treatment of the physiological aspects of cancer, management of related psychosocial and emotional issues have not seen this same progress. Limited information exists related to both the evaluation and outcome metrics associated with the screening and management of psychiatric sequelae after referral to specialized psychiatric services in cancer patient populations. This capstone project focused on (a) implementation of consistent use …

Effects Of Wii Fit™ Plus Cardiovascular Exercises On Cognitive Function In Older Adults: Feasibility Study., Ifeanyichukwu Chinedozi

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cognitive decline increasingly plague older adults. Although various studies have correlated aerobic exercises with decreased incidence of the development and progression of cognitive deterioration in older adults, there is no evidence as to whether or not the Wii Fit Plus Rhythm Kung-Fu, Hula-Hoop and the Wii Just Dance can improve the cognitive function of older adults as measured by the Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE) instrument. A descriptive study design was used to explore the feasibility of implementing an aerobic exercise program for older adults in an assisted living facility using these Wii games, and evaluating whether or not …

Efficacy Of Motivational Interviewing And Centering To Increase Physical Activity And Dietary Adherence In African Americans With Pre-Hypertension And Hypertension, Chioma U. Okereke

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

Abstract Title: Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing and Centering to Increase Physical Activity and Dietary Adherence in African Americans with Pre-hypertension and Hypertension.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and self-care behaviors of African Americans necessary to prevent the development of hypertension or to improve the control of all ready existing hypertension. Motivational interviewing was used to identify and address barriers to lifestyle modifications. The feasibility of using a Centering Care Model to deliver interactive educational sessions to empower individuals to take an active role in their health care was evaluated.

Significance of the Problem: African …

Attitudes And Perceptions Of Nursing Homes., Amanda C. Black

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine how past experiences with nursing homes influence perceptions and attitudes of college students toward nursing homes in the United States. A review of the current research literature indicates that nursing homes are publicly scrutinized in a negative manner. Variables examined included students’ college of study, experience with nursing homes either from personal experience, from a well-known relative or friend, or the media, and different attitudes and perceptions including good or bad views of nursing homes. Results indicate that students’ perceive nursing homes more negatively than positively even when their experience came from …