Nursing Commons^™

A School-Based Asthma Initiative To Improve Student Self-Management Behaviors, Jenni R. Newland

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: In a Midwest public school system, students received robust academic education. Health education programs, specifically asthma management, were not offered. Over 400 elementary students with asthma lacked the knowledge and skills to effectively recognize and manage their asthma symptoms resulting in increased school clinic visits and absences, highlighting the urgent need for targeted intervention.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to improve students’ asthma self-management skills by providing education based on the Open Airways for Schools (OAS) curriculum. Improving asthma self-management skills reduces student absences and time away from the classroom.

Review of Evidence: A …

A Quality Improvement Project To Reduce Facility-Acquired Pressure Injuries, Carolina Rosario

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Facility-acquired pressure injuries (FAPIs) pose significant risks to patient outcomes and healthcare costs ($500 to $70,000 per PI) in subacute rehabilitation (SAR) facilities. An assessment in a SAR identified a concerning pressure injury (PI) rate of 15.3%, exceeding the national benchmark of 10% for such facilities. This prompted an evidence-based quality improvement (QI) initiative.

Aim of the Project: This project aimed to reduce FAPI rates by 30% or greater among patients 65 and older using a PI prevention bundle called SSKINS (Skin, Surface, Keep moving, Incontinence/moisture, Nutrition/hydration, Self-management).

Review of the Evidence: A comprehensive literature review indicated that PIs …

Sexual Quality Of Life In Sexual And Gender Minority Women After Cancer, Heather Schneider Miles

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a critical aspect of well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, and social dimensions. For sexual and gender minority women (SGMW)—lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer—cancer presents unique challenges. This dissertation examined the relationships between cancer treatment symptoms, social support, and communication with the cancer care team (CCT) on SQoL among SGMW survivors of breast, gynecological, and colorectal cancers. Quantitative data from 37 participants were collected using PROMIS® measures, assessing demographics, treatment history, post-treatment symptoms, perceived social support, and communication with the CCT. Additionally, in-depth interviews with five participants provided qualitative insights into their experiences and the meaning …

Sleep Quality And Quantity Assessment Among African American Survivors Of Lung Cancer With And Without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), Amanda Rae Myhren Dyer

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Improving the quality of life of survivors of early-stage lung cancer (NSCLC, Stages I - IIIa) requires attention to persistent, burdensome symptoms, including sleep disturbances. While research exists regarding sleep quality, sleep quantity, and sleep disturbances in cancer survivors, minimal research targets this minority survivor population. The purpose of this study was to measure and assess sleep quality, sleep quantity, and sleep disturbances among African American survivors of lung cancer. Based on the Symptom Management Theory, our comprehensive assessment focuses on a racial minority group and multiple diagnostic groups (COPD vs. No COPD). Methods: This two-group, cross-sectional, descriptive study …

The Experiences And Perceptions Of Healthy Siblings Of Children With A Long-Term Condition: Umbrella Review, Julie Blamires, Mandie Foster, Shayne Rasmussen, Maggie Zgambo, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Problem: The lives of healthy siblings living with a sibling with a long- term condition are often shaped by the family, type of illness, length of illness, age of the child, caregiver demands, and support provided to the family, ill sibling, and healthy sibling. While the experiences of healthy siblings are documented in the literature by parent proxy, literature on healthy siblings self-reported experiences of living with a sibling who has a long-term condition remains scarce. Purpose: This umbrella review aims to synthesize reviews on the self-reported experiences of healthy siblings of children living with a sibling who has a …

An Examination Of The Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Of Final-Year Nursing Students, Edah Anyango, Esther Adama, Janie Brown, Irene Ngune

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: One in four newly graduated registered nurses leave their employment positions within the first year. To reduce this attrition, nursing stakeholders could focus on the final year of nursing education because students at this stage make professional career plans, including their practice destination for the graduate year and their commitment to the profession. Previous studies provide evidence of nursing students' career preferences and specialty choices. However, there is a dearth of data that focuses on the students' career decision-making process. Aim: This study examined the self-efficacy or confidence of final-year nursing students in making career decisions and the factors …

Assessing Nurse Practitioner Student Competence Using A Modified Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument, Katie L. Mcdermott

Dissertations (1934 -)

Nursing education programs are faced with urgent demands to transition to competency-based education (CBE) to address the limitations of the nursing workforce. The AACN (2021) has developed the Essentials, or the core competencies for graduating entry- and advanced-level nurses to inform CBE. A concept analysis of Foundational Competence was developed by this researcher offers a refined perspective on the definition (McDermott & Dreifuerst, 2022). Foundational Competence is the competence of nursing student graduates at the end of an education program at the time of transition to practice. Assessment of competence has been identified as the biggest challenge facing CBE operationalization, …

Parental View On Hpv Vaccination, Rebecca Elaine Rhodes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection widely seen in the United States. Millions of Americans are affected by it each year, especially those in their late teens and early 20s. Although most infections will resolve on their own, 1 in 10 will lead to health problems such as cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of associated precancers and cancers. However, uptake of the HPV vaccine and its completion among adolescents are significantly lower than other recommended adolescent immunizations, falling short of the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80% coverage. Understanding parental attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions …

The Impact Of Prone Ventilation Among Patients Diagnosed With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Mary Steward, Kimberly Loomis

Nurse Residency

Background Mechanical ventilation is a commonICU intervention for patients in respiratory distress. Proning is a form of mechanical ventilation that has been recently studied which improves gas exchange and lung perfusion among patients specifically diagnosed with ARDS.

Using Implementation Science To Improve Short Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Outcomes, Mary Hook, Aimee A. Woda, Kelsey Bohr, Cailin Ford, Maharaj Singh

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Short peripheral intravenous catheters (short PIVCs) are commonly used in acute care, guided by evidence-based policy with interventions to limit premature failure. Research on how nurses use evidence and change processes to optimize outcomes is needed. The study objective was to use a theory-based implementation science approach to evaluate and improve short PIVC insertion and care processes and reduce removals for adverse outcomes in acute care. This mixed-methods study was conducted with inpatient nursing units (n = 23) at a large urban quaternary medical center. Units identified and implemented one PIVC care intervention that could lower catheter removals for adverse …

No Difference In Surgical Outcomes Between Stand-Alone Devices And Anterior Plating For 1-2 Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion: A 1:1 Exact Matched Analysis, Xu Tao, Abhijith V. Matur, Seth Street, Geet Shukla, Julia Garcia-Vargas, Jay P. Mehta, Kelly Childress, Henry Ofori Duah, Justin Gibson, Daryn Cass, Andrew Wu, Benjamin Motley, Joseph Cheng, Owoicho Adogwa

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Study Design. 

Retrospective cohort.

Objective. 

To compare rates of all-cause surgical and medical complications between zero-profile (ZP; stand-alone) implants versus any graft type with an anterior plate in patients undergoing 1-2 level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for treatment of degenerative cervical myeloradiculopathy.

Summary of Background Data. 

Degenerative cervical myeloradiculopathy is increasingly prevalent in older adults. ACDF is a common surgical procedure for decompression of neural structures and stabilization and has been shown to have excellent outcomes. Although ACDFs performed with graft and plate have been the gold standard, more recently, ZP implants were developed to decrease implant-related complications, …

A Guide To Understanding Big Data For The Nurse Scientist: A Discursive Paper, Henry Ofori Duah, Samantha J. Boch, Sara Arter, Nichole Nidey, Joshua Lambert

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Big data refers to extremely large data generated at high volume, velocity, variety, and veracity. The nurse scientist is uniquely positioned to leverage big data to suggest novel hypotheses on patient care and the healthcare system. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introductory guide to understanding the use and capability of big data for nurse scientists. Herein, we discuss the practical, ethical, social, and educational implications of using big data in nursing research. Some practical challenges with the use of big data include data accessibility, data quality, missing data, variable data standards, fragmentation of health data, and …

Sex Workers’ Experiences Of Screening For Intimate Partner Violence, Jessica L. Zemlak, Kamila A. Alexander, Deborah Wilson, Randi B. Singer, Joni S. Williams, Susan G. Sherman

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

To examine experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) screening among women who sell sex.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Setting

Telephone interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2020 to October 2020).

Participants

Women aged 18 to 49 years who sold or traded sex for food, drugs, money, or shelter at least three times during the past 3 months before recruitment (N = 22).

Methods

We used individual, semistructured telephone interviews to collect data about participants’ experiences with IPV and IPV screening during health care encounters. We used reflexive thematic analysis to examine these data.

Results

We identified two …

Correlations Of Physical And Psychological Health In Parents Of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Norah L. Johnson, Abir K. Bekhet, Emily Zint, June Wang, Sylvia Peña, Amy V. Van Hecke, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal, Alexander V. Ng

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have social communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive, and/or sensory behaviors or interests. The prevalence of ASD is now 1 in 36 individuals. Parents of individuals with ASD face challenges that can affect their physical and psychological wellbeing.

Objective: With the long-term goal to tailor an exercise program, the purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) establish the baseline physical and mental health of parents of individuals with ASD and (2) estimate the relationship of physiologic variables with psychological variables of health for parents of individuals with ASD.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study (N …

Sharps Injuries Among Healthcare Workers In Liberia And Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Laura Jean Ridge, John Arko-Mensah, Josh Lambert, Lydia Aziato, G. Clinton Zeantoe, Henry Ofori Duah, Marjorie Mccullagh

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

There are little data on sharps injuries among healthcare workers in West Africa despite the region’s high rate of hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus. The purpose of this study is to investigate healthcare workers’ history of sharps injuries in Liberia and Ghana. An electronic cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Liberia and Ghana from February to June 2022. A link to the survey was texted to participants through professional association membership lists, including nursing, midwifery, and physician assistant organizations in both Liberia and Ghana and a physician organization in Ghana only. Five hundred and nine participants reported …

Trauma- And Violence-Informed Empowering Care For Sexual Assault Survivors, L. B. Klein, Jessica Melnik, Kimberly Curran, Jeneile Luebke, Kaylen M. Moore, Ashley Ruiz, Cassilynn Brown, Diara Parker, Isabel Hernandez-White, Kate Walsh

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Forensic nurse examiners, including sexual assault nurse examiners, provide care for survivors holistically through healthcare, emotional support, connection to follow-up care, safety planning, and, if desired, evidence collection to aid in the prosecution of sexual assault. There is increasing recognition that trauma-informed care must also include an understanding of the impacts of structural violence on minoritized patients to ensure health equity.

Aim

To help address this guidance gap, we expanded Campbell and colleagues' empowering care model using a trauma- and violence-informed care (TVIC) lens.

Methods

We used an iterative discussion-based process that included five joint meetings between a seven-member …

Optimal Fat-Modified Diet Duration For The Treatment Of Postoperative Chylothorax In Children, Melissa M. Winder, Stephanie Schwartz, Jason R. Buckley, Kristi L. Fogg, Megan Matiasek, Alissa Lyman, Alisa Tortorich, Kathy Holmes, Deborah U. Frank, Mandy Nasworthy, Piyagarnt E. Vichayavilas, Rebecca A. Bertrandt, Cam Kasmai, Jill C. Kuester, Tia T. Raymond, Lawrence E. Greiten, Ron W. Reeder, David K. Bailly

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Dietary modification is the mainstay of treatment for postoperative cyclothorax in children. However, optimal fat-modified diet (FMD) duration to prevent recurrence is unknown. Our aim was to determine the association between FMD duration and chylothorax recurrence.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study conducted across 6 pediatric cardiac intensive care units within the United States. Patients aged < 18 years who developed chylothorax within 30 days after cardiac surgery between January 2020 and April 2022 were included. Patients with a Fontan palliation, who died, or were lost to follow-up or within 30 days of resuming a regular diet were excluded. FMD duration was defined as the first day of a FMD when chest tube output was < 10 mL/kg/d without increasing until the resumption of a regular diet. Patients were classified into 3 groups (< 3 weeks, 3-5 weeks, >5 weeks) based on FMD duration.

Results

A total of 105 patients were included: < 3 weeks (n = 61) 3-5 weeks (n = 18), and >5 weeks (n = 26). Demographic, surgical, and hospitalization characteristics were not different across groups. In the >5 weeks group, chest tube duration was longer compared with the < 3 weeks and 3-5 weeks groups (median, 17.5 days [interquartile range, 9-31] vs 10 and 10.5 days; P = .04). …

Contraceptive Use Among Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence And Reproductive Coercion: The Moderating Role Of Ptsd And Depression, Jessica L. Zemlak, Lea Marineau, Tiara C. Willie, Helena Addison, Gabrielle Edwards, Trace S. Kershaw, Kamila A. Alexander

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Women experiencing reproductive coercion (RC) report more unintended pregnancies and mental health symptoms that can influence contraceptive use patterns. We examined associations between RC and contraceptive use among intimate partner violence (IPV) exposed women aged 18–35 (N = 283). We tested depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and co-morbid depression and PTSD as effect modifiers. Though no association was found between RC and contraception, PTSD significantly modified this relationship. Among Black women (n = 112), those reporting RC and either PTSD or comorbid PTSD and depression were less likely to use partner-independent contraception compared to those reporting RC without …

Neonatal Nurses’ Intention To Stay In The Nicu, Carolyn Penn-Griffin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Neonatal nursing leaders and national health care organizations within the United States are concerned about the recent shortage of skilled and experienced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses that may reduce the quality of care delivered to NICU patients. NICU nurses are passionate about caring for premature and ill full-term infants and providing educational and emotional support for their parents, some NICU nurses remain in the NICU long-term, yet others contemplate leaving the specialty. The purpose of this qualitative interpretative phenomenological research guided by Martin Fishbein and Ajezen’s theory of reasoned action was to explore the lived experiences of NICU …

The Role Of Procedural Justice In Alleviating The Stress Of Role Conflict An Applied Study On The Members Of The Nursing Staff At Tripoli Medical Hospital In Libya, Almokhtar Almajdoubi

Al Jinan الجنان

This study aims to study the fairness of the procedures and the stress of the role of the nursing staff in Tripoli Medical Hospital in Libya, and determine the relative importance of the fairness of the procedures and their relevance to the pressures of the role struggle. In the Tripoli Medical Hospital. The researcher concluded that there is no significant effect between the fairness of the procedures and the role conflict. The results also showed significant differences between the perceptions of the nursing staff for the justice of procedures due to the following demographic variables (gender, age, Level of education, …