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Pandemic Nursing School from the Student Perspective

Description

COVID-19 has drastically impacted the student learning experience this past year. Arizona State University nursing students have had to learn fundamental nursing education, clinical experience, and simulation skills virtually. Research has shown that the educational experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological and emotional stress on students adjusting to…

COVID-19 has drastically impacted the student learning experience this past year. Arizona State University nursing students have had to learn fundamental nursing education, clinical experience, and simulation skills virtually. Research has shown that the educational experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological and emotional stress on students adjusting to new university protocols and virtual learning. Two Term 8 nursing students questioned how these changes affected nursing students who are in their final semester of nursing school. The Term 8 nursing cohort was invited to participate in an anonymous online survey to provide feedback about their learning experience and recommendations for program leadership. The qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis to underline themes that portrayed the nursing students’ learning experience. The following themes were illuminated: an overall negative impact on virtual learning experiences, self-developed efforts to promote success, the aversion of using an online learning platform, and the desire for academic accommodation and faculty support during this time. Student recommendations for program leadership include requesting more hands-on experience when possible along with increased faculty lenience and understanding with course workload. Students had the opportunity to participate in a study where feedback is taken seriously and will be supplied to leadership to make changes to the ongoing academic dilemmas during the pandemic.

ContributorsAsmus, Allyson (Co-author) / Ellefson, Athena (Co-author) / Fries, Kathleen (Thesis director) / Bonowski, Kelley (Committee member) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2021-05

Pandemic Nursing School from the Student Perspective

Description

COVID-19 has drastically impacted the student learning experience this past year. Arizona State University nursing students have had to learn fundamental nursing education, clinical experience, and simulation skills virtually. Research has shown that the educational experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological and emotional stress on students adjusting to…

COVID-19 has drastically impacted the student learning experience this past year. Arizona State University nursing students have had to learn fundamental nursing education, clinical experience, and simulation skills virtually. Research has shown that the educational experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological and emotional stress on students adjusting to new university protocols and virtual learning. Two Term 8 nursing students questioned how these changes affected nursing students who are in their final semester of nursing school. The Term 8 nursing cohort was invited to participate in an anonymous online survey to provide feedback about their learning experience and recommendations for program leadership. The qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis to underline themes that portrayed the nursing students’ learning experience. The following themes were illuminated: an overall negative impact on virtual learning experiences, self-developed efforts to promote success, the aversion of using an online learning platform, and the desire for academic accommodation and faculty support during this time. Student recommendations for program leadership include requesting more hands-on experience when possible along with increased faculty lenience and understanding with course workload. Students had the opportunity to participate in a study where feedback is taken seriously and will be supplied to leadership to make changes to the ongoing academic dilemmas during the pandemic.

ContributorsEllefson, Athena (Co-author) / Asmus, Allyson (Co-author) / Fries, Kathleen (Thesis director) / Bonowski, Kelley (Committee member) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2021-05

Strategies for Help in Crowded Emergency Rooms

Description

Objective: Pediatric patients with asthma are frequently cared for in the emergency department (ED). Many studies show early administration of corticosteroids (CS) can improve outcomes for children experiencing an asthma exacerbation. Despite the evidence, delays in care remain. The purpose of this study is to streamline the process for nurse-initiated,…

Objective: Pediatric patients with asthma are frequently cared for in the emergency department (ED). Many studies show early administration of corticosteroids (CS) can improve outcomes for children experiencing an asthma exacerbation. Despite the evidence, delays in care remain. The purpose of this study is to streamline the process for nurse-initiated, triage-based CS administration and determine the effect on overall length of stay (LOS). Methods: For this quality improvement initiative, ED nurses at a large, freestanding, children’s emergency department in the southwestern United States were given education on inclusion and exclusion criteria for nurse-initiated CS in ED triage. Time to CS administration, LOS, and whether the ED nurse or provider ordered the CS were evaluated through chart reviews of patients presenting with a chief complaint of difficulty breathing. These metrics were compared to charts from the previous year during the same timeframe to evaluate for improved timeliness of CS delivery. Results: Time to CS administration decreased from a mean of 98.6 minutes to 57.6 minutes. LOS decreased from an average of 259.3 minutes to 169.6 minutes. The effect of timely CS on LOS was significant for December p =.003, January p =.002, and February p = <.001. Conclusion: A streamlined process for CS delivery to pediatric patients experiencing an asthma exacerbation can enable providers to achieve efficient and effective care in the ED and decrease a patient’s overall LOS.

ContributorsBain, Ilyssa D. (Author) / Bucci, Aimee (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)

Created2021-04-23

Wonder Box: Using Interactive, and Imaginative Play as a Coping Mechanism for the Medically Complex Child and their Family.

Description

This creative project aims to explore how interactive bonding and imaginative play can be used as a potential coping mechanism for both children with chronic illness as well as their families. Research has shown that parents of children with chronic illness have higher psychological and emotional stress. They face the…

This creative project aims to explore how interactive bonding and imaginative play can be used as a potential coping mechanism for both children with chronic illness as well as their families. Research has shown that parents of children with chronic illness have higher psychological and emotional stress. They face the obstacles of long hospital stays, financial burdens, and fear of losing their loved one. Parents can also place blame on themselves for their child’s illness and wonder what they could have done to prevent the situation. Most parents dream of having a healthy, happy baby, so when their child has an unexpected illness, it can be emotionally overwhelming, and make it harder to connect with the child. It can also strain a relationship between a husband and wife. In addition, it was found that parent stress could hinder a child's ability to cope with their illness, affect their confidence, as well as their social and emotional development. Therapeutic play has been commonly used in pediatric hospital settings. Therapeutic play allows one to express their feelings, it provides a creative space for engagement that serves as a distraction from the medical world, and it enhances development. The hope of this study is to find a way to use creative play and “artmaking” to create a safe, fun, and open space for the child and caregivers to connect and identify their emotions. The study is ongoing, so this paper will provide the process of the research.

ContributorsYoungkin, Alexa (Author) / Reifsnider, Elizabeth (Thesis director) / Bonowski, Kelley (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)

Created2022-05

Breast Cancer Screening in Uninsured Women

Description

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. Uninsured women are less likely to receive breast cancer screenings, more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, and more likely to have poorer outcomes following a breast cancer diagnosis (Abdelsattar et…

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. Uninsured women are less likely to receive breast cancer screenings, more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, and more likely to have poorer outcomes following a breast cancer diagnosis (Abdelsattar et al., 2016; Akinlotan et al., 2021; Ko et al., 2020; & Ntiri et al., 2018). Women in underserved communities often experience socioeconomic barriers which impact obtaining preventative screenings, such as mammograms. Lack of patient navigation, transportation, and financial concerns interfere with obtaining breast cancer screening (Akinlotan et al., 2021 & Miller et al., 2019). Through the intervention of mobile mammography, uninsured women in underserved communities can be reached and access to screening mammograms can be achieved (Stanley et al., 2017 & Vang et al., 2018). Two mobile mammography events were hosted at the project site which provided 35 women with screening mammograms. All scheduled mammogram time slots at the events were filled and completed. Offering mobile mammography to this population has the potential to increase breast cancer surveillance.

ContributorsGlessner-Vallee, Paula (Author) / Santerre, Jennifer (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)

Created2023-04-26

Impact of Hospital Care on Exclusive Breastfeeding: Education to Bridge the Gap

Description

Introduction: The objective of this study is to emphasize the significance of exclusive breastfeeding (EB) and investigate methods to encourage and sustain it within a hospital environment. Using the self-efficacy theory, the study seeks to improve the current support system for breastfeeding mothers and their families. Methods: The project was…

Introduction: The objective of this study is to emphasize the significance of exclusive breastfeeding (EB) and investigate methods to encourage and sustain it within a hospital environment. Using the self-efficacy theory, the study seeks to improve the current support system for breastfeeding mothers and their families. Methods: The project was approved by the university IRB and facility IRB; guidelines were maintained. The project takes place in a non-profit organization in the southwestern United States. Education was conducted at a required staff meeting for Women and Infant Services (WIS) floor about supporting breastfeeding mothers. A pre- and post-education Breastfeeding Knowledge Scale (BKS) survey was performed, effectiveness was measured using a two-tailed t-test. The reliability of the BKS scale is 0.83 and the validity of the scale is reported to be strong. The hospital measures the EB rates of patients that are greater than 37 weeks gestation without need for neonatal intensive unit care and the mom requests to breastfeed. Results: The goal was 42% rate of EB in the first 48 hours after birth. After education the average rate of EB was 39.6%, lower than the goal but higher than the 33.7% rate before education. A two-tailed paired sample t-test (n=27) was used for BKS and the results were significant based on an alpha value; thus, showing significant knowledge gain. Conclusion: Consistent staff education improves breastfeeding support for moms in the hospital, leading to successful exclusive breastfeeding. This project benefits various settings, such as pediatric, postpartum, labor and delivery, and pediatric offices.

ContributorsHudson, Jennifer (Author) / Esperas, Amanda (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)

Created2023-04-26

Improving the Identification of Depression in Pediatric Primary Care

Description

Introduction: Depression screening in the pediatric setting is a crucial part of the adolescent's examination. A standardized screening tool and protocol streamlines the process of assessing adolescents and minimizes the chances of serious mental health disorders going undetected and untreated. Evaluation of current evidence demonstrates the use of a standardized…

Introduction: Depression screening in the pediatric setting is a crucial part of the adolescent's examination. A standardized screening tool and protocol streamlines the process of assessing adolescents and minimizes the chances of serious mental health disorders going undetected and untreated. Evaluation of current evidence demonstrates the use of a standardized tool improves detection, diagnosis, and management of depression and other mental health illnesses. Method: The Patient Health Questionnaire—modified for adolescents (PHQ9-A) was administered to all eligible adolescents, ages 12-18, during an annual well visit for a period of 6 weeks. Lewin's Change Theory guided a system change in the electronic health record, and the questionnaire results were documented and provided to the pediatric provider at the time of the appointment. A chart review was conducted to determine whether all eligible patients were administered the questionnaire and if a depression diagnosis or mental health referral had been made. Results: Out of 76 eligible well visits, 65 (86%) patients completed the PHQ9-A. The average score was 5.29 (SD = 6.49) with a maximum score of 25. Out of those that completed screening, 11 (17%) had a positive PHQ9-A score resulting in 8 referrals to mental health services and 2 mental health diagnoses in the clinic.

ContributorsCoomer, Meagan (Author) / Rauton, Monica (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)

Created2023-04-27

Compassion Fatigue Amongst Behavioral Health Workers : A Trauma-Informed Care Approach

Description

Background: There is growing evidence that persistent exposure to the adverse effects of stressful work conditions, abuse, and re-traumatization without proper intervention leads to compassion fatigue (CF) and reduced compassion satisfaction (CS). Without appropriate intervention, the outcome of CF affects the patient, staff, and the organization. Despite proposed self-care measures,…

Background: There is growing evidence that persistent exposure to the adverse effects of stressful work conditions, abuse, and re-traumatization without proper intervention leads to compassion fatigue (CF) and reduced compassion satisfaction (CS). Without appropriate intervention, the outcome of CF affects the patient, staff, and the organization. Despite proposed self-care measures, mental health (MH) workers continue to struggle with CF and lack the resources to combat the issue. Objectives: Ongoing awareness on the implications of trauma and its impact on one's behavior, supports the use of Trauma-informed care (TIC) skills in creating a conducive work environment. This quality improvement project examines the efficacy of TIC education as an intervention for CF pre/post-one-hour education session among MH workers. Methods: MH nurses (n=8) from diverse backgrounds in a Phoenix inpatient psychiatric hospital gave consent for the study. Participation was sought via flyers and entailed attending the one-hour education session, filling out a demographic, and pre/post-professional quality of life (ProQol) surveys. The ProQol standardized tool measures CF, CS, and burnout with reliability >0.70. Expected outcomes include a reduction in CF and an improvement in CS. Data analysis using intellectus software involved descriptive analysis and paired t-tests to compare outcomes. Results: Pre/post data analysis was statistically significant, P = 0.003, which shows a reduction in CF and an improvement in CS. Conclusion: TIC as an intervention for CF looks promising. MH nurses can manage their stress symptoms and that of their patients using TIC skills.

ContributorsOnyia, Nneka (Author) / Guthery, Ann (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)

Created2023-04-29

Being Here and Now: Mindfulness as Means to Reduce Anxiety and Relapse

Description

Substance use disorder has been increasing in the United States year after year. Modern treatments fail as often as they succeed. The current standards of practice fail to provide patients with the ability to harness thoughts and control anxiety. Mindfulness practices are currently being adapted as a therapeutic technique to…

Substance use disorder has been increasing in the United States year after year. Modern treatments fail as often as they succeed. The current standards of practice fail to provide patients with the ability to harness thoughts and control anxiety. Mindfulness practices are currently being adapted as a therapeutic technique to address some of these concerns. An exhaustive literature review was conducted to investigate how various mindfulness techniques impact substance use disorder. Ten high-quality studies were retained and synthesized to show current understandings of the effectiveness of a mindfulness therapeutic technique. An evidence-based intervention is suggested for implementing mindfulness-based relapse prevention into a residential treatment facility. The intervention created incorporates the self-efficacy theory and an adapted health-belief model. Adults in a residential treatment facility for substance use disorder were given eight mindfulness sessions over the course of four weeks. Participants were given pre- and post-intervention screenings for mindful attention and anxiety. The data analysis after two-tailed paired T-tests showed that anxiety significantly decreased (α=.05, p<.001) and mindful attention increased significantly (α=.05, p=.015). Overall, mindfulness shows promise in its potential to reduce substance abuse.

ContributorsWandler, Ryan (Author) / Nunez, Diane (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)

Created2023-04-27

An Evidence-Based Education to Improve Children's Mental Health

Description

An alarming number of youth have mental health concerns, but of those who are diagnosed, only half receive treatment. Using Bandera's social cognitive theory, one can achieve behavioral changes through self-efficacy and control their actions by self-regulation. Mindfulness activities, when implemented early, can decrease stress, and improve well-being in youth.…

An alarming number of youth have mental health concerns, but of those who are diagnosed, only half receive treatment. Using Bandera's social cognitive theory, one can achieve behavioral changes through self-efficacy and control their actions by self-regulation. Mindfulness activities, when implemented early, can decrease stress, and improve well-being in youth. Methods: This project was implemented among students attending an alternative high school in Arizona. Nine students participated in four different mindfulness, hands-on activities during two classes- 1 hour each. Participants completed a pre and a post-test with the 10-item questionnaire Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and a 3-question survey to evaluate the program at the end of the second week. Results: Among the 9 participants (mean age = 16 SD=2.06), the stress levels were considered low to moderate in the pretest (mean=16.56) and the post-test (mean=15.89). Stress level scores were reduced after the education although the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, all participants agreed that the content and activities were appropriate, 88.9% agreed they had a "better understanding of how to reduce stress," and 77.8% stated their "knowledge of stress has improved." Discussion/Conclusion: This project aimed to help reduce vulnerable adolescents' stress level through mindfulness activities. Mental health education like this may help adolescents better manage stress and consequently promote their overall well-being. Future projects should recruit a larger sample and implement a longer time for larger and longer effects.

ContributorsQualman, Stephanie (Author) / Chen, Angela (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)

Created2023-05-10