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Program Evaluation of the Veterans Administration Referral Coordination Initiative
No full textA noted dissimilitude in success rates among VA facilities’ referral coordination implementation prompted an analysis of the methodologies of high-performing organizations’ application of processes. A data comparison exhibited discrepancies in attainment, in some cases evincing >60% variation in VA facilities’ use of the initiative, reliance on community care, and veteran retention. This disparity indicated there were practices utilized by high-performing facilities that were incorrectly executed or excluded by low-performing facilities. A program evaluation and literature review of documented findings for the Veterans Administration, Referral Coordination Initiative, and veterans’ healthcare in studies conducted within the past eight years to identify modalities of program implementation that have been used across the VA during this period. Attendance at two in-person collaboratives that presented best practices used by several high-performing facilities yielded additional data. The evaluation identified over 20 best practices currently practiced at high-performing facilities and ascertained the positive impact of these methods on the success of the referral coordination initiative for veterans’ healthcare. The findings confirmed several methodologies that could effectuate improving care coordination for veterans’ healthcare needs while reducing reliance on community care services through the retention or recovery of veterans to the VA
Learning From The Experiences Of Students Of Color Who Attended Master's-Level CACREP Counseling Programs
No full textAlthough previous studies identified some connected theme, there was not enough empirical research on the experiences of students of color in master's-level counseling programs under CACREP accreditation. The problem was that students of color are underrepresented in counselor education programs accredited by CACREP, potentially undermining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals in these programs. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of students of color after attending a master's-level counseling program under CACREP accreditation. A qualitative phenomenological design for this study was selected for this study, with six participants part in data collection through interviews. The findings of this study have provided insight into the ways attaining a master 's-level counseling program benefited students of color. One such way, as demonstrated in the findings, includes supportive faculty through DEI which aids in the learning and development of students of color, thus promoting inclusivity in universities. The most mentioned challenge was racism and cultural barriers, as students of color were often racially discriminated based on their skin color. One important way to address challenges students of color face is that university administrators may need to facilitate supportive mentorship and peer relationships. The importance of this research is that the findings contribute to new knowledge, improved practice, and meaningful social development in the sphere of psychology and counseling by suggesting the need for mentorship and peer relationships to foster learning despite the challenges students of color face during their studies
Exploring the Experience of Change Saturation in Nurse Managers
No full textNurse leaders shoulder a large burden of change in health care systems which may lead to change saturation. Change saturation is an under explored phenomenon. Defined by Prosci (n.d.), change saturation occurs when the number of changes implemented exceeds the capacity of individuals to effectively adopt and use those changes. It can be compared to a sponge that can only soak up so much water before it becomes drenched, or a cup that is filled to the brim and overflows (Moussa, 2021). This exploratory mixed methods project used a survey, interviews, and validated tools in a sample of NMs with greater than one year of experience within a community-based health system to explore their experience with change saturation. Results from the survey were participants (N = 33) that were predominantly white and female and with the majority of respondents reporting 20 years or more as a nurse (n = 17) and greater than 4 years of nurse manager experience. Fifty-two percent of participants selected, 'My organization is past the change saturation point'. Findings also showed that the level, number of changes, magnitude of changes, and type of change activity impact job satisfaction with the number of changes selected most impactful. No statistical significance was found in the number of years of experience as a nurse manager and change fatigue, change cynicism, psychologic uncertainty, or change saturation. The most difficult changes were found to be financial and leadership changes. Thematic analysis revealed components of change saturation are individual to the manager's characteristics and personality, result in feelings of overwhelm, fatigue, and uncertainty, result from rapid change, and impacts home/personal life. Participants requested more resources and support in times of experiencing change saturation as well as the reason for the change, and all were caring and cognizant of the impact to their staff while wanting to do their best
Assessing Patient Support Persons' Knowledge and Perception in Pressure Injury Prevention
No full textPressure injuries (PIs) represent a significant challenge in healthcare, particularly in palliative care settings where patients often experience limited mobility and increased vulnerability. This study assesses the knowledge and perceptions of patient support persons regarding pressure injury prevention (PIP) and develops a tailored educational intervention to address identified gaps. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research included semi-structured interviews with 15 patient support persons and pre- and post-intervention surveys completed by 24 participants to evaluate knowledge and confidence related to PIP. Qualitative findings revealed a profound lack of awareness and education concerning PIs among participants, highlighting critical barriers to effective prevention. The themes identified included unfamiliarity with the signs and symptoms of PIs and a strong desire for comprehensive educational resources to empower support persons in their caregiving roles. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant improvements post-intervention, for recognizing signs and implementing preventive measures increasing. Specifically, participants' knowledge scores increased from a mean of 2.42 (SD = 1.10) to 3.88 (SD = 0.69) for identifying signs and symptoms of PIs, representing a 60.3% improvement. This study highlights the necessity of targeted educational programs for patient support persons to enhance their understanding of PIP, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in palliative care. The findings emphasize the vital role of education in equipping caregivers with the necessary tools to actively participate in mitigating the risks associated with PIs
Job Satisfaction and Burnout Within Higher Education Business
No full textRising burnout and declining job satisfaction are significant issues within higher education compounded by fewer students and tightening budgets (Marcus, 2025). The purpose of this mixed methods explanatory sequential study was to explore the factors that may influence job satisfaction and burnout within higher education business school faculty. Data was collected through a three-part, 61 question survey sent to 3,374 Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) faculty members of which 248 responses were received. Once the surveys were collected, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 participants. The survey data was aggregated into complete responses for the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) (Spector, 2024) and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OBI) (Demerouti, 1999). Binomial tests were used to find that participants in all age ranges were 57% satisfied with their work overall. Though no statistical significance was observed from the survey data, general trends toward participants above 40 years old indicated a higher level of job satisfaction in the 57-58% range. After conducting the interviews, three themes emerged: teaching and relationships with students as a way of developing meaningful work; responsibility creep as a contributor to burnout; communication and trust between faculty and leadership. This study supported much of the existing literature on job satisfaction and burnout but found that they are not mutually exclusive, meaning factors of each can be present simultaneously. I propose that leadership could have a significant impact when leaders are effectively trained, advancing the existing research on job satisfaction and burnout, which often does not account for the role of the leader
Exploring Supportive Relationships: Perspectives of Youth Organization Staff Members
No full textThis study explored supportive relationships at a youth organization from the perspective of staff. While studies have explored supportive relationships and youth programs, limited studies have focused on the perspectives of supportive adults or staff at afterschool programs. Staff have unique perspectives based on their roles, relationships, and experiences. I focused on staff perspectives and conducted interviews with staff of a Boys and Girls Club. I analyzed the data collected to conceptualize the factors that impact supportive relationships. Three categories of factors that impact supportive relationships emerged: individual, environmental, and organizational. Individual factors included staff experience, knowledge and awareness, and skills and practices. Environmental factors included culture, ways of working, and other factors. Organizational factors included processes, resources, and systems. Interpersonal relationships emerged as a key theme, with impacts extending across other factors. The findings of this study suggest that relationships with staff are central to the experiences, learnings, and outcomes of youth served at a Boys and Girls Club. In addition, relationships are central for staff to have the skills, resources, and support necessary to serve youth effectively. As staff are central and essential to delivering programs, engaging with youth, and fostering supportive relationships, it is critical that staff are prepared, supported, and connected. This study complements research that explored supportive relationships and youth programs from different perspectives and using different data sets. This study contributes to existing theory by introducing two conceptual models of factors and relationships that impact relationships between staff and youth and offering practical recommendations
Teachers' Perception of the Role of the School Counselor
No full textThis program evaluation emphasizes the importance of school counselors in fostering student success and well-being within Decorah High School. By assessing faculty and staff expectations and perceptions of the school counselor's role, this program evaluation aims to provide insight into the current understanding and effectiveness of school counseling services within the school community. School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that aim to improve student outcomes. The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model outlines the components of a school counseling program that supports a school's academic mission while positively impacting student achievement, attendance, and discipline. There is a gap in research around the school counselor role and teacher expectations of the school counselor role. The insights gathered reveal areas of alignment and misalignment between educators and counselors and will lead the school community toward greater collaboration and higher-quality student support and outcomes. Ultimately, this evaluation seeks to ensure that the school counseling program effectively meets the diverse needs of students and staff within Decorah High School
Intensive Care Unit Multidisciplinary Rounds and Delirium: A Program Evaluation
No full textDelirium in intensive care units (ICUs) significantly impacts patient outcomes, length of stay, costs, and complications. This program evaluation examined the effectiveness and efficiency of a Delirium Resource Nurse (DRN) and ICU rounding tool integrated into multidisciplinary rounds (MDRs) in a large Midwestern hospital's medical ICU (MICU). A mixed-methods approach, integrating surveys, naturalistic observations, and retrospective chart reviews, was used to evaluate the impact of these interventions. Results revealed that the ICU rounding tool was used frequently but did not significantly affect delirium discussion, as delirium was mentioned in only 17 out of 86 rounds (OR = 1.74, p = .412). Similarly, the presence of the DRN did not statistically improve the frequency of delirium discussion during MDRs (OR = 2.56, p = .156) nor affect clinical outcomes such as mean duration of intubation or alignment of Richmond Agitation – Sedation Scale (RASS) score documentation with ordered RASS goal (p = .462) compared over two distinct time periods. According to the surveys, a significant barrier to the effectiveness of the DRN role was a lack of awareness and availability. These findings indicate a discrepancy between the intended function of the interventions and their practical effectiveness and efficiency. This highlights the need for improvement of these interventions to better align their role with clinical need