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Exploring the Mosaic Self: Collectivist Cultural Considerations in Understanding Self-Concept
No full textThis study aimed to explore the importance of cultural competency, particularly in understanding aspects such as self-concept within culturally sensitive services. The study involved twenty participants enrolled in Viterbo University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Participants assessed their perceived knowledge of self-concept and evaluated the program's effectiveness in preparing them to serve culturally diverse clients. The results diverged from the initial hypothesis that counselors would feel unprepared or only slightly prepared to work with culturally diverse clients and their self-concepts. The results presented a varied range of perspectives crucial for future assessment. A combined 56.3 percent of participants perceived their program training as either "Moderately Effective" or "Highly Effective" in preparing them for diverse client work. However, 43.8 percent rated their program training as "Slight Effective" or "Neutral," indicating ambivalence or a perception of slight preparedness. These outcomes prompt further discussion on how counseling education programs can enhance counselor preparedness for cultural diversity
Understanding the Relationship Between a Therapist's Experience with Developmental Trauma and Countertransference: Implications for the Development of the Therapeutic Alliance
No full textUnmanaged countertransference has been considered to have a negative influence upon the therapeutic relationship. Though all therapists experience countertransference, it may be more challenging to manage for those with a personal history of developmental trauma, which has been shown to disrupt a person's capacity for behavioral and emotional regulation. The purpose of this study was to examine if a relationship exists between a therapist's history of developmental trauma and countertransference. Using convenience sampling, 80 licensed therapists responded to a three-part questionnaire assessing general demographic information, a history of developmental trauma, and dimensions of countertransference experienced when working with clients. Due to the heteroscedasticity of the variables, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used and no statistically significant relationship was found between a therapist's overall developmental trauma history and overall countertransference. However, upon further analysis, a weak but statistically significant negative correlational relationship was found between a therapist's childhood physical abuse history and two different dimensions of countertransference: overwhelmed/disorganized countertransference and helpless/inadequate countertransference. The findings are somewhat contrary to what was expected to be found based on current research on both developmental trauma and countertransference. Further implications for these findings, as well as limitations of this study and suggestions for future research will be discussed
Neuroscience-Based Psychoeducation for Opioid Use Disorder: A Program Evaluation
No full textThe purpose of this study was to assess and increase the knowledge of Master's and Doctoral-level students of neuroscience-based psychoeducation for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). This study also assessed stigma towards OUD before and after the program was delivered. Knowledge and stigma were gauged prior to the presentation and then the presentation delivered to Master's and Doctoral Students in Counselor Education Programs, followed by an evaluation of any changes in stigma and knowledge. The disseminated program educated participants on the structural, chemical, and behavioral changes that occur in response to substance use along with the prevalence, lethality, and importance of treating opioid use disorder. This program caused some decreases in stigma and increases in knowledge of participants, indicating the success of this program
Moral Distress: Perspective of CNAs during COVID-19 Pandemic
No full textIn what ways did CNAs experience and respond tomoral distress during the Covid-19 pandemic
Novice Teachers' Perceptions of Teacher Preparation and Readiness for Career Demands
No full textThe purpose of this qualitative interview study was to examine novice teachers' perceptions of readiness for career demands. Teachers are the backbone of America's schools and yet challenges abound in attracting and keeping teachers in the profession and helping them meet the needs of an increasingly complex student population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine full-time elementary teachers who graduated from the same university between 2018 and 2022 using 14 questions that garnered answers about teacher readiness for teaching academics, responding to student behavior challenges, reaching diverse learners, and building relationships in their initial career experiences. Findings reveal four themes: 1) teaching content with the knowledge and skills to implement high leverage instructional strategies in order to reach all students, including instructional strategies needed to reach diverse learners, and that support positive student behavior, 2) understanding of school wide structures and processes that apply to curricula, assessment, data, and student behavior, 3) navigating school culture with regard to relationships, dealing with negativity, and mentoring/coaching, and 4) valuing and desiring more quality field experiences. This study has the potential to impact teacher preparation programs and induction programs, as well as institutions that address educational policy
Promoting Ambulation and Increased Documentation for PAMP Through Education
No full textThis project aimed to educate RNs on a neurosurgical floor about the PAMP (progressive ambulation and mobility protocol) tool, which addresses patients' mobility status. The PAMP tool was introduced to this unit in 2017 and has been incorporated into daily charting by bedside RNs. The PAMP tool has four levels that reflect the patient's ability to move. A preliminary chart review showed a lack of documentation and understanding of the PAMP tool. An educational intervention was provided to floor RNs to educate them on the importance of ambulation at each PAMP level. A pre-education assessment was given to RNs, and a quiz after they completed the education was sent to them to verify their understanding of the education. A pre-and post-chart documentation review was completed. The results of the post-chart documentation review showed an 8% increase in PAMP documentation by RNs and increased patient ambulation by 8%. Various underlying factors could have contributed to these results. However, this is one step towards understanding the PAMP documentation and RNs' crucial role in documentation and patient ambulation. RNs showed interest in ambulating patients more often and a desire to learn; yet, education is only part of the equation
Impact and Satisfaction of a Multidisciplinary Program that Treated Pain and Obesity
No full textDiet and Exercise to Ease Pain (Dig DEEP) was a multidisciplinary 12-week program that treated patients with chronic pain and obesity through guidance and education on diet, exercise, and other behavioral changes. This DNP Project aimed to evaluate Dig DEEP through the following research question: ""What was the impact, efficiency, and satisfaction of a home-grown program, Dig DEEP, for adults aged 18 and older with pain ? 3 months and BMI ? 35 kg/m2, and what were the barriers for those who did not participate for the duration of the program?"" A total of 249 patients were referred to Dig DEEP, and 24 (9.6%) completed the 12-week program. This program evaluation used a mixed-methods approach to combine quantitative analysis of pain, weight, BMI, blood pressure, depression, and anxiety scores with qualitative survey data. While no significant biometric differences were observed between program completers and noncompleters, qualitative data from patient and provider surveys revealed positive participant outcomes, economic viability, and provider satisfaction. The results indicate the need for consistent data entry, enhanced post-program support, and technological integration to optimize future community health programs
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Travel Nursing in the United States
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the healthcare industry, particularly travel nursing, leading to unprecedented demand for staffing. The DNP project investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel nurses. It explored the experiences of travel nurses during the pandemic, with a focus on the challenges they faced, the motivations behind their decisions to work in this capacity, and the implications for nursing practice and policy. A qualitative study was conducted to explore travel nurses' perspectives and experiences during the pandemic. The project utilized semi-structured interviews to collect data from travel nurses across different regions of the U.S, focusing on travel nurses in inpatient settings. Eleven travel nurses were recruited from several platforms and were interviewed. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes and patterns framed within Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations and Maslach's Burnout Theory. The S\xix themes obtained were: Passion for travel nursing, flexibility, animosity with core nurses, financial freedom, burnout, and limited orientation. These themes highlighted the complex interplay between professional motivations, workplace dynamics, emotional well-being, and the need for organizational support. The study found that while travel nurses played a crucial role in addressing staffing shortages during the pandemic, they encountered significant challenges, including burnout, strained relations with core staff, and insufficient orientation and support. The study advocates for comprehensive orientation programs, robust support systems for mental health and well-being, strategies to foster inclusivity and equity, and policy reforms to address compensation disparities between travel and core nurses
Evaluation of a Postpartum Depression Screening Program in Rural Healthcare Clinics
No full textPostpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 15% of new mothers after the birth of their child which results in feelings of anger, fear and being overwhelmed. This program evaluation attempted to answer the question: In postpartum patients how effective and efficient is a Midwestern rural healthcare system’s postpartum depression screening program? A quantitative and qualitative design was used to complete the program evaluation. Beck’s postpartum depression theory guided the project. The PPD screening program was evaluated by staff interviews, patient surveys, role model observations, and a retrospective chart review. Analysis of the data obtained was used to evaluate the program's effectiveness and efficiency. Patients who delivered between September 2023 and December 2023 (n = 17) were surveyed. A chart review of all patients who were seen between 0 and 8 weeks postpartum between January 2023 and December 2023 (n = 117) was conducted to identify risk factors, evidence of screening, and rate of diagnosis. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and chi-squared test. Of the 117 patients only 40 (34%) had evidence of the EPDS being completed and a score charted. Patient surveys included the question, do you feel the EPDS addressed your mental health concerns. 37.5% of patients responded strongly agree or somewhat agree with the abovementioned question. Results from this program evaluation led to recommendations to improve overall clinic efficiencies and to implement a future quality improvement project to ensure PPD screening is completed on all qualifying patients
The Lived Experiences of Live-In Caregivers for a Family Member with Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementia
No full textThe United States is experiencing a demographic shift, with the population of 65 and older expected to double by 2060, accompanied by a rise in Alzheimer's and dementia cases. Given the shortage of professional caregivers, families will be responsible for caring for their elderly relatives. The Research Question was: What are the lived experiences of live-in caregivers for a family member with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia? The study used a qualitative phenomenological approach, engaging in face-to-face interviews with eight former caregivers to delve into their perspectives, emotions, and strategies, guided by 12 open-ended questions. The five themes that emerged were changed relationship dynamics, impacts of caregiving on daily life (sub-themes of physical burden, emotional burden, employer's influence on caregivers, financial implications of caregiving, interventions), finding purpose in caregiving, the role of the medical community, and faith and fortitude. By addressing the imminent shortage of long-term care workers and assisting family caregivers, we increase the possibility of keeping those with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia at home where they are more comfortable and cared for by those who love them and not overwhelming nursing facilities and home health care companies that are already understaffed. Despite challenges, these caregivers found fulfillment in their roles, showcasing their resilience and dedication, which underscores the need for enhanced support systems and understanding of Alzheimer's and dementia care. This research suggests that pre-planning a support system, a mentor, and having faith in God can help caregivers keep their loved ones at home longer