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Comparing Viscosity of Enteral Tube Feedings with Next Generation Equipment
No full textPurpose: This study evaluates the effectiveness of new-generation enteral feeding pumps and equipment on gastrointestinal symptoms and feeding efficacy in enteral nutrition patients. It explicitly compares new-generation pumps with traditional feeding methods. Findings will enhance understanding of their impact on patient outcomes, comfort, and feeding experiences.
Background & Significance: Blenderized tube feeding (BTF) has gained popularity among patients and caregivers due to benefits like reduced gastrointestinal symptoms and improved oral intake (Johnson et al., 2013, 2015, 2018; Spurlock et al., 2021; Walker et al., 2024). The viscosity of enteral nutrition affects feeding tolerance. Traditional pumps were designed for thin commercial formulas and may not efficiently handle thicker BTF. New-generation pumps and equipment accommodate thicker formulas, potentially improving feeding efficiency and symptom management.
Methods: The sample includes English-speaking (a) healthcare providers (e.g., registered dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists) in the U.S. and Canada and (b) caregivers of patients transitioning from thin commercial formula to thicker blended whole food. A 34-item online survey, incorporating validated measures like the Bristol Stool Form Scale, assesses gastrointestinal function. Survey questions address demographics, enteral feeding methods, gastrointestinal symptoms, and feeding transitions. Data will be analyzed using SPSS with descriptive and inferential statistical methods to compare experiences with traditional and new-generation pumps and equipment.
Findings: Data collection will conclude in March 2025, with analysis in late spring. Anticipated results will assess new-generation pumps and equipment in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms and improving feeding tolerance. The study will compare outcomes between patients receiving thick versus thin enteral feedings to determine potential benefits of advanced pump technology. Hypotheses suggest patients using thicker blended whole foods may experience fewer GI symptoms and greater oral feeding success than those using thin commercial formulas.
Implications: This research holds significant implications for enteral nutrition management and clinical decision-making. If new-generation pumps and equipment enhance patient tolerance and reduce GI distress, they could improve feeding practices, optimize patient outcomes, and inform future enteral nutrition protocols in healthcare settings
Navigating Dual Roles: Parental Stress and Barriers in Undergraduate Nursing Student-Parents
No full textBackground: Over the past five years, the proportion of student-parents in undergraduate nursing programs has steadily increased, now comprising 20-25% of the population. Despite this significant representation, there remains a paucity of research examining their unique educational experiences and needs. These individuals navigate complex challenges at the intersection of parental responsibilities and rigorous academic demands. This study aims to identify critical factors influencing both academic achievement and psychological well-being among nursing students with caregiving responsibilities, addressing a notable gap in the nursing education literature.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was selected to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing student-parents, with particular emphasis on parental stress and perceived barriers and facilitators to degree completion. Focus groups will be conducted to elicit rich, contextual data regarding challenges, support mechanisms, and adaptive strategies employed by this population. Sessions will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to rigorous thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, emergent themes, and shared experiences. This approach allows for thorough exploration of participants\u27 perspectives while maintaining methodological rigor.
Results: We are currently collecting data through focus groups with undergraduate nursing student-parents. Complete data analysis will be finalized by April 2025, with comprehensive results available for presentation.
Conclusion: This study will contribute to the development of evidence-based educational practices and institutional policies that foster environments conducive to both academic achievement and psychological well-being for this significant student demographic. By identifying specific resources and support mechanisms required by student-parents, this research addresses a critical gap in nursing education literature and practice. The implications extend beyond immediate academic outcomes to potentially enhance retention rates, degree completion, and long-term professional development, ultimately strengthening the nursing workforce through improved support of this valuable student population
Adaptation and Resilience in Families of Individuals with Down Syndrome
No full textThe purpose of this presentation is to highlight key findings from my program of research concerning families of individuals with Down syndrome. Early studies with these families predominantly focused on problems and deficits, while my work highlights the strengths and resilience these families often exhibit. My program of research has contributed to a more nuanced understanding of these families by emphasizing the dynamic processes that enable families to adapt successfully to adversity
Psychometric Testing: College Assessment for Risk Evaluation of Depression (CAREd)
No full textPurpose: In a nationwide study, 44% of college students screened positive for depression, with 23% screening positive for a provisional diagnosis of major depression (Eisenberg et al., 2023). The American College Health Association [ACHA] (2024) reported significant mental health symptoms among undergraduates, with 78.8% reporting moderate to high levels of stress and 24.2% reporting a previous diagnosis of depression. Concerningly, 28.1% had a positive screening for suicide risk on the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (ACHA, 2024). These statistics highlight the severe mental health crisis in this vulnerable population, offering a key opportunity to reach at-risk individuals during this transitional period. There is no population-specific instrument available that assesses risk of depression in college freshmen. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the development and psychometric properties of the College Assessment for Risk Evaluation of Depression (CAREd) screening instrument.
Methods: The CAREd instrument was developed following a grounded theory analysis (Charmaz, 2014) of interviews with 35 students who self-identified as having a history of depression. The initial 56 items were devised based on four categories representing the process of managing depression as a college freshman. A convenience sample of 328 undergraduate students was recruited. All items on the CAREd are measured on a four-point Likert scale, ranging from “not at all” to “always.” To measure criterion validity of the CAREd, the CES-D (Radloff, 1977) was administered concurrently.
Results: A total of 257 undergraduates completed the CAREd and the CES-D. Psychometric testing of the CAREd included item analysis, scale reliability, criterion validity, and exploratory factor analysis (Nunnally, 1978). Items exhibiting inter-item correlation scores below 0.3 and lacking thematic contribution to the CAREd were removed. These analyses resulted in a reduced 34-item instrument, of which the Cronbach’s alpha was r = 0.92. Scores ranged from 12 to 89 (M = 45.20, SD = 15.86). Criterion validity with the CES-D was r = 0.81.
Conclusions: The strong psychometric properties of the CAREd demonstrate support for a valid and reliable population-specific instrument to screen for risk of depression in college freshmen (Field, 2024). University healthcare providers can use the CAREd to screen first-year students for depression risk, enabling early interventions to prevent adverse outcomes
Better Together: A Collaboration Between Nurses and Global Communities at UNGA 80
No full textSummary: Watch Amy Staley and Regina Yuen recount their experiences to advocate on behalf of nursing, public health, and the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 80 this year. They provide key insights on how nurses collaborate alongside communities globally to make an impact.
Learning Objectives: After watching this webinar, you will be able to... Describe the purpose of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG\u27s) Verbalize an understanding of how nurses can contribute to the SDG\u27s Provide an example of how global nurses can collaborate with global organizations to impact advocacy and policy change from a local to global scal
Impact of the Patient Flow Nurse Role in an Acute Care Setting
No full textPatient throughput is a consistent challenge for healthcare organizations globally, and patient flow delays heavily impact patient safety, quality care, patient satisfaction, and nurses’ job satisfaction. Creating the patient flow nurse role improves patient experience, reduces ED dwell time, and augments nurses’ satisfaction.
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The Impact of Nursing Students’ Sleep Hygiene Practices on Patient Safety
No full textThis presentation\u27s purpose is to share how nursing student lack of sleep negatively impacts patient care and safety during clinical nursing experiences and how a systematic approach to addressing sleep hygiene in nursing students is necessary to create safer environments for our healthcare workers and patients.
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Contagious Leadership: How a Culture of Ownership Improves Hospital Retention and Employee Tenure
No full textThis research provides knowledge on how leadership, the work culture, and an Extreme Ownership Program sets foundations for retaining staff and increasing employee tenure. A novel evidence-based leadership training program empowers staff through a decentralized command structure. On average, our employee tenure is double the length of employee tenure nationally.
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Factors That Influence Smoking Among Middle Eastern College Women in the United States
No full textDespite the Middle Eastern population growth in the US, little is known about the Middle Eastern community; more specifically Middle Eastern college women in the US. Therefore, this study examined the rates and correlates of the health behavior smoking (cigarettes and Hookah) among Middle Eastern college women in the US.
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Healthy Work Environments and the Multigenerational Workforce: Trends, Gaps, and Opportunities
No full textResearch has established the link between healthy work environment standards, retention, and optimal patient outcomes. Yet, a gap exists in identifying evidence-based approaches to optimize the strengths that each generation contributes to their work environment. This session will explore this topics trends, gaps, and opportunities.
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