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Nurses Current State of Knowledge on Prion Disease
Get PDFBackground: Prion disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. Creutzfeldt-Jakob prion disease rapidly progresses, caused by an infectious pathogen that misfolds the normal prion protein which results in an accumulation of cellular prion proteins. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, only palliative care to provide support as the disease progresses. There is a gap in providing support for the patients and their families due to the limited understanding from the nurses, which can lead to the unmet needs of patients and their families. The purpose of the study is to evaluate what nurses know about prion disease and how they would care for them with their knowledge.
Methods: The proposed research study would use a mixed-method study approach combining quantitative and qualitative data. Using a convenience sample of 50 registered nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit or Neurology Unit from at least 5 hospitals in Northern California.
Conclusion: The proposed research on prion disease discusses that there are no curative treatment options. The aim is to provide an understanding of this devastating disease that nurses may not or may have had to care for. In addition, identifying the need for more guided support, and education for caregivers and nurses. A mixed-method approach may be useful to assess how much nurses know and how they would plan their care. Additional studies may be needed if the results indicate a problem using an educational intervention
The Impact of Complementary Therapies on Postpartum Pain Relief Among Mothers of Multiples
Get PDFThe process of recovery after birth can be an arduous process for many women. Many patients experience discomfort that affects their quality of life. Especially for mothers who give birth to twins or triplets, there is additional need for support in this crucial time as they are more likely to develop postpartum complications. Current management for postpartum pain include pain control medications and heat/cold therapy. The purpose of this proposal is to examine if complementary therapies such as aromatherapy and music therapy decreases the postpartum pain levels in mothers of multiples. This paper proposes an experimental trial, in which a sample of 100 postpartum mothers will be recruited from hospitals in Santa Rosa. Fifty mothers will be in the control group and 50 mothers will be in the experimental group receiving aromatherapy and music therapy sessions. Numeric Rating Scale(NRS) will measure postpartum pain scores. A t-test will be used to compare the control group’s postpartum pain levels with the experimental group’s postpartum pain levels. Expected results of the study will be decreased postpartum pain levels by at least 2 points and increased patient satisfaction
The Role of Physicality in Professional Hockey: Examining the Impact of Fighting and Hitting on Gameplay, Team Dynamics, and Success
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical play, more specifically fighting and hitting, in professional hockey, exploring the impact on gameplay, team dynamics, and success. Despite the significant rule changes within the National Hockey League (NHL) which focused on minimizing fighting, the strategic use of fighting and hitting remains a highly debated aspect of the sport. The study applies a basic qualitative research approach, gathering data through interviews, questionnaires, and game observations with current and former NHL, AHL, ECHL, players, coaches, referees, and analysts. Findings indicate that physical play, particularly hitting and fighting can positively impact game momentum, psychological play, and intimidate opponents as well at times help teams win games. Excessive reliance on fighting and hitting does not correlate with long-term success, but if used strategically, it can contribute to success over time. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on player safety, changing strategies in team dynamics, and potential future policy directions for the NHL to balance tradition with modern gameplay demands
Metaphors for Metamorphosis: The Poetics of Kenosis and the Apophasis of Self in Saint John of the Cross
Get PDFSpanish mystic Saint Juan (John) of the Cross (1542–1591) began writing poetry while imprisoned by his own monastic order. He developed manuals for contemplation, in part, in the form of commentaries on his principal poems. Their first-person narrators were women who underwent metamorphoses in order to pursue love: one became a dove in her despair; another became flame itself; the last disguised herself as a knight. Juan explained that all three represented the soul that is seeking God. For readers, these metaphors could engender cognitive dissonance, through which they might step outside of themselves and move closer to union with the Divine. This process of human self-emptying and self-negation mirrored the self-emptying (kenosis) of Christ in traditional Christology and the negation (apophasis) of human pretense at knowledge about God in apophatic (“negative”) mysticism
Increasing Awareness of Occupational Therapy for College Students at Dominican University of California
Get PDFBackground: This project is the third iteration of the Occupational Therapy (OT) college student program at Dominican University of California aiming to promote OT Coaching services for students while enhancing occupational engagement in daily activities, and overall well-being. Occupational therapists play a distinctive role in postsecondary education (AOTA, 2013).The second iteration of the OT college student program (2022–2023) prioritized collaboration with the school’s Student Success Center (SSC) and on-campus Integrative Coaches (ICs) who played a pivotal role in streamlining client referrals and enhancing the program outcomes. During their time with the program, this group was able to flagship a program that was uniquely tailored for Dominican students that had a 100% client retention rate across semesters, and were able to foster a lasting connection with the SSC. However, they found that there is a consistent lack of awareness about OT coaching and knowledge about the service on campus. They identified that in future iterations of the program the focus should be not only on the delivery of services for students but also the marketing, promotion, and awareness of the program as a whole. They recommended to continue and refine/formalize the referral process from IC’s, maintain the valued relationship with the SSC, and to offer a wider range of availability so students can access an OT coach within a broader time frame.
Methods: In the fall of 2023, the current group took over this project to focus on (1) addressing the needs of college students, and (2) promote OT coaching at Dominican University of California. We completed a literature review on the prevalence of OT services working in post-secondary settings. Using this knowledge, we conducted a needs assessment and discovered that there is a lack of knowledge and awareness about what OT is and what it can offer for the various needs of college students. We found through our needs assessment that the occupational needs of college students include stress management, organization, time management, study habits, sleep, lifestyle balance, social life, and community engagement. To address the needs of college students, we continued to meet with students for 1:1 coaching sessions and collaborate with ICs. Evaluation of this was carried out through use of surveys at the end of each semester, and interviews with students who used the service, and ICs who referred students to OT Coaching. To explore increasing visibility of this program, we have participated in on-campus events such as the Marin Food Bank, visiting classes to speak about OT, and attend weekly integrative coaching meetings to discuss the role of OT and give insight into students\u27 needs. We have created an OT coaching website for students and faculty to learn about our services and set up appointments for 1-on-1 coaching. Evaluation of our promotion was accomplished through surveys and interviews. The outcome measures used for feedback includes google forms, interviews with previous clients and integrative coaches, number of student referrals, and insights from DU OT Coaching website.
Results: We met with fifteen students on campus weekly, composed of both undergraduate and graduate level students, to work towards their goals. This includes evaluating their overall well-being and giving the students tools and strategies to navigate their occupational needs. Referring to addressing the needs of college students, key results from interviews and google forms show that students were satisfied with their experience, felt they made significant progress toward their goals, and were interested in continuing OT Coaching the following semester. In terms of increasing visibility, we found that tabling events and classroom talks did not directly yield new referrals, and all clients were connected to OT Coaching through referral from ICs. Further exploration of effective promotional methods is needed, with suggestions for campus fliers, and social media use.
Conclusion: This project aimed to expand awareness of and integrate OT into campus services, focusing on students\u27 occupational needs, while addressing their needs through 1-on-1 coaching. The implementation of the program itself surfaced multiple findings that support the positive impact and value of OT coaching at Dominican University of California
Enhancing Well- Being In Individuals with Special Needs: The Power of Music Therapy
Get PDFhttps://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1157/thumbnail.jp
Evaluating the Mental Health of Newly Graduated Nurses in Transition from Undergraduate Training to Professional Practice
Get PDFBackground: There is an increasing demand for nurses worldwide as healthcare systems slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, there is a high turnover of registered nurses and an even higher turnover in the demographic of newly graduated nurses. Newly graduated nurses (NGNs) are constantly faced with high levels of stress upon starting out in the professional environment and as a result of mental burnout and inadequate preparation, there is a notably high turnover of newly graduated nurses within their first year of employment. Purpose: This research aims to use existing information on the transition from undergraduate training to professional practice to evaluate the mental health of newly graduated nurses and to help develop a greater understanding of the importance of well-being. The implementation of this understanding into clinical orientation has the potential to significantly reduce the turnover rate and promote job satisfaction for newly graduated nurses. Method: To accomplish this research, a mixed-methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative data will be applied to explore the experiences of newly graduated nurses transitioning from undergraduate training to professional practice. The quantitative component will use a validated scale to measure specific emotions experienced during the transition, while the qualitative component will provide a fully captured understanding of the perceptions and perceived mental health status of newly graduated nurses during this period. Results: The data for this study has yet to be collected, but the expected results will prove the hypothesis that the transition from undergraduate training to professional practice can significantly impact the mental health of newly graduated nurses during their first year of employment.
Keywords: stress evaluation, stress, new graduate nurses, nursing, turnover, transition, burnout, mental health, effects, role identity, work-life balance, well-being, and onboardin
Psychological Impact of Ulcerative Colitis on Pregnancy and Postpartum Period
Get PDFBackground
Ulcerative colitis (UC) poses significant challenges during pregnancy, affecting both physical and mental health. While the physiological effects of UC during pregnancy are well documented, less is known about its impact on maternal mental health. This study aims to investigate the psychological effects of UC on pregnant women, focusing on stress levels, postpartum depression (PPD) incidence, and the role of multidisciplinary care in improving mental health outcomes. Objective
The primary objective of this research proposal is to evaluate the psychological impact of UC during pregnancy and determine whether disease activity increases the risk of PPD and stress. A secondary objective is to assess whether multidisciplinary care with mental health support improves psychological outcomes compared to standard care. Methods
This quantitative, longitudinal cohort study will recruit pregnant women aged 18–45 with a UC diagnosis. Participants will be assessed at three time points: during the first and third trimesters, 6 weeks postpartum, and 6 months postpartum. A comparison group of pregnant women without UC will also be included. Data collection will involve validated surveys (EPDS, PSS, HADS), medical record reviews, and follow-up assessments. Statistical analysis will include independent t-tests to evaluate psychological outcomes based on the type of care model received. Expected Results
It is expected that pregnant women with UC who receive multidisciplinary care will demonstrate significantly better psychological outcomes compared to those receiving standard obstetric care alone. The interdisciplinary group is anticipated to report lower levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, as measured by the PSS, EPDS, and HADS. Improvements are expected to be most notable in the postpartum period, where the risk of psychological distress typically increases. Pregnant women receiving standard prenatal care without integrated support are expected to show higher psychological symptom scores across all time points, highlighting the need for more comprehensive care models for this patient population. Conclusion
This research proposal aims to demonstrate the significant psychological burden of UC during pregnancy and postpartum, supporting the need for integrated, multidisciplinary care that combines gastroenterology with maternal mental health support
Effectiveness of Nonpharmacological Pain Management Techniques Provided by Doulas for Laboring Mothers
Get PDFBackground: Doulas are non-medically trained professionals that support women throughout their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. During labor, doulas may assist in nonpharmacological pain management techniques such as counter-pressure, massage, breathing exercises, and other relaxation methods. In the literature review of this study, doulas have been shown to increase positive health outcomes such as preventing cesarean sections and preterm labor. Despite improving health outcomes, doula support is not commonly used in the United States. It is currently unknown if doula support is effective in reducing pain for laboring mothers. Purpose: This study is focused on accomplishing improved pain management and overall patient care in order to achieve a positive labor experience for mothers during their hospital admission. Method: This descriptive exploratory study will follow a qualitative approach. Qualitative individual interviews will be conducted with mothers who have given birth with doula support. Data Collection and Analysis: Data will be collected from five to ten mothers who have given birth in the past year utilizing nonpharmacological pain management techniques provided by a doula at the time of labor. Content analysis of the qualitative interviews will look for connections between words used to describe the mothers labor experience. Conclusion: This study may contribute to important insight into the role of doula support and nonpharmacological pain management during labor and delivery. Future research may focus on what types of nonpharmacological pain management techniques are most effective
Death, End-of-Life Doulas, and Art: Exploring Connections Between Death Competency and Art Making
Get PDFDeath in the United States is often viewed as a medical event rather than the natural course of life, which results in avoidance of planning for the inevitable. The emergence of Hospice in the 1970s, Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) laws in several states, and the positive death movement have demonstrated a shift in attitudes and priorities about death and dying. Since the early 2000s, end of life doulas (EOLDs) have emerged as practitioners who help people plan for and transition to death. Emotional and existential coping skills are components that emerge from death work, and these elements can be assessed using the Self-Competency in Death Work Scale (S-C DWS) (Chan, et al., 2015). First developed for palliative care providers, the S-C DWS was utilized in this research to assess the death competency of EOLDs. Combining artmaking and the S-C DWS, the researcher attempted to answer these questions: how does work as an EOLD manifest the ideas of freedom, meaning, isolation, and death; and, do art directives aid in processing these concepts for an increase of their score on a death competency scale? Qualitative and quantitative data was gathered from 14 EOLD participant interviews, art directives, and S-C DWS. The implications for future research point to the importance of using art to address the existential ideas that impact EOLDs and death competency in their work