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Crossing the Line
Get PDFIn The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative, author H. Porter Abbott defines narrative as “the representation of an event or a series of events” (13). Given this broad definition, narrative events can be represented in a number of ways, as seen in different storytelling mediums like literature, film, television, paintings, video games, or even daily oral storytelling. Narrative is the way in which one communicates a story. In literature, writers must use text and the placement of text on a page or a screen in order to convey a series of events. Writers can utilize narrators in literature in a number of ways, such as using a third-person omniscient narrator in order to present a character’s thoughts, feelings, and actions throughout a novel or a short story, or using word placement, details, and punctuation in order to imply a length of time. Unlike literature, films contain audio and visuals that can be utilized by filmmakers in order to tell their stories. While the medium of film may use some of the same devices as literature, such as various styles of narrators, imagery, or metaphors, films perform and present these devices differently than literature does.1 While literature presents the setting of the story through text and word-based imagery, films present the setting through visual images and sounds, displaying images of New York in order to communicate that location to the audience, or incorporating sounds of a busy cityscape in order to imply that a scene takes place in or near a busy city area. The way in which each storytelling medium is structured is different, and this allows for differing ways of presenting content to audiences
Decreasing Stress in the Master\u27s Level Nursing Student: A Stress Management Education Session
Get PDFStress in the nursing professional and in nursing students is well documented in the literature. However, the extent to which it occurs and the means of coping with stress vary. Family responsibilities, finances, and academia have been identified as main stressors for graduate school nurses. It is important to establish coping mechanisms that address the two hemispheres of stress, due to the physiological and psychological effects on the body. The purpose of this study was to develop a stress management education session for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students enrolled in their initial clinical rotation at Rhode Island College (RIC). The education session consisted of a review of stress and coping methods, followed by the instruction of two stress management techniques: paced-breathing meditation (PBM) and relaxation/diaphragmatic breathing. A pre and post survey researcher developed method was utilized to evaluate the effects of the intervention on perceived stress levels. A convenience sample of six students participated in the intervention, course evaluation and pre-survey, and five students responded to the post-survey. The intervention did result in an overall mean reduction of PSS-10 scores of 2.2 points, indicating a decrease in perceived stress
The Use of Probiotics in the Prevention of Clostridium Difficile Infection
Get PDFDespite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), the prevention of CDI, particularly in the inpatient hospital setting, remains a challenge. Clostridium difficile now rivals methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as the most common pathogen to cause hospital acquired infections (HAI) in the United States. Hospitalized patients are considered to be especially high risk for CDI, and among inpatient cases, antibiotic treatment, especially with Fluoroquinolones has been an almost universal factor in the development of CDIs. One preventative measure that is incontinently used in the prevention of CDI is oral probiotics. Probiotic consumption is reported to exert a myriad of beneficial effects including enhanced immune response, balancing of colonic microbiota, treatment of diarrhea associated with travel and antibiotic therapy, control of rotavirus and clostridium difficile induced colitis. The American College of Gastroenterology recognizes the role of probiotics and included probiotics as a level B recommendation for the treatment of CDI. It has been hypothesized that the use of probiotics, as an adjunctive therapy in patients receiving antibiotics, may provide a key intervention in reducing primary CDI. The purpose of this study was to conduct a retrospective chart review to explore healthcare providers prescribing trends regarding Fluoroquinolone antibiotics and adjunctive probiotics in patients with hospital acquired CDI. The Synergy model was used to guide the study. Results indicated that probiotics are not frequently prescribed for hospitalized patients on Fluoroquinolones and when they are it is with inconsistency. Additional research is recommended to further assess the use of probiotics in conjunction with other classes of commonly used antibiotics; this study solely looked at Fluoroquinolones
Hyperphosphatemia in Hemodialysis Patients: Can an Educational Intervention Make a Difference?
Get PDFAdherence to the treatment regimen, including proper phosphate binder use and the monitoring of dietary phosphorus intake, is crucial to optimal health outcomes in hemodialysis patients. Hyperphosphatemia remains a significant health problem in hemodialysis patients since excessive serum phosphate is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates in this patient population. Hyperphosphatemia can occur due to lack of knowledge. The purpose of this program is to determine the effect of an educational intervention on phosphorus knowledge in hemodialysis patients.
Participants consisted of a convenience sample of 12 hemodialysis patients. The teaching intervention utilized a pre and posttest design. The difference in pre and posttest scores was analyzed to determine the effect of the educational intervention on patients’ knowledge of phosphorus. Post test scores revealed a statistically significant increase in phosphorus knowledge in participants (Z value = -2.97; p � .05). Responses to the openended qualitative question revealed that friends and family members were important support team members that enabled participants to adhere to their dietary phosphorus regimen. Implications for further studies include the expansion of educational interventions to include friends and family members and the inclusion of individuals from various ethnic and racial backgrounds. Nurses are strategically situated in hemodialysis units to provide patient education. Advanced practice registered nurses can provide leadership to other nurses on the use of evidenced-based educational interventions that positively impact patient outcomes
Investigating Predictors of Academic Success in a Foundational Business Mathematics Course
Get PDFResearch reveals that the majority of students are unprepared in making the transition from high school to college mathematics. Many students choose majors outside of STEM and business fields to pursue degrees with less rigorous mathematics requirements. According to recent findings, it is likely that over 25% of all freshmen will fail their first mathematics course. Few studies examine student success in business mathematics courses, and business is currently the most popular major in the United States. Thus, the purpose of this research was to examine what factors predict success in a foundational business mathematics course (BUS 111) at a large Northeastern university.
Eight independent variables were examined: gender, high school GPA, mathematics SAT score, score on the university’s placement exam, student attitudes using the Attitudes Towards Mathematics Inventory (ATMI), anxiety using the Mathematics Anxiety Scale (MAS), number of hours per week spent on mathematics, and number of classes missed. The dependent variable was BUS 111 final average. All students (n = 247) enrolled in BUS 111 were invited to participate during the Fall 2015. Upon completion of pre- and post-surveys, multiple regression was used to determine which variables were significant predictors. Statistical findings revealed that placement score, high school GPA, a combination of ATMI/MAS scores, and number of classes missed were the best predictors of BUS 111 average overall (R2 = 44.2%, p = 0.000). Different models are presented for comparison and examination. Significant correlations found between perceived instructor effectiveness and student attitudes, anxiety, and course grades are also presented. Overall, combinations of non-affective and affective measures serve as the best predictors of success in business mathematics
Manifestations of Masculinity in Crisis: The Noir Films of Humphrey Bogart
Get PDFThis Honors thesis discusses the direct connection of America’s cultural ideology surrounding the time of the second World War and Humphrey Bogart’s noir films and their depiction of masculinity. Through an analysis of Bogart’s performances in three pinnacle noir films: The Maltese Falcon (1941), The Big Sleep (1946), and In a Lonely Place (1950), the author proved that after World War II there was a clear shift in the paradigm of gendered expectations, particularly those identified under the umbrella of masculinity. Shifts in American mores regarding masculinity can be charted through Bogart’s archetypal chain as he represents the masculine iconic image. As time progressed, the expected responsibilities of the dominant male figurehead were transferred to the female domestic due to the war effort. This ultimately caused a rift in patriarchal codes that uprooted the strong dominant masculine ideal into a new world order. Bogart’s films noir present a visual and narrative look upon these changes, as both his character and his personal image become unraveled with the changing times. Each film provides a unique look into the damaged masculine ego, from the phallus-power struggle to remain atop the food chain above women and homosexuals in The Maltese Falcon, to the changing of the guard from male to female dominance in The Big Sleep, and lastly to the fall of the pre-war image of masculinity in In a Lonely Place
Decision-Making of CRNAs Related to Use of Laryngeal Mask Airways
Get PDFImproper airway management is a major concern in anesthesia care. Today the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has a well-established role in anesthesia practice. It is widely used, but there are certain situations where anesthesia providers are hesitant to use the LMA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that influence the decision-making process of CRNAs regarding the use of an LMA versus an endotracheal tube. The design of this exploratory study was qualitative and 11 CRNAs participated in semi-structured interviews. Results showed that all participants received formal training with an LMA and were most likely to be using it when the case did not require the use of neuromuscular blocking agents (63%) and during short procedures of less than an hour (18%). The major concern associated with use of the LMA was aspiration. Sixty three percent (n=7) identified no barriers to the use of the LMA, two CRNAs (18%) identified the types of LMAs available, and one CRNA (9%) identified surgeon/anesthesiologist preference as barriers. As an APRN, the CRNA incorporates research and evidence-based practice to achieve optimal outcomes. To date, there is no specific practice guideline that solely pertains to the placement of an LMA versus an ETT. The CRNA must make clinical decisions utilizing the algorithms that do exist such as the ASA’s Difficult Airway Algorithm. Choosing an LMA or ETT requires a thorough evaluation of several factors and the decision to use an LMA is often based on personal experience and judgment of the CRNA. Further research is needed
Assessing Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Spirituality and Spiritual Care in APRN Students
Get PDFResearch has revealed patients’ spiritual care needs are rarely addressed by both Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. The purpose of this project was to assess the attitudes and knowledge of APRN students toward spirituality and the provision of spiritual care. Graduate students (N=51) at a suburban institution in Rhode Island were surveyed using the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS). The results revealed that although these participants had encountered patients with spiritual needs, 40 of the 51 surveyed (78%) believed they had received inadequate training in the spiritual dimension of nursing care. Recommendations were made to improve the integration of content and training regarding spirituality and spiritual care into APRN programs
Spring 2016
Get PDFThe 15th issue of the library newsletter (spring, 2016)
Inside this issue:
- A Visit to the Martha Bacon - Ronald Ballinger Reading Room
- Amy Barlow, Reference Librarian: A Woman with Many Hats
- Morgan Chaves: Student Spotlight
- Comments at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Depository Library Status
- Review of: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nahisi Coate