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Successful Strategies Used by Perfusion Managers to Increase Retention of Perfusionists
Get PDFPerfusion managers face challenges in retaining skilled perfusionists which can impact the continuity of care and overall hospital efficiency. Effective perfusionist retention strategies are important to perfusion managers who aim to mitigate employee turnover. Grounded in the job demands-resources model, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry study was to explore the successful retention strategies that some perfusion managers used in the United States. The participants were five perfusion managers who had successfully retained a team of perfusionists for at least 1 year. Data were collected through digital semistructured interviews and publicly available documents. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: (a) work-life balance, (b) compensation, (c) positive work environment, and (d) effective workload management. One key recommendation is that perfusion managers should incorporate flexible scheduling to enhance the retention of perfusionists. The implications for positive social change include the potential enhancement of employee retention among the perfusion workforce and improved quality care for patients
Adverse Childhood Experiences in Early Adolescence and Adult Interpersonal Relationships Violence
Get PDFIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive social issue that affects individuals and communities, often rooted in early life experiences such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Understanding the link between ACEs and IPV is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. This quantitative research explored the potential link between ACEs encountered during early adolescence and the subsequent occurrence of IPV in adult domestic relationships, building upon the foundational work of Felitti et al. Using a quantitative survey design, 30 participants aged 18 and older who had experienced at least one ACE were recruited via social media and surveyed. Bandura\u27s social learning theory provided the theoretical framework for the study, and data were analyzed with chi-square tests. The study results showed a statistically significant association, indicating that individuals with higher ACE scores are more likely to experience IPV. This emphasizes the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed care to mitigate these risks. The social change implications include guiding the development of IPV prevention strategies, enhancing trauma-informed practices, and fostering resilience and healthy relationship dynamics at various levels. The findings may contribute to improving social determinants of health by informing policies and practices that support individuals in overcoming the impacts of childhood trauma
Education of Nursing Staff on Management of Aggression and Violence in Mental Health Patients Using Less Restrictive Measures.
Get PDFMental health nurses frequently face physical and emotional challenges due to the high prevalence of violence in psychiatric settings. A 2023 survey by the American Nurses Association revealed that 62% of nurses reported abuse from patients, underscoring the need for improved training on managing violent behaviors without excessive reliance on restraint and seclusion. This project addressed a critical knowledge gap in de-escalation techniques among mental health nurses by developing and implementing an educational program for violence prevention. The training included de-escalation strategies and alternative management practices aimed at reducing patient aggression while enhancing nurse safety and confidence. Forty-five of sixty nurses (75%) participated in the training sessions, conducted over three days. Outcome data showed a significant reduction in violent incidents, emergency calls, and restrictive interventions following the program, with further improvements over successive quarters. Admission assessments and communication rates also increased, contributing to better patient outcomes and reduced material losses. Organizational benefits include potential reductions in legal costs, staff injuries, and turnover. Despite limitations, such as scheduling conflicts and the need for hybrid learning formats, the project highlights the value of embedding violence management training into standard nurse orientation and annual reviews. Future dissemination will target psychiatric hospitals, recovery centers, and emergency rooms to promote a safer, more inclusive, and equitable mental healthcare environment
Staff Education Project Assessing Pediatric Sepsis
Get PDFPediatric sepsis is a leading cause of death globally, affecting over 25 million children annually. In the United States, it results in over 75,000 inpatient admissions and approximately 3.4 million deaths each year. Evidence from multiple studies supported the existing recommendations for early recognition and management of pediatric sepsis, emphasizing that comprehensive vital sign assessments, clinical practice guidelines, standardized protocols, and continuous monitoring align to improve patient outcomes. Three clinical experts reviewed the evidence-based educational program developed for this project. Nineteen participants completed a pre- and post-education program survey assessing their knowledge and perceived competence in early recognition and assessment of pediatric sepsis, application of current guidelines, and accurate documentation of vital signs, which significantly enhance patient outcomes and the overall quality of care in the emergency department (ED). The participants’ average score increased from 80.54% pre-implementation to 93.15% post-implementation. Participant feedback on the education program included physician and nursing input that the message was on point and validation of the need for these education sessions. Limitations encountered during the project included time constraints and resource availability, which were mitigated through strong administrative support and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recommendations include ongoing education programs and regular updates to the sepsis process map based on the latest evidence and expert outcomes, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing practice and aligning with the project site organization’s strategic plan to enhance pediatric sepsis awareness. The project contributed to positive social change for patients, families, and the project site organization
Strategies to Implement Performance Management Systems in Jamaica Sufficient to Increase Employee Engagement
Get PDFPerformance management system (PMS) implementation presents significant challenges for small business owners in Jamaica, often due to resource constraints and limited expertise. Effective PMS practices, however, are critical for fostering employee engagement, which enhances productivity, retention, and organizational sustainability. Grounded in the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies Jamaican small business owners use to implement PMS successfully. The participants included eight small business owners operating for at least 3 years. Data collection included semistructured interviews and reviews of publicly available organizational documents. Through thematic analysis, I identified four key themes: (a) continuous feedback and communication, (b) employee support and well-being, (c) performance monitoring and improvement, and (d) employee empowerment and autonomy. A key recommendation is for small business owners to provide formalized monthly feedback sessions to enhance continuous communication. The implications for positive social change include the potential for organizational leaders to promote employee well-being and foster community resilience by implementing effective performance management practices that support the success of their businesses
Exploring Interpersonal, Sexual, and Moral Development of Offending Clergy
Get PDFThis study explored the lived experiences of offender clergy through their childhood development. It specifically looked at the social, moral, and sexual development of these individuals. This phenomenological qualitative study provided insight into what, if anything, in their early moral, social, and sexual development could help shed light on their future behaviors and actions. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory guided this study by providing an understanding of how social learning throughout development can influence the formation of social, moral, and sexual behaviors later in life. The data were collected from reviewing existing material from existing diaries, interviews, and previously published studies. The information was coded and analyzed within the context of the social, moral, and sexual development of the participants. The findings indicated a similarity in themes across most, if not all, participants. The relative themes included religious moral upbringing, authoritarian fathers, sexuality is immoral, special maternal relationships, and awkward social relationships. Ramifications for positive social change included the understanding of the circumstances that may help shape an individual’s predisposition to commit these offenses while in positions of power. This will help form early intervention strategies and shift resources from reactionary to preventative measures
Timely Follow-Up Care After Discharge to Lower the Readmission Rate Among
Get PDFTimely follow-up care can avert patient readmission for older adults at risk of increased morbidities and mortalities. The target primary care clinic in the southwestern United States served a majority Hispanic population, whose readmission rates were higher than those of White or Black patients nationally. This quality-improvement (QI) project involved the evaluation of whether a new clinical practice guideline to require timely follow-up care was conducive to lowering patient readmission rates among Hispanic older adults 65 years of age and older. The practice-focused question concerned whether primary care providers’ use of a follow-up protocol within 7 days of discharge improved the quality of care and reduced readmission rates among older Hispanic patients. Before implementing the new protocol, an average of 13% of patients were readmitted over a 6-month period. Readmission cases to the hospital within 30 days of discharge postimplementation were significantly reduced to 5%. The chi-square value of 210.769 (df = 4, p \u3c .001) confirms the protocol\u27s effectiveness. The review of readmitted patients revealed a need for the refinement of clinical practice guidelines, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as those in the final stages of life. CHF and COPD patients had higher readmission rates despite transitional care. Evaluation of the transitional care protocol at this Southwest primary care clinic showed significant improvements in the management of hospital readmissions. The doctoral project established the importance of follow-up care for promoting positive social change, interprofessional collaboration, respect for diversity, health equity, and patient inclusion
Understanding COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitance Among Registered Nurses
Get PDFThe development of the COVID-19 vaccine, while hailed as a groundbreaking scientific achievement, also brought to light a discernible hesitance from registered nurses (RNs) regarding the vaccination. While extensive research has delved into the broader phenomenon of vaccination hesitancy, there remains a notable gap in comprehensively examining the specific lived experiences of RNs in relation to this hesitancy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of RNs contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitance within the context of the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and Roy’s adaptation model. TRA helped to guide this study in identifying the lived experience and meaning associated with COVID-19 vaccination hesitance among RNs. RAM complemented TRA in that the framework acknowledges that RNs are not separate from their environment and that this interrelatedness is reflected in attitude, experience, and intent toward a behavior. Through semistructured interviews, 10 participants were engaged in dialogue that resulted in the emergence of four major themes: (a) loss of autonomy, (b) concerns with safety, (c) confusion related to practices, and (d) varying forms of isolation. The insights from this research offer a foundation for positive social change and a call to action for healthcare leaders to understand better the complexities surrounding vaccine hesitancy, the unconscious biases exhibited, and how this impacts vaccine acceptance and contributes to maladaptive behaviors. Future research should include exploring specific demographics and professional factors. Additional investigation can explore a study of similar context but with a quantitative design to further enrich future discussions
Perceptions of Encouragement for Native American Women to Persist in Doctoral Programs
Get PDFThe problem addressed in this study is the underrepresentation of Native American women in doctoral programs in the United States. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore how encouragement in terms of support, confidence, hope, and advice received from family and tribe, friends and social circles, and faculty and college administrators influence the persistence of Native American women in their doctoral journeys. The conceptual framework for this study is the psychosociolcultural theory (PSC) to help examine the psychological, social, and cultural influences on the educational experiences of minority students in an educational setting. Data from eight interviews were collected and analyzed using coding, categories, and themes. The three themes are that Native American women confront the disdain of academic intimidation with humility, Native American women navigate the intersectionality of cultural obligations with ancestral wisdom, and Native American women confront the legacy of generational trauma with a sense of solidarity. Three recommendations for institutions were created from the themes: adopt a holistic approach for the encouragement to persist in the recruitment and retention of Native American women, communicate with Indigenous community members to ensure encouragement for Native American women to persist, and collaborate with Indigenous community members to enable encouragement for Native American women to persist. This study has the potential to foster positive social change by encouraging institutions to apply these findings to improve the representation of Native American women in doctoral programs in the United States
Lived Experiences Regarding Quality of Life for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Get PDFThe diagnosis of cancer and various treatment modalities are linked to psychological distress that generally produces a decline in emotional and physical health and quality of life. There is a need for more research geared to help these women with metastatic breast cancer have a better quality of life. Grounded in the theory of unpleasant symptoms, a descriptive qualitative study design was employed to narrow the knowledge gap. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of six participants. A descriptive coding process led to these emergent themes: consternation at the initial time of diagnosis, treatment modalities, side effects, perceived quality of life, resilience, the importance of family, friends, pets, and faith, and the healthcare team is dependable. Despite their diagnosis and struggling between side effects from treatments, they managed to continue with their lives and found strength from deep inside themselves. They relied on their support system, from family members to church friends. They had expressed that their healthcare teams were essential to their well-being, from the person who sits at the front desk to the person who draws their blood. They were grateful for the physicians and nurses who spent hours while they got their treatments and gave them moral support. Based on these results, caring for these patients promptly can positively impact and bring about positive social change as they integrate into society by being assisted in relieving their symptoms