Nursing - Student Works

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14078/69

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Physiology knowledge retention in third-year nursing students
(2023) Sharma, Prabal; Narnaware, Yuwaraj
There is a growing concern that medical, allied health & nursing students struggle to retain & apply physiological knowledge in the subsequent years of their disciplines (Narnaware & Neumeier, 2020). However, physiological knowledge retention has not been studied as extensively as anatomical knowledge retention in healthcare, with very few studies focusing on nursing students (Aari et al., 2004). The present study evaluates physiological knowledge retention in third-year nursing students. Students were quizzed on ten major organ systems using an online platform, Kahoot (Kahoot, Inc. Oslo, Norway). The results show that the mean class average in the first year was 64.9 ± 10.5 (±SD), which significantly (P<0.05) decreased to 50.95 ± 9.2 (±SD) in the third year. This equates to a knowledge retention rate of 88.1% or 11.9% knowledge loss within three years. Organ-specific knowledge retention was the highest for inflammation (100%), respiratory physiology (99.10%), and vascular physiology (95.01%), followed by blood (89.16%), digestive physiology (86.28%), endocrinology (83.76%), defences (82.50%) and renal physiology (82.19%). Retention was comparatively lower for fluid and electrolyte balance (79.36%) and reproductive physiology (77.54%). Although organ-specific knowledge retention was found, this study identifies the potential gaps in knowledge retention, which helps develop an effective and robust interventional strategy to improve knowledge retention in nursing students.
BMI and labour: how does obesity in pregnancy affect intrapartum outcomes for pregnant patients?
(2023) Glew, Erin; Goulding, Karissa; Le, Don; Popiel, Helena; Walker, Samantha; Croxen, Hanneke
A significant number of Canadians are considered obese or overweight; however, there is minimal accessible research which describes the impact that obesity has on labour and delivery. Our group members conducted a thorough literature review to investigate how obesity in pregnancy affects intrapartum outcomes for pregnant patients. Using CINAHL and EBSCO, a boolean search was conducted, using keywords including pregnancy, obesity, C-section, labour, postpartum hemorrhage, respiratory, and similar terms. We limited the search results to those with a publishing date from 2010-2022 and from peer-reviewed journals. Twelve research articles were utilized. Research analysis found that obesity during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, cesarean sections, intrapartum hypertension, and hypoventilation syndrome. It is concluded that maternal obesity is correlated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes during the intrapartum period. Because of this high risk for complications, pregnant patients who are obese should be considered high-risk pregnancies. Further research should be conducted to research the effect of gestational weight gain on intrapartum outcomes for pregnant patients.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a predictor of homelessness in mothers: a narrative review
(2022) Kohler, Ashley; Reisdorfer, Emilene
Increasingly, research is conducted focusing on mothers and families experiencing homelessness. Mothers experiencing homelessness present as a uniquely vulnerable population. Current research tends to focus on the immediate factors causing homelessness like loss of employment, intimate partner violence, and other economic pressures. The aim of this integrative review was to analyze what research is currently available regarding the lifelong experiences that lead mothers into homelessness. The focus is on the predictability of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a contributing factor of homelessness during adulthood. After the initial search on CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX databases, 303 studies were retrieved, and 9 of those studies were included in this project after further screening. These studies were analyzed for repeating patterns, similarities, and differences. The findings lay groundwork for future research in nursing and interdisciplinary health professions. Future directions should consider early nursing intervention in childhood as a preventative measure of family homelessness. Additionally, knowing that ACEs are a predictor of homelessness could assist nurses in tailoring trauma informed treatment when working with homeless families.
Ethical dilemmas and considerations for nurses during the MAID process: a literature review
(2022-11-11) Hoyer, Kaitlyn; Reisdorfer, Emilene
This literature review aims to investigate the ethical dilemmas nurses face following the legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada and identifies recommendations to mitigate moral distress felt within the nursing community. The CINAHL database was used to conduct a search for primary studies inclusive of MAID relating to the ethics within nursing and published since 2018. From the search results, three peer-reviewed articles were used to compare and contrast the ethical dilemmas that have arised from MAID within the nursing community. A vast majority of the moral conflicts presented are rectifiable and have occurred due to misinformation, lack of adequate education, distress caused by misunderstandings and judgment, and a lack of collegial support. To mitigate these moral tensions, it is recommended that education and training on MAID be implemented, as well as opening up conversations about ethics and MAID to help ensure nurses feel supported emotionally and professionally throughout the MAID process.
Perceptions of clients about healthcare professionals (HCP) who have visible body art: a scoping review of the literature
(2022) Graff, Sheri; Wildeman, Amy; Reisdorfer, Emilene
In healthcare, appearance plays a significant role in a patient's first impression of a healthcare worker's competence, compassion, performance, and quality of care. Given that nurses are an essential part of the patient care team, it is imperative for nurses and other healthcare providers to recognize the use of personal expressions such as tattoos while still being able to achieve therapeutic relationships with clients. This scoping review aims to answer the following question: What is known from the existing literature about clients' perceptions about healthcare professionals who have visible body art? Keywords included terms related to body art, healthcare professionals, and to perceptions and understanding. A total of 435 studies published until January 2022 were identified, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. Out of eight studies included in this review, six identified that body art is negatively associated with patient care, and two found there is no impact on body art and patient perceptions. Additionally, results show that clients attribute a higher degree of professionalism to HCP without visible body art. Finally, some studies indicate that female HCP with visible tattoos were perceived as being less professional than their male counterparts. It is essential to understand patient perceptions of healthcare professionals with and without body art and determine if appearances can alter the relationship between patient and provider.
Stereotypes and microaggressions: racist subtleties in the healthcare setting
(2021) Sohanpal, Amrita
Racism in the clinical setting is a complex, and often overlooked, reality that affects minority patients' health in varying degrees. From blatant bigotry to elusive forms of prejudice, clinicians can exhibit personal biases that often result in dire consequences for the patient. This paper explores some of the subtler forms of discrimination experienced by patients of colour, namely, stereotypes and microaggressions. Clinical examples of these phenomena are discussed, along with possible solutions, directed towards both clinicians and patients, that can lead to improved health outcomes of racial minorities in the healthcare environment.
Exploring mental health disorders and creativity
(2020) Silverstone, Olivia
The cognitive issues that occur in most individuals who have mental health illnesses are well recognized. However, it is increasingly recognized that in a few individuals the presence of a mental health illness is closely connected with significant artistic originality and success. This has been seen in painting, music, and other arts, and it appears increasingly likely that the mental health illness is a pre-requisite to these individuals, such as Van Gogh, reaching such extraordinary artistic heights.
Blended learning across the nursing lifespan
(2018) Tougas, Sarah; Berga, Keri-Ann
Blended learning (BL) uses a combination of online and face-to-face instruction, with a reduction in face-to-face contact time. BL is intended to mitigate some of the challenges associated with online-only instruction, such as a lack of personalization, while improving flexibility when compared to face-to-face instruction. As the demographics of nurses and nursing students change, it is essential that nursing education is able to meet their needs. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the literature available on the use of BL as an instructional method for undergraduate, masters, and doctoral nursing programs as well as continued education of Registered Nurses (RNs) throughout their career. The results suggest that BL is at least as effective as traditional delivery methods and may offer additional advantages such as increased satisfaction and critical thinking for students. More rigorous research of BL in the field of nursing is required to further explore the effects.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)
(2018) Khaira, Jasmine; Carlson, Susan
One of the biggest upcoming health concern that will be seen with legalizing marijuana is CHS. Chronic use of marijuana leads to CHS, which is “characterized by cyclical vomiting and compulsive bathing behaviors in chronic cannabis users” (Alberta Health Services, n.d.). Marijuana affects the brain and body leading to short-term, long-term health and mental health effects such as confusion, fatigue, decreased blood pressure, decreased memory and concentration, lung infections, and chronic cough (Health Canada, 2017). By legalizing marijuana health effects will be seen in the adolescent population. ”Younger persons have a higher rate of cannabis use and an increased risk for CHS (Ittner, 2016, p.3). Brian development takes place during the adolescent period and the cannabis affects brain development and function (Health Canada, 2017). Hence, legalizing marijuana indicates increased use resulting in increased health concerns such as addictions and mental health. There are currently no Alberta Health Services (AHS) patient handouts available after discharge regarding management of symptoms, prevention, and when to return to the emergency department. Staff awareness of the condition and treatment recommendations will aid in standardized and expedited care of patients.
Trend of parental refusal or delay of childhood vaccinations
(2016) Daoust, Meagan Marie
The healthcare trend of parental refusal or delay of childhood vaccinations will be investigated through a complex Cynefin Framework component in an economic and educational context, allowing patterns to emerge that suggest recommendations of change for the RN role and healthcare system. As a major contributing factor adding complexity to this trend, social media is heavily used for health related knowledge, making it is difficult to determine which information is most trustworthy. Missed opportunities for immunization can result, leading to economic and health consequences for the healthcare system and population. Through analysis of the powerful impact social media has on this evolving trend and public health, an upstream recommendation for RNs to respond with is to utilize reliable social media to the parents’ advantage within practice. The healthcare system should focus on incorporating vaccine-related education into existing programs and classes offered to parents, and implementing new vaccine classes for the public.
Weight implications on pregnancy outcomes
(2016) Carter, Lindsay Elizabeth
The incidence of rising weight in reproducing women has potential for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, both short and long term. The purpose of the project was to identify the extent of potential implications resulting from maintaining a body mass index larger than 25 throughout a pregnancy. Select authors have conducted quantitative, retrospective cohort studies by requesting participants to complete a questionnaire during pregnancy providing information on variables of social determinants of health with a control study of woman with a BMI under 25 and excluding mothers without a recorded BMI in antenatal records and mothers with pre-existing diabetes. Research resulted in overarching implications for both maternal and fetal well-being with added potential burden on the health care system. Neonate’s born under influence of a maternal BMI larger than 25 risk complications including preterm birth, congenital anomalies, fetal macrosomia, and death. Mothers are at increased risk for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, caesarian section and require more healthcare services. Continued longitudinal studies may provide greater insight into the life course trajectories of children born under such circumstances, and offer interventions appropriate to aid consequences of weight implications on pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, additional studies on appropriate and safe interventions throughout the pregnancy may minimize potential risks on maternal and fetal well-being. This discussion is designed to explain the gravity of weight juxtaposed with pregnancy, and provide strategies aimed at optimizing health outcomes.
Effects of cigarette smoking in adults
(2016) Chan, Lana Lan
First-hand cigarette smoking is known to result in adverse health effects in adults, influencing wellbeing physically and mentally. The most prevalent physical consequences are cardiovascular diseases, cancer of the throat and oral cavities, diseases of the bowel, eye, respiratory system, and reproductive system. Arguably, direct effects of tobacco smoking have been said to affect mental aspects of wellbeing such as depression, mood, and anxiety disorders. Undoubtedly smoking comes with many negative effects, but with implementation of smoking cessation strategies, it is possible to strengthen the overall health and wellbeing of smokers. As such, Health Canada recognizes the many health benefits associated with smoking cessation, by delivering health-promoting campaigns that strongly urge, it is not too late to quit.
Population aging and the future of Canadian healthcare
(2016) Bezuko, Jane
The population of the world is aging, and the aging population should not be considered to be an insignificant contributor to increasing healthcare costs in Canada. This paper will explore the effects of aging on the healthcare system in Canada, and will address issues such as chronic illnesses associated with aging, fragmentation of healthcare services, use of an acute care model, and lack of specialized gerontological nursing education programs as contributing factors to why aging is a significant cost driver in healthcare. In addition, this paper will provide recommendations to transform Canada’s healthcare system in order to deliver sustainable and cost-effective healthcare for all.
Generalized anxiety disorder
(2017) Thomas, Jillian; Eklund-Moore, Tracey
This poster will explore the assessment, treatment and health promotion strategies individuals and health care practitioners can employ for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This poster will highlight important background information explaining the nature of GAD, potential risk factors, diagnostic criteria, treatment options and health promotion techniques for GAD using current evidence based research from multiple sources. Lastly, this poster will also discuss individual and healthcare professional team perspectives on available treatment and self care to promote holistic health and person centered care for individuals experiencing anxiety.
Aboriginal women experiencing violence
(2014) Heavener, Andrea
This paper examines the high rate of violence against Aboriginal women in Canada through a socio-ecological viewpoint. It discusses various factors contributing to the high rates of violence, from personal to societal. Implications for nursing education, practice, and research are also discussed in this paper.
Overcoming the complexities of mental illness among the homeless
(2014) Dost, Chelsea Lee
Mental illness and homelessness are inextricably tied together in a way that has created a costly problem which profoundly affects both individuals and society. To begin to eradicate this problem, the severity and complexity must be understood by considering the many contributing factors to both mental illness and homelessness. Care must be individualized to fit each person’s unique situation, and continuity of care is absolutely critical. This problem has ramifications for many disciplines such as healthcare, social work, corrections, and housing, but stigma in the general population must also be addressed if progress is to be made.

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