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Nursing - Student Works

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    Are nursing students really deep learners?
    (2025) Burden, Sarah; Ukrainetz, Kiara; Narnaware, Raj; Neumeier, Melanie; Cuschieri, Sarah
    Surface and deep learning approaches significantly influence nursing students’ educational outcomes and clinical readiness. Surface learning emphasizes rote memorization, often leading to limited application in real-world settings. In contrast, deep learning fosters critical thinking, integration of knowledge, and practical skills essential for patient care. Recent studies (e.g., Dolmans et al., 2016; Khong & Tanner, 2024) highlight that active learning strategies and reflective practices enhance deep learning in nursing curricula. This abstract evaluates evidence-based approaches to promote deep learning, including problem-based learning and blended educational models, ensuring nursing students are equipped to meet complex healthcare demands.
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    Harnessing generative AI (Gen AI) in healthcare: transformative implications for nursing education
    (2025) Mann, Taij; Burden, Sarah; Ukrainetz, Kiara; Narnaware, Raj; Neumeier, Melanie
    The implication of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning human anatomy in medicine, allied health and nursing disciplines is highly debated but remains unclear. Our study aims to explore the extent and capacity that AI has been incorporated in the teaching and learning in nursing education compared to medicine and allied health disciplines. Qualitative analysis using databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, BNI, and Google Scholar related to AI use was conducted in our study. Our findings will explore current applications, identify research gaps, and highlight opportunities for advancing AI in nursing education
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    Identifying gaps in care upon discharge from inpatient psychiatry settings to the community
    (2025) Kapty, Connor
    This literature review examines gaps in care within healthcare systems that negatively impact service users as they transition from inpatient psychiatric settings to community settings. Topics such as historical contexts, readmission rates, intrapersonal factors, and institutional limitations are taken into account to explain the complex relationship between community and inpatient psychiatric services and how they influence current gaps in care. Interventions to address these limitations are explored, which is aimed at examining different models of care and their subsequent impact on gaps in care. In these interventions, concepts such as continuity of care and therapeutic relationships are then proposed as vital factors when addressing gaps in care. Finally, this literature review suggests areas for future research to improve upon gaps in care.
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    Analyzing Alberta's proposed exit from the Canada Pension Plan: a bureaucratic caring perspective
    (2025) Goulding, Karissa; Nasedkin, Stefan; Hartman, Dawson
    This paper explores the potential health impacts of Alberta's proposed withdrawal from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) on Canadian seniors, focusing on the economic, political, and educational domains of Ray's Theory of Bureaucratic Caring (TBC). We analyze data from Statistics Canada and nursing and health science literature to discern the interplay between CPP income and health outcomes. The economic domain discussion highlights the importance of solidarity and caring for others as a basis for reciprocity in creating a more caring and stable economic environment. The political domain explores how political literacy and nursing advocacy can integrate caring principles into policy decisions. In the educational domain, we examine the role of nursing faculties in fostering political literacy to include caring principles in policy discussions. We propose restructuring nursing curricula to bridge the gap between caring principles and political action. We also advocate for Health Impact Assessments to inform policy decisions, aligning them with Ray's TBC. The implications include the need for informed nursing advocacy, political education, and a caring approach to economic decisions. Future work involves assessing the impact of an Alberta Pension Plan on Albertan and Canadian seniors' well-being and promoting a compassionate and equitable society through care-informed policies.
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    2040: climate change documentary analysis
    (2025) Louey, Taylor R.; Eng, Alena; Hang, Jimmy; Kaur, Jaismeen; Nixon, Katelyn; Sperling, Katlynn
    This paper examines the impacts of climate change on human health and well-being, utilizing insights from the documentary 2040, directed by David Gameau. It explores how agriculture and ocean ecosystems can contribute to climate change mitigation. While the agricultural industry is a significant source of emissions, it is also particularly vulnerable to climate impacts (Gameau, 2019). Rising ocean temperatures and acidification threaten biodiversity and disrupt vital ocean circulation (Gameau, 2019). This paper highlights the interrelation of climate change, planetary health, and human well-being and advocates for a multisectoral approach. It emphasizes strategies like sustainable agriculture and marine permaculture alongside adaptation measures to reduce vulnerability. This research accentuates the importance of environmental justice and the need for equitable and inclusive climate action. Through examination of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as zero hunger and responsible consumption, this paper identifies crucial intervention areas. Recommendations include reducing waste, promoting sustainable consumption, and implementing upstream policies to support climate mitigation. The research highlights the urgent need for global action to combat climate change and protect human health for future generations. Given the climate crisis's implications for nursing practice, adopting planetary nursing approaches is essential to safeguard both the planet and its population.
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    An investigation into the correlation between social media usage and a low self-esteem score
    (2025) Laghari, Nazia; Fedoruk, John
    The average time spent daily on social media is roughly 2 ½ hours; such an amount of exposure can cause detriment to an individual’s self-esteem (Chaffey, 2022). A correlation study is conducted to determine if there is an association between social media usage and low self-esteem scores. Participants anonymously self-reported both variables through a Google form that was distributed via convenience sampling. Self-esteem was measured through the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and time spent on networking sites was measured by daily and weekly usage. Microsoft Excel was used to construct a linear regression model and other statistical tests (ie, computing Pearson R-value). An insignificant association was found between the two variables; daily usage of Instagram and TikTok revealed a positive correlation strength of 0.205, while weekly use had a negative correlation strength of 0.172. It must be advised that there are several limitations in this study, thus the findings are in no way conclusive.
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    Literature review of the stigma of people experiencing homelessness
    (2024) Laitres, Karina
    I live in a community with a large homeless population. I witness and take part in conversations with community members and have noted that a seemingly large portion of them have little empathy, education, or understanding of what it means to be homeless. These conversations are often very polarizing, as there are many stigmas regarding the homeless population. I am passionate about promoting change. I want to educate the community, to help them understand and have empathy. In my attempt to decrease the stigmas that homeless people face, I have completed a literature review to research what these stigmas are and how to address them effectively. I aim to find ways to most effectively educate my community on homelessness.
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    Research recast(ed): S3E16 - Student Research Day: student research spotlight - Karrissa Goulding and Dawson Hartman, Ashley Platz, and Kayla Friesen
    (2024) Leschyshyn, Brooklyn; Smadis, Natalie; Goulding, Karrissa; Hartman, Dawson; Platz, Ashley
    In today’s episode, we are joined by three student researchers here at MacEwan: Karrissa Goulding and Dawson Hartman on the impacts of Alberta’s pension plan, Ashley Platz on cultural differences in book stores, and Kayla Friesen on how marketing can save lives.
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    What are the maternal and child health impacts of cannabis use during pregnancy?
    (2024) Jelinski, Jadyn; Mehling, Jordan; Nelson, Asha; Osborne, Tori; Taylor, Aleena; Croxen, Hanneke
    With the increasing use of cannabis since its legalization in Canada in 2018, this poster highlights the maternal and child health effects of cannabis consumption during pregnancy. Numerous scientific databases were used to collect information on potential neonatal and childhood developmental outcomes and consequences of cannabis use when chestfeeding. Risk factors and motivations for cannabis use in pregnancy, as well as possible antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum effects on the pregnant individual are also discussed. Based on the literature, recommendations are made regarding prenatal cannabis use.
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    A risky gamble on our national health: examining Alberta’s proposed exit from the Canadian Pension Plan
    (2023) Goulding, Karissa; Hansen, Natalie; Hartman, Dawson; Nasedkin, Stefan; Lauer, Camryn; Wadams, Morgan
    Alberta's proposed withdrawal from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is of significant importance due to its potential impact on the health outcomes of older adults in Canada. This presentation examines the potential health inequities that could arise from a reduction in CPP funds for seniors in and outside Alberta after a potential implementation of an Alberta Pension Plan (APP). The background encompasses the history and success of the CPP in reducing poverty rates among seniors. It also addresses the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the transition to an APP, particularly in light of economic shifts such as the impending decline of Alberta's oil industry and rising inflation rates. Considering health as a holistic state of well-being, we propose the use of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to analyze the potential health outcomes of Alberta's departure from the CPP. Furthermore, we advocate for increased collaboration between federal and provincial health ministers and health leaders to ensure that all policies are screened for their potential impact on population health, with a focus on protecting the needs of vulnerable groups such as seniors. Overall, this presentation highlights the importance of evidence-based analysis and proactive policymaking to address the potential health repercussions of changes to pension plans affecting Canadian seniors.
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    How much physiology do fourth year nursing students really remember?
    (2024) Purani, Sharlini; Narnaware, Yuwaraj; Neumeier, Melanie; Cuschieri, Sarah; Chahal, Paul
    There is a growing concern that nursing students struggle to retain adequate physiological knowledge throughout their program to meet their entry to practice competencies. However, how much and when this knowledge is lost over a four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is yet to be evaluated. According to Narnaware Y. 2021, physiological knowledge retention has yet to be studied as comprehensively as anatomical knowledge retention in healthcare disciplines, including nursing programs. This study aims to assess the extent of physiological knowledge decline among nursing students by their fourth year. It is evaluated by comparing their understanding of physiological knowledge in the first year after their physiology course and the fourth year after completing their Critical Care nursing course. Physiological knowledge loss was assessed in fourth-year nursing students by quizzing them on ten organ systems using the online quizzing platform – Kahoot. About nine to eleven knowledge and comprehension-level multiple-choice questions were delivered. These scores were then compared to first-year quiz scores on the same content to determine overall knowledge loss over three years. The data was analyzed by using SPSS II and compared using 2-sample t-tests. The findings of this research illustrate a general reduction in knowledge loss, with variations in the decline specific to each system. In medical and allied health students, the knowledge loss was significantly lower than previously reported (Pourshanazari et al., 2013). Compared to the third year, knowledge loss in the fourth year, however, is not significantly different (Narnaware et al., 2021).
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    The lived experience of being a caregiver for a family member with a terminal illness
    (2024) Diaz Cortes, Kathleen; McKendrick-Calder, Lisa
    Family Caregivers are the invisible healthcare providers within our society, comprising a substantial portion of the population, with 1 in 4 Canadians stepping into this role at some point in their lives. Often, when we hear of death, our first instinct is to avoid its path, but for caregivers of terminally ill loved ones, confronting mortality is an unavoidable reality. Caring for a terminally ill family member carries unique challenges and responsibilities and places significant demands on caregivers, who play a vital yet often overlooked role. Despite their indispensable role, caregivers' experiences are not fully understood, and nurses lack the necessary tools and knowledge to support them adequately. We will be exploring the lived experiences and responsibilities of caregivers for terminally ill family members, shedding light on the physical, emotional, and financial burdens they bear. Through a comprehensive exploration of the literature, we will uncover caregivers' multifaceted roles, from providing physical care and emotional support to serving as advocates and decision-makers. We will then discuss the profound impact of caregiving demands on caregivers' physical and mental health. By gaining a deeper understanding of their experiences, we can better equip healthcare professionals and the healthcare system to meet family caregivers' needs. Additionally, this research allows us to examine how we may address the system to support this population. Given that anyone may find themselves in a caregiving position at some point in their lives, this topic holds profound implications for all individuals, making it an imperative area of study and intervention.
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    Will virtual labs replace cadavers in the future of nursing curriculum?
    (2024) Ukrainetz, Kiara; Narnaware, Yuwaraj; Neumeier, Melanie; Cushieri, Sarah; Narnaware, Yuwaraj
    With the decreased use of Cadavers in anatomy classes across Canadian nursing programs due to strict ethical approvals, lack of donors' programs, lab space, and reduced dissection hours, universities must find alternative methods to deliver practical and realistic learning (Narnaware & Neumeier, 2021). Very few nursing programs across Canada are using the Anatomage Table (AT) as an alternative method of teaching and learning in anatomy and physiology despite its life size, realistic, and interactive way to dissect, explore, and understand the human body (Narnaware & Neumeier, 2021). However, using the AT is limited to classroom teaching and cannot be accessed offsite or outside class hours. In our preliminary qualitative study, virtualized laboratory sessions available to students outside the classroom and the freedom to complete the laboratory sessions on one's schedule have proven effective at improving nursing students' understanding and knowledge of t he body. In this study, a Google survey on 15 virtual labs was given to anatomy students in the Fall of 2023. The virtual labs consisted of realistic histology of body tissue and 3D interactive models of body systems. Overall, the majority (74.9%) of students reported that the virtual labs significantly improved their understanding of the body's tissues, and 76.4% of students recommend using virtual labs to future students. The overall response was positive. Virtual labs have proven effective at increasing understanding of the human body and should be included in the anatomy curriculum in the future.
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    Research recast(ed): S2E18 - Student Research Day: student research spotlight - Katryna Yasinski, Madison Karpiak, and Amy Wildeman
    (2023) Miskiman, Megan; Schabert, Reinette; Yasinski, Katryna; Karpiak, Madison; Wildeman, Amy
    In today’s episode, we are joined by three student researchers here at MacEwan: Katryna Yasinski from the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications, Madison Karpiak from the Faculty of Arts and Science, and Amy Wildeman from the Faculty of Nursing.
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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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.