Journal of Student Nursing Research: Volume 1, Issue 2
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01/01/2008
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Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
Publication The Importance of Being Measurable: Quantifying Nursing Quality(2008-09-09) Hoi, ElaineThrough a review of journal articles and other literature, this paper highlights some of the challenges and rewards of designing, implementing, and interpreting quantitative measurements of the contribution by registered nurses to the quality of care in an inpatient setting. As performance measurement becomes the standard response to the rising demand for high-quality and low-cost hospital care, the nursing profession has powerful incentives to develop and utilize nursing-sensitive quality indicators. Through the use of pilot studies, research, education, and practice can be applied towards developing nursing-sensitive quality indicators and measurement methodology. In this way, nurse researchers can work hand in hand with government agencies and hospital administrators to test and refine new approaches to measuring nursing contribution to patient health outcomes (some of which may be adapted from other disciplines) that will then be assessed thoroughly in other settings to determine their applicability on a wider scale.Publication Long Term Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Pediatric Bone Cancer: A Systematic Review(2008-09-09) Paul, Susan JPurpose: To evaluate the current evidence on quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes for survivors of pediatric bone cancer in the lower extremities and to ascertain whether limb-sparing surgery does indeed bestow an advantage to these survivors. Methods: A thorough search of the literature was conducted. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) published in the last 10 years in English, (b) focused upon patients diagnosed when they were < 25 years of age, and (c) focused on QOL and functional outcomes in pediatric bone cancer patients who underwent either limb-sparing surgery or amputation in their course of treatment. Results: Sixteen articles were found that fulfilled all inclusion criteria. No significant differences in QOL outcomes were found. However some differences were found in functional outcomes when pediatric bone cancer survivors were compared by tumor site. Survivors with more proximal tumors had better functional outcomes with limb-sparing sparing surgery than their counterparts with amputation. Conclusions: Future nursing research should focus on interventions to improve short and long term QOL in these patients, as no studies were found that addressed potential interventions.Publication Assessment of Physical Fitness of Girls on the Go Program Participants(2008-09-09) Ramsey-Lefevre, Allison; Volpe, Stella LuciaBackground: Less than half of children and adults meet physical activity recommendations. Effective interventions are especially needed to improve physical activity in African American females because they report less physical activity than their Caucasian and male counterparts. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the Girls on the Go after-school program on the physical fitness of its participants. Methods: Half-mile run times for "Girls on the Go" participants were collected at the beginning of the program and three months later at the conclusion of the program. Only three participants were present for both runs. Results: Due to the small sample size, no statistical analysis was conducted, but there appears to be no significant differences between pre- and post-tests. Discussion: Possible explanations for the lack of change from pre- to post-test are discussed. The results of this study could be used to inform further research.Publication Intrauterine Device Use in America: Cultural Barriers Propagated by Fear and Misinformation(2008-09-09) Wilson, Grace RThe intrauterine device (IUD) is the most popular form of reversible contraception in the world. The United States, however, has extremely low usage rates due to negative beliefs about the safety of its use. This article explores the reason for these false beliefs and why they are only found within the litigious culture of the United States. It seeks to quash the rumors of the danger of infertility by refuting evidence from several studies, including an assessment of the actual risks of using an IUD.Publication Empirical Analysis of Sterilization of Mentally Handicapped Individuals in the United States(2008-09-09) Begun, HeatherSterilization of mentally handicapped individuals occurs today despite little consensus in the medical community as to when sterilization is appropriate (Zurawin & Paransky, 2003). In addition, each state has different laws regarding sterilization of the mentally handicapped. Thus, nurses and nurse practitioners must navigate the complex social issues and legal uncertainties related to sterilization of the mentally handicapped. The purpose of this paper is to answer the following question: What is the current social climate associated with sterilization of mentally handicapped individuals?