Publications

Abstract

This article discusses opportunities for nurse practitioner and community health nurse partnerships in patient care. Financial incentives in a restructured health delivery system will increase access to community-based care. The authors argue that case management will be greatly enhanced by clinical partnerships and a direct reimbursement of nurse practitioner and primary care providers.

Abstract

The relative impact of various nursing care delivery models and management interventions on nurse satisfaction was assessed in 37 New Jersey hospitals. Nurses ranked pay as the most important factor, followed by autonomy and professional status. Changes in scores between pilot and comparison units were significantly different for satisfaction with interactions and task requirements. Change in satisfaction with interaction was significant for all initiatives in aggregate, as well as for each of the five types of initiatives separately. The change in satisfaction with task requirements was significant for all initiatives taken as a group and for those units that implemented reorganization, computer, and education initiatives. Even among nurses who eventually liked the new environment there was a period of initial dissatisfaction.

Abstract

The 1976-1980 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that an estimated 34 million adults (26%) between the ages of 20 and 75 are obese. The health implications of obesity are well known and contribute to the increased morbidity and early mortality in those who are affected. As a result, obesity has become a public health concern that has been targeted as a national health objective in Healthy People 2000. The overall health objective, related to the problem of overweight in adults, is to reduce the prevalence from 26% to < 20%.

Abstract

Worldwide, squamous cell cervical cancer and intraepithelial lesions (SIL) are a major source of morbidity and mortality. Compared to women in general, women with human immunodeficiency syndromes (HIV) are at higher risk of developing SIL. With the HIV epidemic escalating among women, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality related to SIL are likely to increase unless adequate prevention and detection programs are mounted. Consequently, this article provides background information for the design of such programs, focusing on selected biochemical risk factors and natural history of SIL in women infected with HIV (HIV+) and women in general (HIV-). Current screening policies are described, and implications for nursing research and policy are discussed.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish construct validity of the Haber Level of Differentiation of Self Scale (LDSS) that measures selected aspects of the construct, differentiation of self, the key concept of the Bowen Theory. During stage one of this study, a 32-item Likert-type LDSS, which contained two subscales, Emotional Maturity, (EM), and Emotional Dependency (ED), was administered to 372 volunteer subjects. Factor analytic and correlational findings indicated support for a 24-item unidimensional rather than a 32-item two subscale instrument. Recalculation of coefficient alpha (.90) also supported the unidimensional structure of the LDSS. During stage two of this study, the revised 24-item LDSS was administered to 372 volunteer subjects, who also completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Life Experience Survey, and the Behavior Checklist. Hypotheses predicted that there would be negative relationships between differentiation of self and trait anxiety, state anxiety, adult psychological dysfunction, and negative impact stress. Findings indicate support for all hypotheses at the p < .01 level of significance or greater. Data from this study suggest that the 24-item LDSS is a valid and reliable unidimensional family assessment tool that accurately measures specific aspects of the construct, differentiation of self. The LDSS can be used by nurses and other professionals to assess individual and family functioning in a variety of health care settings.

Abstract

In this article, the authors report on part one of a three-part investigation studying the impact of bedside terminals at New York University Medical Center, New York, NY. Using a before-after parallel control-group design, the quality of computerized nursing documentation was studied before and after adding computers to patient rooms. The quality of documentation was defined by timeliness and completeness of data. The study hypothesis, which predicted a positive relationship between the presence of bedside terminals and the quality of nursing documentation, was not supported. Study results showed a minimal use of the computer terminals located in patient rooms. A surprising result was the use of terminals located in rooms other than that of the patient for which documentation was made.

Abstract

This article explores the gap that currently exists between nursing research and nursing practice. The aim is to promote the conversion of new knowledge into practical innovations. Barriers to research utilization in practice settings come from both the academic and clinical arenas. Innovative models and strategies are needed to overcome these barriers. The purposes and value of research utilization and the clinical and academic strategies that facilitate research are discussed. Supporting clinical studies are provided as exemplars.