IU Indianapolis ScholarWorks :: Browsing by Author "Sims, Sharon L."

Browsing by Author "Sims, Sharon L."

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Adolescent Birth Mothers After Unintended Pregnancy and Infant Open Adoption
(2009-12-08T19:11:56Z) Clutter, Lynn B.; Sims, Sharon L.
Birth mothers of open adoption are not well studied. This inquiry explored birth mothers’ experiences surrounding unintended pregnancy and infant open adoption placement. The focused objective was to describe adolescent birth mothers’ lives following pregnancy and adoption placement. This qualitative study used naturalistic inquiry, with participants giving 1 to 2 hour tape recorded telephone interviews. Verbatim transcripts were de-identified and systematically analyzed. Birth mother samples were at either 1 to 5 years or 5 to 15 years after infant open adoption placement. Overall both samples chronicled stories from preconception through current life. Birth mothers of both samples were unanimous in their support of open adoption. The sample of 10 birth mothers who were interviewed 1 to 5 years postplacement shared life descriptions from prepregnancy; pregnancy with the decision for open adoption placement and choice of adoptive family; birth in context with the adoptive parents and birth child; postpartum and discharge. Postplacing birth mother findings were presented using the acronym AFRESH: A–adoption accomplishments; F–fresh start; R–relationships; E–emotions; S–support; H–healing. Personal, social, and relational benefits of open adoption far outweighed pregnancy, birth, and emotional challenges. Even though the process and outcome were “hard,” and included personal obstacles, the open adoption placement was “best.” Birth children were viewed as thriving, blossoming, and having a wonderful life. Adoptive families were cherished like those of extended family. Birth mothers thought health care providers should share the option, and then provide adoption friendly care. They also would advise pregnant teens to choose open adoption. Results from the 5 to 15 years postplacement sample of 5 birth mothers yielded themes of (1) satisfaction about decision for open adoption, choice of adoptive couple, and seeing a thriving birth child; (2) personal milestone accomplishments in education, finances, work, life, and relationships; (3) a sustaining sense of being a better person with an improved life; and (4) the essential need for support during and after the process.
The Everyday Lives of Adolescent Girls with Epilepsy: A Qualitative Description
(2009-11-04T18:21:53Z) MacLeod, Jessica S.; Swenson, Melinda M.; Foote, Carrie; Austin, Joan Kessner; Sims, Sharon L.
This study is a qualitative description of the everyday lives of adolescent girls with epilepsy. The primary purpose of the research was to determine whether or not elements of stigma were present in narratives about participants’ day-to-day living. The researcher used open-ended and semi-structured interview techniques in a series of interviews with four adolescent girls with epilepsy. Elements of stigma were present in some of the constructed themes; however, the researcher also uncovered other unexpected themes. Themes constructed by the researcher included: 1) I Am Like Everyone Else (Except for my Seizures); 2) There are Worse Things than Epilepsy; 3) My Parents Trust Me; 4) Am I Having a Seizure?; 5) Bullying Because of Seizures; 6) Bullying Because of Something other than Seizures; 7) Coping with Bullying; 8) Academic Difficulties;9) Disclosure Management; 10) Seizures are Scary to Have and to See; and 11)If I have a Seizure, Don’t Attract Attention to Me! The researcher considers topics thought to be important to adolescents with epilepsy about which the participants kept silent. The researcher makes suggestions about how the research can be used to improve health care practice and guide educational policies for adolescent students with epilepsy. Based on the findings, the researcher suggests areas for future research in nursing and educational policy.
Experiencing narrative pedagogy
(2014-11) Bowles, Wendy S.; Sims, Sharon L.; Ironside, Pamela M.; Swenson, Melinda M.; Smith, Joshua
The role of the nurse has changed dramatically in the past twenty years with increasing complexity of patient care and a rapidly changing health care environment. In addition to the challenges noted regarding patient care, problems with increasing medical errors were noted in the literature specific to graduates in their first year as a nurse. Research in particular to nursing education provides a way for nurse educators to become more astute at addressing problems pervading the role of the new nursing graduate. Narrative Pedagogy was identified as a research-based nursing pedagogy and has been researched and enacted for more than a decade. Out of the Narrative Pedagogy research, the Concernful Practices emerged identifying what was considered meaningful to nursing education by teachers, students, and clinicians. Listening was one of the Concernful Practices and became the focus of this study. The research question addressed the “How do nurse educators who enable Narrative Pedagogy experience Listening: knowing and connecting?” This was a hermeneutic phenomenological study in which ten nurse educators shared their experiences. The two themes that emerged from the study included: Listening as Dialogue and Listening as Attunement. The findings of this study provided a different way of thinking about teaching and learning that encompasses so much more than merely a strategy or outcome-based approach. The implications of this study offer nurse educators insight about opening a dialogue that draws attention to the realities of the role of the nurse responding to multiple patients with complex health conditions.
Experiencing Narrative Pedagogy: Conversations with Nurse Educators
(2013-04-01) Stoltzfus, Ruth A.; Swenson, Melinda M.; Sims, Sharon L.; Ironside, Pamela M.; Smith, Joshua
The increasingly complex nature of health care requires nursing graduates, upon completion of their formal education, to be fully capable of providing safe and competent patient care. Accrediting bodies for schools of nursing have challenged nursing education to develop and implement innovative, research-based pedagogies that engage students in learning. Narrative Pedagogy is an innovative approach to teaching and learning developed by Nancy Diekelmann after many years of researching nursing education using Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology. As a new paradigm for teachers and students gathering in learning, Narrative Pedagogy is understood to be both a strategy and a philosophy of teaching. Narrative Pedagogy as a strategy provides an approach using the interpretation of clinical stories to better understand the experience of the patient, the nurse, and the family. Narrative Pedagogy as a philosophy of teaching offers Diekelmann’s Concernful Practices as a way of comportment for teachers and students as they gather in learning and teachers as they incline toward teaching narratively. This hermeneutic phenomenological study examined the experience of Nurse Educators with Narrative Pedagogy. Findings include overarching Pattern: Narrative Pedagogy as Bridge. Two themes are: 1) Students and teachers gathering in learning, and 2) Inclining toward teaching with Narrative Pedagogy. Positive teaching experiences and positive learning experiences with Narrative Pedagogy will advance the science of nursing education by adding to the body of knowledge of alternative pedagogies.
The lived experience of obtaining required childhood vaccinations from Latino immigrants’ perspective
(2014-07-07) deRose, Barbara Sue; Sims, Sharon L.; Sloan, Rebecca S.; Mays, Rose M.; Ward, Richard E.
Vaccinations are an important step in preventing childhood illnesses and disease outbreaks in the community. Complete immunizations before school assure eligibility for enrollment and protect children against severe illness. The fact that foreign-born children of Latino immigrants face health disparities in receiving vaccinations is well documented. However, there is little information in the literature about the actual experience of immigrants facing the complexities of the health system, and through their eyes, which factors ultimately affect vaccination rates of immigrant Latino children. The purpose of this study is to give voice to Latino immigrant families who have recently immigrated to the United States, in terms of the issues they encountered when engaging the health care system for vaccinations.
Nurses' experiences of the practice of the PeerSpirit Circle model from a Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutic perspective
(2013-10-07) Lombard, Kristen Cronk; Horton-Deutsch, Sara L.; Pesut, Daniel J.; Sims, Sharon L.; Spence, Deborah
The PeerSpirit Circle is a non-hierarchical, intentional, and relationship-centered practice of collaboration. There is a lack of scientific knowledge about the phenomenon of the PeerSpirit Circle in nursing or its potential impact on nursing practice, education, research, and the evolution of the profession and health care. The health care milieu is often entrenched in ways of being that do not support sustained change. For vitality to prosper and creativity to abound, paradigmatic shifts and new models of practice that emphasize collaboration are being called for. The purpose and aims of this phenomenological research study are to explore and give voice to the experiences of nurses who have participated in the PeerSpirit Circle model of practice with other nurses. The study includes interviews from five registered nurses from Canada and the United States conducted from 2009–2010 and interpreted from a Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutic perspective. The research findings reveal three themes: (1) experiencing the Circle container” where participants begin to understand the value of intentional preparation of the interpersonal space for safe human interaction and stronger collaboration—there are experiences of gathering, protecting, appreciating ritual, and sharing stories; (2) Experiencing space where protected space seems to be the essential element to inspire the presencing of participants with self and other, which in turn engenders genuine dialogue, a sense of sacred space, and freedom to be authentic; and (3) Experiencing our humanity, an unfolding theme, where participants experience reconnection with and understanding of their deeper humanity, stronger congruence with their core values, deeper experiences of caring and courage, personal and professional growth, and a profound appreciation for belonging to a lineage of nurses. The findings inspire a deeper understanding of barriers to congruence between values and action in nursing and nurses’ need to acknowledge, honor, support, and protect each other’s vulnerability. The implications for nursing practice, education, and research show that the PeerSpirit Circle model is a beneficial for use in all settings.
Staff Nurse Perceptions of Nurse Manager Behaviors that Influence Job Satisfaction
(2012-03-19) Feather, Rebecca A.; Ebright, Patricia; Bakas, Tamilyn; Duffy, Joanne R.; Sims, Sharon L.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a shortage of registered nurses (RNs) growing to an estimated 581,500 by the year 2025 (an increase of 22 percent since 2008). Recent economical downturns have found many healthcare organizations experiencing a positive effect with the stabilization of nursing turnover. Once the economy begins to recover, however, experts predict the profession of nursing will still face the largest shortage in history according to projections by the American Nurses Association. Because lack of job satisfaction is a precursor to resignation, additional research regarding the identification of interventions that increase RN job satisfaction may result in retaining professionally qualified and prepared staff. This study proposed to identify through focus groups, staff nurse perceptions of nurse manager behaviors that influence RN staff nurse job satisfaction. A sample of 28 RNs, each participating in one of five focus groups, answered questions related to satisfaction with nurse manager behaviors. The investigator used qualitative content analysis to identify patterns within and across focus group data. Major findings of the study resulted in the identification of two conceptual categories (manager behaviors supportive of RNs and RN’s perceived disconnect of work issues from the manager’s role) and three major themes related to supportive behaviors (communication, respect, and feeling cared for). The results suggest the following as staff nurse preferences for nurse manager behaviors: open and honest communication that involves listening, consistency, and confidentiality; an increased level of respect including fairness and recognition of a job well done; and the sense of feeling cared for as when a manager meets individual needs and supports staff as professionals. The investigator compared the categories and themes to previous tools used in healthcare, which indicate the need for further item and/or tool development as well as further research regarding RNs’ perceived disconnect of work issues from the manager’s role.
TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD: THE EXPERIENCE OF YOUTH WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES LIVING WITH A SERVICE DOG
(2008-04-14T12:15:20Z) Modlin, Susan Jane; Swenson, Melinda M.; Austin, Joan K.; Sims, Sharon L.; McGrew, John
The focus of this qualitative descriptive study is the experience of physically disabled young people as they transition into adulthood while living with a service dog. The cornerstone of young adulthood is transition. For any young adult leaving home, the transition involves inter- and intra-personal changes that affect future well-being. Unfortunately, the majority of young adults with congenital disabilities are less likely to be fully employed and to live independently than their non-disabled peers. To date, very little research about living with a disability exists from the point of view of young adults. Even fewer qualitative research studies exist that focus on service dog teams. This research report will add to the body of nursing knowledge about people with disabilities and their experience of transition in the areas of health, work/school, relationships and identity. The findings result from descriptive analysis of interviews with four young adults and one parent. Using qualitative descriptive methods, the researcher identified three themes that defined the experience of transition. It’s different now contained stories regarding life before and after obtaining the service dog. This theme included elements of personality development similar to any young adult in transition, such as identifying “who I am now.” Going places was the most personal theme, describing the social implications of going or not going places and the environmental and personal barriers related to learning to drive. Calling the shots centered on the ability to make choices for themselves and the dog, as well as to participate in age appropriate milestones, such as attending college and living away from home. The findings of this study will be useful to professionals who place service dogs with persons with disabilities, rehabilitation specialists who desire appropriate interventions to facilitate transitions, and nurse researchers and clinicians who desire to understand the bond between animals and human beings.
Understanding RN workforce education in the rural North-Central Region of Michigan
(2013-12-19) Owens, Susan J.; Ironside, Pamela M.; Friesth, Barbara M.; Horton-Deutsch, Sara L.; Sims, Sharon L.
National calls for a better-educated nursing workforce are proliferating. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) challenged the nursing profession by setting the goal of having 80% of the nation's nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level (BSN) or higher by 2020. This is an ambitious goal given that, nationally, only 50% of nurses have a BSN. In fact, only 40% of nurses in Michigan have a BSN, and in the rural North-Central Region of this state, only 29% (the lowest in the state) of the nurses have a BSN. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand and interpret the meaning of being an associate degree (AD) nurse, the meaning attaining a BSN has for rural registered nurses who currently have an AD, and the barriers they experience that inform their decisions to return to school (or not). The investigator interviewed 11 AD nurses from rural North-Central Michigan and analyzed interview transcripts to identify common experiences and shared meanings using methods identified by Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner (1989). Two themes were explicated in this study: "Getting in and Getting out" and "What Difference Does it Make?" The findings in this study challenge many of the common assumptions about academic progression in nursing and provide educators, administrators, and legislators with insight about the strategies that may be most helpful for achieving the IOM goal in rural Michigan.
The Use of Skin Conductance as a Marker of Intuitive decision making in nursing
(2009-03-18T18:41:07Z) Payne, Leslie K.; Sims, Sharon L.; Carpenter, Janet S.; Ironside, Pamela M.; Ebright, Patricia R.
A quasi-experimental design was undertaken to explore the possibility of utilizing electrodermal activity as a marker of intuitive decision making in nursing. This study compared 11 senior female nursing students to 10 female nurses with more than five years of nursing experience completing a clinical decision making task utilizing MicroSim© program software while measuring skin conductance response (SCR). The clinical decision making task chosen was based on the cognitive continuum theory. The somatic marker hypothesis is also a theoretical base for this study. This theory suggests that physiological markers are present during decision making. An independent t-test was conducted in SPSS comparing the total number of skin conductance responses generated and overall score in the card task and clinical scenario between the two groups. According to the Somatic Marker Hypothesis, the researcher’s definition of intuition, and the results of this experiment, SCR generation shows promise as a marker of intuitive decision making in nursing.

Browsing by Author "Sims, Sharon L."

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