Jean Walker

Preferences for teaching methods in a baccalaureate nursing program: how second-degree and traditional students differ.

Accelerated baccalaureate nursing programs are in great demand in the United States. Currently there are 197 such programs, but little research has been conducted on student characteristics and program outcomes. This quantitative study explores preferences of second-degree students and traditional generic students with regard to teaching methods and relationships with faculty. The results indicate that statistically significant differences exist between the two groups of students. Three areas of significance are ability for self-directed learning, expectations of faculty and classroom structure, and obtaining a grade that really matters.

Adults with sickle cell disease: an interdisciplinary approach to home care and self-care management with a case study.

The complexity of caring for adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) strains the confines of a care-segregated medical system. As treatment protocols have dramatically improved since 1990, many patients with SCD are now living well beyond their 6th decade of life. This improved survival rate presents opportunities and challenges for the home healthcare nurse in the management of adult patients with SCD. The home healthcare nurse is essential in the coordination of interdisciplinary health team members to reduce pain episodes and the potentially catastrophic complications of renal failure, pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular events. In addition, the home healthcare nurse serves as patient advocate for the transition from acute care to home, as well as advocate for healthcare maintenance of vision, musculoskeletal involvement, and social and psychological support. This article seeks to provide a viable network for home healthcare nurses to establish self-care management and support of the adult patient with SCD.

Integrated Community Education Model: Breast Health Awareness to Impact Late-Stage Breast Cancer

Race and ethnicity play roles in breast cancer mortality, particularly for African American women. As a result, a three-pronged integrated community education model (i.e., faith-based, community, and state agencies) was generated and tested in a medically underserved area with high mortality rates from breast cancer to increase participation in breast health education, provide early screening and detection practices, and provide access to annual mammograms and referral sources. The model provided three women with life-saving early diagnoses, in addition to providing potentially hundreds of women with a network of breast health, self-monitoring, and referral sources for future issues.

Insulin management: a guide for the home health nurse.

The number of Americans with diabetes mellitus (diabetes) has skyrocketed in the past 2 decades. An estimated 21 million Americans have the disease, and approximately 6 million additional people are unaware that they even have diabetes (National Diabetes Educational Program [NDEP] Fact Sheet, 2007). Among all the developed nations on the globe, the United States leads the world in cases of diabetes, 90% of which are type 2 diabetes (Kitis & Emirogluk, 2006; National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2005). Unfortunately, these numbers are expected to climb even higher.

Self-care management practices for the home health nurse: staying hale and hearty through enhanced self-care and ergonomics--with a case study.

Ergonomics provides a broad framework for home healthcare nurses to improve their individual physical, psychological, cognitive, and spiritual well-being through application of models for self-care planning. As the individual becomes stronger, more resilient and work hardy, the benefits to the individual, along with the work organization and ultimately the clients, grow exponentially. This article seeks to explore the relevant ergonomic domains and assist home healthcare nurses to develop self-care planning practices that lead to healthy lifestyles and improved quality of life.