Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
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Item A survey of the functions of auxiliary nursing personnel in small hospitals in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1959) Simpson, Herva FiskeThe purpose of this study was to determine what duties are actually performed by auxiliary nursing personnel in small hospitals in Montana and to compare this list of duties with authoritative statements of the duties of auxiliary nursing personnel. The personnel were classified as Practical Nurses and Nurse Aides on the basis of training and experience. The study was based on the results of a survey conducted by sending questionnaires to a random sample of auxiliary nursing personnel employed by small hospitals in Montana.Item A survey of staffing and positioning of men nurses in twelve selected hospitals in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1959) Crowley, Leo StanleyItem Environmental services and policies related to rest breaks for night nurses in Montana hospitals(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2008) Kellam, Anita Marie; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Rita E. CheekThe nurses who work at night in acute care and critical access hospitals often must cope with a decreased amount of sleep, increased fatigue, and disruption of multiple physiological circadian rhythms. There is increased demand and rigor placed on night nurses in acute care adding to overall stress and demands on the nurse's ability to function safely and accurately. Simple environmental changes related to rest breaks, naps, and environmental services (work areas, break areas, eating facilities) can optimize the working environment and facilitate the nurse's self care during the challenges of night work. The goal of this descriptive study was to describe the environmental services and policies regarding rest breaks and naps in Montana acute care and critical access hospitals. The Hospital Environment and Policy Survey was developed for this purpose. Method: An anonymous electronic survey was done regarding breaks, policies related to rest breaks (written and unwritten), naps and environmental services available for night shift nurses. Results: There was a 52% response rate (4 of 15 acute care and 26 of 43 critical access hospitals). Of the respondents, 83% of hospitals do not provide night nurses with access to a cafeteria at night; however, 73% have vending machines. Almost half of the hospitals provide an area for night nurses to exercise, but few had a well-lit area to walk outside. Only 2 hospitals have a policy that allows night nurses to take a nap on their break, but 37% of respondents reported that nurses nap during the night shift. Seventy percent of the nurses reported getting their breaks "routinely" or "most of the time". Conclusion: Results of this study indicate a need for various improvements in the policies related to naps and environmental services particularly break areas, food services and exercise areas. These improvements can help address nurses' challenges of working at night.