NURSING RESEARCH 2

By: Manuel L. Hermosa, EdD Professor

Guidelines in Writing the Thesis

CHAPTER 1


TITLE APPROVAL SHEET ACKNOWLEDGEMENT DEDICATION ABSTRACT

Table of Contents
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CHAPTER 1. PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Introduction Theoretical Framework of the study Research Paradigm Statement of the Problem Hypotheses of the Study Scope and Delimitation of the Study Significance of the study Definition of Terms

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 Introduction The introduction consist of statements and information about the study, the statement of the problem, the importance of the study, the scope and limitation of the study. It should go directly into what the problem is investigating . It should discuss the causes and the factors that motivated the researcher to conduct the study.

 Background of the Study The background of the study is a brief explanation of the source of the problem. It is an account explaining the circumstances which suggest the need of the study. This may be a justification of the choice of the study.

 Chapter I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction General assumptions may be made about stress, yet the experience for patients and nurses will be personal and unique each person experiences stress differently based upon his or her own personality and life experiences. Stress is experienced when one encounters demands perceived as outside ones usual resources. Newton et al, note that stress has been conceptualized as both stimulus or event (distressing circumstances outside a person) as a response (internal disturbance).Stanton and Burns describe a contrasting approach where stress is neither an event nor a response, but rather a combination of factors the perceived meaning of the event and a self appraisal of the adequacy of coping resources. Thus, it is not the stress itself but the perception of the stress which determines how individuals experience and handle it.

 CHAPTER I
PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Introduction Knowledge and techniques in the health field are rapidly expanding. According to Carl Lindsay, James Morrison, and E. James Kelley, it is estimated that the half-life of knowledge acquired in medical school is approximately five years. Therefore, in just five years, half of what a doctor learns in medical school will be obsolete. With such a vast increase in the knowledge base, it is essential that health professionals, particularly doctors, dentists and nurses, constantly update their skills. In fact, their patients' lives and well-being often depend on health professionals keeping current on the latest advances. One way this can be done is through "continuing education", a common synonym for adult education, where adults pursue education beyond formal schooling. Most frequently, colleges, universities and professional organizations use the term to describe programs designed to assist practicing professionals.

 Theoretical/Conceptual framework Framework is the skeletal representation of the study showing the relationships of the different variables of the study. The theoretical framework is the researchers formulation of a theoretical scheme of his research problem which is a tentative theoretical explanation of the phenomenon/present being investigated. The theoretical scheme is the basis for formulating the research hypothesis/hypotheses. Theoretical framework is usually included in an experimental research.

In the conceptual framework, the researcher formulates a conceptual scheme for his problem which is a tentative ideational explanation of the phenomena he is going to investigate. The research paper may have a theoretical framework or a conceptual framework or both as may be needed in the study. The theoretical/schematic diagram showing the variables of the problem and their interrelationship.

 Conceptual Framework This study utilized Sister Calixta Roys Theory which focuses on the adaptation of man. The persons continually scan the environment for stimuli so he respond and adapt. The goal is to promote the persons adaptation in order to contribute to good quality of life and health. The person receives input or forms the environment and self. Adaptation occurs when the persons responds to environmental changes. This response promotes the integrity of the individual which leads to health. Ineffective responses to stimuli lead to disruption of the integrity of the person. Roy describes the individual as a biophysical system and as a humanistic discipline that places emphasis on the persons coping abilities. The individual and the environment are sources of stimuli that require modification to promote adaptation.

 Theoretical/Conceptual Framework of the Study Continuing education in nursing consists of planned learning experiences beyond basic education program. The in calculation, assimilation, and acquisition of knowledge, skills, proficiency and ethical and moral values after the initial registration of a professional, raise and enhance the professionals technical skills and professional competence. Responsibility for the maintenance of safe and competent practice rests on the individual practioner through continual learning. This explicitly stressed in the Code of Ethics for professional nurses.

Figure 1. Illustrates the research paradigm, which guided this study. It depicts the variables and their relationship in the Input Process Output (IPO) System. On the Input part, it is divided into three. The Profile of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Nurses with regards to: A. Respondents: 1) age; 2)gender; 3) civil status; 4) educational attainment; and 5) length of service. B. The respondents perception that collaborates potential implications to nursing service. C. The problems encountered by the respondents in attending continuous program of education, while the PROCESS or THROUGHPUT , are the description of the profile of the respondents, databank extent on the Assessment of the Implications in the Continuing Education of Nurses that collaborates Nursing Service in terms of: 1) knowledge; 2) skills; and 3) attitudes, and the extent of the possible solutions and recommendation offered to the respondents implications to nursing service. The OUTPUT in the diagram is represented by the expected recipient profile, updated databank of the significant relationship of the respondents perception that collaborate potential implication to nursing service, and develop improved University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center registered nurses.

Input

Process

Output

I. Assessment of Stress
I. Nurses Profile: 1.1 age, 1.2 gender, 1.3 civil status, 1.4 educational Attainment, 1.5 length of service
level: 1.1 Job Pressure as Stressors; 1.2 Job Scope as Stressors; 1.3 Human Relations as Stressors; & 1.4 Physical Environment as Stressor Job Pressure II. Assessment of Coping mechanisms: 2.1 self knowledge, 2.2 varied interest, 2.3 varied reactions, 2.4 acceptance of active and productive activities III. Assessment of the Work Level Performance of Nurses: 3.1 educational activities, 3.2 ward activities, and 3.3 instructional leadership.

Guide to Stress Management Program

Feedback Loop

 Statement of the Problem The problem is the axial center around which the whole research efforts turns. The problem should be so clearly stated that anyone in the world may read it, understand it and to react it without help. The statement of the problem usually starts with a general objective followed by specific or subproblems stated in question form.

 Statement of the Problem The main purpose of the study is to appraise the STRESS experienced by the Nurses and how they cope - up at Seamens Hospital. Specifically, the study would seek to address the following questions: What is the profile of the respondents in terms of: 1.1 gender; 1.2 age; 1.3 civil status; 1.4 educational attainment; and 1.5 years rendered in service.

How do nursing personnel assess their stress in terms of: 2.1 job pressures; 2.2 job scope; and 2.3. human relation, and 2.4 physical environment? How do the nursing personnel demonstrate their coping mechanisms in terms of: 3.1 self-knowledge, 3.2 varied interest, 3.3 varied reactions, 3.4 acceptances of active and productive activities? What is the level of work performance of nurses at Seamens Hospital in terms of: 4.1. educational activities, 4.2. ward activities, and 4.3 instructional leadership?

 5. Is there a significant relationship between the nurses coping strategy and their clinical performance? 6. Based on the results of the study, what action plan could be formulated to minimize the nursing personnels work related stress?

Guidelines in Formulating and Stating Problems 1. Express the thought fully with the least word possible 2. Use a thesaurus: It will help you find the exact word 3. Never use a long word where a short one will do or two syllable words rather than longer ones. 4. Keep your sentences short. Vary the length, but break up those long, contorted sentences into shorter, more succinct ones. 5. Look critically at each thought as it stands out the papers. Do the words say exactly what you wish them to say? Throw out superfluous words. 6. Be alert to modification. Misplaced phrases and clauses can create havoc with the thought 7. If possible, specific questions should start with What and should be logically arranged.

 Assumption and Hypothesis In research, assumptions are equivalent to anxious in geometry; self-evident truths the sine qua non of research. Assumptions provide foundation upon which the entire research structure rests. In research, therefore, it is important that others know what the researcher assumes with respect to her project. Hypotheses are tentative , intelligent guesses formulated for the purpose of directing ones thinking towards the solution of the problem. Hypotheses are necessary because the researcher needs to have some point around which the research may be oriented in searching for relevant data and in establishing a tentative goal against which to project the facts. Hypotheses are formulated before the study is done based on some observations or intuition and on the problems stated in the present study. They are often expressed in the null form.

 Hypotheses There is no significant relationship between the nurses coping strategy and their clinical performance.

 Significance of the study The study should explain why the problem investigated is important and what importance the results have. It should include a statement on relevance to felt needs, the potential contribution of the research to new knowledge, policy implications and other possible uses for its results. One nay ask this questions: 1. Of what use is it? 2. What practical value does the study have? 3. Who will benefit this study?

 Significance of the Study This study will provide a better understanding of the different coping mechanisms of an individual. It is beneficial to the Nursing Personnel particularly to the Nurses of the Seamens Hospital. Nursing service is a part of the institutions; total health organization has constant with patients. It aims at performing the fourfold fundamental responsibility of promoting health, preventing illness, restoring health, and alleviating suffering. The Nurses and Nursing attendants are responsible for the delivery of services for their individual units or clinical areas. The scope of the activity involves administering care to a group of patients, they are directly concerned with achieving the objectives of the hospital and the department.

Administration. This study will be a great help to the administration to forecast all the necessary situation of nurses before, during and after work. Stress as a part of every activity must be known to understand the need of nursing personnel. Management as the main course of this division relies on people at their work in planning, organizing, direction and controlling them to serve quality nursing care to the clients. Staff Nurse as the front liner in providing quality nursing care in the hospital and the subject of this study, it is a must to recognize the origin of attitudes towards works. The preparedness and recognition will be great help in accomplishing task all over the clinical duty.

Department of Health. This investigation will be immense in any plan of actions made by the department of health concerning managing people at work specially stress. This will also serve as guide in improving quality of works life in managing nurses to provide quality client care. Nursing Education. Experience is the best education even though education is a continuous learning. As viewed in nursing practice, it is a must to understand the need of individual before they could implement a certain task. The background of the recipient will be the factors to consider when giving orders when the program has been implemented. Direction, communication, situation and more should also be included. Patients are the primarily recipient of the services given by the hospital. They receive the desired nursing care delivered by the nurses and nursing attendants.

 Scope and Limitation Scope is the precise boundary of the study. It describes the nature of the study, types of respondents or sample involved, place and time frame covered. It is known as delimitation. Limitation states the weakness or constraint in the study and the things omitted in the study but may be expected by the readers to be included.

 Scope and Limitation The major concept should be clearly defined first. Then, limit the scope of the study in terms of (1) issues, concerns or subject areas of investigation, (2) area coverage, (3) number of respondents or subjects involved, (4) period of time or school year covered, (5) rationale behind delimiting the scope of the study, and (6) type of data qualitative or quantitative or a combination of the two. Reasons advanced by well-known authority sources are cited to support the researchers rationale for delimiting the scope of the study. The scope and delimitations basically asks the questions, what, where and how.

 Scope and Delimitation This study focus on the stress-experienced by Nurses and coping mechanisms and its relationship to their clinical performance as nursing personnel of the Seamens Hospital. The researcher specifically concentrated on the following variables: demographic profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, civil status, educational attainment and years rendered in service. Stress-related factors were limited to the job pressures, job scope, physical environment and human relations. The coping mechanism were limited to the respondents self knowledge, varied interest, varied reactions, acceptance of active and productive activities employed by the respondents.

 Definition of Terms The definition must interpret the term as it is employed in the researchers project. A terms definition may be conceptual or ideational in terms of: 1. The meaning provided in the dictionary or encyclopedia 2. The concept accepted by the proponent (researcher) and some experts 3. The operational definition which may be expressed in terms of observable qualities or characteristics presented in the paper or how the term is used in the study.

 Definition of Terms The following terms are use to define the unfamiliar context of the study for common understanding: CPE Continuing Professional Education refers to the inculcation, assimilation of knowledge, skills, proficiency and ethical and moral values after the initial registration of a professional that raise and enhance the professionals technical skills and competence. Education the action or process of educating or being educated; a field of study dealing with method s of teaching and learning. Health Education - an educational program directed to the general public that attempts to improve, maintain, and safeguard the health of the community. Importance this refers to a value of a given concepts about the non-structured continuing education program in improving nursing practice.

 Definition of Terms For better and clearer understanding of this study the following terms are defined as operationally used in this study: Acceptance and Productive Activities as Coping Mechanism. It refers to the nurses acceptance of stress leading to be more productive and used as their coping mechanism. Assess. It refers to indicating the five point level of determining the stress-related factors of nursing personnel and their coping mechanisms. Burnout. It refers to a condition in which health professionals lose their concern and feeling for their clients and come to treat in a detached way. Coping. Refers to process or skills that individual use to deal with events, circumstances, or situations that are out of the ordinary and thus become stressors.