Thesis (Ed. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1990. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-104). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--Teachers College, Columbia University. / Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: Marie M. Seedor. Dissertation Committee: Patricia Raskin. Bibliography: leaves 228-241.

The purpose of this review of literature is for nurses to understand and utilize sensory stimuli and the impact it has on infant cognition. Emphasis will be placed on the usage of visual, auditory and tactile stimulation on the cognitive development of infants between the ages of O and 6 months based on Piaget's theory of sensorimotor cognition. Introductory passages will focus on the developing brairi from birth until 6 months of age when the peak of myelation occurs. Initiating sensory stimulus during this period of time can ultimately create a positive impact on the growing brain by utilizing the myelation peak. This review will also present possible clinical application for nurses to implement in inpatient hospital settings along with parental education on the possible methods to utilize the findings and implications of this research. Further findings have found that infants respond most effectively to the combination of various stimuli than with one stimulus alone. Utilizing the findings found within the literature may hopefully help provide the evidence needed to support the clinical practice of these results. This research will be conducted through medical and nursing databases with conceptual primary sources that will further expand upon the selected studies on this topic.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Factor H is a newly identified phenomenon which describes a constellation of attributes of the new graduate nurse reflecting personality traits, intellectual abilities, and clinical judgment. In a previous pilot study conducted by this researcher nurse managers and experienced Registered Nurse (RN) preceptors described characteristics demonstrated by new graduate nurses demonstrating Factor H and the new graduate nurse’s ability to transition quickly and successfully into the RN role in the acute care environment. There is currently no instrument available to measure this phenomenon. The specific aim of this research was to develop and psychometrically test a scale designed to identify the presence of attributes of Factor H in the new graduate nurse. The Sims Factor H Assessment Scale (SFHAS) was developed and piloted with a sample of one hundred one new graduate nurses within three months of completing the their nursing program at one of three nursing schools in central and south central Indiana. Evidence of content validity was demonstrated through the use of the Content Validity Index conducted with a panel of four experts. Evidence of face validity was demonstrated through interviews with a group of new graduate nurses, nurse managers, and experienced RN preceptors. Principle Axis Factoring with Varimax rotation was used to demonstrate evidence of construct validity and the scale was found to have a single component which was identified as nursing personality. Evidence of criterion-related validity was demonstrated utilizing analysis of the SFHAS and the criterion scale for personality traits (NEO-FFI). Evidence of internal consistency reliability was demonstrated through analysis of inter-item correlations, Cronbach’s coefficient correlations, and item-total correlations. Test re-test reliability using interclass correlation was also conducted to demonstrate stability of the scale. The SFHAS was found to be reflective of nursing personality and not general mental ability or clinical judgment. Use of the SFHAS will allow organizations to evaluate the nursing personality of the new graduate nurse for fit into the work environment. Further study is recommended to gain clarity around the attributes which support successful transition of the new graduate nurse into practice in the acute care environment, also known as Factor H.