Sigma Small Grants

Daniel Felipe Martin Suarez Baquero, PhD, MSN, RN (Upsilon Nu Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Nursing Epistemologies from the South: Expansion and emancipation of the core disciplinary nursing knowledge from Latino America
The purpose of this project is to describe the essence of nursing in Latin-America, which will represent as a leap towards the generation of theoretical knowledge of higher abstraction in the region. 

Jonathan Bayuo, PhD, MN (Chi Omicron Chapter, Hong Kong)

Title of Project: Migration Motivation and Transition Experiences of African Migrant Nurses Working in Europe, Americas, and Australasia: A Mixed-Method Study
The purpose of this study is to ascertain the migration trajectories of African migrant nurses. 

Pamela J. Bolton, MSN (Alpha Mu Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Characterizing Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, and Glucoregulation in Critically Ill Cardiac Surgery Patients and the Role of Socioeconomic Deprivation
The purpose of this descriptive study is to examine sleep and circadian rhythm characteristics and the relationships between sleep, circadian rhythm, and glucoregulation among adults postoperative CABG/VR surgery (50% Non-Hispanic Black and 50% Non-Hispanic White) at University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.

Wai Man Chan, MScN (Hong Kong)

Title of Project: Effects of visual Arts-Based Intervention on Psychosocial Outcomes of Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors: A Randomised Controlled Trial
The purpose of this project is to develop a new visual arts-based intervention based on the theoretical framework of self-efficacy theory to promote psychosocial outcomes of community-dwelling stroke survivors, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this new visual arts-based intervention on psychosocial outcomes of community-dwelling stroke survivors. 

Rita de Cassia Gengo e Silva Butcher, PhD, MSN (Iota Xi at-Large Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Psychometric Validation of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) in Individuals with Heart Failure
The purpose of this study is to provide robust evidence of the validity and reliability of  the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS) to assess fatigue in individuals with heart failure (HF). 

Gengo 
“The results of this study will provide clinicians and researchers with a valid and reliable tool to assess fatigue in individuals with heart failure.”
— Rita de Cassia Gengo e Silva Butcher, PhD, MSN
Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing

Robbin Guynn, MSN (USA)

Title of Project: Evaluating Critical thinking in New Graduate Nurses through Reflective Journaling
The purpose of this study is to determine whether reflective journaling can accelerate the development of critical thinking for new graduate nurses in orientation

Nitha Mathew Joseph, PhD, RN, CNE (Zeta Pi Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Perspectives on Physical Activity Participation in Middle-aged U.S. South Asian Indian Women at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
The purpose of this study to explore the culturally bound attitudes, behaviors, beliefs and barriers related to physical activities among middle-aged U.S South Asian Indian women at risk for type 2 diabetes.

K. Jane Muir, PhD, FNP-BC (Xi Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Evaluating Work Environment Variation, Patient Care Quality, and Nurse Job Outcomes in High Acuity Settings
The purpose of this original study is to understand work environment variation in two inter-related critical care settings—emergency departments and intensive care units—and associated patient care and nurse job outcomes. 

Joshua Porat-Dahlerbruch, PhD, RN (Xi Chi Chapter, Israel)

Title of Project: Developing a Nurse Practitioner Integration Model
This study, grounded in nursing health services research and implementation science, will build on our prior conceptual work to develop an inventory of facilitators and barriers to NP integration.
Porat 
“The resulting inventory and health disparities information will help policymakers, organizational administrators, and researchers conduct context-specific research to identify facilitators and barriers to nurse practitioner integration at a national level or within organizations.”
— Joshua Porat-Dahlerbruch, PhD, RN
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Remziye Semerci, PhD, MSN, BSN (Turkey)

Title of Project: The Effect of Cold Therapy on the Level of Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of cold therapy on vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) in pediatric patients with cancer.

Theresa A Smith, MS, BSN (Epsilon Zeta Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Weighted Blankets: An Intervention for Managing ICU Delirium
The purpose of this proposed pilot study is to investigate the effect of weighted blankets on delirium symptoms among adult patients in the ICU utilizing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. 

Sandra Staveski, PhD, MSN (Alpha Eta Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: A Global Survey on Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Nurse Education and Training from Nursing School to Bedside Care
The purpose of this study is to describe the status of formal nursing education, certification, and on-the-job training for pediatric cardiac intensive care units (PCICU) worldwide.

Seth E. Stephens, DNP, MSN (Alpha Delta Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: The Effects of Medical Errors And Adverse Events on the Clinical Judgement of Nurses: A Grounded Theory Study
The purpose of this research study is to determine how previous involvement in a medical error or adverse event influences the clinical judgment of nurses.

Samantha Winders, PhD, RN (Alpha Sigma Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Relationship Between Individual and Environmental Factors on Sleep Outcomes and Symptoms in Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between individual and environmental factors with sleep outcomes and IBD-related symptoms.

Pamela Wright, PhD, MSN (Alpha Xi Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Biopsychosocial Perspectives and Healthcare Concerns and Needs among Peri-postmenopausal Women with PCOS: A Qualitative Study
The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the physical and psychosocial perspectives and healthcare concerns and needs of women with PCOS during and after the menopausal transition.

Yang Yu, PhD, MSN, BSN (Epsilon Xi Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Maternal Malnutrition and Adverse Birth Outcomes following Bariatric Surgery: Insights from a National Sample
This proposal aims to advance the understanding of maternal malnutrition and adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Rosemary Berkel Crisp Research Award

Jemmie Hoang, RN (Gamma Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Correlating Gut Microbiota, Lifetime Stress, GI inflammation, and Chemotherapy-Induced GI Symptoms in Minority Women with Breast Cancer
The purpose of this cross-sectional pilot study will be to explore the relationship of cumulative lifetime stress of racial and ethnic minority women with breast cancer and its influence on chemotherapy-induced GI microbial alterations, GI inflammation, GI symptom severity, and cancer distress.

Doris Bloch Research Award

Lindsey Nelson, MSN (Lambda Phi  Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Companion Dog-Walking Intervention to an Attention Control Education Intervention on the Psychological Health of Adult Intensive Care Unit Survivors
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to assess the feasibility and
acceptability of a companion dog-walking intervention compared to an attention control
education intervention on depression, anxiety, salivary cortisol, and quality of life (QOL) in adult
intensive care unit (ICU) survivors.

Joan K. Stout, RN, Research Grant

Natasha Nurse-Clarke, PhD, MSN, BSN (Delta Zeta Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: An Exploration of the Effects of Virtual Gaming Simulation on Knowledge Retention, Student Enjoyment, Satisfaction and Confidence Levels- A Pilot Study
The purpose of this research study is to determine the effects that VGS has on knowledge retention, student enjoyment, satisfaction and confidence levels among undergraduate, post-licensure RN-BS nursing students enrolled in a fully online, asynchronous program.

Sigma Global Nursing Research Grant

Marco Tomietto, PhD, MSN, BN (Phi Mu Chapter, UK); Giancarlo Cicolini, PhD, (Italy); Kristina Mikkonen, PhD (Finland); Michelle Croston, PhD (UK)

Title of Project: Implementing profiling to boost vaccination uptake among nurses and nursing students: a machine learning approach, Nursing IMPACT project
This project aims to identify the underlying patterns of nurses’ and nursing students’ vaccination hesitancy at the international level. 

Sigma/Alpha Eta Collaborative Research Grant

Champion Nyoni, PhD, MSN, BSN (Tau Lambda at-Large Chapter, South Africa)

Title of Project: Student Nurses Perceptions of Professional Identity Across Contexts: An Associative Group Analysis Education in under-resourced nursing education institutions in Lesotho
The objectives are to describe the similarities of student nurses’ perceptions of professional identity across selected contexts and differences of student nurses’ perceptions of professional identity across selected contexts.

Sigma/American Association of Critical-Care Nursing Grant

Tao Zheng, MN, RN, CCRN-CSCCMC, CHFN, PCCN (USA)

Title of Project: Sleep and Cognition after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
The proposed research will be dedicated to integrating physiologic measures into developing biobehavioral interventions to reduce and ameliorate symptom burdens in individuals with advanced heart failure (AHF) and mechanical circulatory support devices.

Sigma/American Nurses Credentialing Center Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Grant Program

Lisa Brannack, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, (Alpha Mu Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: TheVeteran Core Values Version 2.0 Educational Workshop
The purpose of this project is enhance provider cultural competence by educating VA primary care providers on the significance of employing a values-based clinical approach when caring for veterans.

Sigma/Association of Nurses in AIDS Care Grant

Michael Relf, PhD, RN (Beta Epsilon Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: The Theoretical Understanding of Risk Perception and Dual-Method Contraceptive Decision-Making among Texas Adolescent and Young Adult Cisgender Females
The purpose of this study is to provide insight into the processes associated with risk perception analysis and decision-making related to dual-method contraceptive use among a population that is disproportionately affected by STIs.

Sigma/Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses Grant

Emily Jones, MSN, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC (USA)

Title of Project: Associations Between Organizational Factors and Perioperative Nurse Safety Attitudes During Local-Only Anesthesia Surgical Procedures
This quantitative prospective observational study with cross-sectional sampling intends to examine the relationship between perioperative nurse safety attitudes and organizational factors (physiologic monitoring, nurse staffing, and patient selection) during the clinical care of patients undergoing local-only anesthesia procedures.

Sigma/Canadian Nurses Foundation Grant

Chantalle Clarkin, PhD, RN (Canada)

Title of Project: A Theory and Practice Informed Approach to Crisis Intervention for Nurses in Canada – Identifying Knowledge Gaps to Inform Action
This study examines both individual and system level factors associated with suicidal thoughts, behaviours, and the use of suicide prevention crisis lines by nurses experiencing distress. 

Sigma/Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science Grant

Kai-Lin You, MSN (Eta Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Using an Adapted Cancer & Work Model to Describe Return-to-Work in Nurses with Cancer: An Exploratory Study
The overall purpose of this study is to adapt the Cancer & Work model describing cancer survivors’ return to work to be specific to nurses with cancer, thus addressing the need for prioritizing the health of nurses and paving the way for future interventions to support nurses with cancer in returning to nursing workforce after a cancer diagnosis.
You 
“This study is the first study to assess work-related limitations in diverse groups of nurses with cancer as they return to work and to use a theoretical model adapted from general patients with cancer to guide research on return-to-work issues in nurses with cancer. Study results will clarify challenges nurses with cancer experience as they return to work. Identifying the factors influencing work limitations in nurses with cancer also provides nurse managers and healthcare systems with target areas to promote a supportive practice environment.”
— Kai-Lin You, MSN
University of Pittsburgh

Sigma/Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Grant

Denise Downey, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CPEN (USA)

Title of Project: Describing Pediatric ED Staffing Models and Unit Characteristics
The purpose of the study is to explore and describe how pediatric ED nurse leaders across the United States are utilizing models of care delivery to inform and create optimal nurse staffing models to support the pediatric ED environment.

Sigma/Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation End of Life Nursing Care Research Grant

Megan Thomas Hebdon, PhD, DNP, RN (USA)

Title of Project: A Dual Role: Nurses as Family Caregivers
The purpose of this study is to understand the emotional and financial wellbeing for nurses who balance the dual caregiving role of “nurse” and “family caregiver,”(referred as dual role caregiver henceforth) and develop a stakeholder-informed dual role caregiver support intervention prototype. 

Sigma/Midwest Nursing Research Society Research Grant

Ali Salman, PhD, DNP, RN (Alpha Mu Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Psychosocial Predictors of Risky Sexual Behaviors for HIV/AIDS Prevention Among African American College Students
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy, spiritual well-being, depression, and risky sexual behaviors among African American college students, and to test the predictive role of HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy, spiritual well-being, and depression on risky sexual behaviors among African American college students.

Sigma/National Association of Hispanic Nurses Research Grant

Karen Moore, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC (Delta Lambda at-Large Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Utilization of Palliative Care Supportive Services in Latinx and African American Communities: The Impact of Foundational Causes of Disparities on End-of-Life Choices
The purpose of this study will be to utilize logistic regression and variables modeled from the Theory of Fundamental Causes by Link and Phelan (1995), to explore the foundational tenets of health disparities.

Sigma/National League for Nursing Grant

Vincenza Coughlin, MS, RNC-MNN, CNE, NPD-BC, (Alpha Omega, Upsilon Chapters, USA)

Title of Project: Examining Construct Validity of the Nursing Education and Competency Algorithm (NE-CA)   
The purpose of this study is to validate the NE-CA as a reliable tool that can provide purpose and structure for the competency vetting process at health care institutions. 

Sigma/Southern Nursing Research Society Grant

Brittany Drazich, PhD, MSN, BSN (Pi at-Large Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: A Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Based Bicycle Activity for Low-Income Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Feasibility Pilot Study
The overarching purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of a fully immersive virtual reality based bicycle physical activity intervention for low-income older adults; assess the preliminary effects of the intervention on physical activity; and depressive symptoms.

Sigma/Western Institute of Nursing Research Grant

Komal Preet Singh, PhD, BSN (Beta Upsilon Chapter, USA)

Title of Project: Investigation of Neuropsychological Symptoms and Changes in Gut Microbiome Physiology as Risk Factors for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea in Patients with Breast Cancer
The goal of the current study is to understand associations between chemotherapyinduced nausea (CIN) and changes in gut microbiome composition, diversity, and function (i.e., metagenomics) in patients with breast cancer over their first cycle of chemotherapy.