Newman, David

Over 40 million people in the United States are living in poverty today. The effects of living in disadvantaged circumstances increases the individual’s likelihood of experiencing persistent anxiety, which can lead to chronic health conditions. Studies have associated persistent anxiety with cardiovascular compromise as a result of decreased levels of heart rate variability (HRV). The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between anxiety and heart rate variability in parents or guardians of children in Head Start, a federally funded program for families with low-incomes. A descriptive correlational design comparing the scores on the PROMIS anxiety tool with HRV as measured by the emWave biometric instrument will be used. The sample consists of 32 participants. Data will be analyzed using bivariate correlations. Increased levels of anxiety and decreased heart rate variability are anticipated outcomes of this study. Findings will assist in identifying health risks in this vulnerable population.

Nurse leaders need to possess stress management
skills to support their effective and successful management
of their patient service units. Meditation is
frequently cited within the literature as an option for
a number of workforces to cultivate being present,
and recognizing and reducing stress. Therefore, the
purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a
personal systematic meditation practice for nurse
leaders on their reported stress, mindfulness, sense
of control and self-esteem and patient satisfaction on
the nursing units they manage. The study employs a repeated measures intervention design for nurse
leaders at two sites with a mixed method integrated
approach. Focus group interviews, patient satisfaction
scores and four valid instruments are used for
data collection at baseline, week 6 and week 12; the
instruments Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale
(MAAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Rosenberg
Self-Esteem (RSE) and Locus of Control (LOC).