Role Perceptions of Hospital Based Nurse Case Managers

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of hospital based nurse case managers\u27 perceptions of: (a) their role in today\u27s rapidly changing healthcare environment, (b) practices and other factors that contribute to role success, (c) sources of role frustration, and (d) opportunities to enhance future role success and satisfaction. The study is significant because efficient and effective hospital based nursing case management benefits patients/families, nurse case managers (NCMs), hospitals, insurers, and the community at large. As the emic point of view of participants was highly desired, a qualitative descriptive design using focus groups method was selected, and six research questions were developed to achieve study goals. Because the main objective of the study was to gain an understanding of the NCMs\u27 perspectives of their role, Role Theory was used as the organizing framework. Underlying propositions of Role Theory (Biddle, 1979) supported the use of the focus groups method as the researcher was interested in the perceptions of a group of NCMs in the context of a particular setting rather than an individual\u27s sole experience or perceptions. Study participants (n=11) were recruited from a purposive convenience sample of NCMs working at a 600+ bed, not-for-profit, inner city academic medical center in a Mid-Atlantic state. The focus groups were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to stimulate discussion and ensure study goals were achieved. The focus group method was the ideal research methodology for the study. The participants were very open, enthusiastic, and willing to talk about their views and work experiences related to the research questions. The goals of the study were achieved with two focus groups due to saturation of the data. The focus groups were audio-recorded and verbatim transcripts produced. A rigorous transcript-based data analysis strategy was used. The verbatim transcripts, detailed field notes, and debriefing session notes were all used as sources for the data analysis; however, the transcripts were the primary source. Following data analysis procedures outlined by Krueger (1998c), 31 themes and 19 subthemes emerged from the data. Direct quotes from participants were provided to support the study findings

Mothers Matter Too: Benefits of Temperature Oviposition Preferences in Newts

The maternal manipulation hypothesis states that ectothermic females modify thermal conditions during embryonic development to benefit their offspring (anticipatory maternal effect). However, the recent theory suggests that the ultimate currency of an adaptive maternal effect is female fitness that can be maximized also by decreasing mean fitness of individual offspring. We evaluated benefits of temperature oviposition preferences in Alpine newts (Ichthyosaura [formerly Triturus] alpestris) by comparing the thermal sensitivity of maternal and offspring traits across a range of preferred oviposition temperatures (12, 17, and 22°C) and by manipulating the egg-predation risk during oviposition in a laboratory thermal gradient (12–22°C). All traits showed varying responses to oviposition temperatures. Embryonic developmental rates increased with oviposition temperature, whereas hatchling size and swimming capacity showed the opposite pattern. Maternal oviposition and egg-predation rates were highest at the intermediate temperature. In the thermal gradient, females oviposited at the same temperature despite the presence of caged egg-predators, water beetles (Agabus bipustulatus). We conclude that female newts prefer a particular temperature for egg-deposition to maximize their oviposition performance rather than offspring fitness. The evolution of advanced reproductive modes, such as prolonged egg-retention and viviparity, may require, among others, the transition from selfish temperature preferences for ovipositon to the anticipatory maternal effect