A Football Wife's Research Study for the Love of the Games

By Sandra Merriweather

Sandra Merriweather at the age of nine years old had an obvious passion for writing gospel poetry and songs with an additional desire to write jingles for commercials. She was blessed with many different talents and was very successful in school, college and graduate school. She is a wife, a mother, and a grandmother to one beautiful granddaughter, however, her marriage to Michael Merriweather, former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Jets and Packers took her down a path of unbelievable adventures across the country and across the nation. Unknowingly and surprisingly did she realize that she would be a mentor, advocate and educator for many people throughout her career as a medical professional and Registered Nurse. Her journey has been fascinating and exciting even through adversity and obstacles but her strength and desire to make a positive contribution to society has been great! She reflects often on the words of her beautiful belated mother, Evangelist Irene Williams, "Hang in There!" Sandra also remembers the teachings and principles of her father, Pastor E.G. Williams and the constant faith and dedication exhibited by him.
Within this research design book, it was Sandra's goal to try and reach out to as many persons possible involved in the care of the young athlete in a timely matter to support safety and education. This study was designed to look at the areas of concussions and head injuries from a different angle and to shed light in the areas of needed improvement because everyone should remain current with up-to-date facts; education is the key to success and prevention. It was also a goal of Mrs. Merriweather to dedicate this unique project to our former and present athletes for sports fans to remember their dedication, contributions, and support to our children as we say, "Thank You!"
A FOOTBALL WIFE'S RESEARCH STUDY FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAMES

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781479776313

Sandra Merriweather

Sandra Merriweather at the age of nine years old had an obvious passion for writing gospel poetry and songs with an additional desire to write jingles for commercials. She was blessed with many different talents and was very successful in school, college and graduate school. She is a wife, a mother, and a grandmother to one beautiful granddaughter, however, her marriage to Michael Merriweather, former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Jets and Packers took her down a path of unbelievable adventures across the country and across the nation. Unknowingly and surprisingly did she realize that she would be a mentor, advocate and educator for many people throughout her career as a medical professional and Registered Nurse. Her journey has been fascinating and exciting even through adversity and obstacles but her strength and desire to make a positive contribution to society has been great! She reflects often on the words of her beautiful belated mother, Evangelist Irene Williams, “Hang in There!” Sandra also remembers the teachings and principles of her father, Pastor E.G. Williams and the constant faith and dedication exhibited by him. Within this research design book, it was Sandra’s goal to try and reach out to as many persons possible involved in the care of the young athlete in a timely matter to support safety and education. This study was designed to look at the areas of concussions and head injuries from a different angle and to shed light in the areas of needed improvement because everyone should remain current with up-to-date facts; education is the key to success and prevention. It was also a goal of Mrs. Merriweather to dedicate this unique project to our former and present athletes for sports fans to remember their dedication, contributions, and support to our children as we say, “Thank You!” A FOOTBALL WIFE’S RESEARCH STUDY FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAMES

Book preview

Copyright © 2013 by Sandra Merriweather.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The author is unable to give advice or judgment when it comes to specific diseases and medical problems. It is necessary that one should seek medical council and attention from the services of a competent medical provider. It is not the intent of this book to diagnose medical problems, but every effort has been made to provide accurate scholarly information. The author and publisher will not be responsible for errors or omissions. Please seek the advice of your medical doctor.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

123827

Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

Acknowledgments

Abstract

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Problem

Introduction

Problem Statement

Research Questions

Rationale and Significance of the Study

Definition of Terms

Summary

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Introduction

Key Words

Review of Literature

Identified Problems

The Consequences

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Second Impact Syndrome

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Concussion

Postconcussive Symptoms

Role of the School Nurse

Education

Current Best Practices

Interventions for School Health

Nursing Assessment, Intervention, and Evaluation

Danger Signs of a Concussion

The Glasgow Coma Scale

Summary

Chapter 3: Methodology

Introduction

Research Design

Setting

Description of Participants

Description of Instruments

Data Collection and Analysis

Assumption and Limitations

Human Subjects Protection

Summary

Chapter 4: Findings

Overview

Analysis of Data

The Nurse Educator

The Cardiologist

Triangulation of Data

Results and Interpretation

Summary

Chapter 5: Discussion and Conclusions

Overview

Discussion

Nurses Current Knowledge

Additional Knowledge Needed

Implications

Limitations

Recommendations

Conclusions

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Reference

Recommendation Blurps

Book Summary

Sandra’s Bio

List of Tables

Table 1: Danger Signs of a Concussion

Table 2: Number of Participant

Table 3: Age of the Participants

Table 4: Nurses’ Responses to Question 1

Table 5: Nurses’ Responses to Question 2

Table 6: Nurses Responses to Question 3

Table 7: Nurses’ Responses to Question 4

Table 8: Nurses’ Responses to Question 5

Table 9: Nurses’ Response to Question 6

List of Figures

Figure 1: Nurses’ Response to Question 5

Figure 2: Nurses’ Response to Question 5

DEDICATION TO OUR CELEBRITY SPORTS PLAYERS

This book would not be complete,

If I would not give thanks to those celebrities that we meet.

Not enough has been said,

About foundations and legacy you have laid.

To the current and former NFL, NBA, Soccer, Baseball, Hockey and Boxing Stars,

Just know that you’re appreciated right here, right now, and from afar.

The charity work that each of you so graciously perform is truly recognized;

Beyond the physical sport and beyond the external human eye,

And appreciated by all of your significant others and your lovely wives!

As many of them have kept you focused time after time.

Our love for you goes beyond mere co-existence;

This is why we have so much love for you and patience.

You are honored by your mentors, coaches, peers and fans,

For standing tall, steadfast and being real men,

Driven by adversity because what you exemplify comes from way deep within;

Your gifts are many as demonstrated through the variety of talents from your hands.

Sometimes not enough has been mentioned, not enough has been said.

About how you often give up your family time,

To help those in need while contributing to the wellness of mankind

Being a football wife and a relative of NFL players, I know what happens during and after The Game,

You continue to love all your fans just the same!

Participating in celebrity sports and sport events, football camps and golf tournaments!

And not to mention all those pictures of present and past

And all of those lovely autographs!

Giving donations and raising money for charities,

Continually looking for those who are without, ill and sick, most definitely!

Thanks to you all for being who you are;

Because you all will forever be our famous celebrity stars!

We thank you for believing in research and education,

We thank you for loving our future generation!

And From all the sports wives across the entire world,

We thank you for making us your girls!

Written by: Mrs. Sandra Merriweather

To All Nurses

Children are innocent; continue to treat their injuries with passion

And in a timely fashion

Often they have no voice

Because they are too young to make an adult choice

As nurses we advocate

Participate and mandate

In emergencies no time to contemplate, waiver, or hesitate

While grabbing our nursing bag

We realize there’s no time to lag

It’s our duty to have a substantial medical knowledge base

As they look to us with a solemn face

We must document, document, document

Noting times and, if necessary, call the ambulance

Knowing that you’re blessed while under stress

Their lives so many times are found within our hands

Responding to the scene as fast as we can

Lying there on school grounds

Your nursing assessment, just make it count!

Hats off to you, and thanks for all that you do

Helping parents and school districts protect children while in school

Written by Sandra R. Merriweather, RN, BSN, PHN, MSN

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my husband, Michael Merriweather, retired NFL linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Jets, and Packers. I am thankful for his willingness to be patient while I embark upon something new and challenging. I am grateful for his encouragement and for the words You’ve got to be tough and make another tackle when I felt like I couldn’t go on. I am thanking Mike for his encouragement and for the love he has shown.

I am truly thankful for WGU and for granting me the opportunity in a career I so love and cherish and for providing me with the best mentors: Dee Adkins and Cindy Watson. I would also like to thank Dee Adkins for brightening my day, for the words of encouragement, and for the listening ear. I am grateful for WGU for providing me with wonderful instructors: Dr. Vince Shrader, Dr. Pat McCarver, and Dr. Debra Dukes.

I would like to thank my Capstone mentor, Dr. Tori Canillas-Dufau, for her expertise, longevity, and guidance during this entire project and for helping me to remain focused and consistent yet strong. I would also like to thank Dr. Timoteo Rico and Dr. Manshadi for added support and for being a great friend to me and my family.

I would like to also thank my children for their patience and understanding and to my only little granddaughter, Kasiyah Irene, for her beautiful smile that