Author Biographical Info
Amanda Lynn McMillan, born on January 2, 1977, in Alpine, Texas, embodies the values of hard work, dedication, and compassion instilled in her by her hardworking parents. Now residing in Palestine, Texas, Amanda carries these principles into every aspect of her personal and professional life.
Education and Achievements
Amanda began her educational journey at Trinity Valley Community College, where she graduated with an associate degree in 2001. Her thirst for knowledge and commitment to excellence led her to the University of Texas at Tyler, where she earned her bachelor's degree in nursing in 2004. During her time as a nursing student, Amanda’s exceptional care and dedication earned her the Most Caring Nurse Award. She is also a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society, reflecting her outstanding academic achievements. In recognition of her promise and potential, she was awarded the prestigious Lillian Eriksen Memorial Endowment Scholarship.
Currently, Amanda is pursuing her doctorate at the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, striving to further her impact in the field of nursing and beyond.
Professional Career
As a Dialysis Nurse, Amanda channels her compassion and expertise to improve the lives of patients with chronic illnesses. Her career began in critical care nursing, where her skills and dedication were recognized with the Phoenix Award during her tenure with DaVita. This accolade celebrates her resilience, professionalism, and commitment to patient care, hallmarks of her nursing philosophy.
Personal Life
Amanda is a devoted grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren, who bring joy and inspiration to her life. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and creating memories with her family. Her love for nature and culinary arts mirrors her belief in the importance of balance and nurturing both the body and soul.
Contributions and Volunteerism
Amanda’s passion for helping others extends beyond her immediate community. For the past six years, she has traveled to Guatemala on mission trips, bringing critical healthcare services and compassion to underserved populations. Prior to her doctoral studies, Amanda also volunteered actively at her church and within her local community, embodying her philosophy of service.
Personality and Values
Amanda is known for her hard work, purpose-driven mindset, compassion, and loyalty. She lives by the motto, "Hard work and compassion pave the way to a better world," a principle inspired by her mother, whose strength and unconditional love continue to be Amanda’s guiding light.
Aspirations for the Future
Looking ahead, Amanda aims to complete her doctorate as a Family Nurse Practitioner, a role that will allow her to expand her impact on her community and in future missionary endeavors. She envisions using her education and experience to empower others, uplift communities, and continue making a difference in the world.
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: This study explores if lifestyle changes with permissive hypertension can offer a non-medication approach to reducing hypertension. Hypertensive patients in a rural community in East Texas were involved in facilitating lifestyle modifications and permissive hypertension when indicated.
Background: The study presents a problem of blood pressure control. The clinical setting is Alto Family Medical Clinic, which serves approximately 800 patients in rural Alto, Texas, and Cherokee County. This community’s demographics contain barriers, such as poverty, mistrust of healthcare workers, limited education, and rural areas, that affect compliance with the current hypertensive regimen. The study introduced lifestyle modifications and permissive hypertension to a rural community in East Texas.
Methodology: The Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) model was applied to this Quality Improvement (QI) project. The providers informed patients. Participants chose different lifestyle modification options suitable for their lifestyle and permissive hypertension. The QI project collected data for 12 weeks, including daily sodium intake, exercise, blood pressure, and medication adherence.
Results: Results on permissive hypertension were unreliable. There was a gradual decrease in blood pressure for permissive hypertension patients, with no adverse side effects. Average blood pressure for all patients dropped from (AMSBP=148.85, AMDBP=85.88) in Week 1 to (AMSBP=139.55, AMDBP=76.00) in Week 12 following diet sodium. Paired t-test showed a significant correlation between blood pressure (AMDBP) and diet sodium (p=0.00321).
Implications: Patients in rural areas are significantly impacted by social determinants, including using smartphones, transportation, low-sodium food options and lack of education. Social factors limit their blood pressure control.
