Digital Commons Network^™

Implementing Distress Screening And Hospital Management Of Oncology Patients With Distress, Rhezarie Mae Agtarap

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Of the nearly 2 million new cancer cases projected to occur in the United States in 2022, up to 65% of patients may be hospitalized in the first year of their diagnosis. Hospitalized oncology patients have been documented to experience psychological distress during their hospitalization related to physical and emotional challenges related to their disease. In ***, a tertiary hospital located in ***, Oregon, hospitalized cancer patients with hematologic malignancies and aggressive or advanced solid cancers have verbalized distress, including depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation, and fatigue during prolonged hospital stays. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), distress …

Increased Concern Of Suicide Behaviors In The Adolescent Population, Jaime Shareen-Porter Earle

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement project focused on addressing the concern for the increase of depression, anxiety, and self-harm behaviors among adolescents, which can lead to suicidal ideation and attempts. Suicide behaviors have increased among adolescents, and research revealed that suicide is the second leading cause of death in this population. An educational PowerPoint was presented to members of the community on suicide behaviors, how to identify the behaviors, and where to get support and resources in the community. Pre- and post-surveys were used to assess the participants' knowledge and confidence levels before and after project implementation. The surveys contained the same …

Introducing Mental Health Resources To Nurse Practitioner Residents, Tiffanie Bailey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP Project identified the increased need for mental health resources after the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies showed the rate of anxiety, depression, and substance use has also been on the rise since the beginning of the pandemic. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic began to devastate the country mentally and physically, it became quickly apparent that additional resources to provide support for those suffering from mental illness were essential. This project aimed to introduce a Mental Health First Aid course within the Residency Program at the Center for Family Guidance. Participants were asked to complete a pre-test indicating their …

Differences In Student Perceptions With Virtual Clinical Simulation, Melissa Wheeles

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Simulation has been a part of nursing education since its inception, with virtual clinical simulation gaining expanded use since the Coronavirus Pandemic. Once considered only a supplemental teaching method, this form of education has become an imperative means of program progression for nursing students when hospital clinical spaces are limited.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate potential differences in nursing student perceptions of anxiety and self-confidence with clinical decision making in virtual clinical simulation compared to traditional face-to-face clinicals.

Design Methods: A descriptive, quantitative study using the NASC-CDM© tool completed by 5th (final) semester …

Creating Opportunities For Personal Empowerment For Adolescent Students In A Rural High School, Sharon A. Edwards

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

BACKGROUND: With the incidence of 3% of children and 6% of adolescents diagnosed with depression, treatment appropriate for this population is needed. Provision of mental health care is limited due to barriers of access such as transportation, parental consent, and availability of services in the adolescent’s environment such as the school setting. OBJECTIVES: To decrease the depressive symptoms and increase the self-confidence perceptions of adolescents in a high school setting utilizing a cognitive-behavioral skills enhancing, seven-session intervention called COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment).

STUDY DESIGN: The project was an evidence-based nurse practitioner project utilizing pre- and …