Digital Commons Network^™

Staff Education For Infection Control Prevention, Beatrice I. Cesar

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project was a quality improvement staff education program to address the increase in hospital-acquired infections in the project facility. The hospital administrator identified that staff were overwhelmed and may not be consistently implementing appropriate infection control practices. If infection control practices are not addressed in hospitals system, there would be a much higher rate of hospital-acquired diseases among hospitalized patients and the staff. A staff education program about evidence-based strategies relating to infection control prevention was implemented to increase the nurses’ knowledge about strategies to decrease the spread of infection in the project facility. Eleven registered nurses participated in …

Staff Education To Enhance The Diagnosis Of Depression In Older Adults, Abiola Oyenwen Izekor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The aim of this staff education project was to improve provider knowledge on using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for screening depression in older adults. Geriatric depression is often underdiagnosed due to atypical symptoms and reliance on generalized tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), leading to delays in treatment and increased health care costs. To address this gap, I collaborated with a librarian to conduct a literature search, initially identifying 149 articles and refining them to 20 for review. I followed the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) model to structure the educational intervention. The training included …

Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Aggressive Patient Behaviors, Roya Khoshbakht

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Aggressive behavior among psychiatric patients threatens safety and quality in healthcare, causing physical and psychological harm to staff and contributing to burnout and high turnover rates. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed gaps in staff knowledge and attitudes, particularly among nurses, regarding aggression management and de-escalation techniques through a comprehensive education program on the causes of aggression, warning signs, and effective strategies. The evidence-based practice (EBP) question was, Will staff education on evidence-based strategies for preventing and managing aggressive behavior improve staff knowledge and attitude? Project team members used the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice (JHEBP) model to develop …

Second Language Acquisition For Adults, Sara Santos Costa

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The process of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) has been explored by several scholars, who start with fundamental questions such as: “Does second language acquisition work in the same way as first language acquisition?” “What are the differences in the processes each individual experiences?” “Is it possible to become fluent in a second language at an older age?” This paper aims to show some key research conducted on this topic and provide a clear understanding of the processes that second language learners face.

This paper will delve into three main approaches to SLA: Behaviorist Theory, Universal Grammar (UG) and Interactionist Theory. …

Exploring Metacognitive Interventions To Enhance Pre-Licensure Nursing Student Academic Performance: A Mixed-Methods Perspective, Angela Christian, Kara Delafosse

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

rigorous demands of nursing school and the high expectations for critical thinking. Situating students for success requires implementing effective study strategies. Metacognition is the ability of students to manage their studying and learning tactics, while recognizing how and when to employ various strategies to master content (Chang et al., 2021). Metacognition directly correlates with enhanced critical thinking, clinical judgment, effective communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities which are critical in the nursing profession (Chang et al., 2021). Incorporating these skills to assist students as they matriculate through their academic journey situates them for success in the nursing profession. Using metacognitive awareness …

In-Person And Virtual Adaptation Of An Interprofessional Palliative Care Communications Skills Training Course For Pediatric Oncology Clinicians, Karen Moody, Clark R. Andersen, Robert M. Arnold, Julie Bradley, Allie Carter, Lauren Draper, Timothy Garrington, Jonathan B. Gill, Douglas J. Harrison, Masanori Hayashi, Amy Heaton, Cynthia Holladay, Alex Lion, Alakh Rajan, Beatriz N. Rozo, Daniel V. Runco, Shermini Saini, Laura K. Salvador, Kathryn Sutton, Verna Ferguson

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Introduction

Empathic communication is crucial for clinicians when discussing palliative and end-of-life (PC/EOL) care with parents of children with cancer. Unfortunately, many parents report inadequate communication at these distressing times. This study evaluates the communication skills training (CST) clinicians received to deliver a PC/EOL communication intervention as part of a multi-site randomized-controlled trial (RCT). Training was provided using an in-person format and then adapted to a virtual platform to accommodate remote learners.

Methods

Clinicians were trained in dyads (one physician and one nurse [RN] or advanced practice provider [APP]) over 3 days (in-person or virtually). Four pediatric oncology cases were …

Patient Satisfaction Survey – Every Patient Matters, Stephanie Pigg, Hailey Goulas, Jonathan Ortegon

Covenant Nurses Week 2025

No abstract provided.

“Call Don’T Fall, Does It Matter At All?” Evaluating Fall Bundle Modalities And Its Effectiveness In Current Practice: A Review Of Literature, Kenn Everard Lachenal, Zandraline Lachenal, Jelly Jacob, Charmaine Capili, Jason Dela Cruz

Covenant Nurses Week 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Hospital Discharges Before Noon: Implementation Of A Vida (Very Important Discharge Appointment), Nadia Paul

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Delays in hospital discharge can negatively affect hospital throughput and bed capacity, resulting in increased length of stay and boarding of patients in off-unit locations which causes concerns for patient safety and potential harm (Rutherford et al., 2017). The purpose of this DNP project was to determine if the implementation of a very important discharge appointment (VIDA) would increase the number of hospital discharges occurring before noon (DBN) each day. This project was implemented at a 350-bed academic medical center in East Central Indiana. A 25-bed, adult medical unit served as the pilot unit. In total, 538 patients were included …

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy As An Alternative Intervention For Treatment-Resistant Depression In Healthcare Workers, Aidan Booth, Vegas Casey, Gloria Gufrey, Ian Lawson

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound and 5-HT2A (serotonergic) receptor agonist, has recently gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in individuals with TRD. A landmark study published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin reduced depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression, with sustained improvements noted weeks after treatment (Goodwin et al., 2022). Further, recent research involving frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic 3 found psilocybin therapy to be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression and burnout (Back et al., 2024). These findings suggest psilocybin therapy may offer a novel and …

Weed Out The Pain: Using Cannabis To Manage Endometriosis, Jamie Calderbank, Holly Goodacre, Claire Mcelroy, Makayla Schmierer

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Those with endometriosis are four times more likely to chronically use opioids than those without the condition, despite the well-known adverse effects and misuse potential of opioids (Farooqi et al., 2023). Due to the risks and costs associated with opioid use, those with endometriosis are turning to other forms of self-medication that are more accessible. One example is the use of cannabis, which has been shown to not only decrease pain but also improve other symptoms like sleep quality and overall mood (Sinclair et al., 2021). Endocannabinoids are a series of complex molecules that naturally exist in the body and …

Impact Of Family Presence During Hospital Rounds, Lucas Bjorklund, Abby Rose-Hupe, Amber Stone, Derek Trinh

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Healthcare team members use multidisciplinary rounds to communicate, clarify, and plan details of the patient’s care. Family-centered rounds, or FCRs, are a type of rounding designed to actively involve family members in these discussions (Woldering et al. 2023). Woldering et al. (2023) propose that family members can participate in rounds by asking questions, providing insight on the patient’s experiences, and engaging in collaborative goal setting. This study shows that FCRs can reduce anxiety, increase family participation, and lower the length of hospitalization, showing benefits to both the patient and their families. Currently, healthcare systems lack an evidence-based, standardized system for …

Longevity And Cardiovascular Health: Lessons From The Mediterranean Blue Zones, Lyndsay Bancroft, Miranda Daley, Hitomi Tanizawa

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, and poor diet is a leading risk factor for adverse cardiac events (Ahmed et al., 2023). The Mediterranean diet provides protection against coronary heart disease, regardless of the common risk factors for cardiovascular diseases like smoking, hypertension, diabetes, etc (Legrand et al., 2019). Those living in the blue zones of Greece and Italy have far fewer deaths from cardiovascular disease than populations living in other parts of the world (Legrand et al., 2021). This project aims to investigate how the Mediterranean diet has influenced the rates of cardiovascular disease amongst the …

Pain Management During Intrauterine Device Insertion: A Research Synthesis, Nicole D. Haradisty, Flora V. Maciel Garibay, Dylan D. Renfro

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

The mismatch between expected and actual pain during IUD insertion can negatively impact patients' healthcare experience, satisfaction, and trust in their medical providers (Bayer et al., 2025). Inadequate pain management during IUD insertion serves as a significant barrier for individuals of reproductive age seeking this form of contraception (Bayer et al., 2025). It is essential to address the lack of universal pain management protocols during IUD insertions. Equally important is identifying effective options to manage pain while ensuring that providers set and manage patient expectations appropriately. This study aims to explore the pain experienced during IUD insertion and to identify …

The Effectiveness Of Using Art Therapy In The Treatment Of Individuals With Ptsd, Alexander Jones, Josh Phillips, Jacinto Magallan-Campuzano

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses a creative process to explore

emotions. It has gained recognition as a potential treatment for PTSD. Studies suggest that art therapy can help adults process traumatic experiences by expressing their feelings and reducing symptoms of distress and anxiety (Haeyen & Wanten, 2024). Working in a trauma-informed care environment, one must understand the role of art therapy, as it can be essential in offering holistic, patient-centered care. Investigation of the effectiveness of art therapy could lead to a more inclusive and diverse treatment option for adults with PTSD. In this paper, …

Unraveling The Impact Of Oxidative Stress On Sperm Quality, Nicole Macasa, Olivia Mcmahon, Mónica Vidal-Franco

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

A substantial body of scientific research has identified oxidative stress (OS) as a main culprit in the development of male infertility. OS is mediated by free radicals, which can result from lifestyle, environmental factors, endocrine imbalances, and infection (Skoracka et al., 2020). Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron in their outer shell, making them highly reactive and prone to causing OS damage to other molecules in the body (Łakoma et al., 2023). Spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to their lack of robust cytoplasmic enzyme systems that repair damaged DNA (Saleh & Agarwal, 2002). This …

Impact Of Microplastics On Male Fertility And Sperm Quality, Maura Blackwell, Yelena Gallagher-Spiegle, Regina Ochoa, Abbi Wong

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Plastic pollution is a global health concern. Microplastics and nanoplastics are the byproducts of plastic deterioration and can be invisible to the naked eye. These ever-present particles have infiltrated our ecosystems, water, food, air, and even the human body (Hunt et al., 2024). In recent years, we are starting to understand the effects of plastic degradation on human health. Researchers have observed ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, and other physical deterioration causing microplastics to shed carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting chemicals (Osman et al., 2023). Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol, and octylphenol, interfere with normal hormone activity, mimicking natural …

A Scoping Review Of Biosensor Use In Healthcare Professionals And Education: Enhancing Safety, Well-Being, And Learning Through Technology, Olivia Matson, Brittany Brennan, Annisija Hunter

College of Nursing Reviews and Protocols

Background: Advancements in technology continue to transform healthcare and education, with biosensors emerging as innovative tools to monitor physiological and emotional responses. Within healthcare educational environments, these technologies can provide objective data that enhance the safety, well-being, and performance of healthcare professionals and students.
Purpose: The review aims to explore how biosensor monitoring is used among healthcare professionals and students in healthcare and healthcare educational settings.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines across three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect) to identify studies addressing the research question: How is biosensor monitoring used among healthcare professionals and students in …

Thoughts From The Frontline - May 2025, Tennessee Center For Nursing Advancement, East Tennessee State University

Thoughts from the Frontline Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Aromatherapy On Surgical Patients' Perceived Nausea And Vomiting, John Brennan, Ryan Brennan Bs, Sue Garrison Ma, Bsn, Rn, Cheryl Green, Evelyn Jacovino Msn, Rn, Cmsnl, Cynthia Martins Msn, Rn, Shelly Simonet Bsn, Rn, Jannet Serra Ma, Bsn, Rn, Beth Williams Dnp, Rn, Ec-Bc, Andrew Quito Bsn, Mba

Posters

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is the most common adverse effect of surgery. In the United States, it is estimated that 20- 30% of all surgical encounters, or 75 million Americans yearly experience some form of PONV. Holistic management of PONV has the potential to save a significant amount of resources when compared to standard treatment modalities (Amirshahi et al., 2020; Asay et al., 2019).

Prior to implementation of this quality improvement project, it was estimated that roughly 20% of orthopedic surgery patients at Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus experienced PONV, a serious practice concern. The goal of this project was …

Cardiac-Surgical Advanced Life Support (Cals-S), Rachel Hewett, Lois Lenzmeier, Amber Martin

Nursing Posters

Improve resuscitation outcomes of cardiovascular surgery patients through the adoption of the Cardiac Advanced Life Support-Surgical (CALS-S) algorithm for cardiac arrest.

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover: Generational Diversity At Centracare, Theresa Reichert, Lora Gullette, Britney Winkelman

Nursing Posters

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) identifies key elements of a health work environment. Key elements to build belonging within a health work environment (HWE) include:

• Recognizing the value each person brings to the team
• Open, respectful, and effective communication
• Helping teams identify missing "F"s by valuing multiple perspectives
• Avoiding communication breakdowns
• Building departmental cultures where it is safe for employees to speak up with safety concerns
• Advancing collaboration and mutual respect, even during conflict.
• Strengthening employee fulfillment, retention and morale

At CentraCare, many different generations work together to care for patients and one another. Understanding generational strengths …

Developing Education To Improve Confidence And Competence In Handling Physical And Mental Health Emergencies For Ambulatory Care Nurses, Teresa Nathan, Cathrine Robak

Nursing Posters

With over 60 clinics employing over 600 nursing staff, the educational needs for the CentraCare clinic system are vast and diverse. We conducted a learning needs assessment, identifying confidence and competence gaps in the subjects of physical health and mental health emergencies as a theme across the clinic system.

A Tapestry For Sustaining Perioperative Participation, Larry Asplin, Joanne Oliver-Coleman

Nursing Posters

Perioperative nursing shortages are becoming critical. Many baby boomers are retiring. As a result, this team was tasked to create some basic principles that will help sustain the value of perioperative nursing by utilizing a multigenerational approach.

Perioperative Resources Nurses are pivotal in enhancing the quality and efficiency of care within surgical settings. These nurses operationalize evidence-based standards for healthy work environments and promote creativity in implementing these standards. They can be full-time, part-time, virtual, or volunteer.

High-Risk Tcm Program & Decreasing Hospital Readmissions, Elise Hedman, Christine Erickson

Nursing Posters

Prevent hospital readmissions in high-risk TCM patients utilizing the Community Paramedic program as a resource to visit patients in the home.

From Stillness To Life: A Family's Experience Of Craniosacral Therapy In The Nicu, Veronica Quarry

Journal of Transformative Touch

The mother of a newborn in the NICU shares the benefits both infant and parents experienced when their daughter received CranioSacral Therapy during that critical time.

Ialways Perform Bedside Report, Lindsay Kephart

Nursing Posters

The aim was to create a standard tool for handoff that aids nurses and providers to consistently communicate patient information in the inpatient acute care setting.

Key Driver:

• Staff reported confusion surrounding several different acronyms or tools used to discuss patient information across the care team.

Creating Standard Work To Improve Length Of Stay, Jennifer Burris, Patricia Dumonceaux, Lindsay Kephart

Nursing Posters

Plan:

Improve the geometric mean length of stay (GMLOW) from 1.071 to 1.024 by creating and implementing patient flow and throughput standard work.

Do:

Implement standard work for interdisciplinary team members.

• Create a culture of accountability with consistent use of the expected discharge date (EDD) and patient milestones in Epic, during hand offs, and use of My Care Boards.
• Ensure provider to nurse communication occurs daily using ALWAYS, a standardized tool
• Create and ensure beside nurse-to-nurse hand off occurs using a standardized method known as iALWAYS.
• Create and implement patient education tools.
• Enhance discharge readiness tools to improve real-time communication …

Consistent Inventory Of Sterilized Instruments Ensures A Safe And Uncompromised Supply Of Instruments For Procedural Use, Tiffany Tammen, Amber Eckstein, Ellen Simonson

Nursing Posters

CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital received a regulatory citation related to sterile instrument integrity and storage. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) created a systematic approach to assess instrument inventory and integrity to ensure an uncompromised supply of instruments for procedural use.

Exploration Of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ Perception Of Barriers To Promoting And Supporting Breastfeeding In Primary Care, Devon L. Stubblefield, Allison L. Scott, Carmel Kruse, Marilou D. Shreve, Hope A. Ballentine

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

Background: Breastfeeding is the biological way to provide active and passive immunity, as well as necessary nutrients, to infants while concurrently providing multiple health benefits for mothers. Even though evidence is readily available to support the argument to breastfeed, United States’ breastfeeding rates fall below Healthy People 2030 goals. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in primary care settings are in a prime position to give education and create care plans to support breastfeeding mothers to improve breastfeeding rates but literature supports APRNs lack confidence to do so. An APRN is likely to defer care to another provider to address …