Digital Commons Network^™

Preventing And Reducing Clabsi With Daily 2% Chg Wipes, Karen Ha

Master's Projects and Capstones

This project aims to decrease central line associated bloodstream infections in pediatric patients my microsystem hospital. The process begins re-enforcing daily CHG (2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate) wipes to 100% compliance rates on our patients with central lines tailored to their age and body weights. The process ends with reducing the CLABSI rates of our unit and the entire hospital to 0. By working on the process we expect personal and organizational commitment to transform the culture of safety through integration of standardized communication, issue escalation, non punitive response to errors, rounding by all leaders, and culture of continuous improvement. It is …

Physical Activity Levels And Related Factors In Midwestern Rural Hispanic Or Latino Adults, Alison K. Clevette

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine physical activity levels and specific intrapersonal, interpersonal and community physical environment factors that influence physical activity in Midwestern rural Hispanic or Latino adults. Instruments used in the study included: Self-Efficacy for Exercise Behaviors Survey, Social Support for Exercise Survey, Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH), and Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS). Physical activity was measured by 7-Day Physical Activity Recall and ActiGraph^® accelerometer data. In the study of 54 participants, it was found that there was a very low level of physical activity. For example, 97% of the time was spent …

The Effects Of Implementing Best Practice On Clostridium Difficile Infection Treatment, Melissa A. Craig

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

For many years the number of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) has steadily risen. This common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea can have variable clinical presentations ranging from mild diarrhea to severe cases complicated by the development of pseudomembranous colitis, electrolyte abnormalities, dehydration, sepsis, and even death. The resistant nature of the spores produced by the bacteria and the emergence of hypervirulent strains have made treatment challenging. Previous studies have demonstrated clinician non-adherence to CDI clinical treatment guidelines may result in poor patient outcomes. This evidence-based practice project was implemented at a 311 bed academic medical center in the Midwest. The project …

Vaccination For Prevention Of Postherpectic Neuralgia, Erik C. Burke

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

A Strategy To Increase Vaccination Rates Of Hpv, Jenna Mazour

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Proper Technique When Administering Intramuscular Injections, Ashley M. Isaac-Dockery

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The intent of the evidence-based practice project was to implement a policy change requiring licensed nurses employed by a local rural healthcare organization to complete an educational module on correct intramuscular (IM) administration technique. During the 2014 influenza season, injuries were noted to employees who received influenza vaccinations within the healthcare organization. The injuries occurred after licensed nurses employed by the healthcare organization administered the influenza injection incorrectly to other employees. Injuries were noted after the influenza injection was administered too high in the deltoid causing injury to the shoulder joint. A corrective action plan was developed by a doctoral …

Probiotics For Treatment And Prevention Of Urogenital Infections In Women: A Systematic Review, Lisa Hanson, Leona Vandevusse, Martha G. Jermé, Cybéle L. Abad, Nasia Safdar

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Probiotics are a complementary and integrative therapy useful in the treatment and prevention of urogenital infections in women. This study extends the work of researchers who systematically investigated the scientific literature on probiotics to prevent or treat urogenital infections.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy of probiotics for prevention and/or treatment of urogenital infections in adult women from January 1, 2008, through June 30, 2015. We searched in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Dissertations and Theses, and Alt-HealthWatch. After removing duplicates and studies that did not meet inclusion criteria, …

Reducing Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing In Geriatrics Using The Stopp/Start Tool, Samantha Radel

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Honoring Others By Accompaniment, Merrilee Brown

Theses and Graduate Projects

Nurses recognize that access to healthcare for marginalized individuals prevents some from utilizing western medicine basic health services. People living in the margins can experience difficult encounters to healthcare as a system and a culture. Providers in Scott County that offer access to the marginalized are referred to as safety net services, lack individual choice, resource coordination, or a health partnership with individuals struggling in their daily lives. public Health Nurses recognize the need for intentional collaboration among providers. This project began with a Hispanic individual who had accessed all safety net providers in Scott County and still was not …

Can The Cdc's Get Smart Program And A Decision Tree Alter Clinician Guideline Adherence For Abrs And Avrs?, Tracy R. Wilson

DNP Projects

In previous bodies of work, researchers have not evaluated clinicians’ treatment of AVRS and ABRS by examining the impact of a national education toolkit and a decision tree tool. It is the intent of this scholarly project to determine whether an educational program based on a national education toolkit plus a decision tree tool offered to health care providers in a Middle Tennessee walk-in clinic, promoted an increase in treatment guideline adherence when diagnosing and treating acute bacterial rhinosinusitis and acute viral rhinosinusitis.

Affecting Tdap Vaccination Rates Among Women: A Multifaceted Intervention, Soneka Wynter

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Despite the availability of a preventive vaccine, the incidence of pertussis in the United States has continued to increase over the past two decades and it is now considered the most common preventable infectious illness. Highly contagious in nature, it is estimated that about 50 million people are infected each year, and approximately 300,000 deaths occur worldwide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). In 2013, Indiana reported 616 cases (Indiana State Department of Health [ISDH], 2014). In spite of CDC recommendations on strategies that can improve vaccine delivery, rates of immunization remain low nationwide (CDC, 2014). The purpose …

Integrating Correctional And Community Health Care: An Innovative Approach For Clinical Learning In A Baccalaureate Nursing Program., Mary T. Bouchaud, Beth Ann Swan

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

PROBLEM: With an evolving focus on primary, community-based, and patient-centered care rather than acute, hospital-centric, disease-focused care, and recognition of the importance of coordinating care and managing transitions across providers and settings of care, registered nurses need to be prepared from a different and broader knowledge base and skills set. A culture change among nurse educators and administrators and in nursing education is needed to prepare competent registered nurses capable of practicing from a health promotion, disease prevention, community- and population-focused construct in caring for a population of patients who are presenting health problems and conditions that persist across decades …

Novel Agents And Comparative Efficacy In The Prevention And Management Of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, Laurie A. Chittum

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Ua61/1 External Advisory Board Meeting, Wku School Of Nursing

WKU Administration Documents

Powerpoint presentation for WKU School of Nursing external advisory board meeting.

Use Of Culturally Tailored Media To Increase Hiv Screening Among African Americans, Leda Evans

Doctoral Projects

Over one million people in the United States have HIV with a substantial portion of these individuals being African American. Innovative approaches to improving the HIV disparity among African Americans have been encouraged by the federal government. Culturally tailored HIV risk reduction interventions have been noted as effective in several studies in reducing risk behavior. The purpose of the intervention was to determine if the use of culturally tailored HIV risk reduction media would result in an increase in HIV screening among African Americans. A one-time community based-intervention with no control group was utilized to determine impact of media. Screening …

The Effectiveness Of California Assembly Bill 2109: Personal Belief Exemptions For Kindergarten Immunizations, Lilli Shizuka Goishi-Bessey

Doctoral Projects

The numbers of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in the United States has declined with the development, administration, and effectiveness of vaccines during the 1970s and 1980s. As the eminent threat of VPDs to the public began to wane, parents started questioning the safety and necessity of vaccines. When parents were given the option of selecting personal belief exemption (PBE) waivers for state mandated immunizations for their incoming kindergarten children, an increase in PBEs and the number of VPD outbreaks began to occur. To counter the growing trend of PBEs, and to prevent outbreaks of VPDs in school settings and communities, …

A Literature Review Of Barriers To Immunization In Preterm, Low-Birth-Weight And Very-Low Birth Weight Infants, Sandra Burkinshaw, Janelle L. B. Macintosh

Student Works

Approximately 500,000 infants are born each year prior to 37 weeks gestation in the United States. Despite the increased immunologic risk for infants born pre-term (PT), low birth weight (LBW), or very low birth weight (VLBW), infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are often under immunized, if they are immunized at all. Factors that have been identified to inhibit immunization uptake in the NICU population include: immunization effectiveness, safety and adverse events, provider belief, and policy guidelines regarding vaccination in this population. Providers caring for these vulnerable infants can increase the immunization rates by implementing evidenced based education, developing …

The Effectiveness Of Educating Rns On Stethoscope Disinfection, Amanda S. Berg Bsn, Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Immunization Status Of Nicu Graduates At A Tertiary Care Children's Hospital, Leslie Jane Huggins

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this study were to determine the current rates of immunization and identify variables associated with immunizations of NICU graduates who were 60 days of age or older at time of discharge. This is a descriptive pilot study utilizing retrospective paper chart review. The relationships between immunization status and study variables were examined using logistic regression. Of 43 infants discharged at least 60 days of age or older from the NICU, 74.4% were up to date for immunizations in accordance with AAP recommendations. Additional variables were not significant. Immunization needs to be a priority in order to give …

Non-Antibiotic Alternatives For Reducing Antepartum Group B Streptococcus Colonization, Rebecca M. Smith

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae (known as Group B strep, or GBS) is a bacterium that resides in the gastrointestinal tract and/or vaginal canal and is typically benign, but during pregnancy and birth it can potentially colonize the neonate, causing early-onset group B streptococcal disease (EOGBSD) of the neonate. The use of antibiotics has reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with neonatal infections, but it is not an entirely effective means of preventing the infections and the development of antibiotic resistance may render antibiotics ineffective for this purpose. Alternative methods of preventing GBS colonization are in use by consumers and out-of-hospital birth …

Zika Virus, Abigail Hanneken

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the Spondweni serocomplex within the genus Flavivovirus, family flaviviridae (Weaver et. al, 2012). ZIKV is related to dengue, West Nile, and yellow fever viruses (Lazear et. al, 2016). ZIKV was first discovered in Uganda, but since then outbreaks have been reported in Africa and Southeast Asia. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil, where it began to rapidly spread throughout the region (CDC, 2016). Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing outbreak of Zika virus and associated …

Sepsis In The Intensive Care Setting, Katie Mojzisik

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Sepsis is a complex systemic illness. According to Kruse et al. (2016), neutropenic sepsis is a frequent complication in cancer patients. Although the underlying disease is curable, once transferred to the ICU with sepsis these patients have poor outcomes. • Patients who develop sepsis are commonly admitted to an Intensive Care Unit. Working on the Medical Intensive Care Unit (JMICU) at the James Cancer Hospital, one sees septic cancer patients often. This cancer diagnosis places patients at a higher risk of developing sepsis. Some patients also have a high risk due to decreased immunity from chemotherapy treatments. Oncology patients can …

Community Acquired Pneumonia Project, Patricia Heaney

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There is an increasing number of microorganisms that are becoming resistant to antimicrobial medications. This growing number of resistant organism poses a serious health threat, not only in this nation, but throughout the world. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are greater than 2 million people who acquire serious infections that are resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents that were made to treat those organisms (CDC, 2013). Streptococcus pneumonia (S. pneumoniae or pneumococcus) is one such organism that has been identified by the CDC (2013) as becoming increasingly resistant to drugs that were once …

Zika Virus, Anne Ambrose-Young

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The Zika virus (Zika) was first discovered in 1947 in Uganda, with only 14 cases documented before 2007 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). Over the last two years, however, this virus, formerly confined to the tropical regions of Africa and South East Asia, has been reported in South and Central America, Mexico, parts of the Caribbean, Polynesia, with the reports continuing to grow. In February, 2016, the World Health Organization reported that Zika has been elevated to a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The spread of Zika is alarming because it has been associated with severe fetal …

Does Theory Translate In The Trenches Of Short Term Mission Work?, Rhonda D. Hensley

Journal of Health Ethics

Despite numerous criticisms in the literature on the ethics and sustainable outcomes of short term international mission trips, there can be positive outcomes for volunteers and for recipients of short term mission care efforts. Utilizing a theoretical framework that addresses efforts to promote sustainability can lead to a structured, productive, and satisfying experience. With effective host country partnerships and an organized model of care delivery, international mission volunteers can provide highly effective health care services that are specific to the health and cultural needs of the host community.

Stress Reduction Program In A Military Clinic, Hyun-Ju Kang

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Occupation-related stress has been a long-standing concern of the health care industry. Studies indicate that health care workers have higher rates of substance abuse and suicide than other professionals and elevated rates of depression and anxiety linked to job stress. In addition to psychological distress, other outcomes of job stress include burnout, absenteeism, employee intent to leave, reduced patient satisfaction, and diagnosis and treatment errors. Mindfulness interventions, such as practicing yoga on a regular basis, have been found to be effective in reducing work-related stress by multiple researchers. The overall level of stress, anxiety and depression decreased after implementation of …

Pregnancy With Psoriasis: What New Parents Need To Know, Debra Henline Sullivan, Deborah Weatherspoon, Christopher Weatherspoon

Walden Faculty and Staff Publications

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects a substantial number of women annually during pregnancy and childbirth. Some of these women will need and seek guidance before or during their pregnancies and during lactation. The childbirth educator needs a basic knowledge base and ability to answer questions that may arise regarding psoriasis during the childbirth experience. This article will define psoriasis and its effects on pregnancy and childbirth, consider genetic concerns, and explore treatment options.

Health Literacy Program Proposal For Health Care Workers, Shevon Naomi Howard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Health information literacy influences patient health outcomes, yet almost 90% of adults

struggle to understand health information. This study explored the impact of an education course in health literacy on healthcare professionals' methods of providing information to patients in order to increase effective communication and improve patient outcomes. This study drew from an integrated theoretical framework that suggests development and validation of tools to measure health literacy. Access to and understanding of reliable, high-quality health care information equalizes many other variables that impact health outcomes, including age, economic class, and cultural background. This study analyzed survey data collected from 2 …

Childhood Obesity And Nursing Interventions, Rebecca Oswald

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This paper will examine obesity and the multitude of methods for a healthcare professional to help influence their patients using health promotion techniques for those who are at risk for obesity. This paper will discuss the pathophysiology of obesity as well as childhood obesity risk factors that pertain to this disease. This paper will investigate the nursing interventions being used today to combat childhood obesity within the following settings; school, in-patient, and clinic.

Caring Minds, University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston School Of Nursing

Caring Minds

No abstract provided.