Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Assessing The Effect Of Increasing The Frequency Of Copd Assessment Test Utilization On Rehospitalization Rates For Home Health Patients, Rebecca Goldberg

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Abstract

This evidence-based practice Process Improvement (PI) project involves using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) to decrease rehospitalization rates for home health patients with a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The project includes having therapy clinicians complete the CAT during their in-home skilled visits, between home health nursing visits to increase the frequency of completion. The goal is to recognize symptoms of exacerbation early, engage patients in their own care, encourage communication with providers, initiate early intervention at home, and prevent rehospitalization. Patients with COPD experience frequent symptom exacerbations leading to anxiety, poor quality of life, and challenges …

Implementing A Nurse Education Seminar To Improve Chlorhexidine 4% Compliance On A Cardiac Surgical Unit, Erin Wilson

DNP Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Medical Misinformation About Vaccines On Parents Of Pediatric Patients, Mya Izabela B. Emelia

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention designed for parents of pediatric patients who are vaccine hesitant and its impact on childhood vaccination rates. This research proposal aims to assess whether targeted education addressing vaccine misinformation, safety concerns, and benefits influences parental decision-making and improves vaccine uptake.

Methods

Parents of pediatric patients will be recruited from pediatric clinics and community health centers. Participants will complete a baseline survey before receiving an educational intervention addressing vaccine misinformation, social media-driven misconceptions, and hesitancy. A post-intervention survey will then assess changes in vaccine hesitancy, …

Nurses Current State Of Knowledge On Prion Disease, Chelsy Grande

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Prion disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. Creutzfeldt-Jakob prion disease rapidly progresses, caused by an infectious pathogen that misfolds the normal prion protein which results in an accumulation of cellular prion proteins. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, only palliative care to provide support as the disease progresses. There is a gap in providing support for the patients and their families due to the limited understanding from the nurses, which can lead to the unmet needs of patients and their families. The purpose of the study is to evaluate what nurses …

Evaluating Pulmonary Tuberculosis Knowledge Deficits Among Nursing Students In The United States, Jamie Lynn Woo

Nursing | Senior Theses

The healthcare field consistently faces patients with a wide range of diseases and illnesses. Pulmonary Tuberculosis is an infectious lung disease with established tools to prevent, detect, and treat it. Yet, there has been a significant rise in cases within the past year. Amidst this troubling situation, it is crucial that all healthcare workers, nursing students, and nurses in particular, are properly educated on caring for TB patients. This research proposal aims to determine if there are TB treatment knowledge gaps among nursing students in the United States by conducting a 20-question survey utilizing the Likert Scale. If results show …

Advanced Infection Prevention In Infants, Kenny Le, Osmara Rojas, Vika Lomonosova, Blakelee Waller

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Abstract

Background: Infants are highly susceptible to nosocomial infections like CLABSIs due to underdeveloped immune systems and exposure to medical interventions. These infections significantly threaten health outcomes in the NICU. With national NICU infection rates for 1.1-3.3 lb infants averaging 15%, the study’s 7.1% infection rate indicates mFICare’s potential. Does an educational intervention for caregivers, mobile-enhanced Family-Integrated Care (mFICare), reduce the national average NICU nosocomial infection rate of 15% to 5% compared to the Family-Centered Care’s (FCC) approach?

Methods: Keywords: NICU, infants, intensive care unit, bloodstream, infection, prevention, hospital-acquired infection, theory-of-care, family-integrated care. Databases used for review of literature: CINAHL, …

The Effects Of Medical Misinformation About Vaccines On Parents Of Pediatric Patients, Mya Izabela B. Emelia

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Development Of An Educational Toolkit For Washington State Nursing Professionals Regarding Climate-Related Impacts On Health, Margaret "Maggie" Pinson

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Most healthcare professionals (HCPs) know that climate change poses a serious threat to human health, but few physicians and nurses actually discuss climate-related impacts on health with their patients. This knowledge-practice gap poses a risk to patient safety.

PROBLEM: Patients who are unaware of environmental threats to health may develop new illnesses, experience unnecessary exacerbations of underlying health problems and may die.

METHODS: A quality improvement intervention that addressed the educational needs of HCPs as described in the literature was developed and hosted on an online survey platform.

INTERVENTION: Preintervention survey questions captured baseline attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge. The …

Improvement Of Hpv Vaccination Rate In Pediatric Patients In A Clinic Through Implementation Of A Bundle, Macalah Jenschke

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of several cancers, and vaccination is a highly effective preventive measure. However, HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal, particularly in rural pediatric populations. This quality improvement (QI) project aims to enhance HPV vaccination rates through the implementation of a comprehensive vaccination bundle targeting provider education, patient and parent education, appointment reminders, and the use of a vaccine waiver when needed.

Method: This QI project was conducted over twelve weeks in a rural pediatric clinic with approximately 130 patients seen daily. The intervention bundle included provider education on effective communication regarding HPV vaccination, educational …

“What We Say Matters”: Reducing Drug Use Stigmatization By Healthcare Professionals Through A Narrative-Based Awareness Campaign, Adam M. Traugott

DNP Projects

Background: Stigma towards substance use has been identified as a contributor to poor care and health outcomes amongst people who use drugs (PWUD), a vulnerable population. Healthcare worker stigma negatively affects the outcomes of individual patients and may have greater public health implications. Methods of addressing drug-use stigma have previously been implemented in a variety of clinical settings. Presenting the lived experience of PWUD to healthcare workers via emotionally compelling narratives has been found to be an effective means of stigma reduction.

Purpose: This study utilized two psychometrically validated tools to measure (1) the baseline prevalence of drug use stigma …

“I Feel Like It Gets Worse As I Get Older”: Perspectives Of Peri-Postmenopausal Women With Pcos, Pamela J. Wright Phd, Ms, Med, Rn, Cen, Cynthia F. Corbett Phd, Rn, Faan, Robin M. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc, Charlotte Burts

Publications

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrinopathy that transcends the reproductive years. Peri-postmenopausal women with PCOS remain at cardiometabolic risk or subsist with established comorbidity while continuing to contend with persistent PCOS signs and symptoms such as hirsutism. Evidence based information for peri-postmenopausal women with PCOS is scant. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the physical, psychosocial, and healthcare perspectives of peri-postmenopausal women with PCOS.

Methods: Peri-postmenopausal women with PCOS aged ≥43 years (n = 29) were recruited using ResearchMatch to participate in a virtual interview. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide. The interviews …

Complex Role Of Digital Health Literacy In Awareness And Use Of Digital Sexually Transmitted And Blood-Borne Infections Testing: A Structural Equation Modelling Analysis Of The 2022 Getcheckedonline Survey, Ihoghosa Iyamu, Pierce Gorun, Sofia Bartlett, Geoffrey Mckee, Lorie Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, Hsiu Ju Chang, Rodrigo Sierra-Rosales, Devon Haag, Heather Nicole Pedersen, Nathan John Lachowsky, Catherine Worthington, Troy Grennan, Daniel Grace, Mark Gilbert

Publications

Background Although digital health literacy (DHL) is recognised as a determinant of access to digital sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing, empirical evidence about its contribution to access disparities remains limited. We applied multidimensional DHL measures to examine inequities in awareness and use of GetCheckedOnline, British Columbia’s (BC) publicly funded digital STBBI testing service. Methods We analysed data from GetCheckedOnline’s 2022 community survey of English-speaking BC residents aged ≥16 years who were sexually active in the past year. Outcomes were awareness and use of GetCheckedOnline (yes/no). DHL was measured using latent factors from the eHealth Literacy Scale: Information Navigation, …

Development And Validation Of A Revised Multidimensional Digital Health Literacy Scale: Secondary Analysis Using Cross-Sectional Data From The 2022 Getcheckedonline Community Survey In British Columbia, Canada, Ihoghosa Iyamu, Pierce Gorun, Hsiu Ju Chang, Rodrigo Sierra-Rosales, Devon Haag, Heather Pedersen, Sofia Bartlett, Nathan Lachowsky, Geoffrey Mckee, Catherine Worthington, Troy Grennan, Lorie Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, Daniel Grace, Mark Gilbert

Publications

Background: Digital technologies are reshaping health care, making digital health literacy (DHL) a critical competency for navigating online health information. Although widely conceived and measured as a unidimensional measure of DHL, the literature increasingly supports a multidimensional framing of the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Studies propose alternative factor structures that can better inform population-level interventions, but these studies have not accounted for the ordinal nature of eHEALS response data. Objective: This study aimed to identify and validate an alternate multidimensional structure of eHEALS accounting for its ordinal response scale. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2022 GetCheckedOnline community survey of …

2025-2026 Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook, Morehead State University. Nursing Department.

Nursing Department Publications Archive

2025-2026 Undergraduate Student Handbook of the Department of Nursing at Morehead State University.

Human Trafficking In The Er: Will You Recognize The Signs?, Lauren Neff

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Current data reveals that 88% of human trafficking (HT) victims seek some form of health care while being trafficked. More specifically, 63% seek care in the emergency department setting (McAmis et al., 2022). A recent literature review indicates that regarding human trafficking and healthcare, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge on the issue. Healthcare team members often have little to no education or knowledge of potential signs and symptoms of a victim in a trafficking situation. The purpose of this DNP project was to increase healthcare staff knowledge of human trafficking (HT) and, more specifically, nurses in an …

Educational Sessions On Opioid Use Disorder In A Rural Community: A Faith-Based Approach, Tarrelle Reade

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This scholarly project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a faith-based community education program regarding opioid use disorder (OUD) in a rural area of Person County, North Carolina. Through 4 weekly sessions hosted at Lattisville Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the program provided education on the signs and symptoms of opioid misuse, associated risks, available treatment options, support resources, and the use of Narcan. A pre- and post-survey design using a Likert scale measured changes in knowledge and confidence across five key domains. Data from participants (n = 54 total) showed statistically significant improvements in awareness and self-efficacy in most areas, …

The Path To Zero Clabsis: The Benefits Of Central Line Care Teams, Supplemental Checklist, Increased Education And Utilizing Clabsi Bundles, Lauren A. Bondurant

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in a plethora of deaths each year and cost the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). CLABSIs have been a type of bloodstream infection that has affected a plethora of individuals for years and one that does not discriminate patient type. Many articles were reviewed, but they all inferred that CLABSIs bundles,supplemental checklists, and central line care teams all showed the most significant data and resulted in the most decreased CLABSI rates. Upon assessment of the project unit, it was noted that the issue that most impacted …

Directing Patient Hand Hygiene Before Meals In The Icu: A Quality Improvement Project To Enhance Patient Safety, Nicholas Davini

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND:

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major problem in healthcare, increasing patient morbidity, mortality, and costs. While staff hand hygiene is a well-established infection control measure, less attention is paid to patient hand hygiene (PHH) despite CDC recommendations.

LOCAL PROBLEM:

An intensive care unit (ICU) in northeastern Massachusetts had no formal policy for patient hand hygiene, and hospital leadership expressed support for enhancing infection control practices.

METHODS:

Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, a quality improvement project was implemented to encourage PHH before meals. Baseline PHH rates were collected through observation. The intervention involved registered nurses (RNs) directing patients to use hand …

The Role Of Game-Based Learning Simulation To Enhance Leadership In Pandemic Preparedness For Nursing Students, Scott James Andrews

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses around the world suffered with the impact of resource scarcity on the provision of quality nursing care to patients. Nursing staff were at higher risk of infection than all other healthcare workers, with working conditions during the pandemic resulting in significant staffing pressures. The challenges faced by staff during the pandemic inevitably influenced the quality and delivery of clinical education, highlighting the need for innovative solutions such as digital learning to address emerging training needs. Further, the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on clinical education has highlighted the benefits of digital learning environments as alternatives to …

The Experiences Of Nurses Caring For Patients During The Initial Outbreak Of The Covid-19 Pandemic In The Maldives: A Phenomenological Study, Khadiyya Simany, Asiya Ibrahim

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

The experience of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in the Maldives may have been unique and at the same time similar to the global nursing situation during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aimed to explore nurses’ experiences in providing nursing care for COVID-19 patients in one of the facilities in the Maldives. A descriptive phenomenological approach of inquiry was employed to explore the new phenomenon of the nursing experience during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Using purposive convenience sampling, six nurses were interviewed in depth via semi-structured face‒to-face interviews. The interviews were analysed through modified principles …

Global Standards And Protocols For Oral Care In Pediatric Cancer Patients: Systematic Review Protocol, Meghna Pandit, Baby S. Nayak, Vasudeva K. Bhat, Suneel C. Mundkur, Judith A. Noronha, Sridhar N

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Introduction Childhood cancer is a global health challenge, with over 275,000 cases annually among individuals under 19 years. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy lead to significant oral complications, including mucositis, xerostomia, and infections, adversely affecting treatment adherence and quality of life. Effective oral care is essential for mitigating these complications, particularly in resource-limited settings like India.

Objectives This systematic review aims to identify, assess, and summarize global guidelines and protocols for oral care in pediatric cancer patients, focusing on the prevention and management of oral complications during treatment.

Methods The protocol adheres to PRISMA-P guidelines and is …

Minimizing Infant Injury Risk By Utilizing Parental Education In A Primary Care Setting, Courtney Munroe, Erin Kuehl, Rachel Mahlberg

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Introduction

Accidental injury and death to infants has been correlated to lack of proper education to parents of infants in the primary pediatric care setting. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and unintentional injuries were the second and third leading causes of post neonatal death during this period of time (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016). Studies have found that motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of child injury and death for infants under 12 months of age. The CDC found that drowning, suffocation, and poisoning were other leading causes that contributed to child injury and death rates …

Evaluating Pulmonary Tuberculosis Knowledge Deficits Among Nursing Students In The United States, Jamie Lynn Woo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The healthcare field consistently faces patients with a wide range of diseases and illnesses. Pulmonary Tuberculosis is an infectious lung disease with established tools to prevent, detect, and treat it. Yet, there has been a significant rise in cases within the past year. Amidst this troubling situation, it is crucial that all healthcare workers, nursing students, and nurses in particular, are properly educated on caring for TB patients. This research proposal aims to determine if there are TB treatment knowledge gaps among nursing students in the United States by conducting a 20-question survey utilizing the Likert Scale. If results show …

Improving Immunization Rates In Children Under Two Years Of Age In Linn County, Kansas Through Nursing Education, Heather L. Webber

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Immunizations are one of the most beneficial preventive health measures available to children under two years of age. Failing to receive these preventative immunizations during these crucial years could result in the child developing serious diseases that may lead to long term disability or even be fatal. By increasing immunization rates, children will be more protected against common childhood diseases which will allow them to grow and thrive. The purpose of this scholarly project was to identify ways to improve vaccination rates in children under two years of age at specific clinics in Linn County, Kansas, using healthcare professional education. …

Practicing Responses To Acute Clinical Troubles: Initiative Through Clinical Education (P.R.A.C.T.I.C.E.) To Improve Medical Emergency Response Increasing Nurse Confidence And Preparedness Through Low-Stakes Clinical Education, Lauren Castelblanco Rn, Viviana Lopez Rn, Nosa Odiase Rn, Everly Pompa Rn

Master's Projects and Capstones

A newly established pediatric outpatient infusion center in Los Angeles does not have immediate access to a Code Blue Team or a Rapid Response Team, and instead relies on the Staff Assist protocol to manage medical emergencies. Via direct interviews, registered nurses at the infusion center report feeling underprepared and lacking confidence to respond to medical emergencies that must be escalated to code blue. Microsystem assessment tools determined the root cause to be limited clinical exposure and limited opportunities for skills development. To address the nurses' concerns, Practicing Responses to Acute Clinical Troubles: Initiative through Clinical Education (P.R.A.C.T.I.C.E.) was implemented …

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative: Becoming Baby-Friendly Designated, Krystal Angelique Mora

Master's Projects and Capstones

Section I: Abstract

Problem Despite efforts to increase breastfeeding rates, the influence of formula companies has contributed to the decrease in rates, affecting the health outcomes of infants. In response, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) introduced standardized education for nursing staff to support infant growth and development. Context Hospital A Birth Center is a 33-bed culturally diverse unit that provides care to mothers in Northern California, delivering approximately 7,400 babies each year and helping patients transition into motherhood. Aim The quality improvement project aims to enhance the retention of BFHI-aligned education provided during hospitalization by 26.2%, raising retention rates among …

Natural Medicine Use In Costa Rica, Elizabeth Krol

Honors Theses

This study explores the role of natural medicine in Costa Rican culture, while focusing on its historical, cultural, and clinical significance. With a literature review, ethnobotanical research, and a study abroad experience, this paper highlights the integration of natural, herbal medicine into modern healthcare. Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, with its varied microclimates and abundant medicinal plants, forms a strong foundation for traditional herbal medicine. Indigenous groups such as the BriBri and Cabécar contributed significantly to this legacy, which has evolved through interactions with European and Afro-Caribbean populations.

Research emphasizes the cultural importance of herbal medicine within the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, …

Perceptions And Attitudes Of Western Michigan University Students On Antibiotic Medications, Emily Boask

Honors Theses

On a global scale, antibiotic resistance is a threat to public health. The causes of antibiotic resistance are multifaceted, including healthcare providers overprescribing antibiotics, antibiotic overuse in farming and food production, and antibiotic misuse or malpractices. The public recognizes antibiotic resistance as a significant problem but there are serious knowledge gaps regarding antibiotic resistance and antibiotic stewardship.

University students are a particularly important subpopulation of the public to understand appropriate antibiotic use because many of these individuals are navigating their health concerns on their own for the first time. Many individuals believe that antibiotics can improve cold symptoms, upper respiratory …

Prescription For Change: Tackling Inappropriate Antibiotic Use In Urgent Care Settings, Lachundra Mosley

Doctoral Projects

A pressing global health issue that significantly contributes to antibiotic resistance is the inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for Upper Respiratory Infections (URI’s) in urgent care settings (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The purpose of this doctoral project was to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for URI at an urgent care in D’Iberville, Mississippi through the implementation of an educational pamphlet.

A pre-post intervention project was conducted, collecting data on antibiotic prescribing practices via retrospective chart reviews before and after the educational intervention. Data was collected using a researcher developed screening tool based on Evidence based guidelines to distinguish viral vs bacterial infections. …