Digital Commons Network^™

Factors That Influence International Nursing Students’ Experiences And Perceptions Of Their Learning Environments: A Scoping Review, Fatch Welcome Kalembo, Sally Wilson, Terena Solomons, Irene Ngune, Eric Lim, Anna Bosco, Paul Kebble, John Taplin, Janie Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: The objective of this review was to explore factors that influence international undergraduate nursing students’ experiences and perceptions of their learning environment. Introduction: In the past 2 decades, international student enrollment in tertiary education increased globally, with English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States attracting a significant majority of these students. Many of these international students are attracted to studies in health professions and related sciences, particularly nursing. Despite their economic and cultural contributions to the host country, international nursing students face numerous challenges that affect their learning experiences. Inclusion criteria: Peer-reviewed studies …

Breaking Bread And Building Bonds: The Impact Of Meal Sharing In The Workplace, Emilia Garcia, Whitney Ferguson

Covenant Nurses Week 2025

No abstract provided.

Nursing Faculty Experiences Of Teaching Dementia Care: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jeannie Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of nursing faculty teaching dementia care to nursing students in Texas. The theory guiding this study was Kolb’s experiential learning theory as it offers a structured framework for examining how experiences lead to learning. This theory also introduced the concept of the Experiential Educator profile, specifically delineating the role of educators in facilitating knowledge acquisition (Kolb, 2014). This study bridged the gap in existing literature regarding the experiences of nursing faculty in teaching dementia care to nursing students and provided a comprehensive look at dementia education in nursing schools. …

A Quantitative Study Teaching De-Escalation With Virtual Reality Simulation To Associate Nursing Students Measuring Effectiveness, Learning, And Confidence, Michele Rene Marbet

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Workplace violence against nurses is a critical global public health issue, as one in four nurses reportedly experience physical assault by patients. This quantitative quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest study aimed to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality simulation as a teaching strategy for de-escalation education in associate nursing students’ (N = 29) perception in learning and confidence. The study utilized the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M) instrument to measure outcomes guided by Kolb's experiential learning theory and the NLN Jeffries simulation theory. The learning variable demonstrated significant improvement as confirmed by paired t-test analysis (p < .01). For the effectiveness and confidence variables, which violated assumptions of normality, a comprehensive statistical approach was implemented. Analysis included parametric testing via paired t-tests, supplemented by nonparametric methods (Wilcoxon Signed-ranks test and Sign test) to ensure statistical rigor. The cumulative results across all three statistical tests consistently demonstrated significant improvements (p < .001). Effect size calculations revealed medium to large significance for all variables measured by Cohen’s d. The conclusive findings of this research included a rejection of all three null hypotheses, which suggests that virtual reality simulation is an effective teaching strategy for developing de-escalation skills, enhancing both learning and confidence among associate nursing students. Future studies are needed to further validate and expand upon the findings of the current research, potentially leading to more widespread adoption of virtual reality simulation in nursing education for teaching de-escalation.

The Lived Experience Of New Graduate Nurses Implementing Evidence-Based Practice In A Clinical Setting, Kimberly A. Mcfarland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative interpretive phenomenological analysis study was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of new graduate nurses (NGNs) as they implemented evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical settings. This study addressed the problem that NGNs often lack the skills and confidence to effectively apply EBP, despite its critical role in improving patient outcomes. The research aimed to provide insight into the challenges, support systems, and strategies that influence EBP integration during the transition from student to practicing nurse. The study utilized the interpretive phenomenological analysis methodology to analyze data collected through semistructured interviews conducted via the Teams …

The Impact Of Covid-19 During The First Two Years: Giving Voice To Pediatric Nurses, Karen S. Gralton, Kathryn J. Malin, Eileen Sherburne, Danielle Smith, Stacy Wenner, Julie Averbeck, Amy Newman, Anita Norton, Genesee Hornung, Karen Kavanaugh

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of pediatric nurses providing direct care in a variety of settings during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design and methods

This was a qualitative descriptive study. Donabedian's Quality Framework for the Evaluation of Healthcare was used to guide the design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 24 direct care nurses from inpatient and outpatient settings within one healthcare system. Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted in-person or via a virtual platform from November 2021 through March 2022.

Results

Four major themes were determined across all settings and …

Relationship Between Mental Health Education And Nurse Preparedness, Deborah C. O'Dell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study was to see if there was a relationship between the type of Mental Health education undergraduate nurses received or the number of Mental Health clinical days they experienced and how prepared they were to care for Mental Health Consumers (MHCs) when they first were employed. This information had never before been studied, so had the potential to change nursing curriculum and provide better care for MHCs. An anonymous survey using the Behavioral Health Care Competency’s questions was used and an invitation to participate was placed on various nursing discussion forums and social media sites. Participants (n = …

What Do Safety And Risk Mean To Women Who Choose To Birth At Home? A Systematic Review, Candice Chauncy, Kate Dawson, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Despite clear evidence to support the safety and efficacy of homebirth, the concept challenges the almost universal belief that hospital is the safest place to give birth. Homebirth remains largely unsupported around the world due to prevailing beliefs and constructs surrounding risk and safety. Despite barriers to access, women continue to choose home as a place to birth. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative research was conducted to explore and understand women's views on what constitutes risk and safety in labour and birth for those who choose to birth at home. All studies were evaluated for quality and relevance. …

Contrasting Patients' And Healthcare Professionals' Experience In Hematological Cancer Care Pathway: A Narrative Study, Karine Bilodeau, Cynthia Henriksen, Camilia Aloisio Alves, Charlotte Gélinas-Gagné, Lynda Piché, Jacinthe Pepin, Virginia Lee, Marie-France Vachon, Nathalie Folch, Marie-Pascale Pomey, Nicolas Fernandez

Patient Experience Journal

Hematological cancers represent 10% of cancers diagnosed in Canada. Treatments involve complex care pathways and various modalities as well as the management and monitoring of multiple side effects. There is limited understanding of these pathways from the perspectives of the people living with cancer (PLC) and the healthcare professional (HCP). The aim of this article is to contrast the experiences of PLCs and HCPs in the context of hematological cancer care pathway. Narrative study approach was chosen for this exploratory study. Twenty-one narratives were co-created with PLCs (n = 12) and HCPs (n = 9). A structural and comparative analysis …

Experiences Of Women In The Labour Room: The Untold Story, Emmanuel Dziwornu, Belinda Kpodo, Ophelia Anarfi, Enyonam Afi Adzato, Anita Fafa Dartey

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Childbirth experiences are some of the most sensitive indicators of the utilisation of health facilities. Women who go through the child-birthing process are reported to be faced with a range of experiences. Aim: This study described women's experiences in the labour room. Methods: The study employed a qualitative research approach with a descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used in this study and data saturation was reached after the 18^th participant. In-depth interviews were used to obtain information from recently delivered women. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis (TCA) was done and the results were …

Evaluating Referral Rates For Positive Postpartum Depression Screenings At Telehealth And Well-Child Visits: A Scoping Review, Rachel Macklin Barber, Mph, Bsn, Rn, Damaris Amber Brooks, Bsn, Rn, Ashli-Emeria Gary, Bsn, Rn, Margaret Harvey, Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Kate Fouquier Phd, Aprn, Cnm, Pmh-C, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects one in nine women. It has distressing impacts, including behavioral and attachment issues and toveruse of healthcare services. PPD occurs within 4 weeks to 12 months postpartum. A scoping review was conducted to compare referral rates to mental health providers after PPD screenings were conducted via telehealth versus those completed at well-child visits.

Methods

Peer-reviewed articles published within five years before the initial search, beginning September 2022 and ending November 2024, were selected. Articles were sourced from several publications using an online library database with various MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Search results were narrowed …

The Effect Of Nursing Students' Level Of Readiness For Professional Practice On Self-Efficacy And Clinical Stress Perception: A Cross-Sectional Study, Uğur Öner, Dilek Yılmaz, Sinan Aslan, Ercan Çınar

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: It is essential to evaluate students’ readiness before graduation and support them with education accordingly. This study investigates the effect of the level of readiness for professional practice as a purpose on the self-efficacy and clinical stress perceptions of nursing students.

Methods: The data for this cross-sectional study were collected between May and July 2024. The study included 733 3rd and 4th-year students studying nursing departments at state universities in Turkey. The Student Identification Form, Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Scale (CFRPS), Student Self-Efficacy Scale (SSS), and Nursing Students Perceptions of Clinical Stressors Scale (NSPCSS) were used.

Results …

Use Of Interdisciplinary Rounds For The Identification Of Hospitalized Adults In Need Of Palliative Care, Brenda A. Blunt

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Palliative care (PC) is specialized care that aims to provide relief from the stress and symptoms of living with a serious illness (Center to Advance Palliative Care, 2022). PC services are often underutilized in the hospital, leaving a significant number of patients with unmet needs (Haranis et al, 2023; Kawashima & Evans, 2023; Smith et al, 2019). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to improve processes for identifying hospitalized patients for referral to specialty inpatient PC. The intervention involved interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) for adult inpatients on two medical-surgical (MESG) units in an 84-bed community hospital in suburban Milwaukee, …

Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Beliefs About Peer Feedback In The Nursing Skill Lab: Value, Quality, And Importance, Danielle Elizabeth Fleming

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Peer feedback is an instructional method used in nursing education to support student success in the nursing program and professional practice. While a large body of evidence supports the merits of peer feedback as an instructional method, there is limited research on its use in nursing students, especially within the skill lab. The purpose of this study, guided by the feedback intervention theory, was to examine nursing students’ beliefs about peer feedback in the nursing skill lab and how those beliefs change over time. Archival data from the Beliefs About Peer Feedback Questionnaire (BPFQ) from a public midwestern university was …

Effects Of Exercise On Adhd Symptoms In Children And Adolescents, Morgan Mozinski

Nursing Capstones

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of exercise compared to traditional treatment methods on symptoms of ADHD in children, such as improved executive function. A systematic literature review utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and UND Medical Library resulted in a total of 113 articles, with 15 articles meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results were filtered to studies within the past 5 years. Studies suggest that physical activity could be used as an adjunct to current treatment. Results of various studies support this concept as children showed an improvement in attention, a decrease in impulsivity and hyperactivity, and an …

Evaluation Of Depression Screening Tools For Utilization In Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Helen Whitaker Bsn, Rn, Jade Bray Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc, Sharon Little Dnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Anxiety and depression are prevalent mood disorders among the adolescent population with significant impacts on academic performance, social interactions, and mental well-being. With depression rates continuing to rise and suicide among the leading causes of death in adolescents, there is an urgent need for effective screening and intervention. While depression screening is recommended in the primary care setting, many adolescents do not have regular access to healthcare, complicating early identification and treatment. The purpose of this scoping review is to compare the effectiveness of two depression screening tools, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), …

Enhancing Schizophrenia Treatment Outcomes: Integrating Cbt With Medication Therapy To Reduce Hospital Readmission, Kamauri Fleming Msn, Rn, Grace Adeniji-Ilesanmi Fnp-Bc, Zillah Anagho Tah Fnp-C, Alex Cook Msn, Rn, Margaret Harvey Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Sharon Little Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that disrupts cognition, emotion, and social functioning, imposing significant personal and societal burdens. While antipsychotic medications are effective in alleviating psychotic symptoms, they are often associated with side effects, poor adherence, and relapse risk. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise as an adjunct to medication, addressing persistent symptoms and improving outcomes. This scoping review examines the integration of CBT with medication therapy to reduce hospital readmissions and improve quality of life for adult patients hospitalized with schizophrenia.

Methods A systematic search of databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Library, was conducted …

Streamlining A Faculty Simulation Educational Program To Improve Faculty Confidence And Proficiency, Megan Lannom

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Simulation-based education is essential to clinical preparedness in nursing. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance nursing faculty confidence and proficiency through a structured training program. Faculty at a private university participated in training grounded in the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice, addressing core components including facilitation, prebriefing, debriefing, evaluation, and terminology. A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design guided the project. Data analysis ensured methodological rigor through appropriate statistical and qualitative strategies. The Simulation Educator Needs Assessment Tool (SENAT) was administered pre- and post-intervention with thirteen faculty participants. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic …

Quality Improvement Project Enhancing Patient Care In Nurse Practitioner Private Practices: A Train-The-Trainer Approach To Implementing Evidence-Based Chronic Mental Disease Management Interventions, Chioma Waters

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Chronic mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are frequently treated by nurse practitioners (NPs) in outpatient private practices. Despite the evidence supporting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a first-line intervention, its utilization remains limited in NP settings, often due to lack of training and confidence. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to evaluate whether a structured train-the-trainer program could improve NP confidence in applying CBT in practice. Guided by the Iowa Model and Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, this quality improvement project utilized a quasi-experimental, pre-post survey design to assess …

Improving Access To Mental Health Care Using Telehealth, Lavern Palmer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

More than half of adults with mental illness in the United States live in mental health deserts—geographic areas with limited access to mental health services and persistent barriers to care. This study investigates the impact of telehealth implementation on patient no-show rates at a rural community clinic in Georgia. The aim was to determine whether the use of telehealth for psychiatric care would decrease the no-show rate of mental health appointments. A retrospective analysis was conducted using patient attendance logs collected 12 weeks before and after the implementation of telehealth services. Quantitative data were analyzed using a Pearson correlation to …

Nurses Confidence And Knowledge Improvement For Sleep In Sleep Hygiene Education, Rawda Nourain

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this DNP project was to increase the knowledge and self-confidence of nurses in relation to sleep hygiene practices for psychiatric patients to improve sleep quality and overall mental health. In this study, a pre- and post-intervention design was used for four nurses in a psychiatric unit. The intervention was comprised of teaching the patients about sleep hygiene practices, altering the environment (light and noise reduction), and using non-drug approaches. Knowledge assessments and self-confidence surveys were used to collect the data. All the participants were able to recall the correct sleep hygiene knowledge after the intervention, and all …

Quality Improvement Project Staff Development For Fall Prevention In Community Living Center, Morayo Olatunbosun

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Falls among elderly residents in the community living center continue to be a serious public health concern, increasing mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Despite existing prevention measures, fall-related incidence remains high. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to reduce fall rate in a community living center by implementing structured staff training. A facility needs assessment revealed gaps in fall prevention knowledge, inconsistent protocol use, and limited staff confidence in managing fall risks. In the methodology used to answer the PICOT question, the Donabedian Model guided structure, process, and outcome evaluation, while Kotter’s Change Model informed implementation strategies. The …

Enhancing Simulation Debriefing In Nursing Education: A Quality Improvement Project, Rebecca Ray

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project is of utmost importance as it aims to significantly enhance the debriefing process after simulations in an Associate Registered Nursing Program. The project is designed to equip nursing instructors with a comprehensive guide to facilitate debriefing after simulations, thereby improving student learning outcomes, fostering reflection, and enhancing clinical practice. The lack of consistent and practical guidance during the debriefing process after simulation exercises has been identified as a critical challenge in the nursing program. Without proper guidance, the debriefing process may not achieve its intended outcomes, underscoring the necessity of this project. The intervention at …

Impact Of Nursing Burnout On Preceptors During The Transition Phase Of New Graduates Into The Workforce, Janessa Truss

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There is a massive threat to healthcare systems posed by the growing burnout of inexperienced RNs working in practice transition to new graduate preceptors. Currently, this "Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project" examines the role of the nurse in burnout within Long Term Acute Care (LTAC) facilities through the preceptorship. In the project, burnout factors and their effects on patient care and nursing workforce retention will be investigated, and interventions for burnout and its effects will develop. A mixed methods project involving qualitative and survey and interview analyses of five-year and older patients was performed. Burnout and job satisfaction were …

Quality Improvement Project Empowering Outpatient Providers: A Training Initiative On Social Determinants Of Health, Shannon Wrenn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Healthcare providers play a critical role in assessing social determinants of health (SDOH), yet many lack the knowledge and confidence to effectively address these factors during patient encounters. Research indicates that SDOH contribute to approximately 80% of health outcomes, yet only 41% of providers feel confident in discussing them with patients. This quality improvement project aimed to improve provider knowledge and confidence about SDOH as measured by pre- and post-education assessments. The SDOH targeted training took place at an outpatient interventional nephrology practice in Memphis, Tennessee. A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design was used. Ten clinical staff members participated in an …

The Impact Of Automated Text Messaging System Education On The Self-Efficacy Of Medical Office Staff, Jim Jorgensen

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Inadequate patient bowel preparation is a leading cause of canceled or repeated colonoscopies, negatively impacting both outcomes and healthcare costs. While automated text messaging systems have improved patient adherence in other clinical areas, they remain underutilized by endoscopy staff due to low self-efficacy. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the effect of structured education on the self-efficacy of endoscopy nursing staff in using an automated text messaging system for outpatient colonoscopy preparation at a rural VA Medical Center (VAMC). Guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, this project implemented a one-day, hands-on training session with …

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel’S Attitudes, Knowledge, And Perceptions Of Alternatives To The Application Of Physical Restraints, Gale Marie Knight

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The use of physical restraints in mental health care settings is a common practice, yet it poses significant risks to patients’ physical and psychological well-being. The issue of excessive restraint use was addressed through this doctoral project by designing an educational program aimed at promoting alternative strategies. The practice-focused question was: How can an educational program for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) impact their knowledge and attitudes towards alternatives to physical restraints? The purpose of the project was to develop and evaluate an education program to improve UAP knowledge and attitudes to reduce reliance on physical restraints. The project was informed …

Improving Access To Mental Health Care Using Telehealth, Lavern Palmer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

More than half of adults with mental illness in the United States live in mental health deserts—geographic areas with limited access to mental health services and persistent barriers to care. This study investigates the impact of telehealth implementation on patient no-show rates at a rural community clinic in Georgia. The aim was to determine whether the use of telehealth for psychiatric care would decrease the no-show rate of mental health appointments. A retrospective analysis was conducted using patient attendance logs collected 12 weeks before and after the implementation of telehealth services. Quantitative data were analyzed using a Pearson correlation to …

Quality Improvement Project Improving Tele-Sitter Usage In The Surgical Trauma Pcu, Stephanie R. Stone

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This project aimed to improve the knowledge and usage of virtual patient sitters/tele-sitters for surgical trauma progressive care nurses in the surgical trauma progressive care unit through the implementation of nursing education, utilizing evidenced based teaching strategies. Nurse leaders identified a need for staff education among the surgical trauma registered nurse staff population. The goal of the project was to increase knowledge of virtual patient sitters/tele-sitters and how to order them, improve the understanding of the benefits of utilizing the device and to increase the overall usage of the devices on the surgical trauma progressive care unit patients that would …

The Psychological Effects Of Domestic Violence And Nurse's Role, Cindy Tran

Honors Capstones

This research highlights the significance of domestic violence and how the detrimental effects on psychological health can lead to negative coping mechanisms and severe injuries that lead to death if unaddressed. Healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities have a significant role in treating and identifying domestic violence victims. This research seeks to answer the question,“Do individuals who experience domestic violence abuse have an increased risk of developing negative psychological health concerns and what is the nurse’s role in the care for these victims?” Through a review of literature accessed through databases such as EBSCO and PubMed, there is evidence that domestic …