A Benchmark Project On Early Mobility In The Intensive Care Unit, Millicent Odhiambo

MSN Capstone Projects

Introducing early mobility interventions in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a crucial measure to improve patient outcomes and optimize care delivery in the critical care setting. The objective of this project is to tackle the difficulties caused by extended periods of immobility in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with the aim of diminishing complications, shortening the duration of ICU stays, and enhancing the functional recovery of patients.

Advancing Health Equity On Campus A Minority Health Promotion Quality Improvement Initiative, Natasha Wilson

DNP Projects

Abstract Background: Minority students at predominantly white institutions face unique stressors due to their minority status, impacting their health. Initiatives promoting community engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion can help reduce minority stress and foster health equity and success in higher education Method: This project employed a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) framework to enhance minority student involvement in sexual and mental health services both on campus and in the wider community. It involved forming partnerships between minority student organizations, faculty, and community partners to organize wellness events focusing on sexual and mental health during the fall semester of 2023. The events …

A Conceptual Model Of Organizational Compassion In Healthcare, Rachel Thienprayoon, Eli Awtrey, Teresa Pestian, Beth A. Lown, Naomi Winick, Jason Kanov

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: In healthcare, while the suffering of patients is often evident, the suffering of clinicians receives less focus. Some sources of clinician distress are directly related to constant exposure to patient suffering, but others are caused by the health care system, and thus potentially preventable. Looking at clinician suffering through the lens of compassion fosters a new paradigm of individual, team, and organizational capabilities, and moves the responsibility to alleviate this suffering from the individual onto the organization and team. Yet research into the impact of organizational compassion in healthcare has been extremely limited.

Approach: Our conceptual model of organizational …

Clinician Education Program: Promoting The Use Of Care Bundles In Reducing The Hospital Length Of Stay And Readmission Rates Of Adult Copd Patients, Nordita R. Bascon

MSN Capstone Projects

Management of COPD patients can cost hospitals approximately $308,502 per month. This is based on a single COPD readmission encounter costing $7,500 and estimated daily expenses of $2,883 (Davis, 2023; Hegwer, 2018). This executive summary outlines a clinician education program held at a community hospital in West Texas to promote patient quality care by encouraging healthcare professionals to use evidence-based chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care bundles. Eighteen physicians and nurse practitioners attended the program. Then, a survey was conducted to assess the impact of the proposed program. Most attendees said they would incorporate care bundles in COPD care.

Internal …

Nursing Care Of Individuals Engaging In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Impact Of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Reinforcement, Lucas Bridgens

MSN Capstone Projects

As explained by Linehan et al. (2006b), the seriousness of borderline personality disorder can be highlighted by the manifestations of emotional dysregulation, such as impulsive and suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behaviors. As the mental health field grows, so too does the knowledge base from which practitioners derive therapeutic interventions with hopes of effectively and safely treating patients while maintaining a culture of dignity and respect. One such treatment modality that has proven to reduce NSSI and improve interpersonal functioning, specifically in patients with borderline personality disorder, is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed …

Stepping Into Mindfulness: Enhancing Mental Health For Nursing Student Athletes, Amanda A. Marek

MSN Capstone Projects

This capstone project explores the impact of mindfulness practice on nursing student athletes, aiming to understand how mindfulness techniques can enhance their psychological well-being. The project investigates the intersection of mindfulness and addresses the unique challenges and stressors face by nursing student athletes. The project proposals a research study that focuses on how mindfulness can impact nursing student athletes. There is literature that shows how mindfulness can improve stress and mental disorders for nursing students and student athletes separately, but there is a lack of knowledge on how this may affect nursing students who are also student athletes. Mindfulness based …

Impact Of Baby Friendly On Exclusive Breastfeeding: Befriending Baby Friendly, Constance Z. Townson

MSN Capstone Projects

Unless you have personally breastfed a newborn baby or tried to help a struggling breastfeeding mother, chances are you would think breastfeeding is not only natural but comes easily. Breastfeeding is indeed a natural progression following delivery; however, various things can play a role in the success of a mother and newborn baby trying to breastfeed. Issues such as feeding position, waking a sleepy newborn, mothers not recognizing newborn hunger cues, a full day of well-meaning visitors impeding skin-to-skin time with mom, or delayed feedings are just a handful. Sometimes, breastfeeding is so difficult that moms who want to breastfeed …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Universal Depression Screenings In The High School Setting, Telisha Anthony Msn, Fnp-Bc, Jennifer Thorsen Bsn, Rn, Jackie Sharp Dnp, Pmhnp-Bc, Sharon Little Dnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Depression in adolescents is rising each year. Early detection of depression has been shown to result in better health outcomes and success in school. This scoping review aims to evaluate the implementation of universal depression screenings in the high school setting and how this detection of depression and initiation of treatment.

Methods

From August 2022 to November 2023, we used the Medline, PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO databases, using specific keywords related to depression in adolescents. Of the 38 articles found, 10 were chosen after extensive article critique. The publication dates ranged from 2014-2023, were full-text, and from …

The Impact Of An Educational Video On Physician Confidence And Comfort Level In Discussing Autopsies, Joy N. Owings, Laura Gray, David Phillippi

DNP Projects

Background: Autopsy rates have declined since the 1970s despite the procedure's benefit to families and medical science. Two well-documented reasons for the declining autopsy rate are physicians’ lack of knowledge about autopsies and lack of confidence in offering them. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a brief educational video on physicians' comfort level, confidence, and knowledge regarding autopsy discussions. The objective was to address the declining autopsy rates by enhancing physicians' confidence and comfort level in offering autopsies to families. In addition, this study aimed to investigate physicians’ practices of consenting for an …

Implementing Universal Adult Depression Screening In A Rural Maine Free Medical Clinic, Karen Hussion

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Depression in adults is a leading cause of disability, morbidity and mortality worldwide with an estimated prevalence of 20% in the US population. Despite estimates that one out of every five Americans suffers from depression, less than 50% of adult primary care patients with depression are identified, and less than 5% of all adult primary care patients are screened. To increase early detection and management of depression, the United States Protective Service Task Force (USPSTF) recommends routine depression screening for adults older than 18 years in primary care settings.

LOCAL PROBLEM: This project site was a rural, free, …

Evidence-Based Practice - Oral Mucositis Prevention In Chemotherapy Patients: A Benchmark Project, Carrie Davenport

MSN Capstone Projects

The purpose of this implementation project is to help decrease the rates of mucosal barrier injuries (MBI’s) and oral mucositis (OM) in patients receiving chemotherapy on the oncology unit. In 2022, it was reported that seven MBI’s occurred on an oncology unit in a large county hospital in an urban area. This secondary infection has the potential to increase morbidity, increase treatment costs, lengthen hospital stays, and can have a devastating impact on quality of life (Correa et al., 2019). There is currently no protocol in place at the proposed location for this intervention that will help reduce this potential …

Investigating The Impact Of Outpatient Mental Health Follow-Up Care On Continued Adolescent Suicidality: An Evidence-Based Change Project Proposal, Kimberly Feifel

MSN Capstone Projects

The escalating rates of adolescent suicide globally, coupled with the surge in pediatric hospitalization rates, underscore the urgent need for effective intervention strategies. Despite hospitalization, many patients persist in experiencing suicidal ideation and behaviors, often leading to readmissions. A significant portion of these individuals do not receive adequate outpatient mental health follow-up care post-discharge. As a leading pediatric healthcare institution committed to delivering exemplary care, particularly to those struggling with mental health challenges, the organization’s commitment demands proactive measures.

The attached proposal aims to establish an organizational policy to reduce 30-day readmission rates among adolescents with persistent suicidal thoughts and …

Discharge Preparedness For The Type 1 Diabetic Patient, Nathan W. Sewell

MSN Capstone Projects

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the individual who suffers from type 1 diabetes, because there appears to be a disparity in the equity of their healthcare needs as compared to other chronic illness. Type 1 diabetes is a progressive illness that places a tremendous burden on the person inflicted with it, including emotional, physical, and financial strains, and these burdens contribute to an emotional condition known as diabetic distress (Orben et al., 2022). This distress impacts the individual’s self-efficacy, and they see more frequent exacerbations of their diabetes like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (Fisher et al., 2018; Hood …

Empowering Picu Nurses: Enhancing Awareness And Understanding Of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome-Pediatric (Pics-P), Carissa A. Newman, Janelle A. Strain

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Statement of the Problem: Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS-p) threatens the health of children following a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) stay. Morbidities associated with PICS-p can affect children's cognitive, functional, social, and emotional domains. Purpose: The project aimed to increase awareness of the term PICS-p, increasing knowledge and understanding among nursing staff, and developing their ability to identify patients at risk for developing PICS-p. Method: The Iowa Model Revised: Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Excellence in Healthcare was used to facilitate this project. 20 PICU nurses completed an educational module with a pre/post quiz to analyze learning outcomes about PICS-p. Interventions: …

Faith Community Nursing Case Study: Share Grant Procurement During The Covid-19 Epidemic, Deborah J. Ziebarth, Deborah Fell-Carlson, Marcy Shanks

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

A group of faith community nurses (FCNs) in rural Oregon joined together to form the Faith Community Health Network (FCHN). They applied for and received a grant to provide care coordination services to the residents of Lebanon and the greater Linn County. This case study is used to present the FCHN’s journey from coalition to a funded non-profit during the COVID-19 pandemic and the grant, “Rebuilding the Bridge Between Healthcare and Faith Communities” they received from the Intercommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization. The grant’s intent was to support the FCNs to expand their network, document electronically, and provide care …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Parish Nursing In Germany, Phyllis A. Solari-Twadell Phd, Mpa, Rn, Faan, Angela Glaser

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020/2021 had an impact globally on churches and the ministry of Parish Nurses. This article presents a brief historical overview of Germany, the uniqueness of the church in Germany, and parish nursing in Germany which is called vis-a- vis. The ministry of parish nursing in Germany is considered in light of the impact on the nursing profession and the demands created by COVID-19 within German society and the church in Germany.

Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Predicting Patient Pain Outcomes Later In Life, Melissa Lowry

Honors Scholar Theses

For centuries, pain and pain management has been a driving force in the world of healthcare. Industries continue to strive for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind pain sensitivities as well as the best interventions available to overcome these mechanisms. While many of the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, recent research suggests a possible correlation between one’s personal experiences early in life and their perceptions of pain later in adulthood. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire, designed and published in 1998, consists of 10 measures of childhood trauma that can inform healthcare providers of individuals who may require trauma-informed care …

A Strategic Plan For The Development Of A Model Of Care For Post Operative Bariatric Patients In Rural Utah, Cris R. Chamberlain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The delivery of health care for postoperative bariatric patients remains a challenge in rural settings, often leading to varied patient outcomes and inefficient resource allocation. This study aims to develop and implement a strategic model of care for postoperative bariatric patients at Castleview Hospital in Rural Utah. Grounded in the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, this initiative focuses on creating a cohesive and comprehensive postoperative care pathway, tailored to the unique patient demographics and facility constraints of a 39-bed hospital serving 35-45 bariatric patients annually. Methodology includes ethical considerations, secured through CITI training and pending IRB approval, robust data collection …

Educating Outpatient Clinic Nurses In The Management Of Diabetes, Deborah O. Yisa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Diabetes mellitus must be carefully managed and cared for to reduce complications and enhance quality of life. Nurses are essential to the treatment of people with diabetes, so they must have up- to-date knowledge and expertise in diabetic education. The significance of diabetic education for nurses, its effect on patient outcomes, and techniques for boosting nurses' competency in diabetes care are critical to positive patient outcomes and are all explored in this academic research. The results suggest a notable disparity between the participants' knowledge ratings before and after the intervention, confirming that all 13 participants benefited from the diabetic self-management …

Effects Of An Innovative Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Educational Method On Nurses' Competency And Confidence, Claudia C. Sabogal-Rodriguez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite advances in resuscitation science, sudden cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with substandard intra-hospital survival to discharge rates. High-quality resuscitation skills for nurses are needed, including effective CPR education. This study aimed to close the gap in the understanding of the relationship between competence and confidence after the use of the low-dose, high-frequency educational method using a sample of nurses. The Modified Basic Resuscitation Skills Self-Efficacy Scale was used to measure confidence, and the Resuscitation Quality Improvement program measured competence. The study used a four-independent group, cross-sectional correlational research design with different exposure …

The Lived Experiences Of Student Nurses During Simulation Of Perinatal Loss, Paloma Alejandra Peña

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of undergraduate nursing students in providing care following a perinatal loss simulation. The theories that guided this study included Malcolm Knowles’ Theory of Andragogy and the National League for Nursing Jeffries Simulation. The selected theories provide structure for adult learners’ need to experience situational learning activities that are relevant to their job while building upon the foundation of students’ knowledge. Incorporation of Knowles’ and Jeffries’ theories guides the qualitative study of the simulation of a perinatal loss and the experiences of nursing students in providing care during …

The Effectiveness Of Integrating Religious/Spirituality Beliefs Into Psychotherapy: An Integrative Review, Justina Anighoro-Okezie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This comprehensive review explores how integrating religious beliefs into psychotherapy impacts mental health outcomes. Following a structured approach guided by Whittemore and Knafl's (Nov 2005) methodology, the review involves a systematic literature search across academic databases, identifying 25 studies with diverse methods. Results indicate significant enhancements in both psychological and spiritual outcomes when religious beliefs are integrated into psychotherapy, compared to no-treatment control conditions. Compared to alternate treatments, adapted psychotherapy demonstrates a small to medium effect. Particularly in an additive design, while there's no significant superiority in psychological outcomes, there is in spiritual outcomes, emphasizing the potential benefits of incorporating …

The Impact Of Christian Education On Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Levels Of Spirituality And Resiliency, Lynette Rae Fair

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nursing education must focus on preparing nursing students to be adaptable and resilient in the face of changing circumstances. The problem is there is a lack of research studies focused on evaluating the effect of a Christian college/education setting on nursing students’ level of spirituality and resilience. The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to examine the differences between Christian and non-faith-based pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing education programs for spirituality and resiliency. This descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional comparative study utilized two key self-report instruments: the Assessment of Spirituality and Religious Sentiments (ASPIRES) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data collection occurred …

Lai Antipsychotics Vs. Oral Antipsychotics: Treatment Adherence, Relapses, And Readmissions, Natalie N. Lewis Bsn, Rn, Mallory F. Johnson Bsn, Rn-Bc, Tyler N. Halle-Todd Bsn, Rn, Natalie N. Ragland Bsn, Rn, Sharon H. Little Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn,Pmhnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Schizophrenia is a lifelong illness with recurrent and often debilitating symptoms that may impair daily functioning, cognition, behaviors, socialization, emotions, and expression. It is recognized as a global mental health burden that affects the individual, their family, and society. Medication nonadherence and resulting relapse detrimentally affect the patient’s physical and mental health and quality of life. They are associated with increased hospitalization and emergency room visits, substance use, suicide, and homelessness. Current guidelines endorse second-generation antipsychotics such as Risperidone and Aripiprazole as the first-line treatment for most cases of psychosis. However, long-acting injectable (LAIs) atypical antipsychotics are a promising …

Playing It Sun Safe: A Quality Improvement Project, Sarah P. Tarr, Kathryn K. Dambrino, R. David Phillippi, Ashley Karpinos

DNP Projects

Background: Athletes who play outdoor sports have multiple risk factors for the development of skin cancer. Literature highlights the need for the use of evidence-based strategies to improve the knowledge and utilization of sun protection practices in this high-risk population. Methods: Playing it Sun Safe was a multifaceted skin cancer prevention initiative implemented in a population of collegiate soccer athletes in collaboration with a university athletic department and campus health clinic. Evidence-based interventions were designed through application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and were implemented using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) quality improvement framework. Purpose: The two-fold aim …

African American Women’S Perceptions Of A Group Based, Diabetic Medical Nutritional Therapy Intervention: A Qualitative Study, Megan Mcmahon, Laura Gray

DNP Projects

Background: African American women exhibit lower rates of attaining recommended diabetes management goals such as optimal blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure numbers compared to other racial and gender groups. As a result, they bear a disproportionate burden of the adverse outcomes associated with poorly managed type 2 diabetes, including increased complications and mortality rates compared to other demographic groups. Despite favorable qualitative findings regarding group-based interventions for African American women with other chronic diseases, a notable gap in the literature exists regarding the women’s perceptions of a group-based medical nutritional therapy tailored to type 2 diabetes. Purpose: This scholarly …

Implementing Directed Security Rounding With The Brøset Violence Checklist: A Quality Improvement Project, Jacqueline Ortiz

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Violence against healthcare workers is an international issue. The rates of workplace violence (WPV) have been steadily increasing over the last few years. The practice setting implemented the use of the Brøset Violence Checklist (BVC) system-wide in July 2022, following the Joint Commission’s new standards for WPV prevention. The BVC is a checklist of six behaviors (confusion, irritability, boisterousness, physical threats, verbal threats, and attacking objects) that the nurses score as a 1 (present) or 0 (absent), and the higher the sum of the scores the greater the risk of violence. A score of three or greater …

The Experiences Of Staff Nurses Who Remained In Their Permanent Positions During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Huifang Cheng

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Amidst the persistent shortage of practicing nurses in the nursing profession, exacerbated by the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigates the experiences of permanent staff nurses during the pandemic, with a specific focus on the factors influencing their decision to remain in their roles despite the adversities. Employing a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen permanent staff nurses to explore the intricacies of their experiences. Throughout the pandemic, the participants encountered profound ethical dilemmas. However, their determination to persist was fueled by a sense of professional duty, solidarity within their professional community, and deep camaraderie …

Implementation Of A Standardized Suicide Screening Process In A University Student Health Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project, Addie Grace Strong, Kathryn Dambrino, R. David Phillippi, Linda Wofford

DNP Projects

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among college age students, prompting the need for evidence-based screening tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to enable early detection and timely intervention. Inconsistencies in suicide screening may pose a risk of missed intervention opportunities. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project specifically aimed to improve the quality and consistency of suicide screening in a university student health clinic by implementing the C-SSRS tool into the clinic workflow during mental health appointments. Methods: Employing a quality improvement framework, this scholarly project followed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement …

Improving Dementia Symptoms Through Personalized Music, Lindsay Grainger

SC Upstate Research Symposium

Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) is a prevalent, costly, and complicated disease. With over 6 million Americans affected and the cost of treatment soaring to over $320 billion dollars annually, there is a growing need for low-cost interventions to treat symptoms. Routinely listening to personalized music selections has been shown to reduce agitation—the most common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The purpose of this study was to provide a personalized music listening (PML) intervention of thirty minutes to 10 nursing home residents with dementia. Thirty-minute PML sessions occurred multiple times a week over six weeks. The inclusion …