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Hypertension Prevention Program And Its Effects On Blood Pressure Levels Among Young Adults In A Christian Community In Southwest Michigan, Cindel Hollancid

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Although the majority of patients who present are adults over the age of 40 years old; with blood pressures ranging from 140/88 – 190/110 and many times higher readings, it was intriguing and important to assess whether a direct intervention, teaching young adults ages 18 – 39 years the benefits of lifestyle choices would be beneficial as a preventative measure to implement for hypertension reduction patterns as one ages. According to Hinton et al. (2019), hypertension affects 1 in 8 adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years old and is thus common among young people; with the …

Effects Of Aromatherapy On Promoting Sleep In Patients With Neurological Deficits, Cherylle R. Reed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Reliance on sleep aids in neurological patient population can lead to negative side effects and compromise patient safety. The purpose of this doctoral nursing project was to determine if the implementation of McDonnell and Newcomb’s aromatherapy process will reduce the incidence of sleep-promoting medication administration as compared to the current practice in neurological deficit patients over 4 weeks. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design evaluated effects on sleep quality and pharmacological sleep aids by using McDonnell and Newcomb’s aromatherapy combination of lavender, bergamot, and ylang ylang essential oils placed on a cotton ball at the patient’s bedside each night. The sample included …

Staff Education To Enhance Therapeutic Communication In Community Clinic Settings, Marian Allen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

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Psychoeducation For Community Support Workers To Decrease No Call And No-Show Rates In An Outpatient Mental Health Facility, Promise Lum Ngongwashi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Missed appointments remain a critical issue in health care, as they contribute to poorer patient health outcomes, treatment discontinuity, and increased system costs. Improving staff knowledge in this area is essential for ensuring timely, equitable, and effective patient care. This doctoral project was a staff education initiative designed to enhance community support workers (CSWs’) knowledge of methods for encouraging patient adherence to clinic appointments through psychoeducational training. The practice problem addressed was the inconsistency in staff use of evidence-based strategies to motivate and support patients in maintaining clinic attendance. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: Does psychoeducation improve CSWs’ …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Additions To Nursing Education: Accommodating The Complexity Of Today’S Populations And Assuring Evidence-Based Pathways Of Patient-Centered Care, Jamie Anne Marcus, Bonnette Villalba Webb, Abigail Pauline Batin Villarroya

FDLA Journal

Predicted demographic changes in the rising older than 65 populations with possible declining mental and physical health mandate adaptations to new professional nursing roles that will incorporate technology, and changing policy environments. Nursing experience, knowledge, and skills will transition to new cognitive pathways to think and process information. Nurses will be supported by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and become information integrators, health coaches, and continue to be deliverers of human caring. New transition pathways in nursing education to meet the needs of these diverse populations, and patient complex presentations will transcend to synergizing and optimize digital-age healthcare environments and assure …

Self-Management Experiences Of Heart Failure Patients Who Received Telehealth Services During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Christie Devine

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the utilization of telehealth in managing chronic conditions such as heart failure. Existing research has primarily focused on patient experiences with specific telehealth platforms or settings, limiting generalizability within the diverse United States healthcare system. The purpose of this qualitative study, guided by the health promotion model, was to describe patient experiences with self-management of heart failure while receiving medical care through any type of telehealth service (e.g., telephone, video calls, remote monitoring) in the United States. Twenty-two participants were interviewed who met the criteria of having a diagnosis of heart failure and using telehealth since …

Sociocultural Factors Influencing Excess Gestational Weight Gain In Pregnant Puerto Rican Women, Sonia O. Roselló Aponte

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

More than 50% of women experience excessive weight gain during pregnancy or are overweight at the start of pregnancy, increasing their risk of short and long-term maternal and fetal complications. The literature highlights the relationship between sociocultural factors and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) and the need to explore these factors in ethnic subgroups. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study, guided by Nola Pender’s health promotion model, was to explore the sociocultural factors that influence EGWG for pregnant women living in Puerto Rico. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants recruited from public and private prenatal clinics in Puerto …

Relationship Of Job Demands And Perceived Usefulness Of Virtual Nursing Technology Among Bedside Nurses In Acute Care Settings, Oluponle Olubajo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Bedside nurses in acute care settings face intensified job demands amid persistent low nursing staff census and rising patient acuity. The purpose of the study, guided by the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, was to examine the relationship between job demands, years of nursing experience, and perceived usefulness of virtual nursing technology among bedside nurses in acute care settings. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to bedside registered nurses (N = 102) currently using virtual nursing technology. Measures included the Intensification of Job Demands Scale and the Perceived Usefulness Scale. Data analyses indicated that the multiple regression was not statistically significant, …

A Quality Improvement Project To Standardize Sexual Dysfunction Screening In Primary Care, Ashley M. D’Anna

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall well-being but is often overlooked in primary care due to provider discomfort, time constraints, and lack of standardized screening protocols. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to implement a consistent approach to screening for sexual dysfunction using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), a validated five-item tool assessing sex drive, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. Guided by Swanson’s Theory of Caring and Pender’s Health Promotion Model, the project emphasized compassionate, patient-centered care and the promotion of health-enhancing behaviors.

Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the ASEX tool was incorporated into annual wellness visits following …

Improving Cauti Prevention In Long-Term Care: An Educational Intervention To Enhance Staff Confidence And Reduce Infection Rates, Diana Meseha

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a common preventable healthcare-associated infection in long-term care. knowledge gaps and inconsistent catheter care by staff and increased catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates. The purpose of this quality improvement project aims at testing whether using a structured educational intervention led to improved confidence of staff and reduced catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates. The project employed Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and Lewin's change model in guiding the behavior and organizational change. A quasi-experimental pretest post-test design was used with the enrolment of nursing employees such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants …

Nurse Confidence In Mental Health Communication: Examining The Effect Of An Educational Intervention In Outpatient Specialty Departments, Joy-Ruth Mathews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The global prevalence of mental health illnesses has prompted a growing need for healthcare professionals to be prepared to identify and address these concerns. Many nurses in outpatient specialty departments report feeling underprepared and lacking confidence when communicating with patients about mental health concerns. This scholarly project utilized an educational intervention to improve nurse confidence in mental health communication, the application of therapeutic communication techniques, and resource identification. A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest/posttest design was implemented, with nurses from outpatient specialty departments at Duke Health’s Kernodle Clinic completing pre- and post-Likert scale surveys to assess changes in their self-reported confidence. The …

Empowering Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners To Address Nutritional Deficits: An Educational Quality Improvement Study, Beatrice Joan Richards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Psychiatry is a complex and multifaceted discipline, and treatment approaches often vary based on provider preference and philosophy. Some focus heavily on pharmacotherapies, while others use psychotherapeutic methods, and still others take a more holistic approach involving full-body wellness. All three strategies are beneficial, and providing psychiatric care with a combination of them all can address the full spectrum of factors that influence one’s mental health. Much research, education, and clinical focus have been put on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutics. However, there is a marked lack of understanding regarding the holistic realm of psychiatric care, specifically the role of nutrition, amongst …

Experiences Of A Simulated Medical Malpractice Lawsuit On Nursing Students' Documentation Practices: A Transcendental Phenomenological Approach, Heide Thorne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the perspectives of first semester nursing students participating in a simulated medical malpractice lawsuit and documentation practices. The theory guiding this study is Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT), as it explains the relationship of learning and knowledge transfer through a simulation-based learning activity (SBL). Data collection approaches included observations, anonymous reflective journals, and individual interviews or questionnaire capturing students’ personal experiences and emerging themes. Bracketing enhanced reflexivity, reduced bias, and strengthened the study’s credibility and dependability. Results of the study support the efficacy of a specific, powerful SBL activity …

Overview Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grace Ann Steiner

The Kabod

Traumatic events are often unexpected and can be experienced in a variety of ways; individuals may directly be involved, witness the event, or hear about traumatic events occurring to people that they know. Traumatic events can be due to human actions (such as war, terrorism, violence, or sexual abuse), but can also be secondary to nature (such as hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, or flooding); the event itself does not determine if an event is traumatic, but rather, the individual’s perception and experience of such an event. Thus, trauma can occur at any developmental age and vary between individuals due to personal …

Individuals’ Experiences Of Care Partner Involvement In Heart Disease Management: A Pilot Study, Elizabeth Richards

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction: Heart disease impacts both those diagnosed and their families, often due to lifestyle modifications that can alter family dynamics. While existing literature focuses on men and married individuals, understanding care partner involvement for both men and women independent of marital status is important, given gender disparities in heart disease experiences, caregiving roles, and widowhood rates. We explored differences in characteristics of men and women with heart disease, with and without a care partner. Additionally, we explored involvement of care partner beyond spousal relationships. We further examined gender differences in these experiences. Method: Cross-sectional Prolific survey pilot data of persons …

Keys For Success When Using An Integrative Interprofessional Teaching Model: A Synergistic Approach, Hon-Vu Quang Duong, Nina Marcellus, Sandip Thanki

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This study presents a longitudinal analysis of the qualitative experiences and quantitative outcomes associated with integrative, interdisciplinary teaching in the context of a specific nursing course, Pathophysiology (NURS 337), at a public, 4-year, state college (now university). Spanning an 8-year period, from 2014–2022, the research compares two distinct student cohorts: one exposed to collaborative interdisciplinary teaching methods, the other to traditional non-collaborative instructional approaches. The findings reveal that integrative, interdisciplinary teaching yielded significant benefits across multiple metrics. Notably, integrative, interdisciplinary teaching contributed to a more normalized distribution of grades, higher student retention rates, and an elevated cumulative GPA at the …

Improving Icu Nurses’ Knowledge Of Early Mobility Through An Educational Intervention, Mohini Chand

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project sought to close a critical knowledge gap in the implementation of early mobility (EM) practices among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. Guided by the ADDIE instructional design model, the initiative centered on developing and delivering a six-week educational intervention aimed at enhancing nurses’ comprehension and application of EM strategies for critically ill patients. Despite robust evidence supporting EM’s role in mitigating ICU-acquired weakness, reducing delirium, and improving functional outcomes, its clinical adoption remained inconsistent prior to this intervention. The project was anchored by the practice-focused question: “To what extent does an educational intervention improve ICU nurses’ knowledge …

Implementation Of The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 As A Screening Tool For Depression, Nathalie Teboh Njofri Bih

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression is a common mental health issue that is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed in primary care practice due to a lack of appropriate screening. The practice problem addressed by this project was the inconsistent use of standardized tools, like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which hinders timely and accurate depression diagnosis. The practice-focused question was: Does educating staff impact their knowledge of the recommended use and interpretation of the PHQ-9 and their confidence in administering the tool? I aimed to enhance depression screening practices by educating nursing staff on administering, scoring, and integrating the PHQ-9 into routine patient care. For …

Staff Education Program To Increase Staff Knowledge On Evidence-Based Practices To Reduce Falls, Ariella Carrenan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Falls among older adults in long-term care facilities constitute a pressing concern, affecting 30% to 40% of residents each year due to physiological changes associated with aging. Such incidents precipitated injuries, extended hospitalizations, elevated healthcare costs, and increased the potential for legal liabilities. This project investigated the effect of a structured educational intervention on nursing staff knowledge of fall prevention strategies in a long-term care facility where the fall rate of 3.4% exceeded the state average of 2.5% and the national average of 3.3%. The project explored the question: In a long-term care facility, does staff education increase staff knowledge …

Reducing Falls In Medical-Surgical Patients, Braelyn Bailey Bsn, Rn, Haylee Paione Bsn, Rn, Elizabeth Young Bsn, Rn

Nurse Residency

PICO: In adult patients at risk for falls on Med Surg units, how does the implementation of fall-reducing interventions compare to standard fall precautions impact inpatient fall rates?

Determinants Of Uptake Of Breast Cancer Screening Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Makueni County, Lola Ndirangu

MSc in Advanced Practice Nursing

Background: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in all women worldwide, with women in low and middle-income countries dying of the disease in disproportionate numbers because of late diagnosis and access to screening services. Sub-Saharan Africa is an under-researched area, and the level of screening uptake in Kenya, especially in rural and semi-arid areas, including Makueni County, is low. This research assessed the factors that determine the reproductive age women's screening uptake of breast cancer in Makueni County.

Methodology: The cross-sectional design was analytical and was conducted in Makueni County Referral Hospital, where 301 randomly chosen women …

Loma Linda Nurse - Vol. 34, Loma Linda University School Of Nursing

Loma Linda Nurse

FEATURES

4 | Jordan Robison Profile

6 | LLUSN Mission Service— A Living Legacy

10 | Steps to a New School

12 | Entry Level Master’s at Murietta

LLUSN HIGHLIGHTS

14-21 | ALUMNI NEWS

22-27 | ACADEMICS

28-33 | HOMECOMING

34-37 | FACULTY UPDATES

Combating Obesity: Creating A Comprehensive Wellness Plan For Uninsured & Low-Income Populations, Kayla C. Berrios

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Aim: The aim of this project was to research the specific barriers encountered by obese patients that are low-income and uninsured. The goal of this data collection was to inform the stakeholders involved in creating a comprehensive wellness plan for obese patients.

Background: The staff at Good Neighbor Clinic have struggled to support their support their obese patients with weight reduction. Many of the ailments that patients seek care for correlate to their obesity. Health promotion in this community clinic needs a more comprehensive program to support patients during their weight loss experience, providing support and resources to allow for …

Exploring Barriers To Patient Care In A South Carolina Free Clinic, Jonathan G. Green

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Access to healthcare remains a persistent challenge for medically underserved populations who rely on free medical clinics for primary care services, particularly in non-Medicaid expansion states such as South Carolina. Free clinics serve as critical safety-net providers, yet patients frequently encounter barriers that limit access, continuity, and quality of care. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to explore and identify the structural, social, and interprofessional barriers to patient care within a South Carolina free medical clinic to inform targeted, evidence-based interventions. A mixed-methods needs assessment design was used, combining a retrospective chart review of forty …

Empowering Mothers: A Digital Intervention For Perinatal Mental Wellness, Morgan Edmunds

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Aim: The aim of this project was to develop a smartphone application prototype for peripartum mental health. The goal of this application was to enhance access to education and quality mental health care.

Background: Currently, in the United States, peripartum mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality (The Joint Commission, 2023). There is a gap in education, screening, and treatment for peripartum mental health due to distrust and a lack of resources, including a lack of mental health providers (Dossette et al., 2024; Feldman & Perret, 2023). Therefore, there is a significant number of women …

Implementing A Standardized Ssri Tapering Protocol In The Outpatient Setting, Chelsea Sopo-Ngwa

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most prescribed antidepressant medications in the outpatient psychiatric setting. Abrupt discontinuation or improper tapering of these medications may result in SSRI withdrawal symptoms. Adverse effects may lead to poor patient outcomes and increase healthcare utilization. A baseline chart review and provider readiness survey within the outpatient psychiatric practice revealed inconsistency in provider documentation related to SSRI tapering plans, patient education, and follow-up planning. The gap in practice highlighted the lack of a standardized SSRI tapering protocol to guide evidence-based medication tapering practices and promote patient safety.

Aim: The …

Quality Improvement Initative To Reduce Falls Among Geriatric Patients In The Inpatient Mental Health Setting, Regina Johnson

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Falls are widely recognized as a leading cause of injury and hospitalization among older adults, with geriatric psychiatric patients at particularly high risk due to polypharmacy, cognitive impairment, and mobility challenges. At the project site, baseline audits revealed inconsistent use of structured fall risk tools, limited nurse-driven medication review, and gaps in post-fall documentation. The absence of an embedded electronic health record feature for medication review highlighted a significant practice gap requiring intervention.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to reduce fall risk in a geriatric psychiatric hospital through structured post-fall medication …

Fall Reduction Utilizing Fall Tailored Intervention For Patient Safety In Acute Care, Lauren Poindexter

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Hospitalized patient falls cause physical, psychological, and financial harm and persist despite prevention bundles. A Midwest Ohio acute medical unit experienced higher-than-benchmark fall rates (1.53–7.58 falls/1,000 patient days; unit rate 113% of the national median), with a rising trend in FY25. Reliance on the Schmid tool and existing interventions lacked structured patient/family engagement, as well as comprehensive medication assessment, leading to under-recognition of risk and limited nurse-driven prevention.

Aim of the Project: The aim of the project was to reduce inpatient fall rates and fall-related injuries on a medical unit by implementing the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality …

Advancing University Student Health And Wellbeing Through Peer-Led Health Promotion: A Quality Improvement Project​ ​, Rojeda Merani, Elizabeth Page, Elizabeth Roth

DNP Projects

Background: Peer-led health promotion is widely recognized as an effective strategy for increasing engagement, trust, and health literacy among university students. However, few frameworks guide development and implementation of these programs.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, implementation process, and perceived effectiveness of a peer-led health promotion model supported by Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) mentorship at a mid-sized private university.

Participants: Thirteen undergraduate students from a diverse set of academic programs were recruited as Peer Health Ambassadors (PHAs) and paired with DNP student mentors.

Methods: Guided by the Implementation Research Logic Model, the project used a four-phase QI process: targeted …

The Efficacy Of Emdr Therapy Compared To Tf-Cbt In Adopted Children To Manage Post-Traumatic Stress: An Integrative Review, Grace Ann Steiner

Senior Honors Theses

This integrative review examines the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy compared to trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adopted children. Children adopted from foster care tend to experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and maladjustment issues when compared to the general population, which necessitates effective therapeutic interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms and emotional dysregulation. Through analysis and comparison of the data, it was determined that both EMDR and TF-CBT effectively alleviated trauma-related symptoms, although one technique is not necessarily always more effective or efficient than the other. Along with reviewing …