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Quality Improvement Project: Improving Nurse Competency In Caring For Patients With Dementia With Behavioral Disturbances In Long-Term Care, Lashunta Jackson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Dementia-related behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) present major challenges for nurses in long-term care settings, often leading to inconsistent care, staff stress, and safety risks. Evidence-based, person-centered interventions are proven to improve outcomes but are frequently underutilized due to limited staff training. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve nursing staff competency in managing residents with dementia and behavioral disturbances through structured, evidence-based education. The problem identified was a lack of dementia-specific knowledge and confidence among nurses, which contributed to suboptimal care and increased behavioral incidents. A quasi-experimental pre-/post-intervention design guided by Knowles’ Adult …

Quality Improvement Project: Enhancing Diabetes Management Through Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device Education Among Providers Of Underserved Groups, Shaibu Rashid

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement project aimed to enhance diabetes management among underserved populations by increasing provider confidence and utilization of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Despite CGM being recognized as a standard of care for patients requiring intensive insulin therapy, its adoption in FQHCs remains limited due to provider knowledge gaps, financial barriers, and workflow challenges. Based on Kurt Lewin’s change theory, the project employed a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design to evaluate the impact of an evidence-based educational intervention among six family practice providers. The intervention included interactive sessions on CGM device use, data …

Implementation Of An Institution-Specific Checklist To Improve Compliance With Discharge Round Completion In A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Lee A. Lawson

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Effective discharge planning for premature infants in the NICU requires collaboration and coordination among multidisciplinary interprofessional (IP) teams. Ineffective communication during care transitions is a well-documented contributor to adverse patient outcomes, including prolonged hospitalization.

PICOT: For multidisciplinary, interprofessional teams in the NICU (P), how does the introduction of an institution-specific discharge checklist (I), compared to the current unit discharge process (C), affect multidisciplinary, interprofessional team compliance with completing weekly discharge rounds (O) within 6 weeks (T)?

Evidence: The reviewed literature supported the use of a discharge checklist tool to facilitate effective team communication and care coordination with parents …

Implementing The Steadi Fall Risk Screening Initiative Within A Primary Care Setting To Improve Patient Safety, Haleigh Marie Brown

Doctoral Projects

Falls among older adults are a significant public health issue and the leading cause of injury-related illness and death in people aged 65 and older. While evidence-based guidelines exist and awareness of fall risks has increased, many primary care settings do not use standardized fall risk screening protocols. This gap results in missed opportunities for early identification and prevention. To address this need, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2019) created the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) Toolkit, which offers healthcare providers a structured approach to assess, manage, and reduce fall risk.

This doctoral project aims …

The Artful Aging Project, Maria Carmelita Fernandez, Sah'neya Fryer, Kathleen Morris, Maya Price

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

As the older adult population in Sacramento County continues to expand, addressing age-related declines in fine motor function, cognition, and social well-being has become increasingly critical. Such declines can compromise activities of daily living, reduce independence, and exacerbate risks associated with social isolation. Evidence suggests that art-based interventions may mitigate these effects by enhancing motor coordination, promoting social engagement, and stimulating cognitive processes. The Artful Aging Project was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured art activities in improving fine motor skills and social wellness among older adults served by the Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center (SSNC). Grounded in community-based participatory …

The Role Of Forgiveness In Health And Healthcare: Perspectives From Graduate Nursing Students And Faculty At A Private Faith-Based University In The United State[S], Rachel A. Joseph, Shanna W. Akers, Jichan J. Kim

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Lived Experiences And Educational Needs Of Women With A History Of Preeclampsia: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study In Indonesia, Fitriana Fitriana, Ani Kristianingsih, Nopi Anggistaputri

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: preeclampsia (PE).\ is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide Many pregnant women fail to recognize early warning signs of the condition despite attending antenatal care, for reasons such as limited understanding of PE symptoms and/ or inadequate communication of health information by healthcare providers. Women with a previous history of PE are particularly vulnerable and require targeted educational support during subsequent pregnancies.
Methods: Eight pregnant women with a documented history of PE in their second or third trimester participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews using an interpretative phenomenological technique.  To ensure credibility and reliability, the …

Implementing A Nurse Navigator Role In An Outpatient Procedural Setting To Improve Patient Satisfaction Scores: A Quality Improvement Project, Lashanti King

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Much focus has been placed on patient experience since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010 due to its regulatory, financial, and business growth implications. Patient satisfaction is crucial to maintaining and growing a customer base and fulfilling the target growth established in institutional strategic plans. This project aimed to determine whether implementing a nurse navigator role to perform rounds in the preoperative and waiting areas for two months would increase patient-reported satisfaction scores regarding being informed about delays and the likelihood of recommending the facility. Due to its subjective nature, it is challenging to consistently maintain …

Improving Post-Resuscitation Debriefing Completion Rates In An Acute Care Community Hospital: A Quality Improvement Project, Tiffany Tolden

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Post-resuscitation debriefing improves team dynamics and CPR quality and can identify systemic barriers to quality care delivery. However, completion rates remain low in acute care settings. Purpose: This quality improvement project evaluated whether a one-hour training session for rapid response nurses and charge nurses, combined with weekly reminder emails, would increase completion rates of post-resuscitation debriefings and influence nurses’ perceptions of their usefulness in an acute care community hospital. PICOT Questions: Will a one-hour training session (I) with rapid response nurses and unit charge nurses (P), along with a weekly reminder system (I), increase the completion rate (O) of …

Implementation Of The Modified Severity Assessment Scale (Msas) For Alcohol Withdrawal In An Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, Grace R. Lindsey

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Alcohol withdrawal is a potentially life-threatening condition frequently seen in psychiatric inpatient settings, especially among individuals with co-occurring alcohol use disorder and mental illness. The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale-revised, while widely used, depends on patient self-report, making it less effective for individuals with altered mental status or psychosis.

Purpose: This quality improvement project implemented the Modified Severity Assessment Scale, an objective, observation-based alcohol withdrawal protocol, in an inpatient psychiatric setting to improve safety, treatment accuracy, and care standardization.

Objectives: The project focused on ensuring full staff adoption of the protocol, reducing intensive care unit transfers …

Implementation Of An Information Sheet For Pediatric Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder In An Inpatient Setting To De-Escalate Aggressive Behaviors And Reduce Seclusion Rates, Megan R. Castro

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Introduction: Research shows that most seclusion events in pediatric psychiatric settings involve pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A lack of provider expertise contributes to elevated seclusion rates, highlighting the need for evidence-based, ASD-informed care.
Purpose: To reduce seclusion events within a pediatric psychiatric facility in South Texas, by implementing an evidence-based intervention upon admission that could decrease aggressive behaviors and the likelihood of requiring seclusion. Evidence summary: Literature and guidelines underscore the importance of identifying sensory triggers and calming strategies at admission. Collaborative care and personalized interventions, such as a patient information sheet that identifies …

Well-Being And Quality Of Life Of Kenyan Nurses, Midwives And Community Health Volunteers: Measurement Properties And Correlates Of The Bbq And Who-5, Paul Mwangi, Sabina Odero, Rachel Odhiambo, Brenda Nzioka, Constance Shumba, Eunice Ndirangu, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Healthcare workers’ quality of life (QoL) and well-being is directly linked to the quality of services they deliver. However, there is a shortage of validated measures to assess QoL, well-being and their predictors among healthcare workers in Kenya, as in other LMICs. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ) and WHO-5 well-being index (WHO-5) among nurses, midwives and community health volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya. The BBQ and WHO-5 were selected due to their established psychometric strengths, brevity, and prior use in healthcare settings. Additionally, the sociodemographic, psychological, and health …

Promoting Self-Reflection And Implicit Bias Awareness In Nursing: A Mixed-Method Study Advancing Practice And Fostering Healthcare Equality, Diane S. Kramer, Victoria Y. Mccue, Anshul Saxena, Jeanette B. Deniz, Nicole Burks, Patricia Russell

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Implicit biases influence how nurses perceive and interact with patients and shape clinical practice. Awareness is crucial because implicit biases are difficult to detect. Our study evaluated how educational sessions impacted awareness and understanding of implicit bias. In our study, we sought to mitigate effects of these biases on patient care to promote equitable healthcare outcomes.

Methods: The research involved registered nurses from all levels employed at nine hospitals. Data were collected anonymously through voluntary participation to ensure confidentiality. A mixed-methods approach with a quasi-experimental prepost design was utilized to measure the effectiveness of the educational session. Descriptive statistics …

Evaluating Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions Of The Ist Algorithm In Maternal-Fetal Health Clinic: Usability And Satisfaction, Terri Taylor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Standardizing substance-use screening in perinatal care is essential for optimizing clinical decision-making and promoting equitable patient outcomes. To address gaps, the Integrated Screening Tool (IST) algorithm was introduced in a Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) clinic. However, 2023 data revealed inconsistent utilization. Evaluation Question: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated: (1) How do nurse practitioners, medical doctors, and registered nurses perceive the usability of the IST algorithm for standardized drug screening in pregnancy? (2) How do these providers rate their satisfaction with the IST algorithm in managing patients with positive drug screens? Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with …

Implications Of Alarm Fatigue And Effectiveness Of Mitigation Strategies In Inpatient Units: A Literature Review, Kinley R. Wojick

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background

Current technology in hospitals has allowed alarm notification systems to become faster and more sensitive than ever, enabling nurses to be immediately notified regarding changes in a patient’s condition. These notifications provide nurses with real time information necessary to prioritize interventions and provide the best care for their patients. Though notifications play a crucial role in the nursing process, the constant sounding of repetitive, non-actionable alarms can contribute to desensitization and a reduction in response times known as alarm fatigue.

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to compile reported research examining the effect that various interventions, including education …

Midwife-Led Birth Debrief: A Concept Analysis, Kate Buchanan, Elliesha O'Reilly, Georgia Wilcox, Sara Bayes, Lauren Kearney, Linda Sweet, Hazel Keedle

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Psychological birth trauma (PBT) affects approximately 19 % of postnatal women, making its prevention a global priority. Midwives are responsible for providing psychosocial care during the postnatal period to foster the mother-infant relationship, provide education and screening and support positive transitions to parenting. However, the specific attributes of a birth debrief and the role of the midwife in a supporting a woman to review their birth experience is less well documented in regulatory frameworks or scientific literature. This has created significant ambiguity in both clinical practice among health professionals and in research contexts. The lack of a clear understanding …

Quality Improvement Project: Enhancing Learning Through Structured Debriefing In Simulation, Catherine Jones

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project examined the impact of structured debriefing training on nursing faculty perceptions of confidence, competence, and skill in simulation-based education (SBE) at a northeast Texas community college. The problem addressed was the lack of a standardized debriefing process, leading to inconsistent faculty practices and variable student learning outcomes. The QI project, guided by the National League for Nursing (NLN) Jeffries Simulation Theory and Lewin’s Change Theory, used a one-group pretest–posttest design to evaluate faculty outcomes following training in Debriefing for Meaningful Learning (DML) and guided self-evaluation using the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) Instructor …

Integrating Sbirt Training Into The Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum: A Pilot Dnp Project, Fiji Simmons

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) are major public health concerns, particularly in underserved populations. Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is evidence-based models that promote early detection and care. Integrating SBIRT into Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) curricula prepares future providers to address substance use in primary care. Local Problem: Despite the effectiveness of SBIRT, its use in primary care remains inconsistent. Barriers, including limited training, low confidence, and unfamiliarity with referral resources, hinder implementation. Structured education and protocols are needed to support provider readiness. Methods: SBIRT was integrated into the FNP curriculum of …

Caring For Caregivers: Fostering Empathetic Educational Practices Among Undergraduate Nursing Faculty, Karlee Hedrick

DNP Projects

BACKGROUND: Trauma is highly prevalent among nursing students, and unrecognized responses to that trauma can negatively impact learning, psychological safety, and academic performance (Doughty, 2020). Although trauma-informed care (TIC) principles are described in clinical settings, its use in undergraduate nursing programs remains limited. Faculty often lack formal TIC training, reducing their ability to support students with lived traumatic experiences. TIC education can improve awareness, responsiveness, and educator confidence (Bosse et al., 2021; Doughty, 2020; MacLochlainn et al., 2022). This project aimed to improve faculty knowledge and explore attitudinal shifts following a structured TIC educational intervention.

METHODS: Two Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles …

Addressing Nursing Student Burnout Through Mindfulness And Zen Den At University Of The Pacific, Jeremy Seaton, Tanairi Ingram, Natalia Zelayandia

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

Background:

Burnout among nursing students is a critical issue that negatively impacts academic performance, mental well-being, and long-term professional retention. Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing students at University of the Pacific experience heightened stress due to rigorous coursework, clinical demands, and underdeveloped institutional mental health support.

Aim:

This Quality Improvement project aimed to reduce stress and strengthen emotional resilience among nursing students through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction education and the creation of a peer-supported wellness space, the “Zen Den.”

Methods:

A pre- and post-intervention design was implemented, utilizing surveys to measure mindfulness knowledge, attitudes toward self-care, and stress awareness. Zen …

Barriers To Mental Health Access Among Immigrant Populations In The U.S., Cecilia Menzinger

Capstones

No abstract provided.

Mental Health In Adult Oncology Patients, Jenna Pope

Capstones

Adults with cancer suffer from mental challenges that frequently go under diagnosed and under treated (Fernando et al., 2023). This can lead to lower quality of life, resulting in reduced adherence to treatment, more frequent hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and increased mortality rates (Matthews et al., 2025). There are currently no policies on mental health screening for adult oncology patients at every outpatient appointment. By consistently utilizing standardized screening tools such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 during all oncology appointments, this can close the gap in policy to address mental health needs of these individuals. It is vital to …

Prevention Of Burnout Among Critical Care Nurses, Jenelle Balaoing, Junela Bautista

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Nursing burnout is a state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by excessive stress among nurses. Critical care nurses face challenges with direct patient care that contribute to emotional and psychological strain that are greatly influenced by workplace adversity and emotional management. Purpose: This research examines the prevalence of burnout among pediatric and adult intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, highlighting particularly high rates of burnout among those with extended years of service. Method: ICU nurses will participate in a qualitative interview that involves open ended questions relevant among burnout and resilience during shifts. Aspects specifically years of critical experience …

Improving Pharmacovigilance Via Systematic Gass Screening And Interdisciplinary Collaboration In The Outpatient Setting, Dustin Bower

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The goal of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project was to enhance pharmacovigilance practices among non-medical mental health providers (NMMHPs) in an outpatient psychiatric setting. The project addressed the issue of limited recognition and reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by NMMHPs, which can lead to delays in clinical intervention and compromise patient safety. To tackle this problem, a quasi-experimental, pre–post intervention design was employed. Two evidence-based strategies were implemented: (a) eight weekly collaborative training sessions that focused on identifying, documenting, and communicating ADRs, and (b) the integration of the Glasgow Antipsychotic Side-Effect Scale (GASS) into the …

Quality Improvement Project: Empowering Nurse Educators: Implementing A Mentoring Program For Professional Growth, Sarah Sugg

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

With the ongoing nursing shortage, nursing education plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare through the preparation of competent and skilled nurses. Literature supports that a persistent challenge within nursing academia is the lack of structured mentoring programs to support novice nursing faculty transitioning into academic roles. This quality improvement project addressed this gap through the implementation of a structured, evidence-based mentoring program compared to informal mentoring. The purpose of the project was to empower novice nursing faculty with less than three years of teaching experience by enhancing teaching competence, confidence, job satisfaction, and retention. Guided by …

Quality Improvement Project: Increasing Breast Cancer Screening Rates Among Women Ages 40-74 At A Federally Qualified Health Center By Implementing A Provider Alert Tool, Tiny Stephens

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Breast cancer maintains its position as the leading cause of cancer-related death for women worldwide and remains the second deadliest cancer among female patients in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 2024). The screening rates at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which serve medically underserved communities, remain lower than national benchmarks, thus putting their patients at risk for receiving late-stage cancer diagnoses. This quality improvement project implemented an evidence-based electronic medical record (EMR) provider alert tool at a Northeast Georgia FQHC to address a baseline mammogram order compliance rate falling below national standards at 45%. The project aimed to …

Quality Improvement Project Nursing Student Retention Strategies: A Focus On Peer Mentoring, Anh Vittoria

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The nursing shortage remains a concern in healthcare. Increasing the number of students who complete nursing programs and enter the profession can help with the demand for nurses in the workforce. Nursing programs face challenges with student retention, which limits the number of nurses entering the profession. The quality improvement project aimed to examine the effects of a peer mentorship program on first-year associate degree nursing students’ perception of support and course completion rates. The purpose is to impact student retention and sense of support in an Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) through peer mentorship. The project was guided by …

Quality Improvement Project Enhancing Documentation Practices In Community Mental Health Clinics, Carol Parker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Accurate and timely documentation are essential for safe, high-quality care in community mental health settings. This quality improvement (QI) project addressed inconsistent documentation practices among licensed, unlicensed, and Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) staff at an outpatient clinic. The purpose of the QI project was to implement and assess a structured in-service training program using the Accountable Health Communities–Health-Related Social Needs (AHC-HRSN) screening and documentation tool to improve staff knowledge, enhance documentation accuracy, and facilitate care coordination. Guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice and Lewin’s Change Management Model, a pre- and post-intervention design was used. Fifteen staff members …

Enhancing Mental Health Providers' Approach To Medication Adherence In Schizophrenia Patients Using Motivational Interviewing Techniques., Jacinta Madu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Medication non-adherence among individuals with schizophrenia remains a persistent challenge that undermines symptom management and increases relapse and hospitalization rates. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate the effect of Motivational Interviewing (MI) training on provider knowledge and confidence in promoting medication adherence within an outpatient mental health clinic. Guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, a quasi-experimental pre–post design was used. Six providers, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, a psychiatrist, and a registered nurse, participated in a structured MI training session incorporating didactic instruction and role-play exercises. Data were collected using pre- and post-intervention surveys …

Quality Improvement Project: Impact Of A Brief Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program For Healthcare Providers Who Evaluate Veterans, Peng Anderson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Long-term stress can lead to healthcare provider burnout. Mindfulness-based interventions, even when shortened, may provide a promising and innovative method to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Research on mindfulness programs has demonstrated significant benefits for both providers and patients. This quality improvement project aims to evaluate the effect of a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) for providers who evaluate veterans on the variable of mindfulness awareness compared to current site practice. Lewin’s change management model and Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory were used. Plan-Do-Study-Act was the implementation framework applied. The design was pretest-posttest using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). …