Digital Commons Network^™

Nursing Students’ Perspectives On Interruptions And Healthcare Management's Role, Monica F. Rochman, Teresa Lamarra, Danielle Kobner, Christine A. Pariseault, Hiliary Barnes, Said Al Abrawi

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Registered Nurses (RNs) face distractions during work, with studies showing interruptions occur 6-12 times per hour (Wagner et al., 2020). Interruptions compromise nurses' efficiency and safety by diverting attention, increasing task completion time(Wang et al., 2021). Addressing these challenges requires involvement from healthcare management(HM) responsible for promoting a supportive and safe environment. By displaying empathy, HM can positively influence behaviors that support nurse work environments(Baker, 2017). HM must also understand the impact of interruptions to implement strategies ensuring quality patient care. This study explored the potential of simulation-based interprofessional education(Sim-IPE) to foster awareness of nursing students and empathy among HM …

A Real Medical Mission Clinic To Manage Cardiovascular Health Inequities And Improve Outcomes, Cynthia A. Borum, Byron Haitas

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States.^1-4 Today, a gap exists with cardiovascular inequities in underserved communities relating to access to cardiac care.^1-4

In 2022, an experienced cardiologist and nurse practitioner leader established a once-a-month free faith-based cardiology clinic in Nashville and surrounding counties in Tennessee. The goal is to improve access to cardiac care^1-3 and contribute to quality health outcomes for the underserved.

Structure: A 501(c)(3) non-profit clinic structure was the framework for implementing the faith-based medical cardiology clinic.⁵ The faith-based cardiology clinic occurs one Saturday each month with voluntary …

Effectiveness Of Educational Interventions To Develop Patient Safety Knowledge In Nursing Students, Manana Machitidze, Nato Durglishvili, Maia Gogashvili, Vazha Nebieridze, Jaana Sepp

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Competent and qualified nursing staff are essential to the patient's recovery process. Getting a comprehensive education contributes to the formation of skilled staff. Educational institutions must promote the development of programs corresponding to the competencies developed by the World Health Organization [1], [2]]. Nursing involves the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the care of the sick, disabled, and dying. Nurses who provide direct patient care must have quality education in identifying patient safety risks to prevent errors and incidents. Nurses are central to patient safety and safe care planning [3]. Nurses have been considered an auxiliary part …

“Ready, Set, Prepared!” Promoting Household Emergency Preparedness Of Older Adults, Lavonne M. Adams, Charleen Mcneill, William Ellery Samuels, Tara Heagele

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Abstract Text: Introduction Older adults are at-risk for injury, illness, or death following a disaster or public health emergency, especially if they have chronic health conditions or other functional needs. Understanding their unique perspectives may inform education efforts to improve their household emergency preparedness (HEP) and safety.

Purpose This study investigated self-reported levels of HEP among community-dwelling older adults, exploring feasibility and effectiveness of offering group education virtually and in-person. It built on previous studies of the Nurses Taking on Readiness Measures intervention that examined short-term effectiveness of one-on-one HEP education.

Methods The design was a non-randomized before-after feasibility study …

Virtual Reality Across Three Different Learning Environments: Outcomes, Challenges, Successes, Nancy L. Raschke Deichstetter, Joanne O. Dunderdale, Carol T. Kostovich, Donna Quinones, Anne Cahill

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Simulation is widely used in nursing education where students are provided opportunities to experience a variety of clinical encounters ranging from performing a procedural skill to assuming the nurse role in a high-fidelity simulation. Virtual reality (VR) simulations use a variety of immersive, highly visual, 3D characteristics to replicate real-life situations and/or health care procedures (Lioce et al., 2020).
VR has gained increased attention in nursing education and has been used to teach many nursing concepts such as safety, psychomotor skills, health assessment, communication, decision making, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and inclusivity. It enables students to practice patient care in …

Overcoming Stigma Of Mental Health And Promoting Well-Being With The 4ws Framework ...Nursing Role, Sharon M. Weinstein, Marianne E. Hess

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Nursing plays a pivotal role in addressing global health priorities. Mental health nursing is pivotal in the worldwide effort to overcome stigma, promote well-being, and address the complex landscape of mental health. By applying the 4Ws framework—What is, What if, What wows, and What works—nurses can strategically enhance their role in advocating for health equity and advancing mental health as a global priority.

Assess the current global mental health crisis presents challenges like stigma, discrimination, and inadequate access to care. Reimagine the role by asking questions, brainstorming new strategies, and considering how mental health services can be integrated into primary …

Raising The Bar With Bsr: Bedside Shift Report, Tanya F. Lott, Marissa Jamarik

Biennial Convention (CONV)

The purpose of this initiative was to engage clinical nurses through professional governance to increase consistency across the hospital system in completing bedside shift report to improve overall patient safety and satisfaction. A four-hospital system established bedside shift report (BSR) in the early 2000s. In 2022, there was an increase in patient safety events that could have been avoided had BSR been conducted appropriately, identifying it was no longer a standardized nursing practice. In 2023, the Quality and Practice Council created a BSR Task Force (TF) to implement new best practices in BSR, aligning with the goal to examine the …

Electronic Screening In Outpatient Clinics To Reduce Clinician Administrative Time, Thu Nguyet Sanadi, Rita Annette Leddy, Patricia Francis

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: Primary care clinics often dedicate significant time reviewing screening questionnaires completed by patients to assess preventive care needs and identify possible health conditions. This process not only reduces the time patients spend directly with primary care providers but also increases the documentation burden on nursing staff, detracting from other critical patient care tasks.

Objective: The quality improvement projects aim to reduce the time patients spend with nursing staff collecting information from screening during primary care appointments. This will be accomplished by sending the patient electronic screening (eScreening) that will be completed by patients prior to the appointment.

Methods: …

Stigma Toward Mental Illness And Substance Use Disorder In A Regional Health Care System, Gwendolyn Rook, Jan Mcmillan, Elizabeth Anne Goldsby, James A. Jones, Eric Lester, Patricia Avila, Jamie Maxymuik, Carey Anne Brunswick, Kathryn Renee Twibell

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Stigma toward persons with mental illness (MI) and substance use disorder (SUD) exists worldwide, in both general populations and health care settings. Stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes can negatively impact patient experiences, quality of care, work environments, and patient safety.1,2,3 Little research has explored stigma toward persons with MI and SUD in acute care settings in the midwestern United States. To embrace equitable practice, a better understanding of stigma among personnel employed in a regional health care system may guide initiatives to reduce stigma and improve patient-centered care for vulnerable populations.

This descriptive research study aimed to examine stigmatizing attitudes and …

Integrating Strategies To Build Emotional Intelligence In Prelicensure Nursing Education Curriculum, Mitzi C. Pestaner, Susan W. Lally, Jeanette Avery, Candice Jenkins, Carlos R. Melendez

Biennial Convention (CONV)

The critical thinking (CT) ability of nurses directly impacts patient safety.¹ CT is enhanced by emotional intelligence (EI).¹ EI is the ability to manage, understand, and feel one’s emotions and the emotions of others.² Integral to developing EI is mindfulness (MF).³ Since new nurses are at high risk for patient care errors,⁴ it is important to embed strategies that enhance high-level CT skills, such as EI and MF in prelicensure nursing programs.⁵ Yet, nursing curricula often does not include such strategies.⁶ Strategies that develop EI and MF include reflective journaling and mindfulness training. …

Enhancing Patient And Team Member Safety: Classroom To Clinical Integration For Nursing Students, Yvonne Joseph, Asha Roy

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Patient safety is a prevalent term used in healthcare. This commitment is made each time we care for a patient. We must look at bridging the gap between academia and the clinical setting to keep this promise. Academia focuses on theoretical foundations, ethical aspects, and critical thinking. The clinical aspect focuses on patient care, inclusive of hands-on skills, communication, and critical thinking. All are crucial to the overall development of our students and patient safety. What else is essential to patient safety? A student's self-care, we need to respect our bodies. The phrase, “If you don’t care for yourself, you …

Impact Of Brøset Violence Checklist On Safety Events In A Mental Health Unit, Tess B. Bernardo, Catherine Mann

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Practice Problem: There is an increased global risk of violence among health workers that may result to physical, emotional, and psychological harm to patients and staff; resulting in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, increased medical costs, and victim mortality. Workplace violence (WPV) involving patients, families, and healthcare workers is an escalating public concern. Mental health facilities are at a higher risk for the occurrence of safety events. The mental health unit had a monthly average of 17.33 incidents in 2022 and 14 occurrences pre-implementation in the adult unit. This quality improvement (QI) project utilized the evidence-based interventions BrØset Violence Checklist (BVC) …

Back To Basics: Empowering Our Patient Support Team Members As Healthcare Leaders, Colleen Coyne, Elizabeth Thachanalil Xavier, Cristina Romancyck

Biennial Convention (CONV)

This presentation explores "Patient Care Basics," a transformative orientation session designed to equip newly onboarded patient support staff with knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver exceptional patient-centered care. A needs assessment revealed a gap regarding leadership and patient-centered care. This program addresses the vital role of patient support team members by adapting adult learning principles and foundational patient care concepts. We identified the unique needs of these often first-time healthcare workers by collaboration with stakeholders.

"Patient Care Basics" utilizes a two-part, session-based approach. The first session immerses participants in a collaborative hospital leadership simulation. Working in small groups, participants establish …

Barriers And Motivators To Diet Change In Saudi Women Living With Cardiovascular Disease, Rahaf Abdullah Alghamdi, Afnan Yousef Tunsi, Lujain Adel Sallam, Reem Abdulsalam Sinnari, Raghad Mueed Assiri, Rahaf Abdulrazaq Alafghani, Anwar Mustafa Tammar

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality worldwide and a major contributor to reduced quality of life. Saudi women are potentially at a greater risk than a decade ago to develop CVD and diabetes mellitus, with a notable increase in obesity and physical inactivity compared to men. Secondary prevention initiatives, including dietary modifications, offer an evidence-based approach for preventing CVD and reducing mortality and morbidity among women.

Aim: This study aims to explore the barriers and motivators in adhering to healthy diets from the perspectives of Saudi women Living with Cardiovascular Disease. A secondary aim is to …

The Effects Of Eliminating Idiomatic American English From High-Stakes Nursing Examinations, Timothy Michael Parker

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: In the United States, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) health care providers are important to the nursing workforce but often face challenges when taking the NCLEX-RN examination. This study evaluated the effects of removing slang and words with multiple meanings from high-stakes examination questions.

Method: This study used a quantitative, experimental posttest-only control group design and included a convenience sample of 169 nursing students from a college in southern Florida.

Results: Nursing students per-formed significantly better on the experimental (M = 79.9 [7.48]) than on the control examination (M = 75.08 [10.51]), t(151.8) = 2.973, p = …

Sigma Peer Chapter Collaboration: Promoting Global Partnerships, Cheryl A. Sheils, Elizabeth Rosser, Leslie Gelling, Liz Westcott, Nancy Thompson, Cheryl Sabola

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Introduction: International partnerships empower nurses with the capacity to address global health challenges. In August 2022, Phi Mu chapter in Bournemouth, England, UK, and Beta Zeta at-Large chapter in western Massachusetts, US, launched an informal peer chapter collaboration.

Purpose: The purpose is to promote a global partnership among chapter leaders and students and increase membership in Sigma as the preeminent international professional nursing organization positioned to promote global health equity.

Goals: Aligned with Sigma’s 2023-2025 Biennial Call to Action, Represent, the goals of this peer chapter collaboration are to reflect on our shared experiences, respect our diversity and distinct …

Call Ball – Benefits And Feasibility Of A Practical Staff Alert System In Ed, Sarah Sturges-Perry, David L. Smith, Kristiina Hyrkas

Biennial Convention (CONV)

The call light system is one of the major communication technologies that link staff to patients. In regular hospital rooms patients have a calling alert system that provides this important link. In crowded Emergency Departments (ED), for patients located in hallways, this important connection is often lost. Wireless call system technology is available, and its use has been described e.g., in nursing homes. However, the cost of this technology is still moderately high, it requires a central monitoring system and an attendant, and the small transmitters can easily be lost or discarded in a hectic ED environment. Therefore, there has …

Unit Interest Survey (Uis): Validating New Graduate Nurse (Ngn) Work-Life Assessment, Tiffany Montgomery, Danielle Walker

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: NGN retention is a concern in the US, with 23.8% turnover rate costing hospitals an average of $56,277 per nurse. Healthcare organizations must adopt strategies to retain and engage NGNs. Currently, applicants choose work units based on staffing needs or preferences, not personal assessment (strengths, communication style, personality). Self-reflection when choosing a practice setting could enhance job satisfaction and reduce burnout. Person-job fit moderates n job performance and compassion fatigue, while lifestyle factors influence retention. No reliable tool exists for guiding NGNs in assessing work and lifestyle preferences

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate …

Addressing Opioid Use Disorder Stigma Through Simulation For Accelerated Nursing Students, D'Ana Brooks, Valorie Mackenna, Kendra Chmura

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a global health issue and the most stigmatized health condition worldwide.² Stigma blocks patients from seeking care. With their intimacy in patient care, nurses are poised to help overcome stigma-based barriers; however, nurses describe a lack of preparedness for the task.⁴ Historically, focus on the OUD patient population is inconsistent in nursing program curricula. Gaining insight about stigma can help reduce its power.¹

Purpose: This project aims to explore OUD stigma with accelerated BSN students using simulation scenarios to enhance knowledge and preparedness in caring for patients with OUD.

Methods: Simulation …

Mentoring Faculty To Improve Scholarship Participation, Job Satisfaction, And Retention In Academia, Jamie A. Rausch, Kathie Williamson

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Academia is very different than industry, especially in nursing. Learning the ins-and-outs of teaching, research, and service that are requirements in an academic setting can be difficult for persons coming from a clinical setting working with patients to understand and meet. Often times, faculty members have sought academic positions due to their love of teaching and interest in research. Using a one-on-one mentoring strategy may improve scholarship activities, job satisfaction, and retention which could decrease turnover and understaffing in an academic setting. This session will discuss the implementation of specific strategies at a university satellite campus and the initial findings …

Translating Leadership Competencies Acquired During Military Service To Civilian Settings, Katie A. Chargualaf, Brenda Elliott, Barbara Patterson

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Leadership competencies articulate the knowledge, skills, values, and behaviors associated with successful leaders^1-2,5. In the military, all service members are expected to lead; therefore the military commits resources to intentional leadership development⁴. With training, military nurse officers (MNOs) develop a repertoire of skills necessary to successfully lead diverse teams.

A qualitative descriptive study of the leadership experiences of MNOs (N = 21)³ focused on leadership behaviors acquired during military service and leadership lessons that translated to leading in civilian settings. The MNOs emphasized the importance of articulating a vision, setting goals, communication, emotional intelligence, …

Exploring Well-Being In Rural New Graduate Nurses Transitioning To Practice: A Pilot Study, Regina Wilder Urban, Leslie A. Jennings

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: As new graduate nurses (NGNs) transition to professional practice, they experience increased stress and are at risk for decreased professional well-being.^1,2 When well-being is compromised, job satisfaction may be at risk and increased resignation ideation can occur.³ Nurse recruitment and retention in rural settings is challenging⁴ and turnover rates of NGNs in this population are unknown. Research that specifically explores well-being in rural NGNs is lacking.

Purpose: This study described the incidence of and association among well-being variables, job satisfaction, and resignation ideation in NGNs transitioning to practice in rural acute care settings in Texas.

Methods: …

Empowering The Future Of Nursing: The Impact Of Mentoring Nursing Students From Diverse Backgrounds, Toinette Higgins, Natasha Laibhen-Parkes

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Mentoring means facilitating students’ learning by promoting a continuous learning process, supporting their professional development, and their growth in knowledge, skills, and attitudes (Kowalski, 2019). Mentoring students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds has been identified as a necessary strategy for increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation rates, particularly in historically white institutions (HWIs), where underrepresented students have historically experienced isolation, uncertainty, and marginalization (White et al, 2020). As such, mentoring is especially crucial for these students who are inexperienced or lack the cultural capital valued in HWIs because it can assist these students with navigating challenges and opportunities that are …

Reflecting And Responding: The Impact Of Arousal And Mood Changes On Functioning In Nurses With Ptsd, Marni B. Kellogg, Anna E. Schierberl Scherr, Brian J. Ayotte

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Introduction: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that impairs daily functioning following exposure to trauma. Recent studies identify nurses are at a particularly high risk of developing PTSD (Fattori et al., 2023; Hernández Bojorge et al., 2024; Negarandeh et al., 2023). While this vulnerability was underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, prior research indicates that PTSD is a longstanding concern within the profession (Battles, 2007; Czaja et al., 2012). Individuals with PTSD endorse chronic symptoms in five clusters: reexperiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Understanding which PTSD domains are associated …

Advancing Educational Strategies Through An International Bilateral Student Exchange Program, Barbara S. Derose, Bethany Ann Murray, Jane Cheriyattil Von Gaudecker, O'Brien Kyololo

Biennial Convention (CONV)

International experiences are linked to personal growth and professional development, improved altruism, global awareness, and the ability to handle complex emotional situations.^1-5 Studies have emphasized the enhancement of cultural humility through education abroad programs, reflecting on students' shifts in perspective and increased cultural awareness.^6-8 The purpose of this project was to develop a bilateral nursing exchange for BSN students from the Indiana University School of Nursing in the United States and the Moi University College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing & Midwifery in Kenya. Educational outcomes were an exploration of how culture, care delivery, and health policy …

The Nurse As An Inspiring Leader Of Health: A Framework Rooted In Neurochemical Drivers Of Influence, Sandra D. Shapiro, Rachel Mcmahan Thomas

Biennial Convention (CONV)

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, demanding nurses navigate increasingly complex and challenging situations. Modern nursing goes beyond providing care and motivation—it now requires inspiration and mentoring to drive meaningful, systemic change promoting health at every level. Inspiration is an essential intrinsic motivator, positioning nurses as leaders uniquely equipped to foster resilience and excellence.

Transformational leadership principles, deeply rooted in nursing philosophy, place human caring at the core. By embodying these principles, nurses can inspire change within themselves, their peers, and their organizations. As guardians of public health, nurses are inherently positioned to lead socio-ecological transformations, advance health promotion, and …

Stroke Survivors' And Family Caregivers' Perceptions Of Depressive Symptoms After Stroke, Tanya Leigh Breckenridge-Trotter, Dawn Denny, Tracy Evanson, F. Richard Ferraro, Patricia O'Malley

Biennial Convention (CONV)

The American Psychiatric Association designates the unique relationship between depression and stroke listing it as a medical condition that are is the source of depressive symptoms.¹ Poststroke depression (PSD) is a frequently occurring complication of stroke and is associated with adverse outcomes with an estimated prevalence of 27%.² Prior research has found stroke survivors with PSD experience worse functional recovery than those without PSD.³
Caregiver depression influences stroke recovery and is specifically associated with higher risk 6-month mortality of stroke survivors with moderate to severe stroke.⁴

Researchers have noted partners of stroke survivors face greater risk …

Developing A Hypothetical Gp Practice: Using Ai, Human Interaction And Data For Virtual Placements, Aby Mitchell, Behnam Jafari Salim

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Purpose: Expanding placement opportunities has become a global strategic priority, driven by the need to address workforce shortages and improve healthcare delivery worldwide. To address this growing demand, innovative solutions for expanding placement capacity are critical, especially as regulatory bodies like NMC now permit the integration of simulation into practice learning (NMC, 2023). Virtual placements offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional placements, enhancing student confidence, knowledge retention, and clinical competence (Hill & Mitchell 2024). These align with the broader vision of digitally advanced healthcare systems, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and adhering to proficiency standards in line with …

Podcasting: Promoting Inclusivity In Interprofessional Education, Rachel Kelter, Vanessa Kay Cameron, Tabitha Kinlaw, Jillian Russell

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Inclusivity in interprofessional education (IPE) is crucial, enabling healthcare professionals to learn with and from each other, while improving teamwork and communication. This collaborative approach enriches education and enhances patient care. As healthcare rapidly evolves, educators are challenged to find efficient and effective methods to deliver high-quality, evidence-based education to healthcare professionals. With advancing technology, delivering accessible IPE content is imperative to meet healthcare's dynamic needs (Liao et al., 2024).

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began (Chu et al., 2022; Tarchichi et al., 2021), healthcare educators have had to rethink content delivery. Innovations in learning and a recognition for inclusivity in …

Exploring The Impacts Of Moral Distress On Critical Care Nurses Using Biometric Sensors, Preston H. Miller, Jennifer Bail, Shikha Modi, Katherine Morrison, Emil Jovanov, Elizabeth Epstein

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Moral distress occurs when nurses are constrained from acting ethically or are forced into ethically inappropriate actions, leading to feelings of complicity and wrongdoing. This phenomenon is common among nurses, especially when institutional constraints prevent them from doing what they believe is right. Moral distress can cause negative physical, psychological, and emotional consequences, potentially leading to burnout, compassion fatigue, or even leaving the profession if unaddressed. Most evidence of these effects comes from subjective reports or workforce studies linking moral distress to nursing turnover; However, no studies to date have objectively measured the biometric effects of moral distress among nurses. …