Digital Commons Network^™

Lymphatic Massage For Reducing Upper-Limb Edema In Icu Patients: A Quality Improvement Project, Ying-Fang Huang, Tzu-Ting Huang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Upper-limb edema commonly occurs among critically ill patients due to immobility, inflammation, and fluid overload, leading to discomfort, impaired mobility, and higher pressure injury risk. Based on lymphatic physiology and prior evidence, this quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce edema severity through a structured nurse-led lymphatic massage intervention in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) of a northern Taiwan medical center.

Methods: This QI project was conducted from March to May 2025 using the Plan–Do–Check–Act framework. Baseline audit showed that 75% of patients had moderate to severe edema (≥ +2). Twenty adult patients were enrolled—10 in the intervention …

Predictors Of Adverse Events After Emergency Transfers In Long-Term Care: A Secondary Analysis, Yu-Chi Chen, Yi-Ru Liao

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Long-term care residents worldwide frequently require emergency medical care due to multimorbidity, frailty, and functional impairment. After returning to long-term care facilities, many experience rapid health changes, leading to preventable adverse events, reduced care quality, and safety concerns. Identifying predictors of such events is essential to inform risk stratification and proactive nursing surveillance in long-term care settings. This study aimed to examine predictors of adverse events after emergency transfers, using Taiwan as a population-level case context.

A secondary data analysis was conducted using medical records from 19 long-term care facilities in northern Taiwan between October 2022 and September 2023. A …

Sleep Quality Trajectories In Mothers And Fathers During The Postpartum Period, Shu-Yu Kuo, Hsin-Yi Lai

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Sleep disturbance is a common experience among families during the postpartum period and can impair parental adjustment and infant care. Few studies have examined sleep quality over time within a family dyad. This study aimed to investigate the sleep trajectories of mothers and fathers from the early postpartum period to three months postpartum

Methods: We conducted a prospective follow-up of mother-father dyads at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and a singleton, full-term pregnancy; parents or infants with high-risk complications were excluded. Demographic and health information were collected using a structured …

Nurses' Perspectives On Parental Involvement In Infant's Pain Care In Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Danielle Sobers, Carol Mcnair, Marsha Campbell-Yeo, Fabiana Bacchini, Mariana Bueno

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Hospitalized infants are frequently exposed to painful procedures with suboptimal pain care, which can negatively impact infants’ growth and development. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding for pain relief, highlighting the importance of parental involvement in pain care in intensive care. However, parental involvement for pain care is not yet standard practice. As nurses play a key role in neonatal and pain care, the goal of this study is to understand nurses’ needs to enable parental involvement in pain care.

Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-designed needs assessment study. Nurses residing in Canada and working …

Preventing The Next Tragedy: Applying Root Cause Analysis (Rca) In A Military Suicide Event, Li-Ling Lin, Kai-Wen Li, Yun-Shih Lin

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This study examines a near-miss suicide by a high-risk military patient in an acute psychiatric ward. Using Root Cause Analysis (RCA), latent errors in system design and communication were identified, guiding strategies to enhance patient safety and care quality.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to implement RCA in a military suicide event and improve the process of care in an acute psychiatric ward.

Methods: The RCA process involves identifying the problem, establishing a timeline, identifying the causes, creating a cause-and-effect diagram, and implementing strategies. We conducted personnel interviews and on-site walk to understand the operations and environment, reconstructing …

Hierarchical Models Of Caring Culture, Magnet Culture, And Their Impact On Patient Experience, Alice Yan, Grissel Hernandez, Mary E. Lough, Kathleen Bradley, Cassendra Munro, Rachyl Pines

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

BACKGROUND: Empirical evidence is lacking to quantify whether Watson’s Human Caring Culture and Magnet aligned nurse behaviors influence patient-experience outcomes.¹

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether Caring Culture,¹ and nursing behaviors aligned with Magnet professional excellence,^2-4 predicts Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) outcomes, specifically: Hospital Rating and Likelihood to Recommend.⁵

METHODS: HCAHPS data (2021–2023) from a large academic hospital were analyzed. The dataset included five validated Caring Culture questions averaged as a composite measure. Magnet aligned nursing behaviors (communication, responsiveness, teamwork, and patient-centered care transition) were analyzed as predictors. Descriptive and univariate analyses were …

Using Simulation To Translate Theory Into Practice: Lessons Learned & Next Steps, Margarett Alexandre, Fern Baudo, Vanessa Carew

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

NIH notes adverse events can be avoided (Patient Safety, 2023). Simulations using high-fidelity mannequins offer an interactive environment for students to learn critical thinking skills. Simulations allow students to practice skills in a safe environment before working with real patients (Zenani, 2023; Durham & Alden, 2008). Saylor, Graber, and Trinkaus (2024) note that simulation-based learning experiences can increase confidence in undergraduate nursing students.

Purpose: To explore the impact of increase simulation with senior nursing students in an upper-level med/Surg course, incorporating guided reflective journaling to address students’ assessment of knowledge, understanding of theoretical and practical skills learned, and reflect on …

Interventions To Improve Nurse Outcomes In South African Private And Public Hospitals: A Case Study, Babalwa Tau, Siedine Knobloch Coetzee, Nicholin Scheepers

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: South African nurses face ongoing challenges, including escalating healthcare needs of a growing population, staff and resource shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure, all of which negatively affect their health and wellbeing, relationship with work, productivity and effectiveness and satisfaction with work (South Africa, 2024). Although numerous studies explore interventions to improve these nurse outcomes (Niskala et al., 2020; Ramachandran et al., 2023; Xu et al., 2020), few address the realities of developing countries such as South Africa.

Methods: An exploratory multiple-case study design was employed (Yin, 2014). Secondary data from a national hospital database (n = 143) were analysed to …

Assess The Effectiveness Of Sleep Hygiene Education Programe On Sleep Quality Among Students, Narinder Kaur Walia

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Introduction: Sleep is essential for physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. According to WHO, good sleep involves 7–9 hours of rest, minimal sleep latency, and the absence of disturbances like insomnia. However, many students lack awareness of proper sleep hygiene. Poor sleep quality is common among nursing students due to academic pressure, clinical rotations, irregular schedules, and lifestyle habits like caffeine use and social media. These issues can affect mental and physical health, academic performance, and patient care. Sleep disturbances are a growing concern among the general population, with global prevalence ranging from 3.9% to 45%. In India, studies show 36.3% …

Decent Work In Nursing: A Walker And Avant Concept Analysis, Mu-Hsi Deborah Young, Chiu-Yueh Yang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Although the WHO and the International Labour Organization have repeatedly emphasized the importance of promoting decent work to ensure a sustainable nursing workforce, the concept of decent work within nursing remains insufficiently defined, creating challenges for implementation.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to analyze the concept of decent work in nursing.

Method: A literature review was conducted following Walker and Avant’s concept analysis method. Searches were performed in PubMed, EBSCOhost (including CINAHL Complete, CINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, and APA PsycINFO), ProQuest, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Airiti Library through April 2025.

Result: Twenty studies were …

Transforming Nursing Practice Through Data Ownership And Leadership In A Quaternary Hospital, Nabiha Tashkandi, Merry Jo Dione Levers

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Globally, healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing the vital contributions of nursing to safety, quality, and patient experience. However, in some organizations, nursing remains underrepresented in executive decision-making, limiting its influence on strategic priorities (Sherwood & Barnsteiner, 2021). At the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), the nursing leadership sought to overcome this challenge by using data to amplify nursing’s voice, demonstrate its value, and improve care outcomes (Dempsey et al., 2014).

Purpose: This project aimed to strengthen nursing’s visibility and credibility within the organization by aligning nursing-sensitive indicators with corporate priorities, creating a culture of transparency, and leveraging …

Supportive Technology Promotes Research Engagement Among Nurses And Allied Health Professionals, Rachael Haskell, Zoe Samson, Justin Peterson, Kristiina Hyrkas

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Nursing research can support improved clinical outcomes for patients and nursing workforce outcomes, such as workplace engagement and job retention. However, nurses report significant barriers to research engagement, such as limited time, lack of mentorship, and insufficient access to resources.1 In 2024 our Magnet-designated organization implemented Ovid® Synthesis, a structured virtual platform designed to help clinical staff complete research projects.

The aim of this project is to examine how Ovid® Synthesis addresses known barriers to research participation and influences staff perception and engagement in scholarly work.

A survey was distributed via REDCap to clinical staff registered with Ovid® Synthesis (N=591) …

Exploring Presenteeism Experiences Among Nurses In Taiwan: A Qualitative Study, Hsiao-Wei Cheng, Ai-Fu Chiou

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Nurses often work despite illness due to heavy workloads, professional expectations, and limited staffing. Such presenteeism may affect performance, well-being, and long-term occupational health. In Taiwan, little is known about how nurses perceive and experience working while unwell. Therefore, this study aimed to explore Taiwanese nurses’ awareness and lived experiences of presenteeism using a qualitative approach.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Six nurses from intensive care units and general wards in a medical center in northern Taiwan were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews that focused on decision-making regarding attendance, perceived pressures, …

Body Composition Of Psychiatric Nursing Home Residents In Taiwan Assessed By Inbody, Ya-Mei Cheng, Wan-Leng Lin, Yao-Hui Huang, Chieh-Yi Wang, Jun-Dai Lin

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Residents of psychiatric nursing homes often experience chronic mental illness, prolonged psychotropic medication use, and limited physical activity, all of which contribute to reduced muscle mass and altered body composition. These conditions increase the risk of falls, obesity, metabolic syndrome, sarcopenia, and functional decline. This study assessed the body composition of residents in Taiwanese psychiatric nursing homes using the InBody analyzer to inform future health-promotion and nutrition interventions.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2024 in a psychiatric nursing home in central Taiwan. Eighty-three residents (44 men, 39 women) were included; individuals with acute psychiatric …

Exam Wrappers, Test Anxiety, Demographics, And Exam Grades In First-Semester Nursing Students, Patricia L. Pence, Myoungjin Kim, Robin Rochelle Trost

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Problem- The first semester is a critical time when students decide whether to persist or leave a nursing program.

Purpose- To evaluate a) students’ responses on exam wrappers during the first semester, b) the relationship between demographic characteristics and exam grades, and c) if there was a change in students’ level of test anxiety as measured by the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (Driscoll, 2007) at three points in time during the first semester and if there was any change in relation to demographic characteristics.

Research Questions: 1) What are nursing students’ exam wrapper responses during the first-semester? 2) What is …

Psychoneuroimmunological Predictors Of Ptsd In Icu Patients, Yu-Ju Chen, Pei-Yu Hou, Ching-I Li

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) face significant distress, elevating their risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Abdelbaky & Eldelpshany, 2024; Righy et al., 2019). PTSD arises from complex psychoneuroimmunological interactions (Katrinli, Oliveira, Felger, Michopoulos, & Smith, 2022). Autonomic dysregulation, indexed by reduced heart rate variability (HRV), is a known correlate of PTSD (Schneider & Schwerdtfeger, 2020). Evidence also links PTSD to chronic inflammation, with markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) implicated (Kim et al., 2025; Peruzzolo et al., 2022). However, integrated psychoneuroimmunological research in ICU-related PTSD is limited.

Purpose: To examine the relationships between psychological (anxiety, pain, sleep quality), …

Integrating Forensic And Public Health Nursing: A Social-Ecological Approach To Addressing Ipv, Darcey Mccampbell

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health issue with far-reaching consequences for individuals and communities. Both public health nurses (PHN) and forensic examiners (FNE) play critical roles in addressing IPV. However, despite similarities and shared goals, these specialties often operate in isolation from one another.

Aim: This narrative review aims to summarize evidence on the interplay between PHN and FNE in addressing IPV. Using the social-ecological framework, the review identifies commonalities and areas of synergy across the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal levels.

Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted using the PubMed electronic database. The search …

Transforming Telehealth With Thrive: An Online Intervention For Nps Caring For Young Adults, Lisa V. Duffy

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

AIM: To develop an online, video-based intervention for nurse practitioners (NPs) that illustrates best practices to establish therapeutic relational connection (TRC) during telehealth visits.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth offers many benefits for chronically ill young adults. Despite the potential benefits of virtual visits, little attention has been given to the quality of the virtual provider-patient relationship and its consequences. Relationships with healthcare providers that are characterized by a sense of TRC have the potential to increase self-management skills which are associated with improved physical, mental, and behavioral health outcomes. Although there are known benefits to TRC, what is not known are the …

Opioid Overdose Education For Outpatient Settings And Simulation Development, Nancy S. Goldstein, Tyler Langley, Brook Van Buskirk

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

In 2023, the National Institute of Health reported 79,358 U.S. overdose deaths caused by opioids. This value is 166% higher than data from 2017, with an opioid-induced death toll of 47,600.¹ The rising rates of overdose require clinics to be prepared to respond to overdose emergencies.² Literature analysis revealed gaps in provider response capability for opioid overdose in healthcare outpatient settings.^{3, 4, 5, 6} Thus, there is a need to address the gaps in emergency preparedness for an opioid overdose through simulation training of outpatient staff. The purpose of the pilot study is to develop a simulation …

Exploring Positive Deviance In Forensic Nursing Literature, Jodie C. Gary, Laurie Charles, Jaeda Onyemobi

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Positive deviance (PD) is an intentional act of breaking rules in order to serve the greater good.¹ PD in nursing is intentional and honorable behavior that departs or differs from an established norm and contains elements of innovation, creativity, and/or adaptability; it also involves risk for the nurse.¹ Nurses who use PD practice differently and more effectively to provide patient-centered care.² Although professional standards guide patient care and lay the groundwork for best practices, they are not enough to guide many nursing decisions that involve multiple levels of uncertainty and risk in their practice; therefore, nurses may …

Exploring Feasibility Of Neurofeedback To Alleviate Cognitive Impairment And Fatigue In Long Covid, Marian Luctkar-Flude, Jane Tyerman

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Long COVID affects a substantial number of individuals with persistent symptoms such as cognitive impairment, fatigue, and emotional distress impacting quality of life and functionality.1 Current management primarily relies on supportive care, underscoring an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches to alleviate these enduring symptoms. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive complementary therapy that promotes self-regulation by training the brain to achieve optimal functioning via auditory feedback with demonstrated improvements in symptoms of cognitive impairment, fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep problems in other patient populations including cancer survivors.2,3 We propose neurofeedback could be used to address persistent symptoms associated with Long …

Empowering Nursing Students Through Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Resources – An Rnao Initiative, Christina Oleynikov, Krussny Arunanthy, Hugo Tam

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

In the past, nursing programs have made concerted efforts to include comprehensive Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) education [3,6]. Despite these attempts, there is an evident lack of support for accessible, peer-led resources to improve the uptake and application of such concepts in educational and practice settings [2]. Current literature also reflects a gap in research focusing on how EDI resources impact nursing students [1]. With promising past results from peer-driven engagement to increase self-efficacy in EDI [4,5], a similar approach should be used to encourage student-led knowledge translation and leadership initiatives. The purpose of this project was to identify …

Driving Innovation: Transforming Adult Health Nursing Curricula Through Educational Advances, Suja P. Davis, Kunta Devi Punn

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background and Purpose: Traditional lectures while effective in delivering large amounts of information systematically fail to engage students actively, leading to disengagement and limited critical thinking.[1] Research indicates that active learning methods using educational innovations increase student participation, enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. [2 ]The purpose of this project was to evaluate the learning outcomes of educational innovations implemented in an adult health course for nursing at Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS), Nepal.

Methods: Several educational innovations such as flipped classroom, concept mapping, problem based learning, case study analysis, 2D illustrations and animations, …

Aligning The Rn-Bsn Program To The Un-Sdgs: An Evidence-Based Teaching Practice, Tess B. Bernardo

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background/Introduction: The UN SDGs provide a globally recognized framework for addressing health equity, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Despite their relevance, integration of the SDGs into RN-BSN curricula remains limited and often lacks pedagogical coherence.

Purpose: This initiative aims to enhance learners’ capacity to critically engage with global health priorities and apply sustainability principles in clinical, community, and leadership contexts.

Methods or Processes/Procedures: A curriculum review was conducted to identify intersections between existing course objectives and SDGs, with emphasis on Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Faculty explored how a higher …

Simulation Experiences Of Eal Prelicensure Nursing Students: An Integrative Review, Megan Ross

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Globalization has increased the use of English as a common language in healthcare settings (Cheng et al., 2025). Additionally, nursing programs have increased the number of students who speak English as an additional language (EAL; Henry, 2023). EAL students often encounter unique challenges in nursing programs, including struggles with communication and cultural norms that can impact success (Henry, 2023). Simulation-based learning is an effective method to develop nursing students’ knowledge and skills (Alharbi et al., 2024). Despite its growing use, there was no comprehensive synthesis of research exploring EAL nursing students’ experiences with simulation-based learning at the time of …

An Adaptive Infrastructure Framework For Health Equity Integration Into Clinical Research, Keith Henri Salvado, Elidia V. Tafoya, Latanya Dean, Grissel Hernandez, Neera Ahuja

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

PURPOSE: The research team transformed a struggling health equity study by redesigning the clinical research infrastructure using population health management concepts and the A3 improvement methodology. The framework embeds the full cycle of clinical research in high acuity settings. This adaptive, nursing-led transformation aimed to optimize feasibility, to drive equitable access to research, and to bridge gaps in the literature.

METHODS: The research team overhauled the study using A3 improvement methodology within the framework of Lean and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. To optimize recruitment, our team developed workflows around sales funnel principles. Culturally competent and linguistically appropriate interactions fostered research access. Strategic …

Minority Stress As Mediator Of Ace-Substance Use Pathways: Sem Analysis Of Sexual Minorities, Meghna Shukla, Marvin Schilt-Solberg

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known determinants of negative health outcomes. Sexual minority (SM) individuals have higher ACE scores than non-SM individuals, and as a result also have worse health outcomes.According to the WHO, ACEs such as abuse & neglect are among the most severe forms of stress an individual may face, with extant literature identifying SM status and ACEs as predictors of substance use. There is a paucity of evidence examining the pathways between ACEs and substance use in SMs. Burgeoning evidence indicates minority stress is a strong predictor of substance use in SMs.

Purpose: To examine the …

Impact Of Debriefing Methods On Psychological Outcomes In End-Of-Life Simulation, Jennifer A. Wentzel, Julie Steele, Desireé Hensel

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Introduction: Nursing students do not feel adequately prepared to care for patients at the end of life (EOL) (Yoong et al., 2023). Current EOL education focuses on students’ learning outcomes instead of their psychological needs (Harder & Harwood, 2019). This is the first study to compare the impact of debriefing methods on psychological outcomes in EOL nursing education.

Purpose: Guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory, this study examined the impact of the Trauma-informed, Psychologically Safe (TiPS) debriefing method on coping with death, attitudes toward care of the dying, and debriefing experience in undergraduate …

Development Of A Cervical Cancer Prevention Education Program For North Korean Female Defectors, Kyung-Hwa Choi, Soo-Young Yu

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This mixed-method study developed and evaluated a culturally tailored cervical cancer prevention education program for North Korean females, reflecting their unique cultural and health needs. Guided by the Health Belief Model and the ADDIE instructional design, the four-session, 120-minute-per-week program aimed to enhance knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV, strengthen perceived benefits, reduce perceived barriers, and improve self-efficacy regarding preventive behaviors. Educational strategies included interactive lectures, audiovisual materials, cervical model demonstrations, culturally relevant role model sharing, and group discussions to promote engagement and understanding.

A non-equivalent control group pretest–posttest design was applied. The experimental group consisted of 28 females residing …

Supporting My Resilience And Well-Being: Reflections From Pre-Nursing Student, Leslie A. Jennings, Regina W. Urban, Adrianna Vinar

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: In 2022, over 138,000 nurses left the U.S. workforce, primarily due to stress and burnout (Smiley et al., 2025). Because nursing students also experience high levels of burnout (Gómez-Urquiza et al., 2023), efforts to reduce burnout should begin during their training. Psychosocial factors, like stress and resilience, are associated with burnout (Al-Alawi et al., 2020) and affect nursing student retention (Sanderson et al., 2021) but are rarely examined in students preparing for admission to nursing school. Among these students, stress is negatively associated with resilience and persistence (Names Withheld, 2022). Strategies to reduce stress must go beyond academics and …