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Dairy And Food Science Student Newsletter, November 12, 2025, Department Of Dairy And Food Science

Dairy and Food Science Student Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Latching On: Equity In Breastfeeding Education, Tara Anderson Ba, Rn, Cbc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for newborns (WHO, 2019). Prenatal breastfeeding education best prepares families, yet not all patients attend hospital-offered classes due to associated fees. This gap may negatively impact knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding rates (Kehinde et al., 2022). To promote health equity, it is critical to provide accessible prenatal education to all patients, regardless of their ability to attend traditional classes.

Purpose

Our hospital aims to ensure all patients make informed infant feeding decisions. This project sought to provide prenatal breastfeeding education in outpatient Labor and Delivery Triage and evaluate its impact on patient knowledge …

Nurse Initiated Rapid Cycle Ecmo Simulation In The Cath Lab, Kristina Strupp Msn, Apnp, Agcns-Bc, Allison Condon Mba, Bsn, Rn, Jeannie Hlebichuk Phd, Nursing Research Manager/Nurse Scientist

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Introduction and Context: Earlier initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) improves survival in cardiogenic shock.  Patients requiring mechanical circulatory support may experience delays in care for up to an hour, as they wait for the shock team to arrive. By leveraging the catheterization (cath) lab nurse and our in-house 24/7 cardiology interdisciplinary team’s availability and expertise, we developed an evidence-based simulation that allows the entire cath lab team to function as the shock team.

Implementation Strategy: Collaborating with the organization’s simulation team, a low-fidelity percutaneous pelvic model was developed to train the team on ECMO cannulation and circuit set-up in …

Revising, Testing, And Evaluating Current Training Modules With Direct Instruction To Enhance Ambulatory Orders Communication, Suzanne Hagan Msn Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Introduction and Context

Effective computerized provider order entry (CPOE) and orders communication are critical to safe, efficient care in ambulatory settings. Following an electronic health record (EHR) merger at Advocate Health, inconsistencies and knowledge gaps were identified, posing risks to patient safety and team workflows. This innovation addresses those gaps by redesigning training to support consistent, technology-enabled care delivery.

Implementation Strategy

Using cognitive learning theory and direct instruction, existing CPOE training modules were revised to enhance clarity, relevance, and retention. Content was aligned with nursing workflows and integrated into Advocate Health’s online learning platform for system-wide accessibility. Real-world scenarios and …

Well-Being In Home Healthcare Nurses, Merly Chirayil Dnp, Rn, Cphq, Shalini Shrikanth Phd, Rn, Cne, Cnecl

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Home healthcare nurses experience unique stressors compared to hospital or facility-based settings. Limited resources, isolation in the field, and safety concerns can negatively impact one's well-being. Research shows that well-being affects nurse performance, patient outcomes, and organizational health (Sovold et al., 2021; CDC, 2024). Improving well-being enhances resilience and adaptability.

Local Problem

At this home healthcare agency, burnout and turnover remain key concerns. An internal anniversary survey revealed that 69% of staff expressed concerns about their well-being. These findings signal a disruption in workforce sustainability. Addressing well-being is aligned with the organization's strategic priorities and represents an opportunity to …

2 Palmetto Pit Crew: Get Your Admission Done In A Jiffy, Taylor Dye Bsn, Rn, Medsurg-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

The purpose of the “Pit Crew” in the progressive care unit's admission process is to improve patient care quality. Admissions are complex and lengthy, often missing critical assessments or interventions. The “Pit Crew” ensures key assessments and interventions are done simultaneously by utilizing a team approach, enhancing compliance with skin assessments, CHG baths, MRSA nasal swabs, and admission assessments. Additionally, it improves communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, boosts staff satisfaction and efficiency, and reduces burnout. This approach aims to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while supporting the healthcare team in providing effective services.

Local Problem

The target audience includes …

Advancing Turn Equality To Reduce Pressure Injuries: A Nurse-Led Visual Tool For Acute Care Units, Suzanne Clontz Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Lynn Thompson Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Ne-Bc, Lauren Kelly Bsn, Rn, Ccrn, Triphena Smalls Msn, Rn, Ccrn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Despite the implementation of evidence-based bundles, hospital-acquired pressure injuries remain a persistent challenge. The literature highlights inconsistent patient repositioning and a lack of team accountability as key contributors. Visual tools and interdisciplinary engagement have shown promise in promoting reliable turning practices.

Local Problem

Audits on two critical care units and one progressive care unit revealed that patients were frequently left in supine positions and not rotated equally. Night shifts demonstrated the greatest gaps in documentation and compliance. The electronic medical record did not provide an at-a-glance overview of turning history, creating confusion among nursing and ancillary staff, and hindering …

Bridging The Gap: Enhancing Nursing Strategies For Improving Medication Adherence, Ashley Ash Bsn, Rn, Jennifer Bousman Bsn, Rn, Katalin Stanaszak Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc Nursing Professional Development Practitioner, Ambulatory Care Management

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Patient medication adherence is a critical determinant of patient outcomes, cost reduction, and performance metrics. Quality improvement opportunities around medication adherence were identified within Ambulatory Care Management, including a lack of tools, resources, and foundational knowledge.

Purpose

The primary aim of this interdisciplinary initiative was to identify gaps in current practices, understand the challenges surrounding medication adherence, and develop evidence-based strategies equipping nurses with the necessary tools and knowledge to address patient-specific barriers.

Implementation Plan

A comprehensive literature review was conducted identifying best practices for improving medication adherence. A survey helped identify knowledge gaps, barriers, and nursing confidence in …

Age Friendly Health Systems: Implementing A Social Modal Of Care For Older Adults, Sue Harvey Msia, Rn, Bsn, Pccn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Age Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) is a social movement to care for older adults.

The framework of Age-Friendly care is the 4Ms: Mobility, Medication, Mentation and What Matters, each acting on and acted upon by the rest. Clinicians assess and act on the 4Ms for every older adult in their care.

Local Problem

At this hospital, 58% of inpatients are older adults. The implementation of AFHS drives care for this important demographic.

The goal is to implement AFHS 4M care on all inpatient units by 2025.

Method

With support of the AFHS Action Community, an interdisciplinary Steering Committee studied …

Category Ii Tracing Simulation, Renee Keeling Msn, Rn, Rnc-Ob, Laura Jester Msn, Apn, Acns-Bc, Rn, Medsurg-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: A common reason for primary cesarean sections is abnormal fetal tracings, specifically category 2 tracings. The expectation of Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurses is to be able to recognize these category 2 tracings and implement interventions to promote the best possible outcomes for the mom and baby and reduce the likelihood of progressing to a cesarean delivery.

Local Problem: All Labor & Delivery nurses at Advocate Christ Medical Center (CMC) take a fetal monitoring course when hired. However, there is no platform to allow them to practice applying this knowledge into their practice. Therefore, the nurses are not always …

Don’T Flatline On Acls Skills: Jumpstart Nurses’ Training With Rapid-Cycle Deliberate Practice, Tracy Montesa Dnp, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn, Maricar Tapiador Msn Rn, Ne-Bc, Darlene Seeman Msn, Rn, Cen, Tcrn, Tns, Debbie Kantoris Msn, Aprn, Ccns, Ccrn, Angela Flynn Msn, Rn, Npd-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background and/or rationale

The Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) program provides initial advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) education and quarterly competency assessments. However, its self-directed format creates gaps in effectively practicing the American Heart Association guidelines. Evidence supports that high-fidelity mannequins and Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) improve resuscitation training through realistic scenarios and focused skill development.

Aim or purpose of the initiative

This project aims to enhance confidence in ACLS skills, improve role identification, and promote effective communication using a high-fidelity mannequin and practice of the megacode in RCDP format.

Implementation plan

Using the Melnyk framework, the best available evidence …

Heart Matters: Strategies To Decrease Acute Myocardial Infarction Readmission, Beena Pillai Bsn-Rn-Pccn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Hospital readmissions after Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) are common and costly, with nearly one in six patients readmitted within 30 days. These admissions contribute significantly to healthcare expenses. Since 2012, hospitals have faced financial penalties for high 30-day readmission rates under the CMS Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.

Purpose

The project aimed to identify gaps in the discharge process and implement strategies focused on nurse education, patient instruction, early follow-up appointments, follow-up calls, and transition-of-care planning to reduce AMI readmissions.

Implementation Strategies

All cardiac nurses were surveyed to assess current discharge practices. One-on-one education was provided using AHA guidelines and …

Sustaining Best Practices To Decrease Opioid Use And Prevent Accidental Opioid Overdose, Patricia Green Msn, Cnm, Whnp, Magdalena Zygula Msn, Rn, Brittany Smith Msn, Rnc, Rachel Baskin Md

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background and/or rationale

Postpartum patients are a vulnerable population affected by the opioid epidemic. In Illinois, substance use disorder is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, with as many as 1 in 300 postpartum patients becoming addicted to opioids. Hospital care practices significantly impact patient pain management, knowledge, opioid availability, and emergency treatment for accidental overdoses.

Aim or purpose of the initiative

In alignment with the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Illinois Department of Human Services Drug Overdose Prevention Program, the perinatal care teams have implemented multiple evidence-based practices (EBP) to decrease the risk of opioid misuse, …

Taking A Pulse: Nursing Student Rounding As Best Practice To Support, Stand Out, And Recruit, Mary Otto Dnp, Rn, Npd-Bc, Acns-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Organizations attracting new nursing talent must provide welcoming and meaningful experiences for students onsite for clinical rotations (Anyango, Ngune, et al, 2024). Tailored support and in-person resolution of questions and concerns demonstrate the organization's commitment to hosting students and building connections between students and healthcare organizations (Lundell Rudberg et al., 2022).

Aim

The aim was to provide face-to-face contact with students, instructors, and/or units as a welcome, proactive visit, or reactive/service recovery follow-up. While the intent was to maintain an organic experience focusing on what mattered now, the team wanted to capture data on student experience, satisfaction with the …

Redesigning Oncology Care: Leveraging Digital Innovation To Advance Nurse-Led Triage Services, Kim Stanbery Dnp, Rn,Nea-Bc, Ocn, Terena O’Dell Bsn,Rn,Ocn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Introduction and Context:

As oncology care grows more complex, timely nurse triage for symptom management is essential. Traditional models that assign triage to ambulatory care nurses as an added responsibility often lead to delays and inefficiencies, potentially affecting outcomes and satisfaction. To address this, a dedicated oncology nurse triage service was proposed to improve access and enhance care delivery.

Implementation Strategy:

This quality improvement initiative aimed to develop a novel care model, integrate a digital workflow into the electronic medical record (EMR), and launch a nurse-led triage service across a large service area. The multi-phase approach began with a needs …

From Classroom To Clicks: Transforming Telemetry Education Through Web-Based Innovation, Lindsey Bell Ramsey Msn, Rn, Medsurg-Bc, Npd-Bc, Leeann Smith Msn, Rn, Cv-Bc, Npd-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Telemetry education continues to emerge as a recurring need on nursing needs assessments. Nursing professional development specialists are frequently asked to expand educational offerings to accommodate a wide range of practice settings beyond a single facility. However, traditional in-person strategies present logistical challenges, including space limitations, facilitator availability, and associated costs. To address these barriers, a creative, cost-effective solution was developed using an internal web-based platform.

This new approach delivers high-quality telemetry education through a self-paced online course featuring multimedia content, quizzes, and interactive practice exercises. The flexible format allows learners to access and resume the course at their convenience, …

Less Is More! Exploring A Two-To-One Preceptorship Model, Megan Hanson Msn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Nicole Guyer Msn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Pccn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction:

Post pandemic, experienced nursing preceptors are in short supply straining their ability to provide adequate support and training. An inpatient unit, recently doubled in size, faced significant challenges when quickly hiring large volumes of nurses, 68% being newly licensed nurses (NLNs). Despite meeting hospital first-year turnover benchmarks, there were concerns using inexperienced preceptors could lengthen orientations and negatively impact turnover rates. Unit needed to reimagine orientation. Literature suggested success with a two orientee to one preceptor (2:1) model in non-nursing healthcare disciplines, though limited literature was available for nursing.

Purpose or Objective:

Project aimed to utilize preceptors more efficiently …

Immersive Age Friendly Care: Taking Cbt To The Next Level, Ashleigh Lingsweiler Bsn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Kelsey Tavs Msn, Rn, Cnl, Npd-Bc, Alyssa Krueger Bsn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Cmsrn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction:

A 162-bed acute care Midwest hospital serves the largest population of patients aged 65 and older in the state. The unique healthcare needs of older adults benefit from evidence-based, individualized care commonly known as the “4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility.

Objective:

Develop an innovative, hands-on educational program using simulation to increase nurses’ knowledge and skill in caring for older adult patients.

Method:

The program utilized unfolding simulation sessions as its primary method of education. These sessions focused on the 4 Ms with each aspect addressed individually and in combination. Teammates were asked to address an unsafe environment …

Prematurity Unveiled – A Day In Tiny Shoes, Simulation Education For Nicu Team Members, Amy Moon Bsn, Rn, Rnc-Nic, Bonnie Satinover Msn, Rn, Chse, Npd-Bc, Rnc-Nic

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Premature newborns are ill equipped to process the extrauterine environment. Negative sensory input causes negative short- and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants. Developmental care practices mitigate the noxious sensory input of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by mimicking the intrauterine environment, but effectiveness is dependent on practice consistency throughout the NICU stay.

This educational program's purpose was to improve the consistency of developmental care practices in our NICU. We hypothesized that teammates who shared the lived experience of their NICU patient would be more likely to consistently practice developmental care.

A two-hour simulation education session was created in …

Improving Throughput And Discharge-To-Door Times: Achieving Optimal Patient Discharge In Under Two Hours, Jacob Sobeck Mba, Bsn, Rn, Kelly D'Louhy Bsn, Rn-Bc, Alexandra Soltis Msn, Rn- Ne-Bc, Clarissa Connell Bsn, Rn-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Prolonged discharge times has an impact on both the patient and the healthcare system. As hospital census increases, more patients are being boarded in the emergency department. This results in delayed bed placement, delayed throughput, and delayed discharges by nursing departments receiving emergency department patients.

Local Problem: Increased census, bed capacity constraints, delay in order placement, and poor communication between interdisciplinary teams has led to longer average discharge to door times. These increased discharge to door times have led to an increase in the overall hospital census and increased wait times for beds in the emergency department.

Method: These …

Optimizing Sepsis Management: A Journey From Audit To Ehr Solutions, Amy Rosenberger Bsn, Rn, Ccrn, Sam Bores Emergency Medicine Physician

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background:

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality across the enterprise. While Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) treatment reduces sepsis mortality, the NC/GA Division lacks comprehensive SEP-1 performance reports to identify care gaps and improve outcomes.

Local Problem:

The NC/GA Division SEP-1 data, based on minimum patient sample size, is insufficient, with Pineville averaging only 9.5 abstracted patients per month. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Servies (CMS) abstraction process is lengthy, excluding significant patient populations (i.e. COVID, freestanding emergency departments), and is a composite metric leading to inconclusive performance insights.

Method:

We developed an internal audit …

Touch Up Your Roots: Improving Retention, Orientation, Onboarding, And Training Success, Patrick Griggs Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Cmc, Csc, Agne Pecholdas Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: A study completed by NSI Nursing Solutions (2022) reported that nurses employed less than one year have a turnover rate of 31 percent. Reasons for leaving included lack of support and resources. Illinois Masonic had a program built for peer-to-peer support for new hires through a nursing-based council. Lack of consistency was thought to be part of high turnover.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to increase the retention rate of first year new hires nurses to Illinois Masonic via peer-to-peer engagement throughout their orientation period.

Implementation: Using a DMAIC strategy (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), a nursing …

Enhancing Same Day Discharge Of Primary Joint Arthroplasty Through Collaborative Goal Setting And Education, Jennifer S. Brown Rn, Bsn, Onc, Amanda Levin Mha, Bsn, Rn, Nea-Bc, T Gonzalez Bsn, Rn, J Carter Dnp, Msn, Rn, Cnml, William Parker Msn, Rn, Tcrn, Ccrn, K Castellanos-Martinez Bsn, Rn, Krista Holcomb Rn, Msn, Cnm, Reece Wilson Dpn, Rn, Cnor, Evelyn Delong Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) removed Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) from the Inpatient Only List in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Literature indicates that Same Day Discharge (SDD) results in higher patient satisfaction, outcomes and reimbursement compared to inpatient admissions.

Local Problem: In 2019, Davie Medical Center (DMC) achieved Advanced Hip and Knee Certification from the Joint Commission which has sustained to this day. With total joints as a primary service line, DMC aimed to increase its SDD rate from 23.8% in 2023 for ASA I&II patients.

Method: Utilizing Meleis Transition theory, …

Expanding Access For Transplant And Cellular Therapy, Melissa Barnes Dnp, Rn, Ocn, Cenp, Nicole Reingold Pappaterra Bsn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Bmtcn, Ocn, Jen Elder Msn, Rn, Bmtcn, Lynn Sanders Dsl, Msn, Rn, Ocn, Ne-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Cancer care delivery is in a state of constant change. More care is being transitioned to the outpatient setting, this does not exclude complex transplant and cellular therapy (TCT) services. Moving patients from the inpatient to outpatient helps manage bed capacity, improve patient experience, and helps foster fiscally responsible care.

Local Problem

Inpatient bed space has been a challenge for the malignant hematology services for years. An opportunity was seen to bring lower acuity TCT patients to outpatient to create space for higher acuity needs in the hospital and to allow for continued growth in the hematology population as …

Safe Sleep, Laura Jester Msn, Apn, Acns-Bc, Rn, Medsurg-Bc, Jennifer Dries Rn, Bsn, Cpn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: The leading cause of death for infants 1 month to 1 year is Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUIDs). Each year in the United States, 3500 infants die of sleep-related infant deaths. Between 2019-2021, there were 141 SUID cases in Cook County. 99% of these had one or more unsafe sleep factors. In Cook County, Black infants died at 14 times the rate of White infants and Hispanic infants at three times the rate of White infants. This is above the national average.

Local Problem: Advocate Christ Medical Center (CMC) is a large, Level 3 perinatal hospital in Cook County. …

Exploring The Impact Of A Time Management Supplemental Session Within A Newly Licensed Nurse Population, Veronica Bigott Msn, Rn, Acns-Bc, Medsurg-Bc, Gero-Bc, Npda-Bc, Michelle Grube Ms, Aocns, Npd-Bc, Robin Hackett Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Stephanie Zidek Director Nursing Education And Professional Development

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Nurses must be skilled in time management to anticipate problems, recognize a change in patient condition, and reprioritize when needed. A member of the nursing education and professional development team rounds on all newly licensed nurses upon hire. Data obtained from these rounds during September 2023 through May 2024, indicated 64% of newly licensed nurses identified time management as a challenge. Review of new graduate nurse residency program evaluations along with rounding data supported the need for an educational experience dedicated to time management skills specific to the newly licensed nurse population.

Purpose: The purpose of this study includes …

Unm Library Scholarship Day: Schedule Of Presentations, Unm Health Sciences Library & Informatics Center, Unm Law Library, Unm University Libraries

Scholarship Day 2025

No abstract provided.

2025 Unm Library Scholarship Day Collcted Abstracts, Unm Health Sciences Library & Informatics Center, Unm Law Library, Unm University Libraries

Scholarship Day 2025

This booklet compiles citations and summaries of recent scholarly works (and works in progress) authored by librarians from all three campus libraries. UNM authors’ names are bolded. It offers readers a snapshot of the ideas, innovations, and collaborations shaping the information science discipline today. Consider it an invitation to connect with colleagues whose work reflects the intellectual vibrancy of UNM’s libraries.

Designing And Evaluating A Pubmed Metadata Text Mining Software Program, Leah A. Everitt

Scholarship Day 2025

A presentation about a program to propose new MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms in a specific subject area based on author keywords.

Nm Snap-Ed 2025 Tribal Report, Elena E. Martinez, Theresa H Cruz

Reports & Documents

SNAP-Ed NM works to provide nutrition and physical activity education, environmental and systems changes, and social marketing among primarily SNAP-eligible populations to empower them to make healthy food choices and become more physically active. In May 2025, the SNAP-Ed evaluation team from the UNM Prevention Research Center (PRC) conducted a survey involving five implementing agencies and the state agency overseeing SNAP-Ed. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate engagement with Tribal communities and to assess any changes in engagement since the prior assessment in FY2023. The UNM PRC also surveyed the New Mexico Health Care Authority, the state agency …