Digital Commons Network^™

Virtual Rounding In The Level Ii Nicu, Melissa F. Coble Dnp, Nnp-Bc, Nea-Bc, Timothy Snow Msn, Nnp-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Introduction and Context This initiative addresses the challenge of providing 24/7 Neonatology supervision at a Level II regional NICU while meeting AAP guidelines. Traditional in-person rounding was limited by staffing and geography. We implemented the TytoCare™ device—previously used in adult populations—for virtual rounding. This allowed Neonatologists to remotely “see” and “hear” neonates in real time, supporting care quality, continuity, and improved family experiences.

Implementation Strategy All APPs and Neonatologists were trained on TytoCare™, which offers high-resolution video, auscultation, and two-way communication. Following stakeholder approval, the device was deployed for daily rounds, enabling real-time collaboration between the APP and remote Neonatologist. …

Enhancing Patient Experience Through Virtual Nursing Assessments In Hospital At Home, Meghan Markus Msn. Rn. Cnl

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

The expansion of home-based care has reshaped holistic healthcare delivery. Atrium’s Hospital at Home program explored the role of nurses in virtual assessments, highlighting the potential of remote evaluations to improve outcomes. Research supports this approach: “Patients receiving acute, virtual, home care with remote monitoring… had markedly shorter hospital stays than patients receiving standard inpatient care, with no significant increase in mortality, ED revisits, or return hospitalizations” (Banerjee et al., 2024).

In March 2025, a pilot initiative launched to develop a workflow enabling nurses to conduct effective virtual assessments, aiming to enhance NRC Patient Experience Scores through more comprehensive care …

Smart Triage: Leveraging Technology For Remote Patient Evaluation, Erin Morton Msn, Rn, Cen, Tns, Sarah Makina Msn, Mba, Rn, Cen, Ne-Bc, Edward Gutierrez Dnp, Rn, Nea-Bc, Cen

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Overcrowding by large volumes of patients and high levels of boarding in the Emergency Department (ED) has created long waiting times, increased door to provider times, and high Left Without Being Seen (LWBS) rates. The need to initiate care quickly and efficiently to patients waiting for a room to open is paramount to decrease length of stay and LWBS (Fleming, 2022). In traditional triage, the nurse performs the triage assessment and orders limited standard medical orders.

Local Problem: Advocate Christ Medical Center (ACMC) ED is a large, Level 1 Trauma Center in Illinois. In 2023, we had an average …

A Picture Worth A Thousand Words For Hapi Prevention, Stephannie Oppermann Ms, Bsn, Rn, Cnml, Hannah Witkofski Bsn, Rn, Medsurg-Bc, Tracey Maszka Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Introduction and Context

In 2024, a Wisconsin healthcare system prioritized the Patient Safety and Adverse Event Composite (PSI-90) as a key quality benchmark. One component, the PSI-03 Pressure Ulcer Rate, reflects a hospital’s ability to prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI). In the year prior to project implementation, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, community hospital recorded 52 HAPIs—at least 10% of which were suspected to be present on admission (POA) but lacked proper documentation. Additionally, 5% were staged at level three or higher, adversely impacting PSI-03 HAPI outcome.

Implementation Strategy

In April 2024, a multidisciplinary team launched a technological initiative to improve POA …

Dynamic Partnerships: Inspiring Tomorrow's Healthcare Heroes, Katherine Leistico Ms, Bsn, Rn, Npd-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction: Workforce gaps are predicted to increase by 2040 for RNs and other clinical professions. Healthcare organizations will need a diverse and well-prepared generation to enter the workforce. Programs aimed at introducing underrepresented adolescents to healthcare careers have been implemented to recruit this next generation. Clinical professionals who return to their underserved communities directly impact access and satisfaction of underrepresented populations.

Purpose: Healthcare Explorers Reaching Occupations (HERO) camps introduce diverse underrepresented adolescents to careers, aiming to build awareness and inspire future paths. Objectives include stimulating clinical career interest, understanding academic pathways, and networking with community partners.

Method or Evaluation: Nursing …

Nurse Mentorship Auto-Enrollment: Promoting A Healthy Work Environment By Improving Participation And Retention, Dena Gawaluch Msn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Cmsrn, Colleen Wenstrom Dnp, Rn, Scrn, Kristin Rothbart Mba, Msn, Rn, Cphq, Ne-Bc; Magnet And Nursing Excellence Program Manager, Susan Storto Mba, Msn, Rn Med-Surg-Bc, Npd-Bc; Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Nurse retention remains a top priority within healthcare. Novice nurses report increased stress, poor time management, and lack of confidence in skills. Formal nurse mentorship programs demonstrate success in improving early experiences for novice nurses by fostering professional development and promoting a healthy work environment for both mentors and mentees.

Purpose

Newly hired nurses entering a specialty field need additional support after orientation. Concerned with the increased risk of burnout, a critical care team recognized the need for nursing mentorship as a method to engage the professional development of nursing staff to improve nurse retention.

Method

A pilot program …

Student Nurse Cafe: Filling Your Cup, Christina Hildebrand Ms, Bsn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Mary Otto Dnp, Rn, Npd-Bc, Acns-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

The national nursing shortage was identified as a crisis by many organizations including the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Healthcare organizations must work to creatively engage and support our incoming nursing workforce by providing meaningful resources that enable recruitment and retention into the nursing profession (Swinton et al., 2024; Rosseter, 2020).

Purpose

Nursing students often run out of caffeine and feel depleted and unsupported (Burleson et al., 2023). They are often not committed to a healthcare organization outside of their clinical rotation. In alignment with the organization’s strategic goal around investing in the next-generation …

Simulation Savvy: Elevating Nurse Preceptor Confidence, Patricia Shafer Msn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Claire Hackelberg Mn, Ba, Rn, Npd-Bc, Cnl

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Preceptor programs are crucial for developing new team members and ensuring high-quality patient care. However, variations in training programs often lead to inconsistent experiences for preceptees, which can result in unclear expectations and inadequate preparation (McKinney et al., 2020). Standardizing preceptor training can reduce turnover, improve patient outcomes, and create a more efficient healthcare system (Kosanke et al., 2023).

Preceptors play a crucial role in teaching skills, fostering critical thinking, clinical judgment, prioritization, and handling difficult conversations. Developing effective communication skills for multi-generational teams is key to creating an inclusive environment. Equipping preceptors with tools to guide their teammates through …

Paving The Way: Empowering Nurses To Achieve Certification, Heather Brown Msn, Rn, Cnl, Npd-Bc, Ashley Bailey Msn, Rn, Medsurg-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Nursing certification is a gold standard for clinical excellence – elevating practice, enhancing confidence, and improving patient outcomes. Yet baseline data showed only 27% of nurses across three acute care hospitals were certified. To spark improvement, the Professional Development Council, backed by senior leaders, launched a bold campaign to transform culture and increase certification rates by 2% annually.

Purpose

The goal was to inspire and empower eligible nurses to achieve specialty certification within six months, aiming to increase the certification rate to 29% by April 2025.

Method

Rather than launching a broad certification campaign, the Professional Development and Nurse …

Professional Governance: Lighting The Path To Clinical Inquiry In A New Symposium, Tracy Montesa Dnp, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn, Julia Dunne Bsn, Rn, Joyce Quigley Msn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction

The Nursing Research and Innovation Committee (NRIC) and the Nursing Professional Governance Committee (NPGC) at a Magnet-designated hospital identified a gap in nursing project dissemination. Literature highlights that barriers to knowledge-sharing hinder professional development and patient care quality.

Purpose or Objective

The primary aim of this project was to engage Professional Governance and organize a nursing symposium that promoted knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and professional development, with a focus on breaking down silos, encouraging clinical inquiry, and advancing nursing practice.

Method or Evaluation

NRIC and NPGC collaborated to create a symposium which included a theme and development of agenda. The one-day …

Cardiogenic Shock: Igniting Knowledge Through Simulation, Tracy Suddreth Msn, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn-Cmc, Leah Haught Msn, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn-Cmc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/ Introduction

Despite advances in technology, national cardiogenic shock (CS) mortality rates remain above 30%. Recent literature on early recognition initiatives led the organization to create a CS team and protocols to guide treatment. Increased volume and acuity of CS patients highlighted the need for specialized RN training in the complex care of this patient population.

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to develop both didactic and high-fidelity simulation sessions to increase nursing confidence in early recognition and management of CS patients.

Methods/Evaluation

A 1-hour didactic course and 4-hour simulation session were built based on review of current CS …

Advocate Nurses Collaborate For Stronger Legal Shields Against Workplace Violence, Susan Morby Msn, Rn, Nea-Bc, Sarah Gilmore Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction

Healthcare workers (HCW) face disproportionately high rates of workplace violence (WPV) and are five times more likely to be injured than other types of workers (Lim et al., 2022). HCWs account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries in 2018 (OSHA, 2020). National studies show that 12% of nurses planning to leave the profession in the next 5 years cite WPV as the reason (Smiley et al., 2025). Despite implementation of security measures, WPV continues to escalate, contributing to burnout and workforce attrition (The Joint Commission, 2018).

Purpose or Objective

This initiative aimed to expand legal protections for all …

Professional Governance: From Informational To Transformational, Leah Stein-Fredbeck Bsn, Rnc-Ob, Kristin Rothbart Msn, Mba, Rn, Chpq, Ne-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Nurse engagement and retention in governance structures is challenging, with many hesitant to participate due to perceived time constraints, lack of expertise, and insufficient skills. As a foundation of Magnet organizations, professional governance impacts nurse-sensitive indicators (NSI) and satisfaction. This initiative addressed barriers by equipping nurses to lead councils effectively, fostering improved participation, sustainable outcomes, and alignment with organizational goals.

Purpose

To improve engagement in unit-level professional governance councils, a structured program of chair educational sessions was developed, culminating in a comprehensive workshop. This initiative addressed concerns, providing chairs with tools and strategies to enhance council effectiveness

Method

Professional …

Preventing Infant Falls: Empowering Parents Through Safe Sleep Education, Gina Morimoto Rn, Brandee Staude Bsn, Rnc-Mnn, Kimberly Stevenson Bsn, Rnc-Mnn, Cristina Dolan Bsn, Rn, Jacqui Lemieux Bsn, Rn, Cpst, Isabella Horning Msn, Rn, Phoebe Poff Bsn, Rn, Sheridan Schaefer Msn, Rn, Rachael Krofta Bsn, Rnc-Mnn, Karina Thompson Can

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background:

In-hospital newborn falls, often linked to maternal fatigue during postpartum recovery, present significant safety concerns. Factors such as sleep deprivation, pain, medication, age, multiparity and type of delivery can impair a mother’s ability to safely hold and care for her infant, increasing the risk of accidental drops. Implementing safe sleep practices and educating parents are critical strategies to mitigate these risks.

Local Problem:

Our hospital identified a concerning number of newborn falls, predominantly occurring during nighttime hours when mothers, exhausted from childbirth, breastfeeding and caregiving, inadvertently fell asleep while holding their infants. This pattern highlighted the need for a …

The Efficacy Of Realistic Code Simulation On Nurses' Preparedness And Anxiety, Jadyn Lloyd-Romig Msn, Rn, Ccrn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: In a hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, the patient's life and functional outcome rely on the efficiency of the care team. When a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit team member inquired about unit concerns, many nurses shared challenges managing code situations. Factors relating to this problem include limited real-life experience and the non-unit-specific nature of ACLS/ BLS training.

Local Problem: To better understand the scope of the issue, a 10 question survey was created and administered to staff to assess their preparedness and anxiety levels during code situations. This survey revealed high levels of anxiety and low levels of confidence, highlighting a …

Pressure Injury Prevention Enhanced Critical Care Bundle Quality Improvement Pilot 2024 Atrium Health Union And Atrium Health Union West, Suzanne Clontz Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Lynn Thompson Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Ne-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Critical care areas experience a higher incidence rate of hospital acquired pressure injuries due to the vulnerability of critically ill patients. These safety events negatively impact patient outcomes by increasing mortality, non-reimbursable hospital costs, and length of stay. Hospital acquired pressure injuries often lead to an increased length of stay and more complex interdisciplinary care.

Local Problem: Our nursing teams identified the need for an enhanced pressure injury prevention protocol that was standardized for critical care units due to increased incidence rates and associated patient outcomes. The previous year saw 18 critical care unit acquired pressure injuries, highlighting the …

Patient Identification: Call Check Connect, Antoinette Fox Bsn, Rn, Nicole Calderon Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Lack of staff participation in verifying correct patient in conversations via phone or in-person has led to an increase in patient safety events within our site.

Local problem: While receiving telemetry monitoring, a patient experienced sustained bradycardia (slow heart rate). When the concern was initially escalated to the care team, there was confusion regarding which patient was experiencing the clinical decline. The lack of use of the high reliability tool read/repeat back and patient identifiers lead to a delay in escalation to the clinician and a clinical intervention delay. Ultimately leading to a major safety event.

Method: The safety …

Guardians Of The Skin: Preventing Pressure Injuries On A Stroke Unit, Chrissy Bass Msn, Rn, Cnl, Melanie Augello Msn, Rn, Ne-Bc, Medsurg-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Our nurses saw a rise in hospital-acquired pressure injuries in the stroke unit. NDNQI data showed we performed below the national mean in three out of four quarters. This project's aim was to identify gaps and create innovative solutions led by nurses, to reduce pressure injuries by 20%. Several factors contributed to the rise in pressure injuries, including length of stay, increase in acutely ill stroke patients due to bed designation, nutritional barriers, and mobility limitations. Post-covid, our unit experienced turnover, which resulted in new nurses being unaware of strategies used to prevent pressure injuries. Using the “5 Why” root …

Implementing Blood Culture Collection Education For Emergency Department Nurses, Michelle Atkinson Bsn, Rn, Pbt, Tncc, Jessica Verenski Msn, Rn, Ecrn, Tncc, Cen

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: One of the most common nursing procedures in the emergency department is blood specimen collection. Blood specimen collections are used for diagnosis and treatment. Incorrect collection of blood cultures leads to redraws, which delays patient care and treatment. A lack of adequate training among emergency department staff has resulted in errors in specimen collection.

Local Problem: There was a lack of education provided for emergency department teammates for proper collection of blood cultures. This led to incorrectly collecting blood cultures. Improper blood culture collection resulted in high contamination rates in 2023 (goal is less than or equal to 2.3%). …

Improving Turn Equality And Pressure Injury Prevention, Erin Felt Bsn, Rn, Rn-Bc, Daphne Tarlton Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn, Suzanne Clontz Service Line Educator

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Hospital acquired pressure injuries are a preventable yet persistent challenge in acute care settings. National guidelines recommend routine repositioning every two hours to redistribute pressure, promote circulation, and prevent skin breakdown. However, inconsistent documentation, communication gaps among team members, and lack of visual cues can contribute to unequal offloading and missed turns.

Local Problem

Prior to the intervention, high-risk patients spent over 50% of their time in the supine position—a factor contributing to the 68 hospital-acquired pressure injuries reported in 2024, of which more than half were sacral. Prior to the turn tool initiative there was not an emphasis …

Fixing The Pressure Points: Pdsa Framework Helps Close Radial Device Nonconformities In Neuro Critical Care, Tracy Montesa Dnp, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn, Sandra Parker Msn, Fnp-Bc, Ccrn, Scrn, Deidra Gaseor Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

This 18 bed Neuro Critical Care Unit (NCCU), within an accredited Comprehensive Stroke Care Center, actively worked to meet the target of 90% compliance for the documentation and removal of radial compression devices as ordered. While progress had been made, the site focused on achieving consistent compliance to resolve the non-conformance (NC).

Local Problem

NC-1 non-conformities in a stroke-certified program and intensive care unit pose significant risks to patient safety, accreditation status, and operational efficiency. This can lead to legal issues, and increased scrutiny. The unit was initially only 15% compliant with radial compression device removal, necessitating urgent action …

Nourishing Our Neighbors: Increasing Utilization Of A Hospital Based Food Pantry Program, Patrick Griggs Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Cmc, Csc, Isaac Desloover Bsn, Rn, Ccrn, Natalie Freund Bsn, Rn, Pccn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

A local food pantry partnership to provide patients with food and other resources was being underutilized due to a lack of knowledge of said program as well as a lack of standard workflow around getting patients access to those goods and services.

Local Problem

The 2022 Illinois Masonic Community Health Needs Report stated, “in 2020, the PSA’s food insecurity rate was 14.5%, which is a 4% increase from 2018.” While the hospital-based pantry program has existed since 2018 and aims to address the community's needs, a nursing council recognized that it had been underutilized hospital wide.

Methods

Nursing Professional …

The Barcode Breakthrough: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Medication Safety, Larissa Cooper Msn, Rn, Christa Oechler Msn, Rn Npd-Bc, Aurora Smith Msn, Rn Patient Care Manager

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Medication errors affect over one million people annually, leading to significant mortality. Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) reduces errors by reinforcing safe medication practices. In December 2023, a Midwest non-profit hospital identified BCMA compliance below the 97% (stretch goal 98%) system goal on two medical-surgical (MS) units, prompting intervention.

Local Problem

In Quarter Four 2023, BCMA compliance rates on two inpatient MS units were 91.5% and 94.6%. Issues in data accuracy were identified and addressed in January 2024, ensuring reliable tracking. Data was refined to include only core MS nursing staff. Once data accuracy was confirmed, barcode scanning compliance remained …

Improving Response Times By Enhancing The No Pass Zone Initiative To Decrease Patient Falls, Kaylin Holder Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn, Howard Cole Bsn, Rn, Mdiv, Cyndy Rape Nurse Manager

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Falls during hospitalization increase the risk of physical harm, psychological stress, reduced mobility, and fear of falling, which in turn impact recovery. Falls also lead to longer hospital stays and readmissions, affecting performance metrics and reimbursement. Challenges include delayed response times and patients getting up without assistance.

Local Problem: On the Medical Surgical Floor at Atrium Health Union, there were 54 falls in 2024, with 20 in the first quarter. Contributing factors were delayed call bell responses, patient population, and noncompliance with fall prevention strategies. When assessing 2024 call bell response times, the average time to respond to a …

Cracking The Code: Lessons Learned From Nurse-Led Hot And Cold Debriefing Implementation, Cailin Ford Bsn, Rn-Bc, Va-Bc, Taryn Sheehy Bsn, Rn, Ccrn, Julie Mackenzie Msn, Rn Agcns-Bc, Jeanne Hlebichuk Phd, Rn, Ne-Bc​

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Registered nurses (RNs) in intensive care units (ICU) experience increased patient mortality and critical events leading to moral distress. Debriefing after critical events promotes communication, teamwork, and performance improvement. This project’s purpose was to develop and implement nurse-led structured debriefing following resuscitation events. Debriefing occurred in two parts: hot debriefing immediately after post-event and cold debriefing 2-7 days later.

Local Problem

In the cardiovascular ICU, debriefing was inconsistent and lacked a standard approach. Prior to implementation hot debriefs occurred

Method Clear description of the intervention(s)

This project’s purpose was to develop and implement nurse-led structured debriefing following resuscitation events. …

Engaging The Environmental Services Team To Improve Turnover Time In The Operating Room, Mark Crucero Msn, Rn, Cnor, Cssm, Cnamb, Ne-Bc, Npd-Bc, Pccn, Lynette Wilkos-Prostran Msn, Rn, Patricia Francois Mba-Hcm, Bsn, Bse, Cnor, Rnfa, Clyb, Pio Reggie Frigillano Bsn, Rn, Cnor, Fidelmar Arriaga Csct

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

The operating room is a fast-paced environment that provides surgical, anesthesia and nursing services. Efficiency and optimization are a priority to provide safe and effective surgical care for the patients. In a suburban, Level 1 Trauma and teaching hospital, the operating room leaders collaborated with front-line nurses and environmental services personnel to look at opportunities to decrease turnover times and improve patient satisfaction.

Local Problem

Average turnover time is 43 minutes in the Operating Room and 31 minutes in the Ambulatory Surgery Center. Although there is no gold-standard on turnover times, Foster (2012) surveyed 134 hospitals and showed a …

Sharper Focus, Safer Teams: Standardizing Sharps Injury Prevention Across Multiple Sites, Susan Morby Msn, Rn, Nea-Bc, Sarah Gilmore Msn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background:

Healthcare workers (HCWs) remain at risk for sharps injuries, which can lead to transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as HIV (Maina, 2024). Contributing factors include inconsistent safety practices, limited access to real-time data, and insufficient support. Evidence-based prevention strategies emphasize safety-engineered devices, ongoing education, and standardized protocols (Cheetham et al., 2019; Moshksar et al., 2023).

Local Problem:

In 2022, Advocate Health Illinois and Wisconsin reported 1,060 sharps injuries, with 433 involving nurses. Notably, many incidents occurred despite safety mechanisms. Injury rates did not improve in 2023, highlighting the lack of a standardized approach to sharps injury prevention, inconsistent access …

From Shared Governance To Professional Governance An Investment In Nurse Engagement, Autonomy, And Professional Development, Cynthia Lira-Crame Msn, Rnc-Nic, Npd-Bc, Megan Murtaugh Bsn, Rn, Heather Hwang Granada Cno

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Shared governance, now professional governance, is a foundational element of structural empowerment in a Magnet recognized organization. Nurses engaged in professional governance have more empowerment, job satisfaction, and enhanced self-concept.

Local Problem: Nurse engagement survey results from April 2024 identified opportunities for improvement in nurse autonomy and professional development (PD). Unfavorable scores were 15%, 18%, 10.4% respectively in the following questions: (1) I have the opportunity to influence nursing practice (2) This organization makes an effort to seek my input (3) I have the resources I need to help me grow my career. Professional governance is an ideal framework …

Professional Governance Councils In A Regional Float Pool Improve Oral Care Compliance: A Collaborative Quality Improvement Initiative, Caterina Daniels Bsn-Rn, Abby Reagan Msn, Rnc-Mnn, Jessica Morgen Registered Nurse, Polly Safranski Npd Specialist, Nicole Hartmann Npd Generalist

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Proper oral care in hospitalized patients is essential for preventing complications such as hospital acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Oral care completion compliance was inconsistent. Nursing established a 50% oral care completion rate target. Current Professional Governance councils in a regional float pool wish to impact local nursing metrics.

Local Problem

A regional float pool lacks nursing metrics specific to their department. Oral care completion rates are unknown. Members of two governance councils audited 146 teammate’s oral care, revealing a 33% documentation rate.

Method

Governance council members created a virtual auditing method using their system nursing dashboard for …

Using Doll Therapy To Reduce Falls In Patients With Neurodegenerative Diseases In An Acute Care Setting, Michele Mock Asn, Rn, Erica Colwell Asn, Rn, Jed Lindo Clinical Nurse, Tracy Garber Nurse Manager, Mary Hoey Nurse Scientist

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Hospital admissions for neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's, along with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NSS), are increasing. Patients with NSS are 4-5 times more likely to fall and sustain serious injuries, impacting patient experience and causing financial strain on the organization. Current interventions to reduce the challenging NSS include psychotropic medications, which can cause further adverse effects. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions are considered an important 1st line treatment to lessen challenging behaviors.

Local problem

At this facility, over 50% of elderly patients who fall out of bed have confusion, accounting for 20% of our 500 falls per year. The purpose of …