Digital Commons Network^™

Going The Extra Mile: Roadtrip To Improved Outcomes, Victoria Deprey Dnp Mba Rn, Tracey Maszka Msn, Rn, Gero-Bc, Npd-Bc, Agcns-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Patient mobility is a critical factor in improving patient outcomes. Nurse leaders at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, community hospital identified concerning trends: increasing discharges to subacute facilities, prolonged length of stay (LOS), and rising rates of healthcare-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI). Concurrently, the hospital was underperforming in nurse-driven mobility compared to similar-sized hospitals.

Purpose

This initiative, dubbed “Mobility Roadtrip,” aimed to increase nurse-driven patient mobility, distance, and ambulation frequency to evaluate its effectiveness on key outcomes including LOS, HAPI rates, and discharge destination.

Implementation Plan

Over three months, four inpatient units (two medical-surgical, one observation, and one intensive care) participated in …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Discharge Admission And Transfer (D.A.T) Nurse Program, Bethane Leuck Bsn, Rn, Raquel Gonzalez Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc, Shannon Peters Bsn, Rn, Medsurg-Bc - Nursing Professional Development Generalist, Shavonya Wright Msn, Rn - Director Of Nursing, Maria Witczak Bsn Rn - Nurse Supervisor

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Overcrowding and boarding in the emergency room is a national issue associated with delayed care, adverse events and increased mortality. This in turn impacts inpatient bed availability, capacity, and patient flow. Strategies to mitigate this include addressing barriers and facilitators to inpatient discharges. Baseline data (03-06/2024) showed on average 11% of discharges occurred before noon, 4.3 hours from order to discharge, 32% utilized the discharge pharmacy nurse navigator, and mean length of stay was 5.4 days.

Purpose: To pilot and evaluate the role of a discharge admission and transfer (DAT) nurse, whose primary goal is to improve discharge efficiency …

Taste Matters: Innovative Nurse-Led Research In Oncology, Sharon S. Kilbride Bsn,Rn,Ocn, Abigail M. Dillon Msn, Rn, Ocn, Bree Aguilar Msn, Rn-Bc - Nursing Professional Development Generalist - Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Taste alteration (TA) affects up to 70% of oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, leading to decreased dietary intake, malnutrition, and poor quality of life. TA is unreported due to lack of taste assessments or toxicity screening, with no known treatment. However, researchers have shown that breast cancer patients were able to control TA with a researcher-delivered intervention. Research is needed to translate this promising strategy for real-world clinical use with populations beyond breast cancer.

Purpose

The study is aimed at testing the effectiveness of a nurse-led TA intervention to reduce symptom intensity for oncology patients initiating chemotherapy.

Methods

This prospective …

Advancing Palliative Care Competency Through An Evidence-Based Educational Intervention For Healthcare Providers, Lauren Elizabeth Griffin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A major gap in acute care is the delayed initiation of palliative consultations. Although over 58 million people worldwide could benefit, only 14% receive such care. Despite evidence that early involvement improves outcomes, providers often overlook their value, leading to late referrals, typically after repeated hospitalizations or near end-of-life, when hospice may be more appropriate. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) educational intervention addressed a critical practice-focused question to enhance healthcare providers’ understanding of palliative care improve hospital-based patient outcomes. The intervention aimed to demonstrate a ≥20% knowledge gain from pretest to posttest scores related to distinguishing palliative care from …

Phenomenon-Based Learning And Storylines In K-12 Science Education: A Systematic Review Of Current Research, Implementation, And Future Directions, Kate Ireton Walker, Noushin Nouri

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications

Phenomenon-based learning (PhBL) and storylines represent emerging pedagogical approaches in K-12 science education that emphasize student-centered inquiry and real-world connections, yet comprehensive synthesis of research in this field remains limited. This systematic review synthesizes current literature on PhBL and storyline approaches to identify key themes, implementation practices, and research gaps in K-12 science education. Using PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched education journals, identifying 24 articles published between 2013 and 2024. Qualitative inductive analysis revealed six major themes through iterative coding and collaborative discussion. Six interconnected themes emerged: (1) Theoretical Foundations encompassing constructivist frameworks and pedagogical principles; (2) Curriculum Design and …

Shade As An Agro-Technique To Improve Gas Exchange, Productivity, Bioactive Potential, And Antioxidant Activity Of Fruits Of Hylocereus Costaricensis, Milena Maria Tomaz De Oliveira, Noemi Tel-Zur, Francisca Gislene Albano-Machado, Daniela Melo Penha, Monique Mourão Pinho, Marlos Bezerra, Maria Raquel Alcântara De Miranda, Carlos Farley Herbster Moura, Ricardo Elesbão Alves, William Natale, Márcio Cleber De Medeiros Corrêa

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Hylocereus species are promising for enhancing fruit productivity in arid regions, but high solar radiation often leads to yield loss. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term impact of different shading levels on the physiological performance, productivity, and post-harvest quality of Hylocereus costaricensis under semi-arid conditions. Plants were grown in the field under two shade levels, i.e., 35 and 50% and their performances were compared to plants under control, i.e., 0% of shade or full sunlight. The nighttime CO₂ assimilation and productivity increased significantly by 310.5 and 114.6% and 34.3 and 50.14% for plants under 35 and 50% of …

The Bg News November 12, 2025, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. November 12, 2025. Volume 105-Issue 11.

The Parthenon, November 12, 2025, Baylee Parsons, Kaitlyn Fleming, Ashton Pack, Nate Harrah, Caden Adkins, Scott Price, Lilli Ross, Wade Sullivan

The Parthenon

No abstract provided.

Reframing Women’S Football Through Digital Journalism: The Case Of Kumparanbolanita In Indonesia, Nesia Qurrota A'Yuni

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

The global rise of women’s football has opened new opportunities for media industries worldwide, including in developing countries such as Indonesia. In response to this trend, Kumparan launched kumparanBOLANITA in 2023, the country’s first digital media channel dedicated to women’s football. Drawing on media economy theory, this study examines how globalization, regulation, technology, and audiences shape the dynamics of kumparanBOLANITA as both a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative and a strategic move within Indonesia’s media ecosystem. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and observations, including insights from editorial team managing the channel. Findings …

Assessing The Role Of Ai In Determining The Necessity And Proportionality Of The Exercise Of Self-Defense Against An Armed Attack, Marco Roscini

International Law Studies

This article explores whether artificial intelligence (AI) constitutes an asset or rather a challenge in assessing the necessity and proportionality of a State’s response to an armed attack in the context of self-defense. Two central arguments are advanced. First, while AI may assist in detecting incoming threats of armed attacks, abstract and highly context-driven notions like necessity and proportionality would be very difficult to encode into algorithms. Second, even assuming that this were possible, relying on AI to determine the necessity and proportionality of a self-defense response would present as many challenges as it does advantages and, therefore, should be …

Artificial Intelligence And The Prohibition On The Use Of Force: Intention And Causation, Russell Buchan

International Law Studies

This article explores the application of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter to AI-enabled systems that carry out unintended engagements involving the use of force. First, it analyzes whether State responsibility for a breach of the prohibition on the use of force is defined in subjective or objective terms. Most commentators maintain that a State must intend to use force against the victim State in order for the prohibition to apply. However, through an examination of State practice, this article demonstrates that the prohibition is based on objective responsibility. Second, this article assesses whether a State must cause the …

Have Laws In America Been Effective In The Fight Against Sex Trafficking?, Justina Grosso

Theses & Dissertations

Human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, has gone on from as far back as the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Thousands of vulnerable adults and children are traded yearly and coerced into various forms of exploitation. This paper focuses on the phenomenon of sex trafficking and its history in America. It analyzes the pandemic of trafficking regarding its victims and who their traffickers are, shining light on the trauma these victims endure. This paper delves into real life survivor stories and the social media influence on trafficking, federal and state legislation, economic impacts and rehabilitative services for victims. Most importantly, the question of …

The Association Between Social Determinants Of Health And Pressure Injury Development In Middle-Aged Adult Oncology Patients, Ashley Marston

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

In the United States, pressure injuries are a severe health problem that affect over 2.5 million people while approximately 60,000 of the affected will die annually from complications or infections related to the pressure injury. However, few studies have explored associated factors in the middled-aged adult oncology patient population Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are known to affect health and well-being; yet there is limited evidence that SDOH directly affect oncology patients and the risk for pressure injuries. This study will explore clinical factors associated with these social determinants of health, as well as several demographic categories such as race, …

Morphometric And Meristic Analysis Of Labeo Coubie In Esa-Odo Water Reservoir, Esa-Odo, Osun State Nigeria, Olugbemi V. Ekundare, Funmilayo B. Oyekanmi, Mahmud Sanni, Azeez Aransi, Dorcas O. Owolabi

Tanzania Journal of Science

One of the common species of family Cyprinidae found in Nigeria and West Africa is Labeo coubie. They are of commercial importance in West Africa. This study embarked on the assessment of the length- weight relationship, condition factor, morphometrics and meristic characteristics of L. coubie from Esa-Odo water reservoir, Esa-Odo, Osun State Nigeria. A total of 135 (65 males and 70 females) individual L. coubie collected from fishermen were subjected to morphometric and meristic analysis. Results showed 4.90, 5.46 and 5.24 as the b value for male, female and combined sexes respectively, describing positive allometric growth for all the fish …

Antibiofilm Potential Of Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides Bark-Extract Against Biofilm-Producing Streptococcus Mutans In Dental Caries, Efunwole Omonike Omolade, Olaitan J. Olubukola, Wahab Abideen A, Oyedara Opemipo Omotayo, Oluwajide O. Odunola

Tanzania Journal of Science

Streptococcus mutans is the major cause of dental caries, which is costly to treat. The burden is worse in low- and middle-income countries, due to poor access to oral health services and diets high in free sugars. Conventional antibiofilm agents in oral health often have side effects, prompting the search for safer and affordable alternatives. This study investigates the antibiofilm activity of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides bark extract against biofilm-forming S. mutans. Dental plaque and tooth samples were collected from hospitals after ethical approval. S. mutans was identified using standard microbiological methods on Mitis Salivarius agar supplemented with Bacitracin and potassium tellurite. …