Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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, …

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 …

Reducing Driveline Infections In Lvad Patients Through Standardized Education And Practice, Randa Jaber Msn, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Belgin Hughes Rn, Bs, Mba, Tina Demogerontas Bsn, Rn, Jose Lozada Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Rationale:

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) patients are at high risk for driveline infections, which increase hospital stays, costs, and complications. At Advocate Christ Medical Center, Q1 2024 data showed an average infection rate of 25%, peaking at 43% in February. Variation in caregiver and nursing techniques contributed to inconsistent practices. Literature supports that standardizing education and sterile technique can improve outcomes.

Purpose:

To reduce driveline infections by 40% over 12 months by implementing structured nurse training, caregiver education, and consistent dressing change techniques.

Implementation Plan:

Beginning October 1, 2024, the unit launched standardized RN education through video modules, hands-on …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Jazz & Contemporary Combos, Department Of Music, University Of Richmond

Music Department Concert Programs

No abstract provided.

Structural Determinants And The Ethics Of Health Inequity: Law, Poverty, And Prevention, Daniela Oehring

School of Health Professions

Health inequity represents one of the most pressing ethical challenges of our time, manifesting as unfair and preventable differences in health outcomes that stem from broader social, economic, and structural conditions. This chapter examines the complex intersection of legal frameworks, philosophical theories, and jurisprudential interpretations that shape our understanding of health equity as both a public health imperative and a fundamental question of justice. Through a comprehensive analysis of international human rights law, declarations, and constitutional provisions, the chapter demonstrates how legal instruments have evolved to recognise health as a fundamental human right while establishing state obligations to address structural …

Symphony Orchestra

Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

Nathaniel F. Parker, Director & Conductor

Nepenthes Megastoma (Nepenthaceae), A Micro-Endemic Pitcher Plant From Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan, Philippines, John Charles A. Altomonte, John Paul R. Collantes, Vernaluz Mangussad, Rene Alfred Anton Bustamante, Alastair S. Robinson

Environmental Science Faculty Publications

Nepenthes megastoma is described and illustrated as a new species from the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Palawan Philippines. This carnivorous tropical pitcher plant is currently known from just three locations in the Mount Saint Paul karst formation, where it grows on vertical limestone walls. Morphologically, N. megastoma is characterised by its highly branched stems, campanulate pitchers, peltate tendril exsertion, dimorphic upper pitchers, and unidirectionally upturned female flowers. It is assessed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List criteria, based on its restriction to three subpopulations comprising few total individuals. Pitcher morphology …