Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Alumna's Dedication To Nursing Spans 50 Years

DePaul Magazine

2014 marked the 20th anniversary of Professional Healthcare Resources for founder and president Eileen DeCesare (LAS MS ’78). Her home health care, hospice and personal care services organization in Washington, D.C. that was one of a handful of agencies preapproved to take affected patients when a health care fraud crackdown in 2014 closed 10 agencies. DeCesare talks about her nursing career and the legacy she hopes to leave.

Evaluation Of Vaccination Policies Among Utah Pediatric Clinic Employees, Karlen Beth Luthy, Tia Peterson, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Renea L. Beckstrand, Nathan H. Wiley

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Pediatric health care settings are high risk environments for spreading communicable and vaccine-preventable diseases from health care workers to susceptible patients. Method: All managers of pediatric clinics operating in the state of Utah were included. Participants were invited to complete a two-page questionnaire regarding their clinic vaccination policies. Results: Half (n = 23, 50%) of Utah pediatric outpatient clinic managers recommend employee vaccinations, although employee refusal was allowed without consequence. Of all adult vaccines, influenza was most often included by managers as part of the employee vaccination policy. Some managers required unvaccinated employees to wear masks in the event …

Teamwork And Collaboration: Integration Of Interprofessional Education Across Pharmacy And Nursing Curricula, Charlene Smith, Kylene Abraham, Karen M. Parker

Nursing Faculty/Staff Publications

In this 30 minute presentation, presenters articulated the evidence and need for interprofessional education supporting teamwork and collaboration. Strategies for integrating Interprofessional Education in curricula were discussed. Finally, challenges and lessons learned in implementing IPE across the curricula were described by presenting faculty.

2015 Commencement For Jefferson School Of Health Professions, Jefferson School Of Pharmacy, And Jefferson School Of Nursing

Jefferson College of Nursing Commencements

No abstract provided.

Cultural Competence Among Nursing Faculty, Colleen Marzilli

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Research of culture and cultural competence in nursing faculty is vitally important when considering the state of the United States health care system and health disparities that can be reduced through culturally competent care. Recent studies address cultural competence among nurses, but there is limited information exploring cultural competence in nursing faculty. A concept analysis of "cultural competence" using Rodger's method further established the need to examine cultural competence from the perspective of nursing faculty, who are responsible for educating future nurses in culturally competent care. The purposes of this study were to determine the level of cultural competence in …

Development And Validation Of A Bangladeshi Pediatric Silhouette Scale (Bpss), Ana Mola

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

There is no culturally congruent children's silhouette scale to understand how Bangladeshi mothers perceive their children's body sizes and weight categories. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an ethnic congruent Bangladeshi Pediatric Silhouette Scale (BPSS) and a facial feature scale to assess the mothers' perceptions of their children's body sizes, weight categories and facial features. The study methodology was a quantitative, descriptive design with scale content validation. The sample was comprised of 29 Bangladeshis mothers ages 25-40 and their four-five year old children living in London, England and New York City. The Mola Facetool analyses revealed …

Women Of Faith: Adaptation Of African American Women Breast Cancer Survivors, Pearline Lincoln Okumakpeyi

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the adaptation experience of African American women breast cancer survivors. The African American women's perception of the influence of faith on the breast cancer survivorship experience was explored.

This study utilized the directed qualitative content analysis method, which extracted themes and patterns that emerged in a narrative content. The 15 study participants were self-identified African American breast cancer survivors. The study was conducted using semi-structured interview questions that were derived from the modes of the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM). The discussion was framed within the context of the themes …

Content Analysis Of Applied Learning From High Fidelity Patient Simulation Orientation To Critical Care, Patricia M. Span

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) reported that over 98,000 deaths occur in hospitals from medical errors in the United States. In a follow-up IOM report, it was noted that nurses have a direct impact on patient morbidity and mortality and are often the last line of defense for patient safety. The challenge for nurse educators in hospitals is to ensure that as newly licensed nurses enter the workforce, orientation outcomes reflect acquisition of knowledge and skills, which are applied in practice. When newly licensed registered nurses are hired into critical care units, this puts them in a position where they …

Development Of Instructional Competencies For Assessing And Managing Suicide Risk For Baccalaureate Nursing Education, Abigail Kotowski

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Suicide is a major health problem and a leading cause of death throughout the world. Reforming health professional education has been identified as a primary goal for suicide prevention, and although nursing leadership is involved in this reform, nurses frequently lack the competence to care for patients in suicidal crisis. An identified gap in baccalaureate nursing education is instructional competencies for assessing and managing suicide risk. Instructional competencies are targeted components of knowledge, attitudes, and skills that nursing students need to know in order to assess and manage patients expressing suicidal ideation. This study aimed to develop a set of …

The Lived Experience Of Family Nurse Practitioners Performing Sexual Health Assessments, Madeleine Mary Lloyd

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Sexuality incorporates a multitude of feelings including beliefs, fantasies, and aspects of pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction. In addition, sexuality involves rights to gender identity and role, sexual acts and orientation. Sexual and reproductive health and rights is a global health, development, and human rights priority. Universal access to sexual and reproductive health is essential. Negative sexual health outcomes are increasing in the United States and sexuality is often a neglected area for health providers including nurses. With an increasing share of the primary care services nationally, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) have the means to provide quality sexual health care across …

Telephone Calls To Reduce 30-Day Readmissions For Older Adults With Heart Failure, Juanette G. Clark

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this evidenced based practice project was to evaluate the effectiveness of discharge follow-up calls for heart failure (HF) patients recently discharged from a private hospital.

Background: HF is the number one discharge diagnosis among patients 65 years and older. It affects 5.8 million people in the United States. HF admissions total (1) million annually, however, 24% of these patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Re-hospitalizations are associated with high mortality rates and expenditures approximated at $13,000 per patient contributing to the overall annual expenditure of $33.7 billion. In 2012, the Centers for Medicare …

Transition After Breast Cancer Treatment: Implementing Survivorship Care Plans, Susan Hope Klein

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

The success of cancer treatments have resulted in a rapid growth of survivors, providing the impetus for the oncology community to examine models of care supporting smooth transition from active treatment to survivorship care. While initially a recommendation of the Institute of Medicine, treatment summaries and survivorship care plans are now an accreditation requirement for many organizations. This article describes the implementation of an evidence based practice project designed to meet these standards while improving the knowledge and satisfaction of a population of breast cancer patients at a community-based oncology practice.

Instituting Patient-Self Test Meters In Adults On Warfarin In A Cardiology Practice, Melvyn Grace Manzano Rabanal

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Warfarin is the oral anticoagulant that is most commonly used to control and prevent thromboembolic disorders. It requires meticulous testing and dosing adjustments to attain therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) levels. Patient self-testing (PST) is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and lower rates of thromboembolism and bleeding. PST meters offers convenience and promotes self-initiative of care.

Purpose: The purpose of the project is to evaluate the effectiveness of INR PST in adult patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and mechanical heart valve on warfarin therapy in a Cardiology practice compared to traditional …

Improving Asthma Symptoms Using Asthma Action Plans, Ryan Daniel Thebo, Michael Terry

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Asthma is a chronic disorder characterized by airflow obstruction, causing chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. In California, 7.9% of patients have an asthma diagnosis. The 2007 NHLBI Expert Panel Report 3 recommended using asthma action plans in asthma management (NHLBI, 2007). Patients with asthma were taught to use an AAP to improve asthma control. Overall, 80% of patients improved by at least one EPR3 asthma control category.

Wecan Implementation For Parents Of At-Risk Hispanic Adolescents In Middle School, Shannon Leigh Devita

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

CDC-reported childhood obesity rates have tripled in the past three years. Among children in grades five, seven and nine, 30% are overweight or obese, with Hispanic students more likely to be overweight than White students. This evidence-based project examined the effectiveness of NHLBI’s WeCan! for at-risk middle-school-age Hispanic children and parents. The program was implemented at school in two weekly sessions, and its effectiveness was evaluated using the WeCan! survey. The program resulted in improved knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes related energy balance, portion size, healthy foods, physical activity, and screen time and may be useful in other school settings.

Evaluating Physical Therapy For Adolescent Patients With Low Back Pain, Kelly Denise Gonzales

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Low back pain is a condition affecting many people worldwide. The age of onset is variable, affecting all patient populations from childhood throughout the lifespan. Aims/Purpose: The efficacy of physical therapy for adolescent patients with back pain seen in a pediatric orthopedic clinic was evaluated through comparison of pre and post-intervention pain scores. Patient compliance with physical therapy was monitored and evaluated against outcomes.

Design: A six-month retrospective chart review of adolescent patients with a diagnosis of low back pain. Patients with a diagnosis of low back pain were referred for physical therapy and provided with a home exercise …

Heart Failure Patient Self-Care: An Evidence-Based Outpatient Management Program, Christine Marie Ensign, Shelley Hawkins, Barry Greenberg

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: According to the American Heart Association, there are over 5 million people in the United States with heart failure (HF) and projections suggest the prevalence of HF will increase by 46% through 2030. HF is the most common cause of hospital admissions in the United States for patients age 65 years or older and despite improvement outcomes, national readmission rates remain high at 23%. Current guidelines recommend health professionals provide comprehensive HF education and counseling that is not only focused on knowledge, but also on skills of management and self-care behaviors. In order to achieve quality patient-centered care, …

Improving Utilization Of 2012 Asccp Guidelines In A Family Practice Setting, Michelle M. Mccormick, Mary Barger

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

The purpose of this evidence-based project is to decrease unnecessary colposcopy referrals using provider education and user friendly tools. This is accomplished by increasing utilization of the 2012 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Guidelines at a Military Treatment Facility Family Practice Clinic. Despite clear cervical cancer screening guidelines, nationwide, women are continuing to have unnecessary Pap testing regardless of HPV status. Over screening can result in an increase in false positive results, leading to rising healthcare costs, additional office visits, and stress to the patient from procedures that yield little useful information or decrease in morbidity. Although …

Emergency Protocol Program For High School Athletes, Casandra B. Moyer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

This evidence-based project (EBP) involved development and implementation of an emergency protocol (EP) education program for high school athletes and coaches at a southern California high school. A Doctor of Nursing Practice student, collaborating with health care and athletic personnel, conducted an assessment of the high school’s EPs for management of asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, and heat illness. Then, an EP and educational program were created; coaches and athletes were educated on the protocol during a coaches’ meeting and practice times, respectively. All participants completed pre- and post-tests, and mean knowledge scores were compared. The overall knowledge score increased by 10% …

Reducing Antipyretic Use For Low-Grade Fevers In Otherwise Healthy Children, Tricia A. Templet

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Fever phobia is persistent in the pediatric population, as fever is a common complaint for advice calls, sick visits, and urgent care/emergency department utilization. Fever phobia among parents and healthcare providers is evidenced by the quest to return a child to normothermia. Fevers under 38.5ºC (101.3ºF) are considered benign in healthy children, usually requiring no pharmaceutical intervention. Research consistently demonstrates pediatric nurses inappropriately medicate patients for low-grade fevers. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to identify knowledge of the benefits and myths of fever in otherwise healthy children and to decrease the use of antipyretics for low-grade fevers …

Diabetic Prevention The Hard Way: Modified Diet And Increased Exercise, Torrie Reese St.Julien

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background and Purpose: In the United States, 79 million people are pre-diabetic: most have no symptoms. If left untreated, 37% will develop diabetes within 4 years. Fourteen percent of United States health care expenditures are related to diabetic complications. This Evidenced Based Project (EBP) involved a behavioral lifestyle change with the purpose of 7% weight loss and a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity a week. It was also designed to reduce risk factors and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c) levels.

Methods: The interventional approach was modeled after the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Group Lifestyle Balance Program. Participants were …

Promoting Completion Of Advance Directives In A Hispanic Religious Congregation: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Luis Daniel San Miguel, Mary Jo Clark

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Hispanics utilize more aggressive medical treatment at the end of life and are less likely to receive end-of-life care consistent with their wishes than nonHispanic Whites. Hispanics are less likely than nonHispanic Whites to have an advance directive (AD). Increasing AD completion among Hispanics can promote end-of-life care consistent with their wishes, diminish healthcare disparities, and eliminate unnecessary healthcare spending. Objectives: To promote completion of advance directives by increasing knowledge, positive attitudes, and comfort with advance care planning (ACP) among Hispanics through culturally sensitive interventions. Intervention: The project was conducted in Spanish and implemented among a …

Improving Hpv Vaccinations In Military Women, Sarah Beth Wedel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Project Purpose: The purpose of the project was to implement Human Papillomavirus (HPV) patient education during every well woman exam (WWE) to improve patient knowledge and HPV vaccination rates in military women aged 18-26 years.

Background: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer and, despite the availability of a vaccine; HPV continues to be the most common STI in the U. S. (American Cancer Society, 2013). Approximately 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and 14 million individuals will become infected annually, leading to more than 10,000 cases of cervical cancer …

Supporting Self-Management In Veterans With Chronic Pain: A Policy Perspective, Erin W. Lind

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

The purpose of the project was to do an evidence-based review of the effectiveness of promoting self-care on pain levels and quality of life among veterans with chronic pain at a national level. A review of current chronic pain management policies for veterans in southern California was also conducted. Active self-management initiatives permit more diverse, patient-centered treatment, promote self-management, and are relatively safe and cost-effective. Our results have confirmed that chronic pain is on the forefront of priorities for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) due to an increasing rate of both chronic pain and opioid overdoses.

Vap Prevention In The Cticu, Pres Lorenzo

Master's Projects and Capstones

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2015) has cited ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) as the most common infection in the ICU. In 2014, four episodes of VAP were identified in the 25-bed adult cardio-thoracic ICU (CTICU), a dynamic clinical environment within an academic medical center in Northern California specializing in complex cardiac surgery patients, including heart and lung transplants. In early 2015, the CTICU embarked on an evidence-based project to decrease the number of episodes of VAP to zero. Using the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation as the theoretical framework and the CUSP (Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program) standards as …

Perinatal Patient Management, Natalie Whitten

Master's Projects and Capstones

The medical center has lacked the bed capacity and nursing staff to accommodate the needs of maternity patients. Patients are redirected to other network and non-network medical centers due to lack of bed availability, inadequate nurse staffing, and poorly managed patient movement. This project aims to improve patient management in the perinatal departments, including the discharge process. We will have 100% staff participation to facilitate bed management. The patient management project was conducted in a 200-bed hospital serving the residents of an urban area. The perinatal areas of labor & delivery (L&D), antepartum, and postpartum (OB) are highly productive units …

Delirium Education For Nurses On A Medical-Surgical Unit, Carole Santos

Master's Projects and Capstones

Failure to recognize delirium compromises patient safety and may lead to harmful outcomes. By June 2015, nurses on medical-surgical units will screen 100-percent of patients for delirium according to an established protocol. The project mesosystem is a 411-bed, level I trauma center and teaching hospital; the microsystem is a 28-bed medical-surgical telemetry unit.

An audit of microsystem data collected over four months in 2014 revealed that delirium was consistently underidentified (10% in September, 26% in October, 34% in November, and 22% in December), suggesting that medical-surgical nurses were not equipped to effectively perform delirium screening.

Nursing education consisting of bedside …

Patient Engagement In Transitional Care, Sheeree Dela Pena

Master's Projects and Capstones

The Clinical Nurse Leader Master’s project was conducted about a public health program called the Transitional Care Program that was working in partnership with a county hospital system, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. The specific aim was to reduce hospital re-admissions of high-risk patients by supporting patient motivation and engagement in the Transitional Care Program by May 2015. Over a four-month period, data was collected through ten client visits, interviews with two public health nurses, information available about the program, and current research conducted on transitional care, hospital discharges, and patient engagement. Various aspects of the program were assessed, such …

Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Educational Workshop And Toolkit: Menopausal Women's Healthcare Needs For The Primary Care Provider, Pamela Doerr-Kashani Dnp, Rn

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

This evidence-based change of practice project involved the development of an educational workshop for primary care providers (PCPs). The intent of the project was to improve PCP’s knowledge of menopausal health, and to create their comfort level when discussing menopausal healthcare with clients. The workshop Menopausal Women’s Healthcare Needs for the Primary Care Provider (Doerr-Kashani, 2014) was created in response to an identified gap in knowledge among PCPs nationally on menopause-related health issues. The workshop was designed as a resource to support PCPs to competently address women’s menopause-related health issues, and enable them to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care within the …

Implementing A Rib Fracture Management Pathway And Pic Scoring Tool To Reduce Icu Readmissions, Susan Mastroianni

Master's Projects and Capstones

The purpose of the project was to improve the management of patients with rib and or sternal fractures in a 413 bed Level I Trauma Center. The pathway included best practice guidelines paired with clinical expertise to reduce Intensive Care Unit (ICU) readmissions, costs, complications and length of stay (LOS). Analysis of the data revealed 55% of ICU readmissions were due to respiratory causes. The timeline guided the creation, deployment, and evaluation of the project over a two phase, one and one half year period. Methods included analysis of the data, meetings with lead team members to define the scope …