Effects Of Prior Direct-Patient Care Experience On Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Anxiety And Self-Confidence, Lauren G. Cahalan, Kierra A. Pickard

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Purpose:  An extensive literature review indicates a gap in understanding how prior direct patient care experience affects undergraduate nursing students’ anxiety and self-confidence during their program. The purpose of this project was to examine the impact of prior direct patient care experience on undergraduate nursing students’ anxiety and self-confidence while in an undergraduate nursing program.  

Participants: A total of 294 undergraduate nursing students were surveyed using Qualtrics. Students were from terms one, two, three, and four in the Winona and Rochester nursing program allowing for a population of diverse backgrounds.

Methods: A survey including the Nursing Anxiety and Self-Confidence with …

The Impact Of Physical Activity On Mental Health Disorders In Children, Brianna E. Ryan

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Purpose - The purpose of this project is to highlight the effects physical activity has on children's mental health and to provide evidence-based insights on ways physical activity can and should be incorporated into the developmental stages of children's lives. Ultimately, the goal being to promote healthier and improved mental health statuses for the younger populations.

Introduction - The mental health crises among children are on the rise as more children each year are diagnosed with mental health conditions. It has been found that around 20% of children ages five through seventeen regularly experience symptoms of mental health disorders and …

Electronic-Based Determinants Of Health Screening On An Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, Anyaku O. Okpara

Dissertations

Problem: Approximately 14.1 million Americans are diagnosed with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI). These individuals experience death 10-20 years earlier compared to the general population, primarily due to chronic medical comorbidities and unmet health-related social needs (HRSNs). Mortality rates, increased healthcare utilization, and frequent readmissions in patients with multiple, unmet HRSNs are likely to remain high unless developments such as the incorporation of standardized, multi-domain, social determinants of health (SDOH) screenings into electronic health records (EHRs). The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project, guided by the Institute for Healthcare (IHI) model for change utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, was …

Clinical Education Program For Hair Removal To Reduce Surgical Site Infections, Madison Smith, Dana Todd

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly impact surgical patients and with one contributory to their development is hair removal method, education about surgical hair removal methods is minimal in continued educational programs. The purpose of this project was to provide an educational program that discussed hair removal methods to reduce surgical site infections. The staff was educated on methods for hair removal in surgical patients, recommendations from manufacturers of the product, hospital policies regarding hair removal and governing organizational guidelines. Over two days for a 10-hour shift each day, a poster board and a 15-30-minute presentation then a pre/post-test was …

Surgical Specimen Management Protocols In The Pre-Analytical Phase, Jordan L. Hall

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to decrease surgical specimen errors during the pre-analytical phase at the target institution by 50% by January 2025 by developing best practices for specimen labeling and documentation.

Background

The QI project was implemented within a level two trauma center with a 24-suite operating room (OR) in The Woodlands, Texas, which provides care across all surgical specialties except ophthalmology.

Methodology

The target institution changed from nurse-hand-written specimen labels and requisition sheets to electronic medical record (EMR) generated specimen labels and requisition sheets. The change was congruent with the target institution’s shift to a new …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Telehealth Interventions In Managing Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults In Underserved Rural Areas, Taylor Lemke

Nursing Capstones

Managing Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in underserved rural areas presents ongoing challenges due to limited healthcare access and provider shortages. Telehealth interventions, such as remote monitoring, mobile health applications, and virtual consultations, have emerged as promising strategies to enhance care delivery. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of telehealth in improving glycemic control and patient satisfaction among adults with T2D in rural settings. Recent studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews published between 2019 and 2025, were analyzed. Overall, telehealth was associated with reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), improved medication adherence, and increased patient engagement. High levels …

Quality Improvement Project Building Confidence In Critical Thinking Through Faculty Implementation Of Simulation, Melissa Morris

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Simulation provides nursing students with experiences that are as effective as clinical experiences in a non-threatening environment. Clinical experiences such as obstetrics, pediatrics, and mental health have been observation only at the project site. With observation-only clinicals, students do not have opportunities to master skills specific to nursing, which bridge theory to practice. The purpose of this Quality Improvement (QI) project focuses on educating nursing faculty who may not be simulation experts to learn the skills to build and implement simulations that align with the International Nursing Association Clinical and Simulation Learning (INACSL) simulation standards. The Primary Investigator (PI) utilized …

Implementation Of A Standardized Discharge Process At A Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Facility, Katelyn Love Bsn, Rn, Jennifer Sternberg Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-C, Kathryn Dambrino Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-C, David Phillippi Biostatistican

DNP Projects

Project Title: Implementation of a Standardized Discharge Process at a Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Facility

Background and Rationale: Currently, millions of adults are suffering from substance use disorder. For those in recovery, 45-55% of these adults will relapse within the first 6 months of leaving rehab, and due to loss of tolerance to their preferred drug of choice, these clients are at higher risk of mortality. This transition of care phase is a critical time period for clients to avoid relapse while navigating recovery challenges independently, and evidence supports standardized, intentional, client-centered discharge planning to improve transitional care outcomes. …

Reducing Hapis In The Icu With A Turn Team, Taylor Guadiz

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to decrease hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) rates within an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) by implementing a two-nurse turning and repositioning schedule.

Background: The QI project was implemented in a 24-bed Medical-Surgical ICU at a for-profit community hospital in Northwest Houston, Texas, in the United States of America. The project was developed and initiated at the project site because there was an increase in the HAPI rate above the organization’s target rate of zero.

Methodology: Baseline HAPI rates and turning charting compliance were obtained. A baseline Likert scale survey was …

Central-Line Dressing Protocols: The Effectiveness Of A Standardized Dressing Change Protocol In Reducing Central-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (Clabsi) In Critically Ill Patients Requiring Central Lines, Cody Jones, Melissa Marino, Ryan Mcfarland, Asia White, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Fhrs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

In the Intensive Care Units (ICU), central lines are an essential way of life. However, central lines have risks such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), which increase hospital stays and mortality. CLABSI significantly impacts patient outcomes in critical care, increases mortality and morbidity, increases medical costs, increases hospital-acquired infections, and reduces hospital reimbursements. Typically, antimicrobial dressing has been associated with decreased mortality and improved CLABSI rates. The scoping review will evaluate the literature and examine the effectiveness of various antimicrobial dressing strategies on CLABSI rates. This study aims to synthesize these findings to develop improved CLABSI prevention protocols …

Retroactive Quality Improvement By Utilization Of The Leaf, Preston Stigall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This project is a retroactive quality improvement initiative to evaluate the effectiveness of the LEAF wearable pressure sensor and reduce sacral hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) in critically-ill adult patients. The practice problem addressed is the high incidence of pressure injuries in hospitalized patients, which can lead to increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. The evidence-based practice question was: In critically ill adult patients at risk of pressure injuries, how does the use of the LEAF wearable pressure sensor compared to standard care without sensors impact the incidence of sacral HAPIs over the past year? The purpose …

Navigating Graduate Nursing Education: The Effect Of Peer Mentorship On Academic Self-Efficacy At Shu: A Quality Improvement Project, Deborah Olujimi

DNP Projects

Background

Academic self-efficacy plays an essential role in the success of graduate nursing students, influencing their confidence, persistence, and ability to navigate complex coursework. Graduate nursing education is rigorous, and many students struggle with self-doubt, stress, and academic pressures that can impact their performance and retention in programs. Peer mentorship programs have been identified as an effective intervention to support students by cultivating collaboration, providing guidance, and enhancing academic self-efficacy. This project implemented a peer mentorship program for graduate nursing students at a university in Northeast U.S. to evaluate its impact on academic self-efficacy over 10 weeks.

Purpose

The primary …

The Effects Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Pcos) On Pregnancy From A Nursing Perspective, Haylee F. Schultz

Honors Capstones

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome on pregnancy from a nursing standpoint. Nearly 5-10% of women in the United States are affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome during the reproductive years. This research aims to investigate how this condition impacts fertility and pregnancy risks. This initial research was completed through a review of existing literature accessed through databases such as CINNAHL and PubMed. Once all data is collected, the goal is to seek nursing interventions to lessen the effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome and increase positive pregnancy outcomes. This research is critical as …

Volume 16, Maggie Duncan, Madeline Little, Alicia Hoffman, Megan Livesay, Gabrielle Quaresma, Serenity Allen, Laina Pfountz, Ainslie Allred, Sabrina Robles, Nicholas J. Duellman, Trinity L. Deguzman, Melissa H. Savage, Margaret Dudley, Jocelyn Escobar, Olivia Hildreth, Olivia Hopkins, Benjamin Gettier, Lee Kassay, Jade Riddle, Ashley Seiders

Incite: The Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Introduction Dr. Amorette Barber, Director, Office of Student Research

From the Editor Dr. Hannah Dudley-Shotwell

Artist’s Statement Maggie Duncan

On Mentoring Dr. Lee Millar Bidwell

The Hujum Campaign in Uzbekistan and its Consequences by Madeline Little

Wet Cupping Compared to Dry Needling for Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic by Alicia Hoffman and Megan Livesay

Optimization of eDNA Air Sampling Via 3D Printed Fan by Gabrielle Quaresma

Beyond the Classroom: A Qualitative Study of Teacher Attrition and Retention by Serenity Allen and Laina Pfountz

The Treatment of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome with Platelet-Rich plasma Injections Verses …

Staff Education On The Management Of Diabetes Among Type 2 Diabetic Black American Patients, Ngozi Philomena Anonyuo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The aim of this staff education project was to increase nurses’ knowledge and confidence in providing patient education for diabetes self-management. Insufficient nurse knowledge regarding diabetes care and management was the gap in The practice-focused question was: Among Black American patients, does increasing nurses’ knowledge regarding implementation of diabetes-self management education programs result in a measurable increase in knowledge about diabetes management, ultimately contributing to improved expected diabetic outcomes involving glycemic control and reduced complications? Analytical strategies included descriptive and comparative analysis of deidentified pre- and post-knowledge assessments to evaluate the program’s impact on learning outcomes. An anonymous satisfaction survey …

The Way To A Mother’S Heart: A Risk Assessment Tool For The Early Detection Of Peripartum Cardiomyopathies, Leighton Terrell

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Abstract

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathies are a rare, but deadly occurrence among pregnant and postpartum women. Maternal mortality rates have risen over the last few years proving a large problem with the focus on maternal health.

Objective

The objective of this intervention was to aid providers in diagnosing peripartum cardiomyopathies early before detrimental damage could be done to the hearts of these women.

Methods

In this quality improvement project, the need for a peripartum cardiomyopathy risk assessment survey among patients in small, rural area of Western Kentucky was determined.

Results

Using the 22 surveys that were collected, 36.4% of patients were …

Interventional Education Program Improves Family Nurse Practitioner Students' Knowledge Of Heart Disease Prevention Practices: Lead With The Heart Dnp Project, Ava Hatfield-Lomache

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Heart disease is a major clinical problem in the U.S. today, and it continues to be costly to American lives, healthcare expenditures, and the U.S. economy. Heart disease prevention is key to affecting positive change. The Doctor of Nursing Practice project was designed to create awareness and an education-based platform for heart disease prevention. The heart disease interventional educational program was delivered to students enrolled in a university’s family nurse practitioner program. The project included a pre-test survey, a podcast series, a post-test survey, and a handout. The project focused on heart disease prevention methods, causes, and disease processes associated …

Impact Of Hypertension Education On The Self-Efficacy Of Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension, Sharita Thompson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Self-efficacy is an essential aspect of patients being able to manage their uncontrolled hypertension. While it is important to give patients medications for their hypertension, it is just as important to educate the patients about their disease process. Teaching patients risk factors, acceptable blood pressure readings, and signs/symptoms of the disease process can help with decreasing further harm that the disease can cause to the body. This quality improvement project aimed to close the knowledge gap and increase self-efficacy among adult individuals, ages 18-75, who have uncontrolled hypertension by generating data that shows that education on the disease process will …

Moderate Exercise And Tirzepatide Versus Tirzepatide Alone For Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance, Edward Amoah Acheampong

Nursing Capstones

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) drugs have been transformative when managing obesity in the clinical setting. Though these medications are effective for weight loss, questions regarding their efficacy for long-term weight loss or maintenance remain unanswered.

Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to answer the following clinical question: Can overweight or obese patients (P) who use tirzepatide without exercise (I) as compared to those incorporating 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise (C) sustain a ≥5% weight loss (O) one-year post-treatment (T)?

Methods: Five electronic article databases were searched to locate articles …

Nature's Relief: Efficacy Of Plant-Based Therapies Vs. Placebo In Easing Vasomotor Menopausal Symptoms, Megan N. Schneider

Nursing Capstones

Background: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) impact the lives of menopausal women. Plant-based therapies are frequently used as alternatives to hormonal therapy, warranting evaluation of their effectiveness.

Purpose: This literature review evaluates the efficacy of plant-based therapies in alleviating VMS during menopause and compares their effectiveness to placebo treatment.

Methods: A literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL).

Results: The review includes a synthesis of 16 primary studies, highlighting five therapies: black cohosh, soy, red clover, evening primrose, and combination therapy in managing VMS. Soy consistently reduces VMS. Black cohosh, red clover, evening …

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Therapy And Substance Use Disorders, Rachel J. Brunsell

Nursing Capstones

Background: Treatment options for SUDs fail to address the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction. Recent studies suggest that GLP-1s, including semaglutide, liraglutide, and exenatide, offer therapeutic benefits by reducing cravings, improving treatment adherence, and decreasing relapse rates across a range of SUDs, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioid use disorders.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore studies that highlight the potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing substance cravings, improving treatment adherence, and decreasing relapse rates for patients with various SUDs.

Methods: A comprehensive review of recent studies examining the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including …

The Effect Of Breastfeeding On Maternal Mental Health, Quinn Packineau

Nursing Capstones

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health issue impacting maternal and infant well-being, and though breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby, its effect on PPD is uncertain. This scoping literature review explores whether breastfeeding versus bottle feeding reduces PPD risk within six months postpartum using CINAHL and PubMed search of studies from the last five years on breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and PPD correlations. From 17 qualifying studies, results display exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding linked to lower PPD rates. However, the relationship is bidirectional because PPD can also prompt early breastfeeding cessation. Maternal self-efficacy, lactation support, and socioeconomic- demographic factors …

Improving Admissions Planning In A Specialized Adult Foster Care Program, Jessie Sullivan

Doctoral Dissertations & Projects

Background: Specialized adult foster care (AFC) programs have the unique ability to facilitate and coordinate continuity of care with an interdisciplinary approach internally and with community provider collaboration. The lack of communication in the transition of care admissions process leads to negative patient safety outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to identify barriers to improve communication, continuity of care, reduce negative health outcomes, and provide a culture of safety.

Methods: The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) guided this quality improvement project. Assessment of quality measures and outcomes included the administration of pre- and post-implementation …

Quality Improvement Project Enhancing Mental Health Clinic Practices: Increasing Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge And Self-Assurance In Opioid Abuse Screening Tools In Healthcare Professionals Treating Adolescents, Festus Obonna

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This study aimed to address the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner’s unfamiliarity and inadequate confidence in utilizing the CAGE-AID screening tool in detecting opioid use in adolescents undergoing treatment at a psychiatric mental health clinic. The goal was to find out how structured training affected providers' understanding of and confidence in using the screening tool. Eight psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, participated in a quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention design. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Cronbach's alpha reliability analysis were used to look at the data. There was a significant improvement in providers' self-reported familiarity, confidence, and efficacy in using the …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors In Reducing Migraine Frequency In Adults: A Literature Review, Samantha Tully

Nursing Capstones

This scoping review aims to evaluate current literature on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for migraine prevention and prophylaxis in adults. Key themes and gaps in the research are identified. A systematic review was completed across two databases including PubMed and Cochrane. Fifteen studies have been examined in this review with a range of publication dates from 1999 to 2022. Based on this literature review, the author concludes that SSRIs may reduce migraine frequency and severity in the adult population through their action to increase serotonin availability and stabilize serotonin levels. Further research is needed in this area.

The Effect Of Patient-Centered Discharge Instructions In Reducing 30-Day Readmission Rates In Heart Failure Patients, Ashley Spiering

Nursing Capstones

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospital readmissions, with nearly one in four patients experiencing rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge. Readmissions within this timeframe present a significant clinical and economic challenge for patients and healthcare services. Reducing 30-day readmissions has become a central goal for hospitals aiming to improve patient outcomes and minimize financial burdens.

Purpose: To evaluate whether patient-centered discharge instructions are an effective tool in reducing 30-day readmission rates for patients with HF.

Method: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL databases. Keywords such as heart failure, readmission, education, discharge, and instructions …

Improving Nursing Processes To Reduce Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism In Adult Surgical Patients, Stephanie Masson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

INTRODUCTION Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a preventable outcome that can increase morbidity and mortality. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate and improve the nursing prophylaxis processes to reduce the VTE outcome. The project was implemented in a Level I Trauma Center in the Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas.

METHODOLOGY The QI project was structured using the Lean Six Sigma methodology. Data was collected and analyzed from reports built within the electronic medical record (EMR). A multidisciplinary team evaluated the current state of clinical practice and the electronic workflow for mechanical VTE prophylaxis. The team worked to redesign …

Quality Of Perinatal Care: Experiences Of Clients And Providers In Three District Hospitals Of Western Uganda– A Mixed Methods Study, Mercy Muwema, Joaniter Nankabirwa, Dan K. Kaye, Gorrette Nalwadda, Joanita Nangendo, Gloria Odei Obeng-Amoako, Jean Claude Nkurunziza, Wilson Mwanja, Elizabeth N. Ekong, Joan N. Kalyango, Grace Edwards, Emmanuel Otieno, Robert Basaza

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: It is anticipated that closing the quality gap through provision of effective antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care for mothers and newborns in facilities will reduce morbidity and mortality. Mothers’ and health care providers’ experiences play a vital role in achieving quality care during the perinatal periods.

Purpose: To assess the health care providers’ (HCPs) and clients’ experiences on quality of perinatal care at three district hospitals in Bunyoro region, Western Uganda.

Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods study design was utilized to explore experiences of 1) mothers as they sought antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care; and 2) …

Executive Summary: Quality Improvement Initiative Retrospective Program Evaluation Of Sms Reminder System In Decreasing Outpatient Mental Health Clinic No-Show Rates, Jordan Rogers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project presents an organizational quality improvement initiative implementing a text message reminder system to decrease appointment no-show rates in the outpatient mental health clinic. The project was developed based on the high rate of appointment no-shows at the DNP project site. Appointment no-shows are costly to both clinics and patients. Clinics experience decreased revenue and efficiency, and patient outcomes can be compromised. The project evaluated whether text message reminders sent 24 hours before a scheduled appointment time decreased no-show rates by at least 10%. Preimplementation data were collected for months October, November, and December, …

The Impact Of Marijuana Edibles On Fetal Development In Pregnant Adolescents And Young Mothers, Rachel Doyle

Honors Theses

With the growing prevalence of marijuana use for both recreational and medicinal purposes, this study explores the impact of edible cannabis consumption on fetal development in pregnant adolescents and young mothers. While most existing research focuses on smoked cannabis in adult populations, this review highlights a significant gap regarding the unique risks of edibles among younger, vulnerable users who may perceive them as safer. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study examines the physiological effects of THC in edible form, as well as the social, economic, and healthcare factors influencing its use. Key areas of focus include maternal health, placental …