Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Using A Transitional Care Management Screening Tool On Medicare Adult Patients With Chronic Conditions: Quality Improvement Project, Lizete D. Rosa

DNP Projects

Background

Within the United States, adult patients over the age of 65 are averaging give emergency room visits per year with potential admission. Patient hospital readmissions occur when a patient is discharged from the hospital and is readmitted within 30 days. This can occur due to medication noncompliance, premature discharge, or the most common reason, lack of adequate provide follow-up as an outpatient.

Project Goals

1. Implement a transitional care management screening tool within the primary care practice with Medicare adult patients with chronic conditions to improve post hospitalization follow up appointments with PCP.

2. Designate a medical assistant to …

Building An Interdisciplinary Simulation Orientation For The Mobile Health And Wellness Program, Meredith Deegan, Lauren Goeke

School of Nursing Publications

No abstract provided.

Roadmap To Developing Clinical Competency For Novice Nursing Students, Meredith Deegan, Lauren Goeke

School of Nursing Publications

No abstract provided.

Utilizing Technology To Change Practice And Reduce Falls, John Brennan Dnp, Rn Cphq, Sopiko Baratashvili Bsn, Rn, Kara Burdick Msn, Rn, Andrew Quito Bsn, Mba

Posters

Historically, fall prevention has been primarily reactive, averting similar events from recurring. However, recent nursing research has focused on ensuring that appropriate resources are in place (Wilson et al., 2022; Zhao et al., 2019). To complement this aspect of evidence-based literature, the hospital has invested in innovative technology and practices to prevent falls.

A Phenomenological Examination Of Spiritual Health In Cancer Patients, Cheryl Green, Lauren Thayer, Beatrice Relucio Rn

Posters

This study is a phenomenological qualitative comparative analysis of how Oncology nurses and their patients understand spiritual health as patients cope with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Scheduling, Stress, And Satisfaction: How Alternative Methods Of Staff Scheduling Can Stop Nurse Burnout And Increase Nurse Satisfaction, Cythia Anicette Adn, Rn

Posters

●Traditional scheduling modalities have been identified by YNHH staff members to have a negative impact on work-life balance, eventually leading to burnout. ●Studies have shown that burnout may lead to poor patient outcomes and increased turnover rate among nurses. ●In traditional scheduling modalities, management is often in charge of creating the schedule for the entire unit with varying input from staff. ●In contrast, self-scheduling has staff collaborate with each other to create a schedule with final approval made by management. ●Self-scheduling has been found in several studies to create positive outcomes in nursing satisfaction and work-life balance. ●Due to its …

Rooming-In With The Newbies, Kiara Baguio Bsn, Rn, Allison Gomez Walker Bsn, Rn, Sydney Roth Bsn, Rn, Taylor Standring Bsn, Rn, Andriana Stewart Bsn, Rn

Posters

• Rates of bonding and breastfeeding with baby during hospital stays whether they are in a Baby-Friendly Hospital.
• How rooming-in with infant creates longer and stronger breastfeeding success rates.
• Statistics of breastfeeding and rooming-in within networks of Baby Friendly hospitals vs. non Baby Friendly.
• Change is necessary because evidence suggests that the later mothers begin breastfeeding, the higher the chances the newborn acquires an infection that can lead to death.

Healing Hands Are Clean Hands, Abigail Bruce Bsn, Rn, Katherine Benalcazar Adsn, Rn, Rosa Crespo Bsn, Rn, Dana Drywa Bsn, Rn, Maris Estevez Bsn, Rn, Erin Helge Bsn, Rn, Bilonda Kalemba Bsn, Rn, Kerryann Meggie Bsn, Rn, Amanda Silver Bsn, Rn, Jasmine Villafane Asn, Rn

Posters

• Our team identified the lack of hand hygiene throughout the department.
• Hand washing is an important part of infection prevention, and not washing hands properly or not at all, increases the rate of infections for our patients.
• Hand washing stations are out of reach or not available at all in certain areas of the emergency department, making it nearly impossible for optimal hand washing.
• Despite our efforts, hand hygiene habits can be improved throughout Bridgeport Hospital.

Genetic Insights Into Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms And Inherited Thrombophilia: Advancing Precision Screening And Therapeutic Interventions To Optimize Perinatal Outcomes, Taylar Hash

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and inherited thrombophilia, such as Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin G20210A, have been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth. This integrative review explores how genetic insights into MTHFR polymorphisms and inherited thrombophilia can guide precision medicine, including both screening and therapeutic intervention, to optimize perinatal outcomes. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted following Whittemore and Knafl’s methodology. Research databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched for studies published or translated to English within the last twenty years that examined MTHFR polymorphisms, …

Magnet Hospitals And Their Impact On Patient Outcomes, Connie Cochran, Molly A. Collins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: In the competitive healthcare landscape, patient safety and quality care have remained critical priorities. The Magnet Recognition Program, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), has recognized hospitals that have demonstrated excellence in nursing and improved patient outcomes. Built on five core pillars: transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary practice, innovation, and quality results, this designation has supported professional development and collaborative care. Although only about 10% of U.S. hospitals have been Magnet-designated, they have been linked to reduced hospital mortality, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), and patient falls.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research was to evaluate …

Knowledge Is Power: Educating The Community About The Dangers Of Vaping, Heather B. Hector

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to increase knowledge among parents, coaches, teachers, nurses, community leaders, and members about the dangers of e-cigarette use among adolescents by implementing a community-based education session vital to protecting the health and well-being of adolescents in the target community. Education and preventative measures have been proven to decrease the use of tobacco cigarettes, and the same needs to be done with e-cigarettes and vaping, especially among adolescents, to protect the future of their health. Education and prevention programs are not only targeted at adolescents but also at adults who …

Affecting Test Anxiety In Nursing Students, Michelle S. Porterfield

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing students often face significant test-taking anxiety, which negatively impacts both their academic performance and overall well-being (Samuel et al., 2022). This project aims to explore the effects of mindfulness coloring with mandalas on reducing pre-test anxiety among pre-licensure nursing students. The intervention, spanning one semester, will assess changes in anxiety levels and student academic test performance. The anticipated outcome is a reduction in pre-test anxiety, leading to improved academic performance and enhanced mental well-being. The findings will provide valuable insights into non-pharmacological strategies for managing anxiety in students.

Stress To Success: The Impact Of Aromatherapy On Nursing Students With Test Anxiety, Patricia A. Mullens

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Test anxiety has been identified as a significant problem in pre-licensure nursing students. This project aims to investigate how aromatherapy can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with lower test scores and the emotional and psychological impacts it has on students' overall well-being. A literature review supported that students who experience test anxiety characteristically scored lower on high-stakes nursing exams than students who did not experience the same stress. The potential results of this project are multifaceted and include improved test scores, enhanced students’ psychological well-being, and completion of their nursing degree.

Implementing A Pressure Injury Prevention Bundle On A Medical Surgical Unit: A Quality Improvement Project, Katrina Daye-Whitehead

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) continue to be one of the biggest challenges healthcare facilities face which has required increased attention on prevention. The national cost of treating HAPIs ranges from approximately $3 billion to $22 billion annually and as a result, hospitals have faced a tremendous financial burden, which has led hospitals to strengthen reduction strategies (Padula & Delarmente, 2019). The aim of this evidence-based project was to increase nurses’ knowledge about HAPI prevention bundles and increase the compliance with a HAPI prevention bundle implemented within 8 hours of admission or transfer to the unit. The preventative HAPI bundle consists …

Breastfeeding Education In Peripartum Women, Kristen Chassner

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Breastfeeding is nature’s medicine. Though it is considered a natural experience between a mother and a child, it does not always come easy. Education is imperative for peripartum women to learn more about breastfeeding in general, its benefits to the mother and the child, identifying improper latching, and resources to seek help. The purpose of this project was to provide introductory breastfeeding education to peripartum women at a government-funded public health facility in Cleveland County, North Carolina, to increase breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy, and the intention to breastfeed for the baby’s first 6-months of life in 100% of the participants. Though …

An Asthma Patient Education Pilot: Utilizing A Hand-Held Tablet To Enhance Self-Management Knowledge, Stephanie Bork, Dana L. Ladd, Li Liu, Rami Hawila, Ashley Reluzco, Le Kang, Farrukh Abbas

VCU Health Nursing

Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pre-recorded educational videos on a hand-held tablet for improving asthma self-management knowledge. Content focused on disease processes, medication management, and medical device usage in an adult asthma clinic at an academic medical center.

Methods:

Pre-recorded asthma education videos were created by study personnel and uploaded to the institutional research electronic data capture (REDCap) platform. Adult participants (≥18 years, English-speaking, with a new or existing asthma diagnosis) were enrolled at an outpatient asthma clinic. The Asthma Self-Management Questionnaire, a validated and reliable tool, was administered before and after participants watched five 1-minute …

The Safe Steps Project: Fall Prevention Amongst Older Adults In A Skilled Nursing Facility, Maiana Cabrera, Nicole Le, Yen Tran, Madeline Turcotte

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

BACKGROUND: The Safe Steps Project aimed to reduce falls at Pine Creek Care Center, a skilled nursing facility located in Roseville, CA. Before this intervention, the fall rate at Pine Creek Care Center had been rising above their 15% goal in the first few months of 2025. Through an in-service education, this project has helped educate and increase nursing staff knowledge on fall prevention, such as intentional rounding with the 4 Ps (pain, position, potty, and possessions).

AIM: The Safe Steps Project addresses a major cause of injury in older adults, falls. The aim of this project was to improve …

Creating A Safe Space: Engaging Graduate Nursing Students In Meaningful Discourse About Racism, Mary J. Isaacson, Brandon Varilek

Journal Articles: College of Nursing

INTRODUCTION: Providing education for graduate nursing students about implicit bias, covert/overt racism in the United States has become challenging due to state and federal policies. Yet, national accrediting bodies require these concepts in doctoral level nursing curricula. While these concepts may be viewed as divisive, faculty can facilitate meaningful discourse by fostering an authentic and safe learning environment.

METHODS: This article describes a curricular revision and our approach of integrating these concepts into a doctoral level ethics course using Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory and Kitchenham's evolution of Mezirow's theory with instrumental learning, dialogic/discourse learning, and self-reflection.

RESULTS: Students evaluations revealed …

Exploring Maternal-Infant Attachment And Its Relationships With Perinatal Depression And Anxiety Symptoms And Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Among Predominantly Hispanic, Latina, And African American/Black Marginalized Populations, Leslie B. Lantz, Amy Salisbury, Sara Moyer, Sally Russell, Leroy Thacker, Candice Gault, Josselyn Valenzuela, Merilyn Arikkat, Maria Mooney, S Bodnar-Deren, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

The purpose of this study is to explore maternal-infant attachment at 26 weeks PP as it relates to concurrent postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms and breastfeeding self-efficacy in ethnically diverse postpartum mothers (from a larger RCT [“Mindful Moms Study”]).

Optimizing Advance Care Planning: Leveraging An Electronic Medical Record Prompt To Impact Advance Directive Documentation, Annette L. Meares

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Advance Directives (ADs) support patient-centered care by documenting preferences for future medical treatment. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) incentivizes AD documentation through billing codes, national adoption remains low.

Local Problem: A rural Northern Illinois primary care practice had electronic referral capabilities for ACP; however, referrals remained low and inconsistent during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs), limiting opportunities for AD completion.

Methods: This quality improvement project targeted Medicare AWV patients without ADs documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). During a 10-week pre-intervention period, baseline data were collected. In the subsequent 10-week intervention phase, an …

The Use Of Music Therapy And Various Mechanisms Of Diversion To Aid Caregivers Of Those With Alzheimer’S Disease And Dementia, Sarah Elizabeth Kane

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia inhabit an increasingly alarming number of individuals within the United States with the majority of their caregivers being loved ones with limited to no healthcare education. This DNP project was designed to specifically educate caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. The goal of this project was to increase the knowledge of the disease while also increasing the ability and confidence to better care for their loved ones. In using the resources outlined in this project, such as music therapy and diversional tools, the caregiver would see a decrease in emotional outbursts and …

Achieving Optimal Wellness: Exploring The Benefits And Impact Of Community Health, Erin Riley

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Community health is an essential practice that utilizes non-clinical approaches to reduce health disparities, improve health, and prevent disease through engagement with a population of a certain geographical area. Building on earlier research, this study focused on the members of Alamance County and the increasing numbers of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia cases from year to year. While community resources and health programs have improved over time, they are lacking in certain geographical areas. The aim of this project was to increase the knowledge and conversations around the most common diseases in Alamance County, through health seminars conducted at a …

Human Trafficking In The Er: Will You Recognize The Signs?, Lauren Neff

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Current data reveals that 88% of human trafficking (HT) victims seek some form of health care while being trafficked. More specifically, 63% seek care in the emergency department setting (McAmis et al., 2022). A recent literature review indicates that regarding human trafficking and healthcare, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge on the issue. Healthcare team members often have little to no education or knowledge of potential signs and symptoms of a victim in a trafficking situation. The purpose of this DNP project was to increase healthcare staff knowledge of human trafficking (HT) and, more specifically, nurses in an …

Enhancing Sleep Quality: The Interrelationship Between Sleep Hygiene And Comprehensive Well-Being, Marissa Strenkert

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In North Carolina, many adults face sleep loss, negatively impacting cognitive functioning, mental health, and physical well-being. This project aimed to educate the public about sleep hygiene techniques and their benefits. An informational session was conducted on sleep hygiene. The informational session included 31 participants, who then completed a voluntary survey to assess their likelihood of adopting the techniques and their satisfaction with the session. Out of 31 participants, 18 completed the survey. The survey consisted of 10 questions, scored on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), allowing for total scores between 0 and 50. Higher …

Increasing The Knowledge And Access To Naloxone (Narcan) For High-Risk Populations, Jessica E. Jones

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This study investigated the knowledge and access to Naloxone (Narcan) in high-risk populations in Robeson County, NC. In order to mitigate the rate of overdose in tribal members who are part of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Indigenous populations have had the highest overdose rate of increase since 2019. In collaboration with CORE Pathways, a quality improvement project was implemented at the Harvest Moon Fall Powwow. Opioid overdose education was provided to voluntary participants, free Naloxone was provided to individuals, along with a created video presentation of Naloxone education. Pre- and post-surveys were utilized to gauge participants' knowledge before …

Educational Sessions On Opioid Use Disorder In A Rural Community: A Faith-Based Approach, Tarrelle Reade

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This scholarly project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a faith-based community education program regarding opioid use disorder (OUD) in a rural area of Person County, North Carolina. Through 4 weekly sessions hosted at Lattisville Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the program provided education on the signs and symptoms of opioid misuse, associated risks, available treatment options, support resources, and the use of Narcan. A pre- and post-survey design using a Likert scale measured changes in knowledge and confidence across five key domains. Data from participants (n = 54 total) showed statistically significant improvements in awareness and self-efficacy in most areas, …

Sleep Promotion In Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Maelyn G. Cranford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Sleep is a fundamental requirement for the human body to achieve and sustain overall health and well-being. In Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), sleep is a vital step in an infant’s routine to allow for proper neurodevelopment and growth. Parents of infants in the NICU may be unaware of the critical role sleep plays in their child’s health. Without realizing it, they can unintentionally disrupt their infant’s sleep by speaking loudly, using bright lights, or playing loud sounds from their phone. This DNP project was created to increase NICU parent education on the importance of sleep promotion and involve them …

Complementary And Alternative Therapies To Improve Quality Of Life For People With Chronic Pain And Addictions, Nicole K. Smith

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There is a known opiate crisis prevalent in the United States. There is similarly an addiction crisis in the United States that saw a marked increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, there are many Americans who experience a connection between chronic pain and the onset of addiction. This project sought to introduce the idea of complementary therapies such as square breathing, mindfulness, and essential oil (EO) aromatherapy that could improve the quality of life for people who have chronic pain and/or addiction. The project consisted of a pre-test prior to education about square breathing, mindfulness, and EO aromatherapy, followed by …

Homelessness: An Emergency For Many, Casey Almond

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP project implemented nursing staff education on the importance of recognizing homeless individuals early during the initial triage process within the emergency department. Nursing staff were educated on community resources available for homeless individuals. This DNP project helped to promote the collaboration of care by nursing staff with the case management team to help provide resources, which can result in a safer and more effective discharge of homeless patients within the emergency department. Participation consisted of 125 nursing staff who reviewed the online training module and attended one of the 15-minute in-person poster educational sessions. About 53 nursing staff …

Overdose Watch: Educate, Prevent, & Respond, Linsey Atis, Jared Burton, Madison Meade, Elizabeth Oliveira

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

No abstract provided.