Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Promoting Mental Health For Graduate Students: The Mind Matters Initiative, Kelly Donahoe, Marissa Marchman, Anna Ramos, Silvia Reyes

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

No abstract provided.

Empowering Community Health Promoters For Healthy Births In Sega, Kenya, Melissa Castro, Trang Ha, Dominique Tagupa, Kaliah Vang

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

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Wellbeing In The Assisted Living Setting: Musical Memories And Pill Prep, Kinsey Hopkins, Audrey Maskiewicz, Ashley Nguyen, Kailynne Van Winkle

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

No abstract provided.

Eat To ‘Beet’ Disease Through Improving Nutrition Literacy To Empower Citizens Of Oak Park, Ca, Lillian Messer, Erin Skowron, Isabelle Tankka, Geth Wu

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

No abstract provided.

Care Beyond Incarceration: Grassroots Support For Community Reentry Success, Chelsea Bigelow, Rachel Bovenizer, Jessica Lebedeff

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

No abstract provided.

Management Of Possible Serious Bacterial Infections In Young Infants Where Referral Is Not Possible In The Context Of Existing Health System Structure In Mbeya, Tanzania: Experience And Lessons From The End Line Assessment, Esther Ngadaya, Alexander Manu, Mary Mmweteni, Dorica Burengelo, Doreen Philbert, Gibson Kagaruki, Kahabi Isangula, Mbazi Senkoro, Godfather Kimaro, Amos Kahwa

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Severe bacterial infections (SBIs) are a leading cause of neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries. World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) guideline for outpatient management of danger signs indicating possible serious bacterial infections (PSBI) when referral is not possible was adopted by three pilot district councils in Mbeya Region, in Tanzania (Busekelo, Kyela and Mbarali Districts) in 2018 (the PSBI project). This study documented changes in practice during the PSBI project, and lessons learned. A cross-sectional study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods between July 2021 and January 2022, post-implementation. The study participants comprised stakeholders, health workers, …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of An Updated Pre-Service Midwifery Curriculum Integrated With Emergency Obstetric And Newborn Care In Kenya: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial, Duncan N. Shikuku, Catherine Mwaura, Peter Nandikove, Alphonce Uyara, Helen Allott, Lucy Waweru, Lucy Nyaga, Edna Tallam, Issak Bashir, Eunice Ndirangu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction Quality midwifery education is central to improving midwifery service delivery and maternal and newborn health outcomes. In many settings, midwifery educators insufciently prepared for their teaching role and defcient curriculum compared to international standards afect the quality of healthcare provided by the midwifery graduates. This study assessed the efectiveness of an EmONC enhanced midwifery curriculum delivered by trained and mentored midwifery educators on the quality of education and student performance in Kenya.

Methods A cluster randomised controlled trial in 20 midwifery colleges (12 intervention, 8 control colleges). Educators in both arms received training in teaching/EmONC skills to deliver the …

Effectiveness Of Clinical Training In Influencing The Outcome Of Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid In Selected Facilities At A County In Kenya, Evah Maina, Abednego Ongeso, Nancy Maingi

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major health concern in developing countries, primarily due to the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a common and affordable screening method, yet its effectiveness is closely tied to the skills and competency of healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the impact of clinical training on improving VIA screening outcomes for cervical cancer in a county in Kenya.

Methods: Seven government health facilities equipped with cryotherapy machines were selected, with two healthcare providers sampled from each. A six-day VIA training intervention was conducted, combining …

The Relationship Between Early Dysphagia Screening And Incidence Of Pneumonia Among Acute Stroke Patients, Sabreen Elsedeek Ahmed Assistant Lecturer

Nursing

Background: Post-stroke dysphagia is a common complication of acute stroke, which could increase the risk of mortality and aspiration pneumonia. Aim: This study aimed to assess the relationship between early dysphagia screening and the incidence of pneumonia among acute stroke patients. Research design: A correlational descriptive design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the stroke and neurology intensive care units at As-Salam International Hospital. Subject: a purposive sample of (87) adult patients newly admitted with a diagnosis of acute stroke was included in the study. Tools: Three tools were used in this …

Impact Of Educational Sessions On Compassion Fatigue Among Home Healthcare Nurses: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Adebimpe Blessing Ogunsefunmi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Nurses are compassionate professionals who provide critical care, often at the expense of their own well-being. As the healthcare system faces rapid changes due to an aging population, nursing shortages, and the impact of COVID-19, compassion fatigue has become increasingly common. Despite its prevalence, few healthcare institutions address this issue. Objective: The objective of this DNP project was to evaluate whether weekly educational sessions enhanced perceptions of a positive quality of life, which typically declines with increased compassion fatigue, as measured by the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale. PICOT Question: Do weekly educational sessions on compassion fatigue …

Exploring Intensive Care Registered Nurses’ Perceptions Of The Family Support Person During Family-Witnessed Resuscitation, Carmen Petersen, Martha O. Morales, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrests are common occurrences that family members may be present for. Family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR) is a well-studied, evidence-based practice with positive outcomes for family members. However, some nurses disagree with FWR because of the potential for family member disruptions. The presence of a hospital-employed family support person (FSP) dedicated to providing care to family members during FWR may be beneficial in improving nurses’ perspectives on FWR. While evidence shows the benefits of the FSP for family members during FWR, there is little evidence related to nurses’ perceptions of the FSP. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive …

Addressing End-Of-Life Care Education Gaps For Registered Nurses: A Quality Improvement Project, Mayra Villalba, Alejandra Angel, Arvinder Singh

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: As the global elderly population grows rapidly, end-of-life care (EOLC) needs have expanded, warranting comprehensive nursing education. There is a significant gap in exposure to EOLC during nursing undergraduate education, clinical experiences, and training opportunities in the professional setting. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to educate nurses about end-of-life care. Methods: In an established medical-surgical unit, hospice patients with comfort-only measures were placed into a cohort labeled Transitional Care Unit (TCU). Between October 2023 and May 2024, nurses working in the TCU were surveyed on their knowledge regarding EOLC. Staff attended mandatory education sessions after the …

Nurse-Led Advocacy In Reducing 30-Day Readmission Rates For Heart Failure Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction, Lourdes M. Talavera, Madeleine Turco, Hector Gonzalez, Catherina Chang Martinez, Daniela Wintersteen, Stephanie Villadamigo, Alexandra Palau, Maria L. Perez, Cindy Delgado, Stephani Cardona, Christina Davis, Gustavo Ramirez, Marta Larranaga, Betty Muniz, Jessica G. Bundy

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and readmission rates. Evidence-based practice outlines that HFrEF patients should be on guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), including medication from four categories: renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, β-blockers approved for the treatment of heart failure, aldosterone antagonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Nurse-led patient advocacy for patients to be discharged on GDMT can help reduce 30-day readmission rates in patients with HFrEF in an inpatient heart failure unit. The purpose of this project was to implement a new practice involving the utilization of a discharge form and empowering nurses …

Challenging A Sacred Cow: Implementing Clear Liquids During Labor, Paloma Casemeiro, Carey B. Acosta, Judith E. Bowling

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Traditionally, patients in labor could not have anything to eat or drink (nothing by mouth [NPO]) due to long-standing beliefs, often labeled "sacred cows." However, recent research indicated that clear liquids during labor can be safe and beneficial. Methods: Prior to implementing this project, the team collected information from 20 low-risk laboring mothers regarding their satisfaction level and their perception of the overall childbirth experience. Clear liquids were permitted for low-risk mothers and data were collected from the same population to evaluate the impact on their labor experience. The primary goal of this project was to challenge the “sacred …

A Multi-Pronged Collaborative Approach To Harness The Implementation And Sustainability Of Bedside Shift Report, Diane S. Kramer, Lourdes C. Castaneda, Catherina Chang Martinez, Shelli A. Chernesky, Lisette Hurtado, Harold Girado, Yessenia Muniz

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Implementing nurse bedside shift report (BSR) remains a critical practice during shift changes that improves the delivery of safe patient care. The practice of BSR remains susceptible to variability and sustainability in the acute care setting. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to harness the implementation and sustainability of BSR using a multi-pronged approach. We aimed to improve nurse-sensitive indicators discussed during the BSR process and include patients in the BSR process. Methods: Implementing Lorenzi and Riley's change cycle methodology, executives, leaders, and educators collaborated to create a multi-pronged approach to standardize the BSR process for nurses …

Retrospectively Exploring Differences, Relationships, And Predictors Associated With The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool And Patient Outcomes​, Sandra Torres, Angela Ramirez, Nicole Boswell, Sigrid Somarriba, Simone Cheong, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Prolonged immobility in hospitalized patients is prevalent and associated with hospital-acquired functional decline and other adverse hospital outcomes. Early mobilization (EM) of hospitalized patients reduces the incidence of hospital-acquired conditions. Therefore, early identification of patients’ mobility status and EM are essential. Evidence shows that using the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) promotes early mobility and improved patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the BMAT assessment on patient outcomes (falls, hospital-acquired pressure injuries [HAPIs], and length of stay [LOS]). Methods: This was an IRB-approved retrospective research study. Data were collected from patient records …

Implementation Of A New Graduate Registered Nurse Mentorship Program: A Quality Improvement Project, Cindy N. Ruisi

Nursing Doctoral

Transitioning from student to a registered nurse is a critical period for new graduates, often marked by challenges affecting confidence and job satisfaction. Mentorship programs have been identified as an effective intervention to support new nurses during this transition. The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) offers a structured mentoring program that can be leveraged to enhance the confidence level and job satisfaction of new graduate registered nurses.

This quality improvement project aims to implement a new graduate registered nurse mentorship program at a > 400-bed community hospital. This program will incorporate components of the established Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses mentoring program, …

Addressing The Teen Mom Situation In Thailand: A Systematic Review On Challenges, Initiatives And Recommendations For Improvement, Junkkrit Wunggrath, Phinphot Phrommasen, Wanchalerm Ritthimon

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Teenage pregnancy in Thailand poses significant public health challenges with implications for societal welfare and economic development. This systematic review analyzed the challenges faced by teenage mothers in Thailand, evaluated existing initiatives, and proposed evidence-based recommendations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science databases and others focusing on literature from 2016 to 2023. Keywords included “teenage pregnancy,” “teen mom,” “unwanted pregnancy,” and “unintended pregnancy” resulting in the selection of 36 studies. The PRISMA framework was followed to ensure a systematic approach. Data extraction focused on societal, educational, economic, and health-related challenges as well as …

Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Obesity: How Weight Loss Improves Sleep Apnea Severity And Quality Of Life - An Integrative Review, Hannah Wilson, Neda Akbarshahi

Master's Projects

Introduction: With the growing prevalence of OSA due to the obesity epidemic, there is an urgent need to update treatment regimens. While CPAP continues to be the gold standard of OSA care, challenges with adherence and limited access to effective weight management strategies often impede care. The complex bidirectional relationship between obesity and OSA highlights the importance of addressing weight management in this patient population to help mitigate cardiometabolic risks. Personalized weight loss therapies should be integrated into standard OSA treatment regimens to reduce OSA severity, reduce comorbid conditions, and improve quality of life.

Aim: The objective of this integrative …

Effectiveness Of Massive Open Online Course On Risk Communication Knowledge In Global Health Emergencies Among Nurses, Khin Thandar Aung, Rafiza Abdul Razak, Muhammad Fadli Zulkafely

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have transformed education. The minimal usage of MOOCs in nursing education reveals a lack of continuous healthcare professional development. Although MOOCs are recognized as a viable means of continuing education for healthcare professionals, their application and content specifically tailored to healthcare have remained unexplored. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a dedicated Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) designed to enhance nurses' risk communication knowledge in global health emergencies through testing with a small nurse sample in a pilot trial. This preliminary examination seeks participant feedback and insights. A quasi- experimental research design was …

Optimization Of Long-Acting Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents In Dialysis Patients During Transitions Of Care To A Community Hospital, Ryan Falcon, Erika Dittmar, Radhan Gopalani, Stephanie Palma, Heidi Clarke, Jessica Wine, Leyner Martinez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Many outpatient dialysis centers have transitioned to long-acting erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs). However, upon admission to a hospital, long-acting ESAs are often overlooked during the medication reconciliation process, leading to therapeutic duplications and increased hospital expenditures. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the financial impact of pharmacist prospective review and assessment of outpatient ESAs and appropriate scheduling during a hospital stay. Methods: This was a single-centered, prospective chart review of dialysis patients with initial ESA orders that took place in a non-profit community hospital in South Florida from January to March 2024. The pharmacist reviewed inpatient …

The Effects Of A Healthcare Simulation Escape Room On Clinical Judgment: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jennifer Peltier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: The predominant pedagogy of traditional lecture-based learning should include meaningful active content to foster clinical judgment, engagement, and knowledge retention. Innovative active learning strategies must be tested to understand if they can better facilitate nursing learners’ readiness for practice.

Aims: This research study investigated the impact of a healthcare simulation escape room as an innovative platform on individual and team clinical judgment to determine whether this active learning strategy can benefit nursing learners’ preparedness and increase clinical judgment.

Method: A randomized, double-blinded, waitlist control design was used to examine the effect of a healthcare simulation escape room on clinical …

Implementation Of A Transition-Of-Care Model For Adult Ischemic Stroke Survivors, Megan Akacsos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The lasting physical and cognitive deficits associated with the complexities of newly acquired

disabilities resulting from an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may lead to hospital readmissions. The

participating healthcare facility on the U.S. West Coast reported a hospital readmission rate for

AIS survivors of 24.29% within 30 days of discharge. This doctoral nursing project aimed to

determine if implementing the Comprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services (COMPASS) model

would reduce 30-day readmission rates compared to no standardized transition-of-care model in

adult AIS survivors over 30 days. Implementing the COMPASS model in this patient population

was expected to better educate and support stroke …

The Lived Experience Of Nurses Caring For People Experiencing Homelessness: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study, Debra Guerrini

Theses & Dissertations

Background:

Marginalized patient populations, such as people experiencing homelessness, receive a lower quality of care linked to stereotyping and biases (Alspach, 2018). Populations receiving substandard healthcare are often subconsciously identified by attributes such as age, race, mental health, housing, and social status (Padilla-Moledo et al., 2016). These stigmatized attributes can be the underpinning of bias. The health status of people experiencing homelessness is generally poorer than housed populations, with evidence demonstrating the difficulties they encounter when attempting access to healthcare (Klop et al., 2018).

Purpose:

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and gain a more in-depth understanding …

The Lived Experience Of Older Adults Using Telemedicine Services, Cathy Anne Cahill

Theses & Dissertations

The coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the subsequent pandemic transformed the healthcare delivery system in the U.S. Telemedicine became an essential mode of healthcare, and its usage increased significantly during the public health emergency. Telemedicine improved access to care, especially for vulnerable patient populations and those with chronic medical conditions. There were many other benefits, including convenience, cost savings, and reduced coronavirus transmission. It also reduced the strain on healthcare facilities and overburdened healthcare providers. A qualitative, Heideggerian phenomenological method of inquiry was conducted to understand the experience of the older adult population utilizing telemedicine services. These methods included a description …

Intensive Postpartum Antihypertensive Treatment (Ipat) And Healthy Lifestyle Education: Study Protocol For A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial For Patients With Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy, Anna Palatnik, Nadine Sunji, Zaira Peterson, Jennifer M. Ohlendorf, Amy Y. Pan, Jacquelyn Kulinski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) complicate about 10% of pregnancies and lead to postpartum hospital readmissions and cardiovascular complications. Following HDP, vascular dysfunction could persist and accelerate the trajectory of cardiovascular disease risk. The benefits of intensive blood pressure (BP) control following HDP have not been adequately investigated. Therefore, no standard guidelines exist to guide the management of mild-to-moderate hypertension in the postpartum period, leading to a wide variation in clinical practice. The present study will investigate the effect of intensive BP control and healthy lifestyle education on maternal cardiovascular health (CVH) and vascular function following HDP.

Methods

The …

Student Use Of Electronic Health Records To Inform Decision-Making: A Pilot Study, Sarah Marie Calonder, Aimee A. Woda

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

As health care continues to evolve, the electronic medical record (EHR) has emerged as an important decision-making tool. To ensure that nursing students work toward competency with the EHR, this study sought to gather information regarding how students use the EHR.

Method

Students in a direct-entry, prelicensure program were observed using the EHR during a simulation-based experience (SBE). Focus groups gathered qualitative student perceptions of EHR use.

Results

Minimal use of the EHR during SBE was identified. Students reported using the EHR for information gathering, validating findings, and nursing tasks.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for more robust …

Reflecting On Diagnosis: The Metacognitive Diagnostic Reasoning Model©, Sarah L. Beebe, Angela M. Mcnelis, Majeda El-Banna, Kristina Thomas Dreifuerst

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

Diagnostic reasoning is a complex cognitive process that requires intuitive, heuristic processing from knowledge and experience, as well as deliberate and reflective thinking. Evidence on interventions to improve diagnostic reasoning is inconsistent, in part because different terms and models are used to guide research.

Purpose:

To present a model of the factors of diagnostic reasoning in Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), based on a review of the literature supporting the Metacognitive Diagnostic Reasoning (MDR) Model^©.

Methodology:

A review of the literature through systematic database search, historical articles, texts, and documents was conducted from inception through August 2023 …

The Nursing Human Capital Value Model, Olga Yakusheva, Kathryn A. Lee, Marianne Weiss

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Nursing's economic value is presently framed within the dominant “outcomes-over-cost” value framework. Within this context, organizations employing nurses often use nursing budget reductions as a cost-minimization strategy, with the intent of retaining high quality outcomes. However, persistent issues such as nurse understaffing, burnout, and turnover threaten healthcare systems' capacity to deliver the quality, equitable, affordable patient care that the public requires. In this paper, we propose a new conceptual model and definition of nursing's economic value. The model development is guided by the convergence of three classic economic frameworks: human capital theory, production theory, and value theory. Grounded in these …

Metacognition Across The Curriculum, Amber Young-Brice

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

For nursing students to succeed, they must reflect on their learning, think critically, and develop skills to adequately retrieve pertinent information relevant to patient care (Waryold et al., 2021). We often hear, “Just tell me what I need to know,” and witness students struggling to think deeply, reflect on if they are making the right decisions for the right reasons, and gain self-awareness of what they know and what they do not know. What can we do about this?