Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Accelerated Onboarding For Unlicensed Personnel When Preceptors Are Limited, Britney Winkelman

Nursing Posters

Problem:

The timeframe between hiring unlicensed personnel (UP) to beginning the role within the organization began to increase due to limited orientation resources, rising staff shortages, and insufficient number of preceptors.

Purpose:

Accelerate the onboarding of UPs to decrease the workload for preceptors and reduce staff shortages, while generating competence and reducing costs for the organization.

Clinical Nurse Specialists: A Rare Breed, Teresa Jahn, Evalyn Michira, Elizabeth Plante

Nursing Posters

What is a CNS?:

• A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with graduate level education in nursing.
• CNSs are prepared to provided leadership, consultation, and clinical expertise for patients and their families, nurses, and systems.
• Have the autonomy to diagnose and treat based on advanced clinical assessment like other APRNs (Nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists).
• CNS work in all areas of healthcare like clinics, emergency departments, hospital units, entire healthcare systems, or even as independent practitioners/contractors.

Icu Cauti Incidence Reduction, Michelle Gamble

Nursing Posters

Situation:

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) rates in the adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) increased from nine infections in FY21 to 18 in FY22.

Backgroud:

CAUTIs are the most reported healthcare acquired infection. It is important for healthcare providers to understand the complications and effects of CAUTIs. CAUTIs contribute to extended length of stay, increased healthcare costs, and patient morbidity and mortality.

Most CAUTIs are directly related to inadequate urinary catheter care. Evidence based practice demonstrates a decrease in CAUTIs related to the use of Theraworx^® Protect wipes twice daily (BID) and as needed (PRN) for patients with a …

Pupillometry, Elizabeth Plante, Casey Schmidt

Nursing Posters

Background:

• Measuring pupillary light reflex is a standard part of neurological assessment.
• Changes in pupil reactivity may indicate unfavorable outcomes, such as increased intracranial pressure and brain herniation.
• Physiologic and pharmacologic agents may affect pupil reactivity.
• In some instances, pupillary light reflex is the only piece of neurologic assessment readily testable.

What I Need: Self Care At The Unit Level, Jessica A. Tindal

Nursing Posters

Purpose:

Self-care is individualized and best done when awarded on a small scale.

Goals:

For all employees of the ICU to:

• Feel valued outside of work
• Be recognized for taking care of themselves
• Participate in positive discussions
• Be rewarded for work life balance
• Be reminded of self-care
• Not feel alone with their thoughts
• Pause and reflect
• Help others, spouses, kids, etc.

Future plans include:

• Seasonal questions of things to see, places to explore
• Recipe sharing
• Hobby experts
• Focusing on staffs' interests

Safe Intra-Hospital Transport Of Adult Patients On Non-Critical Care Units, Teresa Jahn, Janelle Maciej, Greta Titus

Nursing Posters

Plan:

Between 2021 and 2022, two non-critical adult patients returning from the imaging department after an invasive procedure developed increased oxygen needs, which ended in death for on patient and a transfer to critical care for the other.

No formal guidelines exist for the intra-hospital transport by unlicensed personnel may be absent. An intra-hospital transport checklist was developed for non-critical care patients leaving the unit for procedures in the imaging department.

Do:

• A "RN Pre-Invasive Procedure Transport Safety Checklist" was created by a telemetry RN (MSN student, Greta Titus) and CNS, Teresa Jahn
• The checklist was designed to answer questions …

Transitions To Normal Saline Only For Cvads, Megan Lehn, Ann Backes

Nursing Posters

Purpose Statement:

The purpose of this project is to implement a practice change throughout the system to remove heparin flushes for Central Venous Access Devices (CVADS) pending a successful pilot on Medical Oncology.

Synthesis of Evidence:

• Shama et al (2019) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis including 886 participants that revealed no clear differences in CVC patency between heparin and NS.
• Klein et al (2018) conducted a pilot study on a 30-patient bone marrow transplant unit, each patient had a new CVC and were divided into two groups. Among 698 catheter-associated events overall incidence of central line issues were similar …

Rural Maternal Care Crisis & Strained Workforce: An Integrative Review Revealing Factors In The Rural Maternal Care Crisis, Taylor F. High Elk

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The United States is comprised of 75% rural areas and settings (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2014). Nearly five million women in the US do not have access to maternity care in the county in which they reside (Uribe-Leitz et al., 2022). Purpose: The purpose of this integrative review is to assess the hospitals that provide maternity care in rural settings, the procedures performed in these locations, and the maternal care workforce in the rural obstetric setting. The goal of this research is to identify why there is a lack of maternity care in the rural setting, and …

1 Parents Experiences In Slovenia During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Petra Klanjsek, Leona Cilar Budler, Jadranka Stricevic, Tara L. Sacco, Barbara Kegl

Nursing Faculty/Staff Publications

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic emerged here in March 2020. The pandemic and lockdowns have been the cause of many parents doing both paid and unpaid work at home. Everyday life was a great challenge. Challenges, insecurities, and changes have caused people anxiety and fear, which has been and will only be reflected in the mental well-being of individuals. We wanted to find out how parents faced their fears, worries, and daily lives during the epidemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to gain insight into parents’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia. Casual parental sampling was used and a …

Pmh Connect, English (Greyscale For Printing), Sara W. Moyer, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

Mental health related symptoms and associated experiences in the perinatal period present challenges, particularly regarding identification and appropriate management. Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) screening occurs in clinical settings on a more regular basis than ever before thanks to validated screening measures used at perinatal visits; however, pregnant and parenting individuals report several concerns when completing these screeners and providers report barriers in addressing resultant findings. To address barriers and enhance the PMH screening experience, this team of clinicians and researchers propose a tool – the PMH Connect: a Perinatal Mental Health Screening Connection, Education, and Decision Aid – to be …

Pmh Connect, EspañOl_Full Color, Sara W. Moyer, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

Mental health related symptoms and associated experiences in the perinatal period present challenges, particularly regarding identification and appropriate management. Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) screening occurs in clinical settings on a more regular basis than ever before thanks to validated screening measures used at perinatal visits; however, pregnant and parenting individuals report several concerns when completing these screeners and providers report barriers in addressing resultant findings. To address barriers and enhance the PMH screening experience, this team of clinicians and researchers propose a tool – the PMH Connect: a Perinatal Mental Health Screening Connection, Education, and Decision Aid – to be …

Pmh Connect, EspañOl_Greyscale For Printing, Sara W. Moyer, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

Mental health related symptoms and associated experiences in the perinatal period present challenges, particularly regarding identification and appropriate management. Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) screening occurs in clinical settings on a more regular basis than ever before thanks to validated screening measures used at perinatal visits; however, pregnant and parenting individuals report several concerns when completing these screeners and providers report barriers in addressing resultant findings. To address barriers and enhance the PMH screening experience, this team of clinicians and researchers propose a tool – the PMH Connect: a Perinatal Mental Health Screening Connection, Education, and Decision Aid – to be …

Pmh Connect, English, Full Color, Sara W. Moyer, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

Mental health related symptoms and associated experiences in the perinatal period present challenges, particularly regarding identification and appropriate management. Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) screening occurs in clinical settings on a more regular basis than ever before thanks to validated screening measures used at perinatal visits; however, pregnant and parenting individuals report several concerns when completing these screeners and providers report barriers in addressing resultant findings. To address barriers and enhance the PMH screening experience, this team of clinicians and researchers propose a tool – the PMH Connect: a Perinatal Mental Health Screening Connection, Education, and Decision Aid – to be …

Implementation Of A Smoking Cessation Program In A Multidisciplinary Clinic, Lori Prewitt Moore, Shannon Harris

DNP Manuscripts

Tobacco use remains the solitary, most preventable cause of death and secondary disease among patients in the United States (US). Health-related smoking costs are in an excess of $300 billion yearly (CDC, 2018). Addressing this global, public health concern is vital in order to attempt to reduce unnecessary smoking-related comorbid conditions and death. This project is important to scholarly nursing practice in order to reduce smoking-related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations, reduce carbon monoxide (CO) levels, and reduce dyspnea on exertion (DOE) among current primary care smokers. The expectations of this project are for the doctoral of nursing practice …

Faith-Based Collaboration To Improve Depression & Self-Compassion In The Elderly: A Dnp Project, Julita Cinguina

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Faith-based organizations are in a position to improve mental health outcomes for the elderly. With the help of the Community Wellness Center at Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) Catholic Church in Wilton, Connecticut, a new action plan was implemented to accomplish this goal. The proposed DNP Project was an evidence-based, multi-factorial intervention to improve self-compassion and reduce risk for depression for the elderly in the community. It consisted of four structured group sessions over a 6-week period with each session lasting 45 minutes. The group meetings offered evidence-based strategies to improve mental health including: (1) purposeful spiritual counseling utilizing …

Implementing A Covid 19 Policy For Telehealth, Ashley M. Morello

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The proposed DNP Project explored the implementation of a COVID-19 telehealth policy to clarify evidence-based practice, promote use of safe medications, and reduce hospitalizations. Providers were recruited from a telehealth organization, educated on current guidelines, and given a pocket card for reference and re-enforcement of training. Data was collected to examine guideline utilization, confidence in treating COVID-19, and efficacy of pocket card. COVID-19 patients also received follow up calls to determine if hospitalization was required post treatment. Chart audits were then completed to review compliance with guidelines. The results indicated both objective and clinical improvement in provider confidence treating COVID-19. …

Addressing Gaps In Respiratory Assessments: A Dnp Project, Kristin Quakenbush

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Respiratory assessments by healthcare workers, particularly counting the respiratory rates, have been found to be inadequate and ineffective. As a result, patient care may be delayed, reimbursement may be inaccurate, and the nurse may risk legal consequences. The purpose of this project was to fully examine the current accuracy of respiratory rate counts and documentation on two identified units within an acute care hospital, offer evidence-based solutions in the accurate count and documentation of respiratory rates, and perform follow-up chart audits to evaluate if application of learning occurred. Baseline audits demonstrated that respiratory rate counts were not even skewed and, …

Improving Asthma Management Behaviors In School Nurses Through Facilitator Training And Supported Implementation, Mary D. Hacker-Taylor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Uncontrolled asthma in middle school age children and adolescents results in increased morbidity and often impairs a student’s ability to participate in school activities. School absenteeism is an unintended consequence which in turn can impact academic success. School nurses can improve student asthma outcomes through effective asthma management behaviors (AMB’s). The purpose of this multi-phase quality improvement DNP project was to improve both knowledge and confidence, and thereby improve AMB’s in Kentucky school nurses. A convenience sample of twelve nurses participated in the project. The American Lung Association’s (ALA) Kickin’ Asthma training was extended to all Kentucky school nurses who …

Intimate Partner Violence Screening In The Veteran Affairs' Ambulatory Care Clinics: A Quality Improvement Project, Stephanie Ralston

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Intimate Partner Violence is a type of Domestic Violence (DV), referring to physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual violence, or stalking between current or former intimate partners. Veterans may be at higher risk than those identified in the civilian population. The rate of IPV across military populations ranges from 13.5% to 58% with rates among female Veterans ranging from 29% to 74% (Veterans Affairs, 2023). This project's purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of an awareness campaign on IPV screening and referral rates in a federal healthcare facility. Results from this DNP project indicate that ongoing training and education are vital …

Mock Drills To Improve Inpatient Stemi Performance And Self-Confidence, Samantha Miniard

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

STEMI care can be challenging for med-surg telemetry nurses to recognize among inpatients because it is a high-risk low volume population. Frequently these patients’ present with atypical acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and not the classic chest pain seen when someone calls 911. However, the same treatment and care out-of-the hospital patients receive when calling 911 should be the same gold standard for in-hospital patients. More studies have been conducted to perfect the out-of-hospital STEMI care versus the in-hospital STEMI care. Mock drills can help improve knowledge, self-confidence, and performance with inpatient STEMI care. This DNP project was an evidenced-based quality …

Impact Of Accessible Training For Providers On Continuous Glucose Monitoring Utilization, Shana Cunningham

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) use can improve blood glucose control, reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, and assist healthcare providers with medical management of diabetes mellitus. CGM therapy for patients with diabetes may not be fully utilized because of a provider's lack of knowledge or confidence in using the technology. The DNP project aimed to increase the utilization of continuous glucose monitors by providing accessible training with ongoing implementation support for providers through electronic learning. The goal was to increase CGM implementation and ultimately improve outcomes for a person with diabetes. The intervention included recorded modules, live interactive session, resources, handouts, …

Application Of Preceptorship Bundle To Enhance New Graduate Rn Success, Joann R. Nardoni

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

New graduate Registered Nurses (RN) are experiencing a difficult transition to practice. In turn it causes increased stress and job dissatisfaction. The quality improvement project focused on a bundled intervention to bridge this gap. It involved a preceptorship enhancement bundle to improve training with an emphasis on intentional pairing of preceptor/preceptee and use of the One-Minute Preceptor Model. People of like temperament were paired using the Ntrinsx personality profile to enhance the learning relationship. The One-Minute Preceptor Model was used to train preceptors how to engage critical thinking and clinical reasoning in the new RN. The actions of intentionally pairing …

Improving Self-Management Of Diabetes With Culturally Sensitive Interventions, Janet O. Makori

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Adult Latino patients with diabetes may require education and skills that are culturally appropriate to achieve optimum results. The purpose of this DNP project was to improve diabetes self-management among Latino and other at-risk adults. The project used an intervention bundle to streamline screening, education, and improve patients’ self- confidence. Adult patients were screened during triage to obtain vital signs and blood glucose levels per the routine at the clinic and via phone to discuss management of diabetes. Implementation of the project included provision of culturally sensitive diabetes education material, culturally sensitive “traffic light” food guide in English and …

Implementation Of A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Transition To Practice Survival Kit Series: A Dnp Project, Dera Harvey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

It is imperative that new graduate PMHNPs successfully traverse the gap from student to prescriber of care to meet these needs. Currently, a transition to practice gap exists for PMHNPs who are often left alone to navigate the beginnings of their new career. Additionally, the transition has not been analyzed extensively in literature (Barnes, 2015). The purpose of this DNP project is to implement a transition to practice survival kit series. The proposed DNP project is a mixed methods design focused on program evaluation. The project will assess the effect of a 6-session transition to practice survival kit series on …

Therapeutic/Expressive Writing And Resilience Promotion For Nurses To Reduce Burnout Syndrome, William D. Wagner Mr.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

COVID-19 accelerated the rate in which nurses were unable to maintain resilience and reduce burnout. This evidence-based DNP project obtained data from a therapeutic/expressive writing intervention and group resilience discussion with Women’s Care Center (WCC) nurses to improve resilience acuity and reduce symptoms associated with burnout syndrome. A review of previous studies indicated therapeutic/expressive writing and group resilience discussions have been beneficial in improving resilience and reducing burnout. A demographic and two preintervention surveys were completed by WCC nurses in the hospital relaxation room or skills lab. The Connor-Davidson RISC-25© was used to determine resilience scores for morning and evening …

Improving Self-Management Of Diabetes With Culturally Sensitive Interventions, Janet O. Makori

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Adult Latino patients with diabetes may require education and skills that are culturally appropriate to achieve optimum results. The purpose of this DNP project was to improve diabetes self-management among Latino and other at-risk adults. The project used an intervention bundle to streamline screening, education, and improve patients’ self- confidence. Adult patients were screened during triage to obtain vital signs and blood glucose levels per the routine at the clinic and via phone to discuss management of diabetes. Implementation of the project included provision of culturally sensitive diabetes education material, culturally sensitive “traffic light” food guide in English and …

Improving Early Utilization Of Palliative Care Services To Impact Quality Of Life, April Mcdonald

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Despite studies indicating the benefits of palliative care, many barriers remain that prevent individuals from accessing this specialty service. Palliative care needs improved utilization. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve the utilization of palliative services and increase general knowledge and confidence among nursing staff within one nursing home facility. In the intervention bundle, training was provided on the use of a Palliative Referral Flowchart and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) along with evidence-based materials made available to residents and families. Data was collected pre and post intervention. Knowledge was improved by 26 %. Confidence was improved …

Improving Hepatitis C Virus Screening Through Bundle Interventions, Jennifer West

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Hepatitis C (HCV) is estimated to impact 57,500 people in the US and is a leading infectious disease worldwide. The purpose of this DNP Project is to increase provider confidence in screening, early detection rates and ultimately timely treatment for patients at risk for HCV served within a rural Federal Qualified Health center (FQHC).

Interventions for this project included bundle steps consisting of provider and staff training of Hepatitis C guidelines for screening, use of an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) HCV flowsheet and lab template, revision of preventative health form, and self-efficacy survey to evaluate provider and nursing confidence …

Examining The Impact Of De-Escalation Training Among Emergency Department Nurses, Jonathan Recchi, Jeffrey N. Doucette, Janice E. Hawkins

College of Health Sciences Posters

Workplace violence is a growing concern for US nurses, especially in the context of COVID-19 and patient incivility. De-escalation training can help mitigate high-risk incidents, but its psychological benefits are not well understood. This study aimed to determine if de-escalation training for emergency department nurses provided psychological benefit. This pre-experimental pre-test, post-test study evaluated nurse confidence in coping with patient aggression, caregiver resiliency, professional quality of life, and intention to stay with the organization. Participants completed a pretest survey, attended a two-hour verbal de-escalation training via zoom, and then completed the posttest survey. The study showed that attending the two-hour …

Access To And Utilization Of Primary Care: A Synthesis, Klaire M. Johnson

Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Barriers to access and utilization of primary care affect nearly 9% of the nation’s population (USDHHS, n.d.a). These barriers are important to evaluate for members of the aging population due to increased need for health care as a result of chronic conditions and falls. Research indicates that access for the aging population is affected by a variety of factors, including: transportation, non-financial barriers, and internal factors. Issues surrounding current delivery of care, such as a workforce shortage of primary care physicians, have compounded the problem even further. While this issue has begun to be addressed through the Affordable Care Act, …