Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Reimagining Pediatric Care: The Future Of Telehealth, Mike Smith, Morgan Waller

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

Telehealth has transformed the way families access pediatric care, offering convenience without compromising quality. In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Waller, Director of Telemedicine at Children’s Mercy, to explore the latest advancements in pediatric telehealth. From innovative technologies to strategies for improving access in rural communities, we discuss how virtual care is shaping the future of pediatrics and what it means for families and providers alike.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

How Instructor Engagement Shapes Nursing Students’ Perceptions And Specialty Preference, Marissa M. Sigel

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: As nursing students approach graduation, choosing a specialty becomes a key decision. Although clinical rotations offer exposure to different practice areas, the role of the clinical instructor is equally influential. Instructor engagement extends beyond teaching skills and may shape how students perceive clinical environments. Objective: This study examines how clinical instructor engagement influences senior nursing students’ specialty preferences. Method: A longitudinal cohort design will be used with pre-licensure BSN students at a small private university in Northern California. Students will complete the same survey twice during their program, and paired t-tests will be used to assess changes in specialty …

Social Media/Cyberbullying Correlation To Adolescent Eating Disorders, Nicoli A. Panelo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Social media is very prevalent in today’s society, particularly in adolescents. This time period is crucial for this age group in terms of developing a sense of purpose and identity. Although social media may keep many of our children entertained, they also can create negative impacts on them and ultimately hinder their overall development both mentally and physically through negative body image and unrealistic self-expectations. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find the correlation between social media use and the rise of eating disorders in adolescents. Doing so would allow us to find ways to lower the …

Pacific Rxtracts - December 2025, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

Articles:

• FDA Approves Nerandomilast: A New Era in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment
• Brand New Approach to Addressing the Unmet Need of Cholestatic Pruritus
• Prep for Success with Lactulose
• Caution with Reported Allergies: Increased Risk of Surgical Site Infection with Non-β-Lactam Antibiotics
• Eltrombopag Redefines Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Pediatric ITP Combination for Extensive-Stage Small Cell
• Advancing Treatment for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Trastuzumab Deruxtecan plus Pertuzumab
• Comparison in Efficacy of Abiraterone and Enzalutamide in US Veterans with mHSPC
• Revumenib: A First-in-Class Menin Inhibitor for Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia
• Ziftomenib: A Menin Inhibitor Redefining Precision Therapy in NPM1-Mutated AML
• The Future …

Reducing Opioid Overdose Harm Through Narcan Access And Education, Shane Alexander Role Alihan, Jared Timothy Chua, Siwapond (Taylor) Yuen, Matthew Reynon

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

Background: The overuse of opioids has led to an epidemic that affects the health of young adults in Sacramento, CA. Social and economic factors have influenced the use of opioids which has led those individuals to acquire an addiction and dependency to such drugs. This age group is typically engaged in college and career-minded endeavors. Thus, the impact on this age group is substantial, requiring impactful interventions.

Aim: The purpose of this intervention is to provide a foundation for educating those affected by opioid overdose. This strategic goal is to equip students at the University of the Pacific’s Entry-Level …

Enhancing Alzheimer's Care: Impact Of Staff Education On Behavioral Outcomes, Laura Caton Rn

Nurse Residency

Would additional staff training and education in Alzheimer’s patient interactions compared to minimal/or no staff training and education in Alzheimer’s patient interactions lead to reduced behavioral events in bedside nursing?

Positioning The Surgical Patient, Jennifer Condon Rn, Bsn

Nurse Residency

For patients undergoing surgery does implementation of AORN standard for safe positioning practice compared toa non-standardized approach improve surgical outcomes?

The Artful Aging Project, Maria Carmelita Fernandez, Sah'neya Fryer, Kathleen Morris, Maya Price

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

As the older adult population in Sacramento County continues to expand, addressing age-related declines in fine motor function, cognition, and social well-being has become increasingly critical. Such declines can compromise activities of daily living, reduce independence, and exacerbate risks associated with social isolation. Evidence suggests that art-based interventions may mitigate these effects by enhancing motor coordination, promoting social engagement, and stimulating cognitive processes. The Artful Aging Project was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured art activities in improving fine motor skills and social wellness among older adults served by the Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center (SSNC). Grounded in community-based participatory …

Addressing Nursing Student Burnout Through Mindfulness And Zen Den At University Of The Pacific, Jeremy Seaton, Tanairi Ingram, Natalia Zelayandia

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

Background:

Burnout among nursing students is a critical issue that negatively impacts academic performance, mental well-being, and long-term professional retention. Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing students at University of the Pacific experience heightened stress due to rigorous coursework, clinical demands, and underdeveloped institutional mental health support.

Aim:

This Quality Improvement project aimed to reduce stress and strengthen emotional resilience among nursing students through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction education and the creation of a peer-supported wellness space, the “Zen Den.”

Methods:

A pre- and post-intervention design was implemented, utilizing surveys to measure mindfulness knowledge, attitudes toward self-care, and stress awareness. Zen …

Enhancing Pediatric Sun Safety: A Parent-Focused Intervention In El Dorado County, Ashley Riley, Calvin Nauer, Alaina Godwin

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

Background:

Childhood ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the most significant modifiable risk factor for skin cancer, yet proper sun protection remains inconsistently practiced by parents. In El Dorado County, California, where high altitude and intense sun exposure amplify UV risk, knowledge gaps and misinformation persist despite resource availability. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to strengthen parental knowledge, confidence, and modeling of sun-safe behaviors for their children through an evidence-based community education program.

Aim:
The goal of this QI initiative was to improve parental attitudes, self-efficacy, and photoprotective behaviors by implementing a three-part, nursing-led educational intervention focused on UV risk awareness, …

Bridging The Language Gap: The Impact Of In-Person Versus Remote Interpreter Services On Medication Adherence And Patient Safety In Adult Spanish-Speaking Patients, Ashley E. Alarcon Martinez, Jocelyn N. Lopez Maradiaga

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Significant health inequities are caused by language barriers between patients and health care staff, resulting in miscommunication among adult Hispanic patients with low English proficiency, reducing medication adherence, impairing patient safety, and raising the possibility of medical errors. To address this issue, interpreter services, both in-person and remote translation, have been introduced in healthcare settings to enhance communication. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in patient safety and medication adherence between in-person and remote translation services for adult Hispanic individuals with limited English proficiency in healthcare settings. Methods: The proposed research involves five local …

Prevention Of Burnout Among Critical Care Nurses, Jenelle Balaoing, Junela Bautista

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Nursing burnout is a state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by excessive stress among nurses. Critical care nurses face challenges with direct patient care that contribute to emotional and psychological strain that are greatly influenced by workplace adversity and emotional management. Purpose: This research examines the prevalence of burnout among pediatric and adult intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, highlighting particularly high rates of burnout among those with extended years of service. Method: ICU nurses will participate in a qualitative interview that involves open ended questions relevant among burnout and resilience during shifts. Aspects specifically years of critical experience …

Proceedings Of The 25th International Symposium On Adapted Physical Activity, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

This volume presents the Proceedings of the 25th International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA 2025), hosted by Munster Technological University under the Patronage of UNESCO. It is intended as a permanent scholarly record of the symposium, its themes, and its contributions across research, practice, policy, culture, and inclusion in line with CoARA principles.

Empowerment Through Creating An Adaptive Sports And Recreation Program For Persons With Disabilities, Sarah Kadri, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adaptive sports and recreation (ASR) refers to recreational and competitive physical activities modified to be inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities (PWD), adjusting equipment, rules, instruction, and environmental setup to support participation across a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. PWD often report feeling disempowered due to social stigma, inaccessible environments, and limited opportunities to make meaningful choices about leisure and community life. A lack of diverse and consistent ASR opportunities within communities collectively hinders participation and negatively impacts overall well-being. Utilizing the Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) theoretical framework, this capstone project developed a 10-week swimming …

Llu Dentistry 2025 Winter Edition, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

In this issue:

4 | Dean's Message
5 | Transforming the Future of Dental Education: The Strategic Vision and Growth Plan
8 | Honoring a Legacy of Excellence: Celebrating Leif K. Bakland, DDS
12 | Transitions
14 | Welcome New Faculty
16 | Celebrating Excellence in Dentistry: 2025 ICD USA Section Annual Meeting & Convocation
18 | LLUSD faculty publish study on Dental Unit Waterline treatment in the Journal of the American Dental Association
21 | Celebrating 15 Years of PNAM Treatment at LLUSD
23 | A Journey of Healing: Shirely's Transformation
24 | Exploring Future Careers in STEM: The …

Hygiene Heroes: Strengthening Oral Hygiene To Reduce Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections In Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients, Sidney Clymer-Engelhart, Kirstie Shulman

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

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) impact pediatric patient outcomes, increasing mortality, hospital stays, and healthcare costs. At Sutter Medical Center Sacramento (SMCS), the CLABSI prevention bundle includes proper line care, dressing assessments, and hygiene practices, including twice-daily oral care, daily linen changes, and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing. Sutter found their CLABSI bundle compliance at approximately 76–78%, with oral hygiene identified as the most frequent gap in care.

Aim: This quality improvement project, partnered with SMCS, targeted oral care compliance to enhance overall bundle adherence, strengthen staff-leadership communication, and ultimately reduce CLABSI rates in the hematology/oncology units. In a wider …

Fall Prevention In The Lobby Of The Emergency Department At Sutter Medical Center Sacramento, Tanya Rodriguez Duarte, Vaneza Espino, Roshni Hayer, Yajari Mendoza

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

Background: In 2024, Sutter Medical Center Sacramento (SMCS) reported 17 patient falls in the Emergency Department (ED) lobby, with 94% (n = 16) occurring in the triage area. Patients awaiting placement after triage are not classified as admitted and thus are not included in CMS’s inpatient fall reporting program. However, due to the known safety risk, SMCS ED leadership began tracking lobby falls locally and partnered with University of the Pacific nursing students to address this issue.. Aim: This quality improvement project aimed to reduce the incidence of falls in the ED lobby through enhanced fall risk identification, timely reassessment, …

The Kangaroo Care Project: Implementation Of Skin-To-Skin (Sts) In Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bianca Wong, Katherine Do, Martha Calero, Lydia Nambala

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

Background: Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care or kangaroo mother care, is an intervention typically done after birth to promote physiologic stability, bonding, and breastfeeding.

Aim: The Kangaroo Care project aimed to increase the incidence of skin-to-skin contact in the neonatal intensive care unit at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento.

Methods: A pre-survey was conducted to assess staff comfort with skin to skin. Interventions to increase skin-to-skin rates included staff e-learning, unplanned extubation mock codes, nurse champions, and a policy change to Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento’s handbook.

Results: TBD. Preliminary results indicated use of STS in the NICU and post-results …

Staying Ahead Of The Pressure: A Multimodal Intensive Care Unit Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury Quality Improvement Project At Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, Mijung Lim, Daniela Tobler, Raquel Youkhana

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

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a major quality and safety concern, particularly in the intensive care units (ICUs) where critically ill and immobile patients face elevated risk. At Sutter Medical Center Sacramento (SMCS), nine confirmed HAPIs and two under investigation were reported within the medical ICU, cardiac ICU, and neurosurgical ICU by May 2025, exceeding the hospital’s target and prompting a system-wide quality improvement initiative.

Aim: The aim of this project was to: (a) reduce ICU-acquired HAPIs to fewer than four cases per quarter by December 2025 and (b) increase nursing compliance with early and ongoing prevention strategies, including …

Improving Maternal Mental Health Awareness And Support In Perinatal Black And Latina Women, Jasman Hans, Lesly Carrillo, Kayla Huynh, Brianna Harrison

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

Background: Black and Latina women in California experience disproportionately high rates of perinatal mental health disorders due to limited access to care, stigma, and systemic inequities.

Aim: In collaboration with BeMomAware, this Quality Improvement project aimed to enhance maternal mental health literacy among Black and Latino individuals in the Oak Park community of Sacramento. The project sought to increase awareness, knowledge, and access to culturally appropriate mental health resources through an educational video and community session.

Methods: Interventions included a short educational video and an in-person community session providing culturally relevant information about perinatal depression and anxiety disorders, available resources, …

December 2025, Swosu Bulldog Wellness Committee

SWOSU BULLDOG WELLNESS

• SWOSU Wellness 5k
• Employee Massages 12/4 & 12/5
• Flu Season
• Winter Crossword

Intouch Week Of November 24, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Marks 150 Year Academic Affiliation with NYC Health+Hospitals/Metropolitan with Celebration Symposium
• BioInc@NYMC Welcomes Dair Capture
• SOM Class of 2029 Comes Together for Friendsgiving Celebration
• NYMC and TU Hosted Webinar Series: “Ninety Minutes: The Medical Magazine of the Web”
• Third Volume of Medical Halachah Annual Links Halachah and Modern Medical Ethics
• Feature Your Artwork on the Chironian Back Cover
• TCDM Students Volunteer at Pop-Up Dental Clinic
• Free Ground Shipping on Merch
• In The Community: Students Lead Community Health Fair Offering Wide-Ranging Health Resources
• Student Spotlight: From Medical Student to Ironman

Advancing Cardiorespiratory Care In The Heart Center: Development Of A Specialized Cardiac Curriculum For Respiratory Therapists, Alexandra Birely, Andrea Torzone, Jill Kleiber, Elysia Harshman, Melinda Cory

2025

INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

Background: As innovations advance the outcomes and survival of pediatric patients with heart disease, an evolving patient population is increasing the complexity of inpatient heart care. The Heart Center at Children’s Health Dallas has seen a twofold increase in ventilator dependent tracheostomy patients since 2022, illustrating just one example of the shifting acuity profile of patients being cared for on the Acute Care Cardiology Unit (ACCU). Providing safe and high-quality care within a pediatric Heart Center requires enhanced resources and expertise across the entire multidisciplinary team. The need for increased respiratory therapy support was identified on …

Advancing Health Equity Through Comprehensive Haircare Training To Reduce Pediatric Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries, Afra Evans, Adrienne Johnson, Adrienne Davis

2025

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Background: Increased awareness of health equity and a rise in hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) to the scalp and head—particularly among pediatric patients with textured hair—prompted a comprehensive initiative at a pediatric healthcare organization. Environmental scanning revealed that while new haircare products had been introduced into clinical areas, staff lacked the training and resources to use them effectively. A current-state analysis survey of 133 staff members (86% clinical) revealed significant gaps: 69% had never received training in diverse haircare, 51% did not feel equipped to provide appropriate care, and 36% felt nervous or intimidated when caring for hair …

Elevating Nursing Leadership: How Nurse Managers Empower Unit Practice Councils, Katie Fields

2025

EBP

Literature Review: Utilizing OVID and databases CINAHL and PubMed, a comprehensive review of 22 articles, including integrative reviews and qualitative studies, was conducted to examine leadership behaviors that support NPG and UPCs. Across the literature, empowerment, accountability, and presence are consistently highlighted as essential leadership behaviors for effective shared governance that strengthens engagement and professional growth. Clavelle and Tarasenko (2024) emphasized accountability as critical to advancing NPG, while Rollins et al. (2024) underscored the importance of adaptable leadership styles to meet the evolving needs of frontline nurses and practice councils.

PICO: What are the best practices and leadership behaviors …

From Competence To Confidence: Fostering A Culture Of Certification In Nursing, Derhonda Dossett, Sunni Fleming, Amanda Grantham, Johanna Muller

2025

INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

Background: Nursing certifications help promote excellence in nursing and support the professional identity of nurses. In an urban academic pediatric hospital system, nursing leaders were tasked with increasing professional nursing certification rates within their departments. One team has excelled in increasing their professional certification rate. The team went from 8 to 35 certified nurses which was a 33.75% increase from July 2022 to July 2025. This has elevated the confidence and knowledge base of the nurses and leaders in the Variable Staffing department. Objectives included increasing knowledge and awareness of professional certification, providing resources available to …

Planting Seeds Of Success: Cultivating Cpen Certification In Pediatric Emergency Nursing, Shelby Flusche, Johanna Muller

2025

INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

Background: Children’s Health Plano campus has faced challenges in supporting nurses preparing for the Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) exam, with limited resources available for study and preparation. To encourage certification, a certification champion was identified to provide leadership and guidance. However, it soon became evident that additional support was needed, as many nurses were unsure how to obtain a test voucher and reported low confidence levels regarding exam success. In fact, 75% of nurses initially rated themselves as neutral to not confident in their ability to pass the CPEN exam, highlighting a significant gap in …

We Float So You Don’T Sink: Implementation Of Float Nurse Support Role, Amanda Anderson, Caroline Kelley, Mary Moore, Carlie Phillips, Krista Westbrook

2025

INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

Background: Critical care float pool nurses possess broad clinical expertise and flexibility to support a wide range of patient care areas across the organization. Their familiarity with multiple units, patient populations, and

established relationships with provider teams helps them to facilitate timely and effective clinical support. Acute care staff regard critical care nurses’ judgment with high respect, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and trust. Because of a rising patient acuity and census, there is risk for failures in escalation of care, with 16% of serious pediatric adverse events linked to delays is escalation (Sosa et al., 2022). Critical …

A Quality Attack On Hacs, Chasity Tyree-Lee, Krystan Smith, William Gaines, Samantha Frederick, Kendel Richards

2025

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Background: Hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) pose a dual challenge to pediatric organizations, compromising patient safety while creating substantial financial burdens, with a single central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) costing an estimated $48,108 and delaying discharge (Forrester, 2022; Li, 2024). While prior studies have focused on reducing individual HACs through standardized rounding, our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) adopted a broader, integrated approach.

Methodology: In 2022, we launched a nursing-led initiative to reduce multiple HACs—catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), CLABSI, hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI), and peripheral intravenous catheter infiltration and extravasations (PIVIE)—simultaneously. The program empowered Quality Champions (QCs), …

Precision In Practice: Subject Matter Expert Integration To Support Excellence In Population-Specific Documentation, Sara Pump, Lauren Spain, Virginia Kasenic, Meagan Talent, Alivia Stewart, Carrin Shaw, Chad Gautreaux, Dori Cousin, Ronesea Allen, Jonathan Rowe

2025

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Background: An initial internal pilot audit of patient charts, performed by the Plano psych RN team within the Emergency department in November 2024 revealed significant gaps in documentation compliance for behavioral health patients. Many areas of required charting were found to be incomplete, partially completed, or inconsistently documented across disparate sections of the electronic medical record. This fragmentation not only impedes the ability to efficiently locate critical information but also fails to meet the documentation standards outlined in Children’s Health organizational policies. These deficiencies pose risks to continuity of care, clinical decision-making, regulatory compliance, patient and staff …