Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Staff Education On Understanding Nurse Burnout, Kathlyn Tracy Mcglynn

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was a staff education program on nurse burnout, which remains a pressing issue in healthcare. Burnout is marked by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal achievement. Addressing burnout within the nursing profession is important because burnout leads to job dissatisfaction, absenteeism, and turnover. The project was guided by two practice-focused questions: Will there be a change in knowledge from pre- to posttest after participating in an educational program on nurse burnout? Will the objectives of the educational program be met relative to the curriculum presented? Therefore, the purpose of …

Experiences Of Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses On Their Transition To Novice Faculty Members, Theresa Jade Lombardo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The shortage of qualified nursing faculty in Canada threatens the ability to educate sufficient numbers of nurses to meet healthcare demands. Despite this, limited research explores how baccalaureate-prepared nurses experience the transition into nursing faculty roles. The purpose of this qualitative study, guided by Schoening’s nurse educator transition model, was to explore the experiences of baccalaureate prepared nurses on the transition to novice nurse faculty members teaching in 2-year diploma prepared nursing programs in Northwestern Ontario. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with baccalaureate-prepared novice nursing faculty members, analyzed, and transcribed using Zoom. Data were coded and analyzed using Saldana’s first …

Incivility Experienced By Males In Nursing Education, Christopher S. Hale

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background: Nursing shortages are exacerbated by unhealthy learning environments. Men remain underrepresented among nursing students and faculty, yet their experiences of incivility are rarely examined.

Purpose: Guided by Clark’s Model of Civility in Nursing Education, this dissertation explored how male nursing students and educators in U.S. prelicensure programs experience incivility and how these patterns inform strategies to promote civility and retention.

Methods: This compendium includes (a) an integrative review of nursing faculty mistreatment using Whittemore and Knafl’s method; (b) a cross-sectional survey of male nursing educators and students using the Incivility in Nursing Education–Revised (INE-R) to estimate the prevalence and …

Staff Education On The Timeliness Of Administration Of Insulin For The Hospitalized Diabetic Patient, Precious C. Abidoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this DNP project was the necessity for a nursing staff education program (SEP) focused on the prompt administration of insulin and order management as well as the evaluation of the hospital policy regarding diabetes mellitus in nonpregnant adult patients concerning hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia. Timely administration of insulin in the hospital is essential to maintain blood glucose levels within a permissible range, which greatly reduces the chances of encountering complications related to diabetes. The project questions were: Will there be an alteration in the nursing team members’ understanding of the promptness of insulin administration and the associated policy from …

Band-Aids And Backroads: Surviving Rural Healthcare In South-Central Mississippi, Cambry L. Craft

Honors Theses

Health is more than the absence of disease—it is the product of opportunity, trust, and access. Yet for millions living in rural areas of the United States, equitable healthcare remains out of reach. This thesis seeks to amplify the voices of rural residents in Mississippi and uncover how their experiences, beliefs, and cultural values shape their perception of their local hospital and the care that is provided there. This qualitative research study examines the experiences and opinions of a rural community in south-central Mississippi regarding their local hospital, as well as their perceptions of the most effective approach to prevent …

Understanding The Lived Experience Of Mental Health Following An Alpha-Gal Syndrome Diagnosis: A Phenomenological Study Grounded In Maslow’S Hierarchy Of Needs, Heather L. Hargis

Dissertations

Alpha-gal syndrome is a tick-borne food allergy that triggers delayed allergic reactions to mammalian products and profoundly alters daily life. While growing research examines the physiological aspects of alpha-gal syndrome, little is known about its psychological impact. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of individuals with alpha-gal syndrome to understand how the condition influences mental health through the lens of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Data was collected through semi-structured virtual interviews with adults medically diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome. Thematic analysis revealed significant challenges in meeting Maslow’s lower-tier needs—physiological, safety, and love/belonging—due to dietary restrictions, medical uncertainty, social isolation, and …

Impact Of Video Laryngoscopy On Pediatric And Neonatal Transport Intubation Success, Brooke A. Shahriary

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: Airway management is the primary intervention for halting clinical decompensation in pediatric and neonatal patients. In cases where patients require invasive support, endotracheal intubation (ETI) is the preferred method of airway securement. Unfortunately, ETI is a challenging skill to develop, especially when caring for children and infants, resulting in increased rates of failed ETI attempts which can result in worse outcomes. ETI success rates in the population of interest have fallen in recent years, nationally and among the clinicians in this project. The institution established a goal for first pass success (FPS) and video laryngoscope (VL) was introduced …

Communication, Education, And Trust: Exploring Client Compliance, Treatment Plan Adherence, And Perceived Patient Outcomes In Veterinary Medicine, Isabella J. Eads

Honors College Theses

Unlike human physicians, veterinarians are unable to directly communicate with their patients and must utilize client-veterinarian interactions to achieve the desired level of patient care. Communication, client education, and trust have been previously identified as important aspects of veterinary clinical interaction, and this study aimed to assess how these variables influence client compliance, treatment plan adherence, and perceived patient outcomes in veterinary medicine. This study utilized an electronic survey to collect data from 68 participants in regard to research questions centered around client-veterinarian interactions and how they play a role in client perception and overall patient care. Screening questions and …

Reducing Missed Appointments In Mental Health Outpatient Care Using Sms Reminders, James Avoseh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Missed appointments remain a serious problem in mental health outpatient clinics. They break the flow of treatment, waste staff time, and worsen outcomes for patients. In this setting, the practice problem is the lack of an evidence-based system for reminding patients about their visits. This doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project focused on developing and evaluating a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for automated text message (SMS) appointment reminders. The guiding question asked: Can a CPG using SMS reminders help reduce missed appointments in a mental health outpatient setting? A thorough review of CINAHL and PubMed found strong support for this …

Staff Education Workshop Focusing On Enhancing Nurse Knowledge And Adherence To The Time (Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture, Edge) Framework To Improve The Quality Of Wound Assessment And Care, Ijeoma G. Onyejiji

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This staff educational project focused on implementing training on the tissue, infection/inflammation, moisture, edge (TIME) framework to address gaps in nurses’ knowledge and improve adherence to the TIME framework during wound assessment. Current evidence shows inconsistent use of standardized wound assessment among nurses, which can lead to inappropriate treatment, delayed wound healing, increased infection risk, and higher healthcare utilization. This project’s question sought to assess whether implementing a staff education workshop focusing on the TIME framework would enhance nurse knowledge and adherence to the TIME framework. Six nurses participated in the training. Pre/post questionnaires were used to evaluate knowledge before …

Food Insecurity, Educational Attainment, And Type 2 Diabetes In African Americans In Rural Southern Us, Dana Elaine Lowe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Rural African Americans experience a higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes compared to their White counterparts, yet little research has explored the roles of food insecurity and educational attainment in this disparity. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine whether food insecurity and educational attainment were associated with the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among African Americans aged 18 to 65 years in rural Southern United States, using the World Health Organization’s social determinants of health framework. Data from the 2019-2022 IPUMS National Health Interview Survey (N=793) were analyzed both descriptively and using multiple logistic regression …

Implementation And Assessment Of The Openbci Platform As An Accessible Brain- Computer Interface, Jewell Norris

Honors Theses

OpenBCI is a low-cost, open-source platform for alternative brain-computer interface (BCI) software and hardware. This thesis evaluates OpenBCI’s electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) capabilities by constructing and testing a 16-channel EEG system using the Ultracortex Mark IV headset and Cyton + Daisy biosensing board. The viability of the system was assessed through real-time BCI control and comparison to a clinical-grade EEG system. Real-time BCI control of an online falling-block game was tested via the use of eye blinks EMG (channels Fp1/Fp2) and head-tilt accelerometer inputs. The BCI game demonstrated reliable control despite minor latency and artifact sensitivity. For clinical comparison, …

Nursing Students As Advocates: Addressing Social Determinants Of Health Through Service-Learning, Rebekah Mullins

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Advocacy is at the heart of nursing practice, and advocating for the social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial when providing care to patients from vulnerable populations. Service-learning is a strategy that can be used to teach students advocacy skills. Chapter 2 of this dissertation portfolio presents a concept analysis that explores the definition of advocacy using the Walker and Avant method (2019). The concept analysis informed the development of the case study presented in Chapter 3 and the research study presented in Chapter 4. The portfolio includes original, qualitative research that was guided by the interpretive descriptive method. The …

Staff Education To Reduce The Incidence Of Central Line Infections In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Khldon Hassan Al-Omari

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project aimed to reduce the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) by educating clinical staff on the importance of hand hygiene and bundle compliance. Despite established guidelines, CLABSI remains a significant issue in healthcare, particularly in PICUs, where patients are at higher risk for infections. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: How does staff education on hand hygiene and CLABSI bundle compliance impact the prevention of CLABSI in the PICU? Twenty-five PICU nurses participated in the educational sessions. Analytical strategies included pretests and …

Reduce Readmission Among Patients Within 60 Days Of Discharge In A Behavioral Health Unit, Iretioluwa Emmanuella Adeniran-Adetoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project focused on a staff education initiative to reduce 60-day readmission rates in a behavioral health unit within a hospital. The project was staff focused, emphasizing the provision of training to the nursing staff to effectively design the discharge planning of patients by actively involving them in the discharge plans. The purpose was to provide nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to strengthen discharge planning and directly influence patient outcomes. Addressing the practice problem was an urgent need because patients in the behavioral health unit were at increased risk of readmission. The main factors …

Incorporating Behavioral Health Strategies In Primary Care To Improve Outcomes Of Depressed Patients, Amy L. Brummett

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Depression, otherwise known as major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, changes to weight (both gain and loss), difficulty concentrating, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts, and/or attempts (Mayo Clinic, 2022). An estimated 8.3% or 21.0 million adults in the United States have experienced at least one episode of depression. Primary care clinicians are often the first to recognize the symptoms of depression. Depression was very prevalent in the clinic where this DNP Scholarly project took place. The owner/nurse practitioner found that she was increasingly treating depressed …

Vitamin D Deficiency And Cardiovascular Health Disparities In High-Melanin Populations: A Scoping Review, Jalen K. Luter, Silver R. Kaylor, Michael S. Boyer

Doctoral Projects

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality and disproportionately affect individuals with darker skin tones, partly due to vitamin D deficiency (Sabzmakan et al., 2014). This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project uses a scoping review methodology to examine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular outcomes, with an emphasis on high-melanin populations. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Framework, the review synthesizes existing evidence, identifies gaps in representation and biomarker use, and highlights social and biological contributors to disparity. Databases including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched, and studies were screened using standardized inclusion criteria: …

The Impact Of Peer Mentorship In Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia Programs: A Scoping Review, Karoline Gasque, Kelly Mcreynolds, Shelia Crump

Doctoral Projects

Abstract
Problem statement: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) programs are known for
their rigorous curriculum, which predisposes Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) to
challenges such as mental health issues, stress, and isolation.
Purpose: Review the literature and assess gaps in the literature to determine if peer mentorship
programs benefit SRNAs’ well-being, promote support, reduce stress, and improve retention.
Method: Databases were searched using keywords and inclusion criteria. Studies were
considered if they discussed peer mentorship in students, healthcare professionals, or nursing.
Patterns and themes were assessed to derive conclusions from the literature available. The
Population, Concept, and Context framework was …

Over Reliance On Antidepressant Medication In Long-Term Care Facilities: Rethinking Mental Health Approaches, Kaylene Elder

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition among older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities and is often managed primarily through antidepressant medications. While these medications can be effective, their overuse in elderly populations increases the risk of falls, sedation, cognitive decline, and adverse drug interactions. This project addresses the need for safer, evidence-based alternatives by promoting non-pharmacological interventions that support holistic well-being. The proposed approach integrates gratitude journaling, vitamin D testing to identify deficiencies, and vitamin D supplementation for residents experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Implementation is led by nursing staff and supported by the interdisciplinary care team, …

Effect Of Workplace Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Programs On Black Women Leaders At Nonprofit National Associations Of Regulatory Boards, Alba Gisel Ayala

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed a critical knowledge gap among clinical staff regarding the application of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) within a local health department. Although SDOH screening tools and the statewide NCCARE 360 referral system were in place, inconsistent use hindered integration into patient care and limited efforts to advance health equity. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model and the ADDIE instructional framework, an educational intervention was developed and implemented to enhance staff knowledge, confidence, and integration of SDOH principles into workflow. Thirty-five clinical staff members participated in pre- and post-intervention assessments. Data …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Competency Of Behavioral Health Technicians In Vital Sign Technique, Ashley Buescher

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Untreated hypertension or hypotension can lead to serious health problems, including death. Proper technique is essential when obtaining a blood pressure reading to improve patient safety. The goal of the quality improvement project was to improve competency in blood pressure technique by implementing standardized training. The initiative addressed discrepancies in blood pressure readings in the intake unit of a behavioral health hospital. Using the Stetler Model of Evidence-Based Practice and John Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, a single sample, pre-post design was implemented over 4 weeks. The American Heart Association's blood pressure guidelines and the Teach-Back Observation Tool were used in …

Staff Education To Improve Clinical Staff Knowledge Of The Social Determinants Of Health In A Public Health Setting, Alba Gisel Ayala

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed a critical knowledge gap among clinical staff regarding the application of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) within a local health department. Although SDOH screening tools and the statewide NCCARE 360 referral system were in place, inconsistent use hindered integration into patient care and limited efforts to advance health equity. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model and the ADDIE instructional framework, an educational intervention was developed and implemented to enhance staff knowledge, confidence, and integration of SDOH principles into workflow. Thirty-five clinical staff members participated in pre- and post-intervention assessments. Data …

Educating Staff On Hourly Rounding Toward Fall Prevention In A Long-Term Care Facility, Princess Aminata Kanu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The identified problem at the project site facility was rising incidences of patient falls, which was attributed to insufficient staff knowledge of evidence-based strategies for preventing falls, including purposeful hourly rounding (PHR). Research has demonstrated that PHR effectively reduces the risk of falls among patients by allowing clinicians to proactively address patient needs. The purpose of this staff education project was to enhance healthcare providers’ knowledge of PHR and its role in fall prevention. The practice-focused question that guided this project was: For staff in a long-term care facility, will training on hourly rounding increase knowledge toward the goal of …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Patient Appointment Adherence Through Staff Education On Health Literacy, Christine A. Johnson- Nganbou Kamkeu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Non-adherence to appointments remains an impediment to health continuity. It has been especially pervasive in rural settings. Numerous scholarly articles in the healthcare literature support enhancing health literacy in organizations and training in effective communication to promote patient appointment compliance. Hence, the purpose of the quality improvement (QI) project was not only to encourage appointment compliance but also to enhance the application of the Teach-Back Method through health literacy education. The theoretical perspective and practice application, according to Lewin’s Change Theory and the PDSA approach, included a four-week intervention period, during which the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) …

Quality Improvement Project: Responding Effectively With The Use Of A Defibrillator And Crash Cart: An Educational Intervention For Medical-Surgical Nurses, Josilyn Lusk

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Appropriate and timely use of a defibrillator and crash cart is essential for patient survival during cardiac arrest, yet many medical-surgical nurses report limited preparedness due to inconsistent, non-standardized training. The purpose of this DNP project is to evaluate the impact of a structured didactic and simulation-based educational intervention on nurses’ self-assessed preparedness to respond to life-threatening events and their perceptions of educational best practices. The aim of the project is to demonstrate measurable improvements in nurses’ self-reported preparedness in responding to emergent events and their perceptions of effective teaching and learning strategies. Guided by Tanner’s Model of Clinical Judgment …

Enhancing Emergency Department Staff Competency In Ultrasound-Guided Venous Access At A Rural Critical Access Hospital: A Quality Improvement Project, Ryan M. Sand

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Patients meeting difficult intravenous access (DIVA) criteria often experience multiple failed intravenous (IV) access attempts, delayed diagnostics, and treatment initiation, particularly in rural emergency departments with limited resources. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated whether targeted ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access training would improve staff self-efficacy, confidence, and self-reported procedural execution at a rural critical access hospital. Guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory, a quasi-experimental pre-/post-intervention design was implemented. Nurses and paramedics completed the validated Peripheral Intravenous Insertion Confidence Assessment before and after a didactic and psychomotor training program. Statistical analysis included an independent samples t-test …

Quality Improvement Project: Debriefing In Simulation With Improved Knowledge And Confidence, Rebecca Walker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Debriefing is a vital part of simulation and is critical to the students' learning in the simulation environment. It is essential for faculty that debriefers receive training in simulation concepts and in structuring debriefings. The purpose is to improve the simulation program at the project site by implementing a training course, and the project aims to enhance the faculty's confidence and address any knowledge gaps. The project design is a quasi-experimental study that features pre- and post-intervention surveys. Fifteen full-time nursing educators were surveyed, excluding faculty who do not teach in simulation. The intervention includes launching a SBL course and …

Quality Improvement Project Assessment Of Emergency Department Staff Knowledge On Use Of Emergency Severity Index In A Critical Access Hospital: Implementation Of Emergency Department-Based Education Program., Amanda Taylor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In rural emergency departments, accurate triage is vital to ensuring patient safety and maximizing limited resources. This quality improvement project aimed to strengthen triage practices by enhancing nurses’ understanding and confidence in using the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), a standardized tool for assessing patient acuity. Ten registered nurses at a seven-bed critical access hospital participated in a structured educational program, guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory. The intervention included hands-on training, real-world scenarios, and self-assessment surveys. After the program, nurses showed significant gains in both knowledge (mean scores rose from 70.0 to 88.9, p < .001) and confidence (from 13.5 to 23.2 out of 25). While the small sample size and short timeline were limitations, the results highlight the value of ongoing education in improving triage accuracy and patient care. This project offers a practical model for rural hospitals seeking to enhance emergency nursing practice and promote consistent, evidence-based decision-making.

Policy Project: Creating An Animal Assisted Therapy Policy For A College Of Nursing, Brooke Peyton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing students experience high levels of academic stress, anxiety, and burnout, which can negatively impact learning, professional development, and overall health. Evidence indicates that Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) has the potential to impact stress levels, improve community connection, and enhance overall well-being among nursing students. Many academic institutions lack structured policies to guide AAT programs into educational settings. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to develop a formal AAT policy for the College of Nursing with standardized procedures to implement an AAT program. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theoretical framework was used to guide the development of the …

Simulation Education Program For Medical Emergencies: Improving Facilitator Simulation Proficiency, Cari Kent

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project, Simulation Education Program for Medical Emergencies: Improving Facilitator Simulation Proficiency, addressed a critical gap in outpatient emergency preparedness among nursing leaders and facilitators. Despite established policies, many ambulatory care staff reported feeling unprepared to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Guided by the PICOT question, among nursing leaders and facilitators (P), how does a simulation education program in emergency care scenarios (I), compared to current education practices (C), impact simulation proficiency and effectiveness (O)? This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of structured simulation-based education on the competence of facilitators. Using a pre- and …