Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Dnp Project: Research Study Using Mindfulness Meditation For Stress Reduction In Undergraduate Nursing Students, Jennifer Williams

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Undergraduate nursing students often experience high stress from academic rigor, clinical demands, and personal challenges, contributing to mental health concerns and increased attrition. Unmanaged stress, when met with insufficient coping strategies, may contribute to students failing, leaving, or withdrawing from a nursing program. This research project addressed the need for a structured coping strategy within the curriculum at a State College to promote student resilience and reduce stress. As a quality improvement process change, the project’s purpose was to evaluate the impact of a four-week mindfulness meditation (MM) intervention on perceived stress levels of first-semester Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) …

Comparative Analysis Of Risk Factors Associated With Guinea Worm Disease In Five Endemic Countries, Junerlyn Virrey Agua

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Guinea worm disease (GWD) has persisted in a small number of endemic countries despite decades of eradication efforts. Ongoing GWD transmission in these countries underscores the need to examine behavioral, environmental, and surveillance-related drivers. The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess associations among risk factors, including dog tethering, pond treatment with Abate, and community awareness, and GWD incidence. The study also examined the relationship between climate-related environmental factors and GWD case distribution, as well as the influence of awareness levels on GWD rumor reports. Guided by the PRECEDE–PROCEED framework, this retrospective secondary analysis used data from national eradication …

Strategies For Sustainable Recruitment, Retention, And Engagement In State Nurse Organization, Carolyn E. Hunter Layne

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Many state nurse organizations are experiencing minimal and stagnant membership, which hinders involvement in policy advocacy, professional development, and workforce stability in healthcare. Policy changes are needed to offer state nurse organization memberships under the umbrella of a single organization that operates multiple medical clinics and employs at least one nurse. This research examined strategic policy interventions designed to increase membership within a state-level nursing organization. The problem is that a minimum number of state-licensed nurses are choosing to join professional nursing organizations, and membership models must be identified. The literature review drew on research from various scholarly sources specific …

Quality Improvement Project Implementing A Structured Communication Program For Academic Clinical Nursing Education, Ashley Daniel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Effective communication between healthcare professionals is a critical component of safe and high-quality patient care. Structured tools like SBAR (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) provide a framework to enhance clarity and reduce miscommunication. This quality improvement project implemented SBAR as a structured communication program in debriefing after simulation to improve communication confidence among practical nursing students. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether the integration of SBAR into debriefing would increase students’ self-reported communication confidence. The problem addressed was the lack of confidence in clinical communication among nursing students, which can impact patient safety and team collaboration. The …

Implementing Education On Music Therapy To Healthcare Professionals In Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Units To Decrease Incidences Of Aggression Among Patients, Judy Murua

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Aggression in psychiatric inpatient units presents a significant barrier to therapeutic care and staff safety, often resulting in the overuse of pharmacological interventions or restraints. Despite strong evidence supporting music therapy as a non-pharmacological option, limited exposure and confidence among healthcare team members hinder its use in practice. This quality improvement project evaluated whether an educational intervention on music therapy could improve staff‘s confidence in utilizing this technique to manage aggression. A quasi-experimental, one-group pre- and post-test design was employed in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, involving participation from nurses and behavioral health technicians. A structured 30–45-minute educational session was …

Enhancing Clinical Understanding And Management Of Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy Among Ob-Gyn Providers, Jenelle Camino

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and chronic hypertension, are among the leading causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality globally, affecting approximately 10% of pregnancies. Despite established clinical guidelines, a significant gap remains in provider knowledge and the consistent application of evidence-based practices, particularly during the postpartum period and among marginalized populations. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed this gap by implementing a staff education program using the evidence-based California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC, 2021) toolkit. The intervention consisted of a pretest to assess baseline knowledge, an interactive PowerPoint presentation based on …

Quality Improvement Project The Impact Of Targeted Education And Training On The Use Of Rapid Mood Screener Tool On The Rate Of Mood Disorders Detection Among Psychiatric Providers, Oluwatobi Adeleke

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Optimal mood disorder (MD) management outcomes are associated with accurate and timely diagnosis. Yet, MD misdiagnosis, particularly Bipolar I, is an unfortunately common problem. Rapid assessment or screening tools offer effective diagnostic assessment interventions for faster diagnosis without compromising effectiveness. Still, their administration is constrained by providers’ knowledge and competence limitations. The Rapid Mood Screener (RMS) is a rapid screener for MDs, including Bipolar I, with well-established specificity, accuracy, and reliability. Provider training and education on RMS implementation can be effective in addressing the challenges providers encounter in the tool’s administration. Here, through a pre-post quasi-experimental design, this quality improvement …

Quality Improvement Project Implementing Test Anxiety-Reducing Methods In Senior-Level Nursing Students, Ashley Brooke Gray

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Test anxiety is a common occurrence among university students, particularly nursing students. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project was to address the problem of test anxiety among senior-level nursing students and the lack of faculty intervention in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This DNP project aimed to increase awareness of test anxiety among nursing students and provide faculty development training on identifying symptoms, utilizing the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS), and implementing test anxiety-reducing measures in the classroom. The DNP student provided training to senior-level nursing faculty in integrating relaxation methods, …

Quality Improvement Project Evidence-Based Practice For The Use Of Lower Fio2 Concentration Amongst Pediatric Anesthesia Providers, Brittany Raines

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hyperoxia during pediatric anesthesia is linked to postoperative pulmonary complications such as atelectasis and oxidative lung injury. Despite strong evidence supporting the use of lower inspired oxygen concentrations (FiO2), many providers habitually administer 100% oxygen during induction and emergence due to tradition and lack of formal guidelines. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce unnecessary hyperoxia by educating pediatric anesthesia providers on evidence-based FiO2 titration strategies. Guided by Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and Lewin’s Change Theory, a quasi-experimental one-group pretest/posttest design was employed. Sixteen certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and physician anesthesiologists completed baseline surveys, participated in a targeted educational …

Evidence-Based Intervention Proposal For Reducing Intimate Partner Violence Against Jamaican Women, Kimisha K. Campbell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Domestic violence (DV) is a significant public health concern that negatively impacts women’s health, yet gaps in trauma-informed screening and referral processes persist within nursing practice. In Jamaica, DV remains underreported, highlighting the need for enhanced provider competency in identifying and supporting survivors. The doctoral project was used to examine how implementing the trauma-informed care (TIC) model and the Identification and Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS) program could improve healthcare staff’s ability to recognize, assess, and support DV survivors. Guided by the TIC framework and the IRIS program, a mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating pre- and posttraining assessments, staff surveys, …

Impacting Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Screening In The Primary Care Setting, Rosalyn Primus

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines recommending routine cardiovascular risk screening, tools such as the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) Risk Estimator are underutilized in primary care settings. This quality improvement project implemented an evidence-based educational intervention to enhance healthcare providers' knowledge, self-efficacy, and consistent utilization of the ASCVD Risk Estimator within a primary care setting. The project employed a quasi-experimental design involving four primary care providers. Data was collected through various methods, including a knowledge questionnaire, the Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Self-Efficacy (EBPSE) Scale, a retrospective chart review, and a …

Evaluating The Impact Of Auscultation Task Trainer On Faculty Teaching Health Assessment Course In A Bsn Program, Marie Leonie Tampus

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Simulation-based education continues to transform nursing pedagogy by enhancing instructional effectiveness and clinical competency through experiential learning. In undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, faculty often face challenges when teaching complex skills such as respiratory system assessment due to variability in lung sound exposure and reliance on peer-based instruction. The project aimed to evaluate whether the implementation of a high-fidelity auscultation task trainer could improve faculty knowledge and self-confidence in teaching respiratory assessment in a BSN Health Assessment course. Using a pre- and post-intervention quality improvement design, five faculty members teaching the course participated in a six-week intervention. …

Impact Of Urban Fine Particulate Matter Exposure On Cardiovascular Health, Shelby P. Briggs

Honors Theses

Air pollution, particularly exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses a growing threat to cardiopulmonary health. PM2.5 consists of microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter and originates from industrial combustion, transportation, and urban dust. These particles are classified as xenobiotics and are capable of bypassing respiratory defenses to enter systemic circulation, where they cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular dysfunction. This study examines the effects of PM2.5 on cardiovascular function using a murine model. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into control (saline), subchronic (10 µg), and chronic (100 µg) groups and were exposed weekly for 11 weeks via …

Quality Improvement Project Structured Faculty Mentorship Program: A Quality Improvement Project, Nikki R. Pearson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The increasing issue of untrained faculty stepping into teaching roles poses a challenge in nursing education. This shift often causes stress and a period of disorientation. One evidence-based solution to enhance role clarity involves mentorship, which is defined as a professional relationship whereby a more experienced faculty member aids in the growth of a novice. The purpose of this project was to help novice nursing faculty by offering them structured, consistent mentorship as they moved into academia. The goal was to increase job satisfaction by clarifying roles, building a sense of support, and ultimately helping to retain faculty. The intervention …

Optimizing Palliative Spine Radiation: A Dosimetric Comparison Of Hybrid Arc Therapy And Conventional Appa Techniques, Alaina Vaneaton

Masters Projects

This study aimed to evaluate the dosimetric impact of Hybrid Arc Palliative Radiation Therapy (HART) versus conventional anterior-posterior/posterior-anterior (APPA) beam arrangements for thoracic spine metastases. The primary objective was to assess differences in conformity, homogeneity, and organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing between the two techniques. A retrospective plan comparison was conducted using anonymized datasets from twenty patients previously treated with HART. Each case was replanned using a standard APPA technique, normalized to match the target coverage of the original HART plan within 0.1%. All plans were prescribed 20 Gy in 5 fractions. Plan quality was evaluated using conformity index (CI), homogeneity index …

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles As Delivery Vehicles For Different Pt (Ii)-Drugs: Experimental And Theoretical Evaluation, Shahdan Abdelkareem

Theses and Dissertations

Platinum(II)-based chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and nedaplatin are mainstays in the treatment of a wide range of solid tumors, yet their clinical application is severely restricted by rapid degradation, poor bioavailability, and dose-limiting side effects. These challenges arise in part from the drugs’ susceptibility to premature hydrolysis, off-target interactions in the bloodstream, and degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, which collectively limit their ability to reach and act on tumor cells. To address these limitations, we explored the use of copper(II) oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) as nanocarriers for platinum(II) drugs, aiming to enhance drug stability, loading, and controlled release. …

Impact Of Primary Preventive Initiatives To Reduce Burnout And Compassion Fatigue In Emergency Department Nurses, Kelley Molandes

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Background and significance: It is estimated that 20% of nurses leave the profession within the first year due to an onset of burnout (Henson, 2020). Prior to the pandemic of 2020, workforce projected models estimated large-scale shortages in full time employee (FTE) registered nurses as demand continued to outpace supply (Lauer, 2022). Researchers estimate projections from 2024 into the year 2032 are now skewed, as pandemic-related contributors and their effects on burnout in the nursing profession have not been thoroughly assessed (Saravanan et al., 2022). When considering the data, an underlying need for burnout prevention amongst nurse residents emerges. Interventions …

Enhancing Target Dose Conformity While Effectively Sparing The Spinal Cord In Proton Arc Treatment Plans For Cervical Chordomas And Chondrosarcomas, Jon Blalock

Masters Projects

Cervical spinal chordomas and chondrosarcomas present significant therapeutic challenges due to their proximity to the spinal cord and resistance to conventional radiotherapy. This retrospective study investigated the capability of proton arc therapy (PAT) to maintain or improve adequate target coverage while reducing dose to the spinal cord for cervical spinal chordomas and chondrosarcomas over standard fixed beam intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). While both IMPT and PAT use pencil beam scanning (PBS) to with energy modulation to deliver dose in discrete layers, IMPT relies on a limited number of fixed beam angles, whereas PAT delivers dose over an arc trajectory. …

Promoting Early Identification Of Developmental Delays With The Cdc’S Learn The Signs. Act Early. Campaign, Katsia Renaud

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Preventing Nurse Burnout Through Self-Care Strategies, Doris Iwuh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Preventing Nurse Burnout through Self-Care Strategies by Doris Iwuh MS, Walden University, 2022 BSN, Grand Canyon University, 2020 ADN, Radiance College, 2016 Executive Summary Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University August 2025 Summary An outpatient mental health clinic identified a rise in burnout among psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, and social workers. A gap in practice revealed that staff lacked knowledge of self-care strategies to manage burnout, leading to the project question: Does implementing an educational program for nurses and mental health specialists on …

Chew On It: A Pilot Study Of A Multimodal Assessment Of Mastication Protocol, Michelle Catão

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite its subconscious nature, deglutition is an elaborate and multifaceted process, contingent on the activation of specific neural pathways and muscles. The inherent complexity gives rise to a wide array of potential complications and difficulties, known as dysphagia. Screening and assessment for dysphagia aid in determining the presence and etiology of swallowing difficulties, providing information that is critical for maintaining and improving the health status of vulnerable populations from the standpoint of nutrition, hydration, and socialization (Dziewas et al., 2017). Previous studies surrounding dysphagia assessment have prioritized formulating clinical protocols to evaluate the nonvolitional stage, often failing to address the …

An Implementation Study Of Phonological Awareness Assessment Tasks For Literacy Development In D/Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students, Sara Tuddenham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Minimal auditory input can impact phonological awareness skill acquisition in d/Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students. Teachers of the Deaf and speech-language pathologists can assess and instruct DHH students through methods tailored to their needs, but research on effective strategies is limited. This study explores the development and implementation of a linguistically and culturally inclusive set of phonological awareness tasks for DHH students at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD). Tasks investigate phonological awareness in spoken English (i.e., rhyming, sound matching, blending, etc.) and American Sign Language (i.e., ASL parameters) for nine DHH students. Results indicate the feasibility …

Effect Of Histidine Tag On The Enzymatic Activity Of Pseudolysin And Its Interaction With The Streptomyces Metalloprotease Inhibitor (Smpi) Protein, Adewale Adeboye Adewole

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pseudolysin (PLN) protein is a major virulent factor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. PLN belongs to the family of zinc-dependent metalloproteases. It is naturally inhibited by a smaller protein called streptomyces metalloprotease inhibitor (SMPI), secreted by Streptomyces nigrescens. Previous and current studies demonstrate that the interaction between PLN and SMPI offers unique mechanistic insights for drug development against infections caused by P. aeruginosa. This study investigated the effect of N-terminal Histidine (His) tag on the enzymatic activity of PLN and its interaction with SMPI. His-tagged PLN and SMPI proteins were expressed in bacteria and purified by affinity chromatography …

Diagnostic Imaging-Based Radiation Therapy Planning (Dbrp) For Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Nsclc) Patients, Joshua Langer

Masters Projects

Purpose

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients benefit by starting radiation therapy (RT) promptly upon diagnosis. Diagnostic scan-based radiation therapy planning (DBRP) eliminates the need for computed tomography (CT) simulation. This is a retrospective study comparing dosimetric differences between volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) diagnostic scan-based plans recalculated onto simulation CT scans.

Methods

Radiotherapy (60 or 66 Gy in 20-30 fractions) for eight NSCLC patients was planned on diagnostic CTs. The plans were recalculated onto the fused simulation CTs, mimicking first treatment setups. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) were used to compare the minimum dose received by 95% of the planning target volume …

Comparison Of Left Breast Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Plans: Flattening Filter Free Vmat Vs. Standard Vmat In Deep Inspiration Breath Hold And Free Breathing Techniques, Monica Albeck

Masters Projects

This retrospective planning study compared dosimetric outcomes and treatment efficiency between flattening filter free (FFF) and standard volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for left breast accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) under deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) and free-breathing (FB) conditions. Ten patients with early stage left breast cancer were replanned to create four plans each: FFF VMAT and standard VMAT in DIBH and FB. All plans prescribed 30 Gy in 5 fractions. Measures included planning target volume (PTV) coverage, mean heart dose, ipsilateral lung V30%, contralateral breast maximum dose, and monitor units (MUs). Statistical analysis used repeated-measures ANOVA with …

Improving Intraoperative Antibiotic Stewardship To Reduce Surgical Site Infections: A Quality Improvement, Allyson Nichelle Heard

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSIs) have been associated with poor pre-surgical incision antibiotic and intraoperative redosing practices and are the leading cause of postoperative readmissions and healthcare-acquired infections. A Quality Improvement (QI) project was developed to evaluate SSIs rates and pre-surgical incision antibiotic dosing and intraoperative redosing practices of anesthesia providers at a Level 1 trauma center in the Midwest. Methods: A pre- and post-intervention knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey addressing intraoperative antibiotic stewardship was administered to 138 anesthesia providers. Interventions included education, a reference sheet, and a clinical pathway. Data analysis for surgical procedures involving anesthesia services, …

Increasing Gonorrhea And Chlamydia Testing By Using Universal Trauma-Informed Care And Offering Self-Collected Vaginal Swabs To Patients At A Non-Profit Independent Reproductive Healthcare Center, Dana M. Bloomburg

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Background & Significance: The sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic in the United States remains a public health concern, with over 2.4 million cases in 2023 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Increased screening can help prevent complications and enable treatment for the sexual partners of these asymptomatic infections (CDC, 2024). The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that obstetrician-gynecology offices aim to provide universal trauma-informed care (TIC) to all patients (McNicholas et al., 2021). Purpose: Universal TIC practices were used to improve acceptance of gonorrhea and chlamydia (GC/CT) testing among at-risk individuals by adding a self-collected vaginal …

Addressing Medical Errors In Nursing Practice Through An Evaluation Of The Barcode Medication Administration Program, Alma Trigg

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

The barcode medication administration (BCMA) process is complex. When a step is omitted or altered, the risk of a medication error reaching the patient increases, which subsequently increases the chance of the patient experiencing an adverse drug event. A BCMA program evaluation was implemented to address questions related to policy and practice. Dr. Harrington's BCMA checklist provided the framework for the assessment. The Medication Administration System—Nurses Assessment of Satisfaction (MAS-NAS) scale, developed by Hurley et al. (2006), and the BCMA perceived usefulness scale, adopted by Darawad et al. (2019), measured nurses' perception of the program, including technology integration and ease …

Enhancing Care Coordination And Expedited Appointment Scheduling By Structured Workflow Process In Oncology Clinics: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Jasmine Lassiter

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Background and Significance: Delays in oncology appointment scheduling can negatively impact timely cancer treatment, care coordination, and patient outcomes. Inefficiencies often stem from inconsistent workflows, communication breakdowns, and limited visibility into provider availability, contributing to scheduling inaccuracies, and treatment delays (Fletcher et al., 2023; Johnson et al., 2020). Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to implement and evaluate a structured workflow for expedited oncology appointment scheduling in an outpatient setting to improve scheduling accuracy, care coordination, and healthcare team vitality. Intervention and Implementation Plan: Guided by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement and the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based …

Increasing Health Literacy To Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Patients With Low Socioeconomic Status In The Appalachian Region: A Quality Improvement Project, Kara M. Dougherty

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Abstract

Improving health literacy is one of the main goals of Healthy People 2030. However, there are no evidence-based guidelines as health literacy is still in research status (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.). Vulnerable populations are especially at risk of having low health literacy skills. Social determinants of health, such as poverty, lack of access to care, few community resources, and low health literacy, are common issues throughout Appalachia, which includes West Virginia. These disparities negatively impact the success of primary and secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease (Mangini et al., 2018). This quality improvement project utilized the …