Enhancing Transgender Informed Healthcare For Nursing Students: An Educational Intervention, Olivia Bass

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Limited teaching of transgender related healthcare competencies is seen in baccalaureate nursing curriculum, resulting in inadequate preparation of healthcare providers to care for this population of patients. This discord can prevent transgender patients from seeking healthcare and affect access to needed services. Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to educate accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at an institute of higher education on providing culturally responsive healthcare for transgender patients. Methods: An in-person educational intervention focused on improving clinical and cultural knowledge for transgender patients was implemented and evaluated. A pre-intervention survey and post-intervention survey …

A Quality Improvement Project To Assess The Value Of Pharmacogenomic Testing In Adults Diagnosed With Major Depression, Ileana Miranda Velazquez

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: Treatment of major depression follows the guidelines from evidence-based medicine established algorithms; however, 50% of patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder do not respond to their first medication trial, and 70% may go through four treatment attempts before achieving remission.

Purpose: To demonstrate the value of pharmacogenomic testing as a treatment-guidance technology in patients with resistant depression and assess healthcare providers' motivation to adopt the technology.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of (N = 73) patients' treatment response measured by the pre-post PHQ-9 depression scale after pharmacogenomic guided medication intervention with descriptive statistics and paired t-test. The …

Implementation Of Pressure Injury Prevention Intervention In A Long-Term Care Facility, Alfred Owusu-Ansah

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: Pressure injuries (PIs), formerly known as pressure ulcers, affect approximately 2.5 million people in the United States and cost the American healthcare system more than $11.6 billion annually. The goal of this project was to reduce the pressure injury incidence rate at the project site by 50% within a period of six months.

Methods: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of implementation of PI prevention measures in a medium-sized long-term care facility in central Massachusetts. The project utilized parts of the MISSCARE survey and AHRQ checklists as a pre-test. Collection of data from nurses …

Improving Intimate Partner Violence Screening Practices Among Postpartum Nurses, Robin Mills-Humphreys

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background and Review of the Literature: Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a global public health issue that has negative outcomes on both an individual and a societal level. Health care providers play a pivotal role in providing services to women experiencing violence during pregnancy. Regardless of the setting, barriers to IPV screening exist among healthcare providers. Review of the literature examined the existing IPV screening practices and screening barriers among healthcare providers to better understand the relationship between barriers and frequency of screening for IPV. Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to enhance …

Human Trafficking Recognition And Response Training For Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners In New Hampshire Emergency Departments, Carolyn L. Noyes

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Human trafficking is a pervasive yet under-recognized public health epidemic. Traffickers use various forms of manipulation to control their victims for the benefit of the trafficker with little regard for the victims’ well-being. This leads to victims of human trafficking suffering short- and long-term health problems. Trafficking victims may subsequently access healthcare during their time in captivity as a result of a direct harm caused to them due to their victimization from neglect, injury or disease. Unfortunately, victims often do not see themselves as victims or are too afraid to let their healthcare provider know that they need help. Warning …

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Mbsr) In Reducing Stress In Nursing Students: An Integrative Review And Toolkit, Donna J. Petko

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Across the country, nursing students are experiencing alarming amounts of stress. While stress is a common phenomenon, it has been shown to negatively impact nursing student performance and general health. One solution to this issue is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Reported effects of MBSR include stress reduction; mindfulness; improvements in self-esteem; increase in general health; a decrease in anxiety; and an increase in empathy. Because MBSR is not widely included in nursing curricula, students are not learning stress reduction techniques needed to manage daily stress. Purpose: To address this gap, a DNP project was implemented at a university site. …

Improving Compliance With Healthcare Associated Infection (Hai) Practice Guidelines To Reduce The Acquisition Of Hais, Nelia Bruce

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) have been estimated to be in the millions, directly associated with 99,000 deaths and costing nearly $28 to $33 billion in excess health care costs each year (AHRQ, 2011; Scott, 2009). The literature indicates that healthcare workers are aware and understand that their patients are susceptible to HAIs and that they themselves can affect patient outcomes. However, despite this awareness and the existence of evidence based HAI guidelines there are clear gaps between what is recommended and practiced, greatly impacting the acquisition of HAIs. The objective of this capstone project was to assess for gaps between …

Communication And Teamwork Focused Simulation-Based Education For Nursing Students, Jared M. Kutzin

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Simulation has become a common teaching method for healthcare providers, including nursing students. Until recently, the focus of simulation for nursing students has been on clinical skills. This study used a compilation survey to determine if knowledge and attitude scores improved in the bachelor degree nursing student after exposure to a simulation-based teamwork and communication training. Participants were 51 students from the senior leadership course of a bachelor’s degree in nursing program at a university in New Jersey. Control participants received normal clinical rotations with faculty led discussions, and intervention participants received a 4-hour simulation, focused on teamwork and communication. …