Understanding Perceptions, Attitudes And Experiences Of Nursing Students During Clinical Placement In Primary Health Care Settings – A Scoping Review, Debbie Procter, Kylie Mccullough, Debbie Massey, Karen Strickland

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: Critically analyse literature on undergraduate nursing students' perceptions, attitudes and experiences during Primary Health Care (PHC) placements and identify factors influencing their satisfaction. These insights may improve educational outcomes, shape career intentions and address workforce shortages. Background: Global nursing shortage, driven by increased demands and high attrition, impacts healthcare worldwide. Australia faces projected shortfalls of 79,473 nurses by 2035, significantly in PHC. Attributing factors include remuneration disparities, inadequate training/mentorship and limited career pathways. Strengthening the PHC nursing workforce is crucial, with undergraduate nursing students providing an important workforce pipeline. Design/Method: Scoping Review protocol was registered using Joanna Briggs Institute's …

Commit To Sit: Does Purposefully Sitting With Adult Medical-Surgical Patients At A Rural Hospital Impact Patient Satisfaction?, Jolie A. Puckett

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Patient satisfaction surveys encourage patients to provide feedback about their experiences with healthcare organizations, and the surveys also play a critical role in identifying gaps in care that may contribute to patient harm. Effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare; therefore, initiatives to enhance this communication should be explored and implemented.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate whether sitting with patients improved patient satisfaction scores for a medical-surgical unit within a Northwest Georgia inpatient facility.

Project Design: A pre- and post-design method was utilized to compare patient satisfaction scores before and after …

A Mixed Methods Study Exploring The Lived Experience Of Shared Trauma In Psychiatric Nurses During Covid-19, April Lynne Hutto

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Psychiatric nurses (PNs) had a unique lived experience of shared trauma (ST) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These nurses experienced the same traumatic event, COVID-19, with associated trauma symptoms as their patients. This mixed methods study aims to triangulate data on ST in PNs using a quantitative and qualitative study. Methods: PN (N=24) completed a semi-structured interview during the summer and fall of 2024. A quantitative study PN (N=552) in spring 2023, using the Shared Trauma and Professional Posttraumatic Growth (STPPG) inventory, was completed with descriptive and inferential statistics using SAS 9.4. A thematic analysis of the interviews was completed …

Measuring Nursing Student’S Performance, Attitude And Psychological Impact Of Different Evaluation Approaches In Simulation Education At Arab American University- Palestine, Mohammad Asia, Maysa Kassabry

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

This study aimed to compare the competency and psychological impact of using the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to the traditional evaluation methods (TEM) in evaluating cardiology skills among nursing simulation students. Thirty-two students were initially assessed using TEM, and one week later using the OSCE. Scores of the student competency were compared using paired sample t-tests, while semi-structured interviews were used to expand on qualitative measures. Students' mean scores were significantly higher in using OSCE than in TEM (p< 0.001). Students' attitudes and perceptions of both approaches showed favorable attitudes towards OSCE on most of the items. The qualitative data showed that students with lower GPAs and utilizing the OSCE approach experienced higher anxiety. The psychological impact of evaluation approaches requires additional investigation.

Virtual Reality In Undergraduate And Postgraduate Nursing Education: A Scoping Review Protocol Integrating Data Mining For Topic Discovery, Celeste Alfes

Faculty Scholarship

Virtual Reality (VR) encompasses a range of computer-based technologies that simulate complex scenarios, offering immersive, experiential learning in a controlled virtual environment. In nurs- ing education, VR has the potential to enhance both technical and non-technical competencies. However, the existing literature on VR in nursing education is fragmented, making it challenging to fully grasp its scope, applications, and emerging trends. This scoping review protocol outlines a systematic approach to mapping the existing literature on the use of VR in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA- ScR 2020 framework, the review will include studies …

Educating Nurses On Healthy Coping Mechanism Following Workplace Violence Occurrences, Erin Jay

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), healthcare workers are five times more likely to suffer a workplace violence (WPV) injury compared to workers in other industries. Given that nurses are the foundation of healthcare delivery, WPV is a cause for concern for most healthcare organizations. In the local organization, leadership has identified an increase in reported WPV occurrences among nurses. Given this, leadership agreed that an educational intervention focused on strategies to address WPV was warranted. Thus, the purpose of this doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project was to determine whether an educational intervention focused on healthy coping mechanisms …

Staff Education To Improve Knowledge Of Wound Documentation Skills Among Inpatient Nurses, Rouine Kay Patron Litorja

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

While many healthcare organizations have established wound documentation protocols, maintaining consistent, high-quality documentation remains a widespread challenge in clinical practice. In this staff education project, I addressed the implementation of a staff education program to increase nurses' knowledge about evidence-based practices regarding wound documentation. The staff education initiative was conducted in a medical telemetry unit, with 17 nurses participating. A pretest-posttest design was employed to evaluate the impact of the education. The aggregate pretest and posttest scores were analyzed using the Normalized Learning Gain (NLG) formula. The NLG gain of 0.37, equated to a 37% improvement in knowledge a moderate …

Building A Grounded Theory Of Resilience Among Survivors Of Chronic Ischemic Stroke, Erin Marie Tompkins Doan

Dissertations

Abstract

Stroke is disruptive with elusive recovery and adjustment. Beyond traditional aspects of stroke rehabilitation, literature suggests adjustment to stroke should also include intervention with focus on resilience. A gap exists between conceptualization, theoretical models, and strategies for supporting resilience in persons with chronic ischemic stroke. This three-manuscript dissertation research comprised a scoping literature review, a pilot study, and a phenomenological case study. We employed a convergent mixed methods design in which we implemented and studied outcomes of an adaptive mindfulness intervention. We implemented eight focus groups with eight adults and four individual interviews over 13 months. The Brief Resilience …

Staff Education To Improve Quality Of Life For Patients With Dementia, Vanessa Ann Soda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Dementia is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that is incurable and unpredictable. Patients with dementia experience a decline in functional abilities, communication, and social skills. Fifty-five million people worldwide live with dementia with over 6.9 million people over 65 years of age diagnosed in the United States. The practice problem identified by a 25-bed assisted living facility in the north-central United States was staff’s lack of knowledge of dementia diagnosis, person-centered care approaches, and optimal care strategies supporting a positive quality of life for patients with dementia. The practice-focused question addressed whether an education program consisting of evidence-based practices using the …

Staff Education On Documentation For Hospice Registered Nurses, Sharon Spencer Cunningham

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary Documentation is a part of a daily task that all nurses undertake. Its purpose is to provide validation of care rendered to patients. In the hospice setting, nurses’ documentation is crucial, as it supports whether a patient qualifies to receive hospice services. If proper documentation is not recorded, patients can lose services and organizations can face a loss of revenue and potential fines. At a hospice organization in the Southeast United States, there was little emphasis of the importance of documentation that adheres to guidelines set by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Therefore, nurses’ documentation lacked the …

Prearrival Phone Call Initiative To Decrease Procedural Cancellations And Delays, Fazali Nkoloma

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctor of nursing practice project evaluation of an organizational quality improvement initiative focused on evaluating the effectiveness of implementing a prearrival phone call process for interventional radiology patients scheduled for procedures requiring moderate sedation or anesthesia. Adherence to NPO guidelines is crucial for patient safety before moderate sedation and anesthesia. The practice problem identified was the number of procedures that were canceled or delayed because of patient nonadherence with NPO guidelines. The practice-focused question that guided this project was, Can the implementation of prearrival phone calls in the preprocedural radiology surgical services help improve patient adherence with NPO protocol …

Heart Failure And The Need For Better Patient Education, Amber Ball

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Heart failure is becoming a more prevalent condition, evidenced by the fact that 25% of patients who are diagnosed with heart failure are readmitted within 30 days of being discharged due to exacerbation of this disease process. Heart failure symptoms can worsen due to inadequate patient education and other issues with patient self-management of the disease process leading to readmissions and increased hospital stays—adding to an already burdened healthcare system.

The aim of this project was to address the gap in nurse led patient education early on during hospitalization of patients admitted with a new diagnosis of heart failure or …

Cultural Competence Among Nursing Faculty And Staff Utilizing An Educational Course To Promote Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Individually And Within The Baccalaureate Nursing Program, Jessica Shippee

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Nurse educators play a pivotal role in fostering cultural competence among nursing students. The purpose of this quasi-experimental project was to provide an educational course to help nursing faculty and staff identify implicit bias, develop cultural competence, and recognize the importance of incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into practice. A pretest-posttest design collecting demographic data and the Healthcare Provider Cultural Competence Instrument (HPCCI) was given to 21 participants, the course was six-hours and delivered over two days. Participants were asked the day of, before the intervention, to complete the instrument and immediately after the intervention on the second day. Varying …

Empowering Nurses, Enhancing Mobility: A Qi Initiative Using Plof And Clof To Promote Patient Ambulation, Kaela Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

The quality improvement project involves the intervention of implemented mobility educational flyers about the mobility tools, Clinician Reported Level of Function (CLOF) and Patient Reported Level of Function (PLOF) and aims to increase patient mobility post surgery. The quality improvement project was conducted in two medical surgical units in a San Francisco hospital. To address unmet mobility goals, during change of shift, in-services on the educational flyers about the mobility tools (CLOF and PLOF), were utilized to provide education about the importance of mobility, how to utilize the mobility tools, and correctly document ambulation. More than twenty flyers were posted …

A Multi-Modal Intervention To Improve Identification, Management, And Prevention Of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In The Urgent Care Clinic, Stephanie Krol

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Nearly 60% of women will suffer from a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime, with 20- 40% of them suffering from multiple (Anger et al., 2022). The primary purpose of this evidence-based project was to implement a multi-modal intervention to improve identification of women who suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) and to assist in the prevention and treatment of future UTIs. Additionally, the project aimed to increase the number of referrals to urology for better management of these patients. This project was implemented at an Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in northwest Indiana. Eligible participants who presented with …

De-Escalation Techniques To Combat Workplace Violence Against Nurses, Sarah Jones

Aurora

Abstract

Problem: Workplace violence is on the rise in healthcare systems across the world, which is a major concern. Studies have found that nurses do not feel they can do their jobs effectively due to worries of potential harm to themselves and even their patients. There has been evidence that there are no effective methods in place to help healthcare workers remain safe and know how to handle these violent situations properly.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine if de-escalation training increases nurses' feelings of preparation for violent situations and decreases incidences of workplace violence.

Methods: This …

Decreasing Incidence Of Intramuscular Emergency Psychiatry Medications In Psychiatric Adult Patients Through The Acute Violent Assessment Tool (Avat), Edidiong G. Ebong

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this QI project was to reduce emergency IM psychiatric medication usage by implementing the Acute Violent Assessment Tool (AVAT) to improve early aggression management. Background The frequent use of emergency intramuscular (IM) psychiatric medications in inpatient psychiatric settings raises concerns regarding patient safety, autonomy, and staff burden. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce emergency IM medication administration by 20% over three months by implementing the AVAT to improve early identification, prediction, and management of aggression and violence. Methodology A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework guided the AVAT implementation in an adult psychiatric unit. Three weeks of …

Implementation Of A Standardized Pain Assessment Tool To Drive Opioid Management In End-Of-Life Patients In A Medical Intensive Care Unit, Sonia Carrizales

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

This quality improvement project implemented a standardized pain assessment tool, the Multidimensional Observational Pain Assessment Tool (MOPAT), to drive opioid administration for end-of-life (EOL) patients. This project intended to increase opioid administration to EOL patients through increased confidence levels noted in bedside staff with the use of a standardized pain assessment tool.

Background

The project was implemented in a thirty-two-bed adult medical intensive care unit in Round Rock, Texas. The patients focused on in this project were those transitioned to EOL care.

Methodology

A pre-and post-survey was sent to bedside staff to gauge confidence levels. The MOPAT was then …

Development Of A Clinical Pathway For Acute Pain Management As An Element Of The Prevention Of Delirium In Older Adult Trauma Surgery Patients, Stacey Mermigos

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

For hospitalized patients, delirium is prevalent and associated with poor outcomes including increased mortality, morbidity, hospital length of stay, and healthcare costs. Although past studies have identified effective interventions to both prevent and manage delirium in critically ill patients, the most widely used evidence is not easily generalized to non-critically ill patients, specifically trauma patients who experience acute pain, serial surgical procedures, and other notable precipitating and predisposing factors. Clinical pathways are structured plans that are useful for encouraging consistent, evidence-based interventions for various medical conditions and situations. At this time, there is no clinical pathway for the prevention of …

Preserving What Matters: A Multimodal Approach To Maintaining Fat-Free Mass During Anti-Obesity Medication Based Weight Loss, Sarah Gore

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Weight loss is often associated with reductions in fat-free mass (FFM), which can negatively impact metabolic rate, thermoregulation, bone density, functional capacity, and overall quality of life (Roth et al., 2022; Sedlmeier et al., 2021). This Evidence-Based Practice project aimed to reduce FFM loss in adults prescribed anti-obesity medications (AOMs) for weight management through a targeted, multimodal intervention. Twenty-two patients beginning AOM treatment at a family practice in northwest Indiana were invited to participate, with 19 consenting to enroll. Each participant received personalized guidance, including tailored calorie and protein intake goals to support a hypocaloric, high-protein diet, alongside evidence-based aerobic …

Impact Of Implementing An Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Protocol In The Primary Care Setting, Teri A. Koch

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women globally. Current screening methods by clinicians include cytology sampling, high-risk human papillomavirus sampling, or co-testing with both methods. These tests may detect cell changes before they become cancerous, yet the uptake of these methods has decreased in recent years (Aginga, 2022; Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2023; Popalis et al., 2022; Sung et al., 2021). The primary purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if the implementation of an updated cervical screening protocol improved the linkage of abnormal results to appropriate clinical follow-up …

A Multi-Modal Intervention To Improve Identification, Management, And Prevention Of Early Childhood Caries In The Primary Care Setting, Rieley M. Hull

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease and, if untreated, can lead to significant long-term health and social consequences, posing a substantial healthcare burden (AAPD, 2023; ADA, 2023; USPSTF, 2021; WHO, 2022). This evidence-based practice (EBP) project aimed to implement a multi-modal intervention to reduce ECC risk factors, prevent new dental caries, and halt the progression of existing dental caries. Conducted in a pediatric primary care setting in West Michigan, the project included patients five and under who received an oral examination and dental caries risk assessment following the AAP’s guidelines. Based on their oral health …

A Multimodal Intervention To Improve Treatment And Clinical Outcomes In Children With Recurrent Otitis Media, Daniel Courtaney

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Acute otitis media is the number one cause for primary health care visits and antibiotic prescriptions in the pediatric population (El Feghaly & Jackson, 2023). Upwards of 27% of children experience multiple episodes of otitis media (OM) that meet recurrent otitis media (ROM) diagnosis criteria (Pelton & Marchisio, 2023). Guided by the Iowa Model (Iowa Model Collaborative, 2017), the project’s purpose was to implement a multimodal intervention to decrease recurrent OM and repeat clinic visits. A comprehensive literature search of 5 databases yielded 16 sources ranging from levels I-IV (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2023). Using the AGREE II and JBI Critical …

In-Person And Virtual Adaptation Of An Interprofessional Palliative Care Communications Skills Training Course For Pediatric Oncology Clinicians, Karen Moody, Clark R. Andersen, Robert M. Arnold, Julie Bradley, Allie Carter, Lauren Draper, Timothy Garrington, Jonathan B. Gill, Douglas J. Harrison, Masanori Hayashi, Amy Heaton, Cynthia Holladay, Alex Lion, Alakh Rajan, Beatriz N. Rozo, Daniel V. Runco, Shermini Saini, Laura K. Salvador, Kathryn Sutton, Verna Ferguson

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Introduction

Empathic communication is crucial for clinicians when discussing palliative and end-of-life (PC/EOL) care with parents of children with cancer. Unfortunately, many parents report inadequate communication at these distressing times. This study evaluates the communication skills training (CST) clinicians received to deliver a PC/EOL communication intervention as part of a multi-site randomized-controlled trial (RCT). Training was provided using an in-person format and then adapted to a virtual platform to accommodate remote learners.

Methods

Clinicians were trained in dyads (one physician and one nurse [RN] or advanced practice provider [APP]) over 3 days (in-person or virtually). Four pediatric oncology cases were …

Improving Hospital Discharges Before Noon: Implementation Of A Vida (Very Important Discharge Appointment), Nadia Paul

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Delays in hospital discharge can negatively affect hospital throughput and bed capacity, resulting in increased length of stay and boarding of patients in off-unit locations which causes concerns for patient safety and potential harm (Rutherford et al., 2017). The purpose of this DNP project was to determine if the implementation of a very important discharge appointment (VIDA) would increase the number of hospital discharges occurring before noon (DBN) each day. This project was implemented at a 350-bed academic medical center in East Central Indiana. A 25-bed, adult medical unit served as the pilot unit. In total, 538 patients were included …

Improving Breast Cancer Modifiable Risk Factor Knowledge Among Patients In A High Risk Breast Cancer Prevention Clinic In The Midwest, Bailee Torneden

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Preventative health care is the best choice in moving forward to reduce disease incidence. In the case of breast cancer, prevention clinics have been set up for those who have been determined as a high risk status for developing breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. There are many risk factors for breast cancer that are out of the patient’s control, but there are lifestyle health behaviors that could be implemented to lower the patient’s risk. The potential impact of these can not only lower the incidence of breast cancer, but can be linked with reduction of other disease …

The Moderating Effect Of Self-Efficacy On The Interaction Between The Patient-Provider Relationship And Medication Adherence, Jonas M. Manalo

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Older adults taking multiple medications are at high risk for experiencing adverse drug events that result in hospitalization. Nurses are one of the first points of contact for patients and serve as patient educators. Many factors influence medication adherence, such as the patient-provider relationship and patient self-efficacy. This study aims to assess what impact patient self-efficacy has on the interaction between the patient-provider relationship and medication adherence.

The sample comprises adults aged 50 or older taking five or more medications. The Medication Understanding and Use Self-Efficacy (MUSE) Scale was used to measure patient self-efficacy and the patient-provider relationship while the …

Implementation Of Nurse-Driven Oral Care For Inpatient Oncology Patients Receiving Chemotherapy To Reduce Mucosal Barrier Injury Associated Bloodstream Infections, Ariana Av Allen

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE

The purpose of this project was to reduce unit CLABSI rates by targeting mucosal barrier injury associated bloodstream infections through implementation of nurse-driven diligent oral care for all inpatient oncology patients receiving chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND

The project was implemented on a 23-bed inpatient oncology unit in a county, safety-net hospital in north Texas.

METHODOLOGY

The project utilized the PDSA framework for implementing nurse-driven oral care for all inpatient oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. Staff and patients were educated on the ideal frequency and methods of performing oral care during the project. Patients were provided unit-supplied oral hygiene items on admission. Nursing …

Global Perspectives In Nursing Education: The Impact Of Study Abroad Programs On Nursing Students, Julia E. Molleston

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Studying abroad as a nursing student is an under-researched topic that has many perceived and identified beneficial outcomes for students who participate. This expanded literature review utilizes 20 studies and one literature review to explore the facets of an immersive and international study abroad program on nursing and healthcare students. There are many benefits to professional, personal, and cultural growth that come from the experience of international study abroad. Such programs have shown to positively impact students' perceptions of their own cultural competence, abilities to overcome barriers, expand their perspectives, and grow in confidence. There are also many precipitating and …

From Call To Care: A Study On Call Bell Efficiency And Response Lag In Patient Care Settings, Mackenzie Manero

Senior Honors Projects

The efficiency of call bell systems throughout healthcare environments is

directly related to patient safety, satisfaction, and overall quality of care.

Delayed response times to call bells can have significant negative

consequences, such as increased falls, unmet patient needs, and decreased

confidence in the healthcare system as a whole. This paper explores the critical

role that call bells play in various healthcare settings by conducting an in-depth

review of current studies alongside original research. Surveys targeting nurses,

certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and nursing students were distributed

across both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The questions were designed to

assess caregivers' experiences …