Medical Specialties Commons^™

Empowering Nurses To Recognize Post-Stroke Depression In The African American Community, Deidra Frisbie, Robin Simon

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

African Americans (AA) have the highest prevalence of stroke and death compared to other racial groups in the United States. Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects approximately 1/3 of all stroke patients and is underdiagnosed in the African American community.

Aim: By using a mHealth mobile app and a Psychiatry provider list at discharge, PSD can be identified, and interventions initiated, thus decreasing the sequela of PSD in AA.

Methods: Nurses were provided education on PSD, expressions of depression in African-Americans, cultural humility, implicit bias, and the importance of the nurse's role in developing a therapeutic relationship.

Results: Quantitative analysis revealed the …

Computer Based Learning Module: Neuraxial And Peripheral Nerve Blocks, Altan Halici

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) have been present for many years, but recently these pain management techniques are gaining popularity as an alternative to the use of opioids. Neuraxial and PNB reduce the opioid usage during and after the surgery and improve postoperative recovery in terms of pain relief, pain-related sleep disruption, and reduction of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Conversely, inadequate pain management after surgery may delay surgical recovery, decreased patient satisfaction, increased length of hospital stay, increased readmissions and healthcare costs (Patacsil, McAuliffe, Feyh, & Sigmon, 2016).

Perioperative nurses are instrumental during the post-operative period …

Improving Perioperative Warming Of Surgical Patients: Implementation Of A Warming Protocol, Maghy Schrage

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Despite the ample amount of knowledge and interventions available to keep patients warm in the operating room, the issue of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia continues to be a problem affecting surgical patients. Unfortunately, even a mild degree of hypothermia can increase a patient’s chance for negative outcomes such as surgical site infections, bleeding, and higher risk for mortality. The project involved development of a warming protocol/guideline for a small community hospital. The implementation process consisted of two separate presentations tailored to educate both nursing and anesthesia staff about the importance of warming patients, reimbursement initiatives, and appropriate interventions.

The project study …