Nursing Commons^™

Bullying Experiences Among Families And Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delay, Or Varying Ethnicities, Emma Humphrey

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Bullying perpetration in schools is a significant problem within the United States that has shown to increase mental health issues and adverse outcomes in children. The purpose of this extended literature review is to evaluate the significance of bullying in children with developmental delay (autism spectrum disorder) and majority and minority ethnic groups. The review of literature analyzes implications of bullying within these vulnerable populations and the family factors associated with peer victimization. An analysis from twenty peer-reviewed chosen articles reflects heightened levels of bullying, mental health problems, and negative experiences of all researched populations. The increased amount of victimization …

Medication Reconciliation In The Elderly, Tina L. Coen

MSN Capstone Projects

Medication reconciliation is a practice that is underutilized in hospitals and primary care settings, and as a result the geriatric population is experiencing frequent ER visits and hospital readmission's. The geriatric population is subject to injury due to medication errors more than any other group. Medication reconciliation is an important part of safely caring for the geriatric population and can decrease the number of inappropriate medications that are prescribed. (Moro, 2016)

Improving The Early Detection And Management Of Peripheral Artery Disease In Patients With Diabetes Within The Primary Care Setting, Julyssa Amanda Rodriguez

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for peripheral artery disease. Individuals with diabetes, greater than 50 years of age, having at least one other risk factor should be screened for peripheral artery disease with an ankle brachial index. Purpose. Improve detection and management of peripheral artery disease in persons with diabetes within primary care. Evidence. Individuals with diabetes and peripheral artery disease have an increased risk of adverse cardiac and limb events, impairing the patient’s quality of life and causing long-term disability (Berger & Newman, 2020). Methods. During a 10-week period, these processes were implemented: (a) screening all patients …

Cardiac Rehabilitation Benchmark Study, Catherine Cottle

MSN Capstone Projects

This benchmark study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in reducing mortality and hospital readmission rates of post-myocardial infarction patients. Several peer-reviewed articles were reviewed assessing the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation. It was discovered that cardiac rehabilitation reduced several negative effects regarding heart disease, including the reduction of mortality and hospital readmission rates.

Development And Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Guideline For Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder Patients Requiring Colonoscopy, Tanya D. Young

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of preventable cancer death in the United States. Spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) patients present with unique challenges for maximizing bowel prep and successful attainment of screening and therapeutic colonoscopy procedures. Current practice for bowel prep regimens does not take into consideration the specific needs of the SCI/D population resulting in significant patient dissatisfaction.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was in adult patients with spinal cord injuries/disorders requiring colonoscopy (P), how does the development and implementation of evidence-based guidelines for the care of the spinal cord injury/disorder patient …

Improving Data Collection And Documentation In A Post-Discharge Follow-Up Phone Call Program, Lindsay Horihan, Tasha Flicek

Nursing DNP Projects

Purpose and Rationale: The purpose of this project is to improve a post-discharge follow-up phone call program by creating evidence-based methods of collecting, documenting, and analyzing data that will provide insight of the program’s impact on patient and process outcomes. There was sufficient evidence to support the use of follow-up phone calls as an effective method to limit hospital readmissions within thirty days of being discharged. The literature also revealed patient and process outcomes to be measured as a final step in the program and to provide data for ongoing process improvement. Practice Change and Implementation Strategies: The current phone …

Loneliness, Social Isolation, And Their Connection To Overall Health Across The Lifespan, Paige Miller

Senior Honors Theses

Due to recent circumstances, the incidence of loneliness and social isolation has skyrocketed. Fortunately, there have already been countless studies examining the longer-term implications of these two factors on health. Loneliness and social isolation have been found to impact cardiovascular health, stress response, immune function, resilience, mental health, attachment, spiritual health, and many other determinants of health. A variety of research was examined outlining the psychological implications of loneliness and social isolation. These factors also influence physiological processes and can exacerbate a variety of diseases. After presentation of this evidence, a collection of possible interventions will be discussed, and their …

Addressing The Psychosocial State Of High-Risk Individuals Undergoing Hereditary Cancer Screening By Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (Aprns) In The Community Oncology Setting, Aquilina Kerubo Thompson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Neoteric advances in genetics make it possible to define genetic risk in cancer, and there should be methods in place to provide comprehensive genomic care with oncology advanced practice registered nurses bridging this gap. The current scope of nursing practice stipulates genetic and genomic literacy; however, there remains a deficit among advanced practice registered nurses in identifying and addressing psychosocial distress during the genetic cancer risk assessment process. Oncology advanced practice registered nurses must be equipped with the knowledge that the genetic cancer risk assessment also involves protecting patients from the psychosocial repercussions of carrying a hereditary cancer gene …

Breaking Down The Impact Of Resilience On Mental Health: An Analysis Utilizing The Resilience Scale For Adults, Sydney K. Cook

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, and previous studies have determined that resilience has a relationship with mental health. However, the association of each aspect of resilience on mental health, depression, and adverse childhood events (ACEs) have not been closely examined. Discerning which aspects of resilience are associated with mental health issues, depression, and ACEs can help psychiatric nurses determine effective treatments and interventions for at-risk patients.

One hundred ninety-five community-dwelling participants (ages 18 to 89) were invited to Purdue University in Indiana and Scripps College in California for the study. Participants completed the Resilience Scale for …

The Effects Of A Faith-Based Diabetes Program For African Americans, Pandora Goode

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to pilot test the effectiveness of a diabetes self-management program for African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) in a group format in a faith-based setting. The rationale for the study was to create appropriate diabetes education in response to the growing diabetes prevalence among African Americans. The investigator hypothesized that after completing a 12-week program, participants would have improved diabetes knowledge, self-management practices, hemoglobin A1C, and an increase in self-efficacy. By reaching these goals, this program would contribute to one of the Healthy People 2020 objectives of increasing the proportion of …

Evaluation Of Telemedicine As An Option For Providing Safe, Accessible, Care To Young Adults In A University Setting, Diane Lynch

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Previously underutilized, telemedicine has been implemented within a wide variety of health settings as a safe and efficient way of delivering healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining operations during the pandemic made implementation of telemedicine an important aspect of college and university health center reopening plans. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the acceptance and quality of a telemedicine program implemented at the health center of a medium sized private university.

Data were collected via patient and staff surveys to measure satisfaction with the program and a retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted to obtain data …

Adverse Childhood Experiences And Urinary Incontinence In Elementary School Aged Children, Amanda Jill Travis Msn, Fnp-C, Margaret C. Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Apnp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have an impact on health throughout the lifespan (Filletti et al., 1999; Hughes et al., 2017). These experiences range from physical and mental abuse, substance abuse in the home, parental separation or loss, financial instability, acute illness or injury, witnessing violence in the home or community, and incarceration of family members (Hughes et al., 2017). Understanding and screening for ACEs in children with urinary incontinence can help practitioners identify psychological stress as a potentially modifiable risk factor.

Methods: A 5-month chart review was performed identifying English speaking patients ages 6-11 years presenting to the outpatient …

Increasing Knowledge Of Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria Using A Screening Tool In Primary Care, Diane Morris

Doctoral Projects

ABSTRACT

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition that is second only to osteoarthritis. Fibromyalgia dramatically impacts the quality of life, with its many symptoms requiring a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. The recommendation is that patients with fibromyalgia are treated in primary care, as are other chronic diagnoses such as hypertension and diabetes, with referrals to other disciplines as needed. However, some primary care providers may not recognize fibromyalgia as a valid diagnosis, have received inadequate formal training in fibromyalgia, and have limited awareness of diagnostic criteria.

According to the research, as many as 3 out of 4 people with …

Decreasing Unintentional Pregnancies For Tennesseans, Paula M. Todd

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 2018, 49% of all pregnancies in the United States were unintended, with women with a lower- income status being five times more likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy. Tennessee has a high rate of unintended pregnancies, particularly among the uninsured, low-income, and rural teen populations; some 22% of these unintended pregnancies end in abortion. Oral or transdermal contraceptives that are affordable and accessible for women of childbearing age can reduce unintentional pregnancies. The addressed gap in clinical practice was that contraceptives are not currently available over the counter in Tennessee pharmacies without a prescription, which necessitates a costly medical …

Food Addiction And Obesity, Lisa Ling

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The obesity rate in the U.S. adult population has increased to epidemic levels despite attempts to decrease obesity through evidence-based knowledge, clinical practice guidelines, medical interventions, and individual efforts. For certain individuals, food addiction behaviors such as food cravings, loss of control, and binge eating contribute to obesity and require a different approach to care. Little work has been done on adding the possibility of food addiction to obesity screening and treatment. This study utilized a quasi-experimental quantitative pre- and postsurvey research design based on Lewin’s change theory. Nurse practitioners were surveyed regarding the provider’s perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about …

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Staff Training Program To Tackle Postpartum Depression, Helen Xumin Chen

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: Women in the process of childbirth go through significant physical and psychological changes. The internal changes along with other external factors can be overwhelming. There is a high rate of new mothers suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) as a result. Problem: High prevalence of PPD is a public health crisis. The condition has a negative impact on the mother-baby unit and the wellbeing of the whole family. Aside from the implications on the health of new mothers and babies, PPD is also costly to the economy. Methods: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a common and effective intervention for …

Testing A New Workflow To Integrate The Voice-Of-The-Customer In Readmission Analysis For Skilled Nursing Facility Readmissions From Home, Stephanie Edurese Bilbao

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

There are multiple layers of oversight across the healthcare delivery system. Measuring acute hospital readmissions has been identified as an important outcome measure of quality care. Our patients are one of the major stakeholders in the healthcare system. One role of a clinical nurse leader is to integrate evidence-based leadership practices that identify and assess outcomes, mitigate risk, enhance health promotion, deliver highly effective patient care, and ensure transparent relationships with stakeholders. Rationales for examining and re-designing the readmission analysis workflow based on the customer’s experience are discussed in this paper. The global aim of the project is to …

Use Of A Remote Patient Home Telemonitoring System (Engage Practice Solutions) In A Rural Health System To Decrease Rural Patients’ Utilization Of Acute Healthcare Services: A Quality Improvement Project, Christopher Baker

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Individuals in rural areas of the U.S. have less healthcare access in large part due to access barriers, and include travel and wait time, distance to a provider, cost, transportation, and social and cultural components. Rural individuals have been found to be in poorer health and have higher rates of being uninsured and having chronic disease. These disparities lead to rural individuals requiring more expensive acute care once they are at the point of receiving care. A significant burden is placed on the individual and health system. The rates of emergency department (ED) use in rural areas increased 70% from …

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Aaron Mcneilan

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The following poster presentation provides a brief overview of the disease process of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide, and its incidence does not appear to be declining. The most common factor causing COPD is cigarette smoking, which is modifiable. Other contributors are environmental air pollutants which some people may encounter depending on where they live or their occupation. This presentation is a culmination of information from different scholarly sources which discuss the symptoms, pathophysiology, causes, management, and prevention of COPD.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Pathophysiology And Chronic Health Implications, Makilah Witt

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. If untreated, women suffer a myriad of secondary sequala and chronic diseases. The prevalence of PCOS is rising and greatly impacts patients' physical, mental, and emotional health, diminishes community health, and increases healthcare costs. However, many providers fail to properly diagnose patients, understand how this disease impacts women, or provide appropriate interventions to prevent chronic health problems. This paper outlines the pathophysiology of PCOS, identifies signs and symptoms, and provides recommendations for treatment and holistic patient care for the role of the Advance Practice Nurse.

Reduction Of Clabsi In Telemetry Patients Through Limiting Central Line Blood Draw, Caselyn Lok

Student Scholarly Projects

CLABSI is known to be one of the many healthcare-associated infections that has led to an increase in health complications, length of hospital stays, and increased in healthcare cost. There is about 25000 bloodstream infection that occurs annually (Haddadin, Annamaraju, & Regunath, 2020). The PICOT question that guided this project was “How does limiting blood-draw from central venous catheter lines influence the rate of central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) post-implementation compared to rate of CLABSI pre-implementation after eight weeks?” CLABSI prevention bundles were already being used to guide healthcare providers in handling CVC access. There were 15 scholarly articles that …

Impact Of Simple Breastfeeding Initiatives Led By Nurses In A Primary Care Setting, Jessica Semin, Carolyn Hanus, Megan Scott, Amy Ford, Leeza Struwe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Background: Breastfeeding is recognized by health experts as the preferred infant feeding method. Health professionals, especially nurses, play a vital role in influencing mothers’ infant feeding decisions. This quality improvement project designed, implemented, and evaluated by nurses explores how the implementation of three simple initiatives impacted healthcare staff’s attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions related to breastfeeding.

Materials and Methods: The project was led by three Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students with guidance from their DNP prepared advisor. It took place in a primary care setting at a federally qualified health center. Prior to and after implementation, staff were …

Developing Outpatient, Clinic-Based Education For Patients With Diabetes And Prediabetes, Ruth Ann Slayton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Education and support provided to the newly diagnosed prediabetic or Type 2 Diabetic are inadequate in the outpatient arena. In rural areas, instruction for diabetes is minimal to nonexistent, and patients are paying for this with their health and lives many times. The financial burden of diabetes in the United States is astronomical. The loss of life and life quality is significantly high as well. A systems-based approach to education in the rural health clinic would be of great benefit and has proven to be enough to reverse or avoid the progression of the disease. A clinic or field-based …

The Impact Of An Evidence-Based Multi-Component Intervention On Colorectal Cancer Screening In Primary Care At A Healthcare System, Ahnnya Slaughter

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States; many of the deaths are preventable with early detection. Adherence rates for colorectal cancer screening with fecal immunochemical test kits (FIT) was below the national benchmark at this facility.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was: Among veterans 50 – 75 years old requiring average risk colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) seen in primary care at a veterans affairs healthcare system facility (P), how does the use of a multi-component intervention (I), compared to the usual care (C), affect the number of …

Improving Outcomes For Sexual Assault Patients In Alignment With Hiv Npep Clinical Guidelines, Maria Dahlke, Rachel Kanz

Nursing DNP Projects

Purpose and Rationale

The purpose of this project is to improve the follow-up care given to adult patients, 18 years and older, who require human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) treatment after a sexual assault. The goal is to determine if organizational alignment with HIV nPEP clinical guidelines through staff education improves medication adherence for adult sexual assault patients. Currently, sexual assault survivors have the lowest medication adherence rate to HIV nPEP among those at risk for HIV.

Synthesis of Evidence

The evidence supports the standardization of care for sexual assault patients' individual needs. Educating health care professionals …

Enhancing Communication Between Nurses And Physicians On Patients With Sepsis, Jayne Ehirim

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The condition of sepsis is life-threatening, and its severity increases when there are delays in interventions. Communication challenges exist on medical-surgical units and are major contributors to poor management of patients with sepsis. Ineffective communication among health care team members continues to threaten patients` health outcomes. The purpose of this project was to implement a standardized form of communication between nurses and physicians of patients with sepsis.

Methods: An observational descriptive design with a retrospective chart review. A quality improvement PDSA cycle was used to implement an SBAR communication instrument.

Results: A total of 16 …

Impact Of Social Isolation In Hiv-Positive Individuals During A Pandemic, Corina Jane Bakoylis

Dissertations

Problem: The global pandemic of COVID-19 caused concern for immunocompromised individuals. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to assess the impact of social isolation on feelings of loneliness, depression, and social isolation experiences in HIV-positive individuals residing in a long-term care facility.

Methods: A mixed-method convergent design with a purposeful sample of HIV-positive adult residents residing in a long-term care facility was utilized. An evaluation of loneliness using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale (Version 3) and depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) were completed. Personal experiences were also assessed with five predetermined open-ended …

Antibiotic Administration Time During A Code Sepsis, Shemekia Ford

Dissertations

Problem: Sepsis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and antibiotic administration within 60-minutes is a priority. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve sepsis patient’s outcomes by administering parenteral antibiotics within 60-minutes of a code sepsis (CS) activation.

Method: Observational descriptive design utilizing a retrospective medical record review over a three-month period in 2020 and 2021. A purposive sampling of adult patients from a Midwestern, metropolitan, Level II trauma and medical center emergency department (ED) were selected.

Results: The administration of parental antibiotics once a sepsis bundle was activated was essentially 28-minutes in 2020 …

Intimate Partner Violence Education For High School Students, Morgan Foster

Dissertations

Problem Adolescents are at risk for experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). As early as seventh grade, over half of adolescents have reported being in a romantic relationship. Adolescent screening for and education of IPV is minimal, and only the Healthy Relationships Quiz developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] screens young adolescents across all aspects of IPV, including psychological and sexual violence. The purpose of this project was to develop an IPV education plan for high school students in a health course.

Methods An educational lesson plan for IPV was created for high school teachers.

Results …

Attitudes Toward Sars-Cov-2 In Frontline Healthcare Workers And First Responders, Michelle Tiffany Arrington

Dissertations

Problem: To date, little evidence exists to understand attitudes of SARS-CoV-2 in frontline healthcare workers (HCW) and first responders (FR), related to best practices in mitigating virus spread. The purpose of this project was to assess attitudes toward COVID-19 in young adults, ages 18-44 years old, who are frontline workers related to their adherence to PPE guidelines, social distancing, hand hygiene, community exposures, and vaccinations.

Methods: A descriptive survey design using five-point Likert scale questions and 26 open-ended questions and was implemented one-year after onset of the pandemic. A purposive sample working in a large, urban, Midwest metropolitan area was …