Nursing Commons^™

The Implementation Of Music Therapy For Dementia Patients, Lauren Holcomb, Jessica Borror, Jenna Schanz

Scholars Week

This research looks into the implementation of music therapy for dementia patients in several different clinical settings. The framework for the research takes a look at person-centered nursing care which focuses on the patient as an individual with specific wants and needs.

After reviewing the research articles, aspects of changing patient care like adding implementations of personal speakers and playing music in group settings were brought up as recommendations for facilities caring for dementia patients.

With these recommendations, we believe that there will be a reduced use of pharmacological interventions for behavioral outbursts and reduce the use of restraints. Most …

Advancing Provider Knowledge On Precedex Use To Prevent Postoperative Delirium Through Targeted Education, Brian Gibbs

Scholars Week

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious and multifactorial complication commonly affecting elderly surgical patients. POD is associated with increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. The use of benzodiazepines and opioids during the perioperative period is a significant modifiable risk factor for POD. Despite the potential of Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) to reduce POD incidence due to its sedative, and analgesic properties, it is not widely available in many operating rooms (OR). This project aimed to educate anesthesia providers on the benefits of Precedex and its role in reducing POD in patients over 65 years old. A quality improvement project …

Navigating Excellence: A Comprehensive Program Evaluation Of An Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Pilot Course, Rachel D. Marquart

DNP Projects

Background and Rationale: Clinical instructors play a key role in nursing education, yet clinical instructors have varying degrees of formal preparation for the role. These inconsistencies affect student outcomes and instructors’ ability to effectively teach, mentor, and evaluate students. To address this, Belmont University developed the Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Program online course. This project conducted a comprehensive program evaluation to assess its effectiveness.

Aim: This project evaluated the effectiveness, success, and sustainability of an online Clinical Nurse Educator and Preceptor course designed to prepare registered nurses to teach undergraduate students and new nurses in clinical settings.

Design …

Training For Tomorrow: Ensuring School Staff Are Ready For Medical Emergencies, Lisa Garamella

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This project explores the implementation of a training curriculum for emergency response team (ERT) members in schools. Using a pre-and post-test questionnaire to assess knowledge aims to increase the understanding of identifying emergencies and responding to school personnel. Emergencies can happen at any time or place. School districts need to ensure they are prepared to respond appropriately to help during these situations. Having a plan in place to manage medical emergencies will help lessen the impact of a medical event (Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA], 2010). Most school staff are not thoroughly trained to assist students, staff, or visitors during …

Evaluation Of Hyponatremia Management Pathway, Mahmoud Ammar Pharmd, Jonathan M. Siner, Mary Judson, Christopher Winterbottom

Abstracts

Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) 2025 Critical Care Congress:

Evaluation of Hyponatremia Management Pathway Implementation in a Large Academic Health System

Submission Number: 1894079

Patients with severe hyponatremia managed using the Care Signature pathway were more likely to receive hypertonic saline and had lower mortality rates compared to those not managed with the pathway. These results suggest that the pathway can improve clinical outcomes and reduce resource use. Further studies are needed to evaluate its impact on other patients’ outcomes and long-term effectiveness.

How To Help New Nurses Deal With Anxiety And Stress, Jared Modzelewski Bsn, Rn

Posters

Background

New graduate nurses need to reduce their stress and anxiety to improve patient outcomes. Every nurse has some anxiety and stress, but new graduate nurses have been talking about it more. This change is necessary because improvement in mental health for nurses can improve their wellbeing and the overall quality of care they provide their patients.

The Ethical Justification Of Application Of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception In Patients With Intellectual Disabilities, Kelly Savitri

Journal of Health Ethics

This paper explores the ethical justification for the use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) in patients with intellectual disabilities, particularly in scenarios where patients cannot provide informed consent. The tension between respecting autonomy and ensuring beneficence presents a complex challenge for healthcare providers. Drawing on historical context, current reproductive justice issues, and evolving societal attitudes towards individuals with intellectual disabilities, this essay argues for a semi-discrete model that recognizes the need to prioritize patient health and safety while valuing their autonomy. By examining the implications of both past and present practices, this study highlights the necessity for healthcare providers to …

Integrating Health Education And Scabies Prevention In Correctional Facilities: A Path To Safer Inmate Populations, Bhavandeep Singh

Nursing | Senior Theses

Scabies is a highly transmissible skin infestation that represents a significant public health issue in correctional institutions. Inmates are particularly susceptible to scabies outbreaks due to factors such as high population density, cramped living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and frequent turnover of inmates. Addressing scabies in correctional facilities is vital for protecting inmate well-being, making it essential to explore the most effective ways to tackle this issue. This research aims to determine whether nurse-led educational training sessions for inmates can enhance their knowledge of scabies and effectively reduce its manifestations. This research proposal will use a quantitative-quasi research approach …

Alarm Fatigue, Isabell Fritts-Krzyzaniak Rn, Kaitlyn Graves Rn, Kevin Lanese Rn, Keyna Morales Rn, Jill Roderick Rn

Posters

Background:

Nurses from numerous specialties have identified that they experience alarm fatigue. Alarm fatigue leads to alarm desensitization, inappropriate pauses or disabling of alarms, and other adverse events, such as patient harm.

Project Goal:

Implementation of new monitor software and educational courses such as learning modules (LMS), in-service training

Evidence-Based Solutions To The Multi-Faceted Problem Of Healthcare Burnout And Safe Staffing, Ranae Cornwall Rn, Taylor D'Amato Bsn, Rn, Elizabeth Falcigno Mba, Bsn, Rn, Sabrina Ferreira Bsn, Rn, Whitney Lascaux Bsn, Rn, Mscp, Lmt, Ryt, Olivia Okoroafor Bhs, Bsn, Rn, Lucas Peixoto Adn, Rn, Cecilia Rivas Bsn, Rn, Bsph

Posters

It is common for inpatient medical floor RNs to care for an average of 5-7 patients per assignment plus the role of charge RN or preceptor, which borders the legal limit in the state of Connecticut. We believe that by eliminating an assignment for charge RN’s, safe staffing ratios can be achieved, and RN higher retention rates could be achieved with a strategic PICO investigation.

Chalkboards To Chatbots: Helping Faculty Harness Ai For The Future Of Higher Education, Justin C. Grace

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into nursing education presented significant opportunities yet posed challenges due to varied faculty readiness. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project evaluated an educational intervention aimed at enhancing nursing faculty's AI proficiency and confidence at Regis University’s Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. Using a mixed-methods, pre- and post-intervention design, validated surveys assessed changes in faculty perceptions, knowledge, and skills related to AI. The intervention included a digital toolkit with nine instructional videos demonstrating practical AI applications using FreedAI’s large language model, ChatGPT, supported by voiceover narration and closed captioning. Data analysis involved descriptive …

Improving Health Literacy Related To Hypertension In A Minority Faith-Based Population, Kasaundra M. Beverly-Marshall, Kasaundra M. Beverly-Marshall

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Background: Insufficient research on health literacy related to cardiovascular disease highlights a gap in healthcare. Healthy People 2030 and local community health programs acknowledge gaps in research with future goals to improve health literacy.

Local Problem: The health literacy rate for Winnebago County, IL (41%) is higher than both the State of Illinois and national health literacy rates, which aligns with the results of a community needs assessment survey.

Methods: A community-based health promotion project using a pre-post study design uses the health promotion model to engage participants in advancing cardiovascular health outcomes.

Interventions: DNP student assisted participants in creating …

A Phenomenological Examination Of Spiritual Health In Cancer Patients, Cheryl Green, Lauren Thayer, Beatrice Relucio Rn

Posters

This study is a phenomenological qualitative comparative analysis of how Oncology nurses and their patients understand spiritual health as patients cope with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Scheduling, Stress, And Satisfaction: How Alternative Methods Of Staff Scheduling Can Stop Nurse Burnout And Increase Nurse Satisfaction, Cythia Anicette Adn, Rn

Posters

●Traditional scheduling modalities have been identified by YNHH staff members to have a negative impact on work-life balance, eventually leading to burnout. ●Studies have shown that burnout may lead to poor patient outcomes and increased turnover rate among nurses. ●In traditional scheduling modalities, management is often in charge of creating the schedule for the entire unit with varying input from staff. ●In contrast, self-scheduling has staff collaborate with each other to create a schedule with final approval made by management. ●Self-scheduling has been found in several studies to create positive outcomes in nursing satisfaction and work-life balance. ●Due to its …

Rooming-In With The Newbies, Kiara Baguio Bsn, Rn, Allison Gomez Walker Bsn, Rn, Sydney Roth Bsn, Rn, Taylor Standring Bsn, Rn, Andriana Stewart Bsn, Rn

Posters

• Rates of bonding and breastfeeding with baby during hospital stays whether they are in a Baby-Friendly Hospital.
• How rooming-in with infant creates longer and stronger breastfeeding success rates.
• Statistics of breastfeeding and rooming-in within networks of Baby Friendly hospitals vs. non Baby Friendly.
• Change is necessary because evidence suggests that the later mothers begin breastfeeding, the higher the chances the newborn acquires an infection that can lead to death.

Healing Hands Are Clean Hands, Abigail Bruce Bsn, Rn, Katherine Benalcazar Adsn, Rn, Rosa Crespo Bsn, Rn, Dana Drywa Bsn, Rn, Maris Estevez Bsn, Rn, Erin Helge Bsn, Rn, Bilonda Kalemba Bsn, Rn, Kerryann Meggie Bsn, Rn, Amanda Silver Bsn, Rn, Jasmine Villafane Asn, Rn

Posters

• Our team identified the lack of hand hygiene throughout the department.
• Hand washing is an important part of infection prevention, and not washing hands properly or not at all, increases the rate of infections for our patients.
• Hand washing stations are out of reach or not available at all in certain areas of the emergency department, making it nearly impossible for optimal hand washing.
• Despite our efforts, hand hygiene habits can be improved throughout Bridgeport Hospital.

Reducing Acute Care Visits In Oncology: A Pilot Quality Improvement Project, Judy Metropulos

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Patients receiving high-toxicity chemotherapy are at risk for post-infusion complications, which can result in unplanned hospital visits or admissions. Structured post-infusion follow-up may improve symptom management and reduce these events.

Local Problem: At North Region hospital, the 30-day post-infusion revisit rate was 31%, substantially exceeding the national average of 14.7%. A pilot program launched in 2021 reduced hospital visits by 7%; however, following its discontinuation due to staffing shortages and inadequate data collection, the rate subsequently increased, underscoring the need for sustainable interventions.

Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted in two, ten weeks phases. Phase 1 included …

Perception Of Spirituality By Intensive Care Unit Nurses, Adejoke Felicia Ogidan

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

ICU nurses are identified as a population of nurses with a high risk of experiencing psychological stress due to the nature of their job in the ICU (Lyndon, 2015; Welp et al., 2015). Psychological stress is detrimental to nurses' mental health and the quality of patient care.

According to Watson’s Transpersonal Human Caring Theory, the spiritual perception of the nurse influences the nurse’s spiritual care practice, which in turn affects their self-care and care provided by the nurse to patients (Watson, 2021)This research explored the ICU-Ns' perception of spirituality and its relationships with spiritual care practices and self-assessed competency in …

Case Management For End-Stage Renal Disease Patients, Jamie L. Andrews

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) and health literacy directly impact adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [NIDDK], 2022; Ulrich, 2020). Adults with ESRD account for 1.5 million hospital admissions and 500,000 re-admissions within 30 days annually (NIDDK, 2022). Case management is essential in reducing re-admissions for adult ESRD patients, requiring abilities to identify factors affecting adult ESRD patients appropriately.

Methods: Therefore, an evidence-based practice (EBP) project using the IOWA Model framework was implemented to increase the knowledge base in identifying care and resources for ESRD patients for telephonic …

Factors Contributing To Technostress In Nursing Education: A Study Of Master Of Science In Nursing (Msn) Education Students, Jennifer Weber

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

This mixed-methods study examined factors contributing to technostress among Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Education students enrolled in a fully online program. Guided by the Technostress Trifecta Model, the study explored the relationships among age, grade point average (GPA), years of nursing experience, and self-rated technical skills, as well as students’ perceptions of technology use in learning.

Data were collected from 94 participants using the Technostress Scale by Upadhyaya and Vrinda (2021). Quantitative analyses showed that self-rated technical skill was significantly associated with lower perceived technological complexity, while age was significantly associated with both techno-invasion and techno-uncertainty. GPA and …

Decreasing Hospital-Acquired Clostridium Difficile Infections, Angel S. Louder

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Clostridium Difficle Infection (CDI) is a significant healthcare threat due to its ability to be transmitted rapidly in healthcare settings. Patient engagement and participation in infection prevention initiatives at admission will lead to early implementation of isolation precautions, diagnosis of infectious pathogens, and treatment. A quality improvement project was implemented at a south-central Texas acute care hospital to engage alert and oriented adult patients, using a bundled approach to screen for the early detection of CDI within 48 hours of hospital admission, thereby reaching the goal of reducing hospital-acquired CDIs. This initiative improved patient engagement with CDI screening, reducing confirmed …

Improving Knowledge And Confidence Of Family Nurse Practitioners In Offering The Hpv Vaccine, Leni Terano Fisher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Introduction

Despite the recommendations of the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, HPV immunization lags behind other routine vaccines by up to 31%. Although there are many reasons for the low vaccine rate, provider hesitancy and lack of confidence significantly contribute to suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake.

Objectives

This project aimed to utilize evidence-driven interventions to increase family nurse practitioners' (FNPs) knowledge and confidence in offering the HPV vaccine.

Methods

Participants were given pre- and post-questionnaire surveys. The Wilcoxon Rank Test was used to compare, quantify, and measure the results of the eight-week data collection.

Results

The subjects were …

A Quality Improvement Approach To Reducing Post-Surgical Acute Care Falls, Tiffany C. Mitchell

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Inpatient falls remain one of the most preventable adverse events in hospitals. Falls result in serious injuries and increasing healthcare costs. This quality improvement project evaluates the implementation of Fall TIPS to reduce fall incidence and promote sustainable safety practices.

The Effect Of Length Of Nursing Shift On The Development Of Medical Errors, Andrew J. Hom

Nursing | Senior Theses

The relationship between extended nurse work hours and increased clinical errors is a growing concern in nursing and healthcare systems. This issue has only grown more pronounced since the pandemic, which exacerbated staffing shortages and placed unprecedented demands on the nursing workforce. Longer shifts often lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making, and decreased cognitive performance, creating challenges for both nurses and patients. To better frame the analysis, this thesis relied on The Swiss Cheese Model to better conceptualize risk management. This thesis examined the correlation between consecutive hours worked and the frequency of errors made by nurses while also exploring the …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotics For The Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infections, Megan A. Carullo

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in women and are often a reason for prescribing antibiotics. Appropriately treating these infections is vital to prevent significant health concerns such as pyelonephritis or sepsis. Providers commonly prescribe antibiotics as a preventive measure, but incorrect usage can lead to unnecessary use of antibiotics. This is a large concern for the medical community, given the increased rates of antibiotic resistance. This quality improvement project aimed to answer the following research question: In women with recurrent UTIs (rUTIs), does presumptive treatment compared to standard treatment upon confirmed infection increase the number …

Noise In The Acute Care Patient Setting, Taylor A. Cota, Brynn Roberts

Honors Theses and Capstones

Noise levels in hospital environments can negatively impact patient satisfaction and recovery, particularly in high-acuity units such as Progressive Care Units (PCUs) (Choiniere, D. B., 2010). Patient satisfaction surveys at the PCU at Exeter Hospital have consistently identified noise as a concern, highlighting the need for rigorous quality improvement (QI) planning phase to determine whether a structured intervention, such as white noise implementation, is indicated.

This project focuses on the initial planning phase of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, n.d.) to assess the feasibility and necessity of introducing white noise machines to enhance patient experience on the …

Implementing Gallup 12+ Employee Engagement Survey In A Critical Access Hospital, Catherine R. Hardwick

Honors Theses and Capstones

Objective: To utilize the Gallup Q12+ survey to assess baseline staff engagement among nurses and nursing assistants at a critical access hospital, implement direct education intervention, and evaluate its impact on staff engagement rates, with the goal of identifying micro and macro-problems.

Methods: This quality improved project was conducted at Littleton Regional Hospital, a level Ⅲ trauma center and critical access hospital. The PDSA cycle started on March 1 and ended May 10. The Gallup Q12+ survey was sent to Registered Nurses, Licensed Nursing Assistants, and Nursing Technicians to establish baseline staff engagement levels and areas that need improvement. Directed …

Nurses Current State Of Knowledge On Prion Disease, Chelsy Grande

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Prion disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. Creutzfeldt-Jakob prion disease rapidly progresses, caused by an infectious pathogen that misfolds the normal prion protein which results in an accumulation of cellular prion proteins. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, only palliative care to provide support as the disease progresses. There is a gap in providing support for the patients and their families due to the limited understanding from the nurses, which can lead to the unmet needs of patients and their families. The purpose of the study is to evaluate what nurses …

Delayed And Misdiagnosed Endometriosis, Teresa Doyle

Nursing | Senior Theses

Aim: This research investigates whether targeted education can improve the early diagnosis of endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting around 10% of women of reproductive age. Unfortunately, endometriosis is often misdiagnosed, delaying treatment, prolonging discomfort, and lowering quality of life. Healthcare practitioners' knowledge gap is addressed by this study, which examines whether organized training promotes awareness and diagnostic accuracy. This research proposal evaluates an educational intervention developed to improve gynecological experts' knowledge and diagnostic skills. The main research issue is whether the intervention reduces misdiagnosis and improves patient outcomes. A quasi-experimental design will examine participants' knowledge and diagnosis accuracy before and …