Nursing Commons^™

Reporting And Tracking Of Occupational Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures, Olivia Smith

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose/Background: Underreporting of occupational bloodborne pathogen (BBP) exposures remains a significant patient and employee safety issue. At UT Health, outdated paper-based systems hindered accurate tracking, timely follow-up, and reporting compliance. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to achieve a 30% increase in quarterly BBP exposure reports, from 30 to 39, by implementing an electronic reporting system between January 1 and March 31, 2025.

Methodology: Guided by the Health Belief Model and using the Implementation and Improvement Science (IIS) Framework, the project replaced the existing paper form with an external, user-friendly digital system. Staff received structured training, and …

Respectful Patient-Provider Communication And Patient Portal Usage In Pregnant People Of Color, Amy H. Goh, Christopher Lee, Chisolum Nkenke, Joyce K. Edmonds

College of Health Professions Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Patient-provider communication (PPC) increasingly occurs in online patient portals. Variations in portal usage might worsen communication inequities for pregnant people of color (POC), widening the digital divide. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between respectful PPC, patient portal usage, and digital health literacy (DHL) in pregnant POC.

METHODS: A multimethod cross-sectional survey design was used. Ordered logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between PPC and portal use, controlling for trimester prenatal care was initiated, insurance type, age, gestational age, and parity. The moderating effect of Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) was tested on …

Public Health Simulation Infused Program (Pship) Toolkit, Desiree A. Díaz, Mindi Anderson, Francisco Guido-Sanz, Peggy Hill, Samantha Stephenson, Heather Peralta, Syretta Spears, Geraldine Luzincourt

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Project Narrative

PURPOSE AND NEED

Purpose: Priorities set forth by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) are addressed in the proposed simulation program in an effort to meet curricular needs and foster care to the medically underserved in Florida, further exposing students to public healthcare needs. Interprofessional (nursing and social work) and intraprofessional (undergraduate nurse and Nurse Practitioner [NP]) instruction is essential in the simulation-based education (SBE) program, promoting important content on identifying risk factors and health assessment of the medically underserved community (MUC) (Education Priority 2, §831). Coordination of medical care is a vicarious learning opportunity for all …

Small And Sick Newborn Care: Changes In Service Readiness Scoring Between Baseline And 2023 For 65 Neonatal Units Implementing With Nest360 In Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, And Tanzania, Rebecca E. Penzias, Morris Ondieki Ogero, Robert Tillya, Irabi Kassim, Olabisi Dosunmu, Opeyemi Odedere, Hannah Mwaniki, Vincent Ochieng, Dolphine Mochache, William Macharia

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Health Facility Assessments (HFAs) are important for measuring and tracking service readiness for small and sick newborn care (SSNC). NEST360 Alliance aims to reduce neonatal mortality in four countries (Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania). NEST360 and UNICEF facilitated HFA tool design with ministries of health in four African countries and developed two complimentary approaches to summarize readiness. Using the NEST360/UNICEF HFA tool, we collected data, developed two service readiness scoring approaches for SSNC (standards-based scoring by adapted World Health Organization (WHO) health system building blocks (HSBBs) and assessing service readiness across the health system, and level-2+ scoring by WHO clinical interventions), …

Tobacco, Alcohol, And Poverty In Lao Pdr Based On National Survey Analysis, Robert M. Semakula

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tobacco and alcohol use are among the most prevalent and harmful addictive behaviors globally, including in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). In Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, substance use patterns are shaped by cultural, social, economic, policyrelated, and environmental factors. This study aimed to: (1) explore associations between different patterns of alcohol and tobacco use among men and women in Lao PDR, and (2) investigate the effect of poverty on the relationship between alcohol and tobacco use. We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2013 Lao National Adult Tobacco Survey (N = 9,706), a nationally representative sample …

Nursing Education Research In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review And Bibliometric Analysis, Beth Waweru, Peter Gatiti, Serah Wachira

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Nursing education is pivotal for ensuring competent healthcare professionals, and its improvement is essential for enhancing the quality of health care systems globally. This study focuses on nursing education research in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the last decade, employing both bibliometric analysis and systematic review methodologies. The bibliometric analysis reveals an evolving landscape of nursing education research in SSA, offering insights into trends, key countries, journals, and predominant research themes. Notably, the study identifies a scarcity of literature using bibliometric approaches in nursing research, addressing this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the field.The systematic review, guided by the …

A Farewell Message, Misty L. Rhoads

Journal of Transformative Touch

No abstract provided.

Leading Change For Transgender And Gender Diverse Healthcare: Assessing Organizational Readiness, Braxten Lovett

Dissertations

Background: Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals face persistent stigma and systemic discrimination across multiple societal domains, with healthcare settings—intended as safe spaces—often being among the most harmful. Despite increased visibility of TGD populations and growing research on their health inequities, inclusive healthcare remains insufficiently addressed by many healthcare leaders, adding to the urgency to advance equitable, inclusive care. Additionally, structural cisnormativity and binary gender frameworks continue to perpetuate misinformation, erasure, and health disparities. Addressing these entrenched barriers requires systemic reform rooted in cultural humility, inclusive practices, and a commitment to dismantling cisnormative bias within healthcare delivery and policy. This study …

Utilizing A Clinical Resource Hub To Improve Access And Workflow For Retinopathy Screenings In The Veteran Population, Erin Kelly Pope

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Utilizing a Clinical Resource Hub to Improve Access and Workflow for Retinal Screenings in the Veteran Population

Erin K. Pope, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, AMB-BC

Scot Nolan, DNP, RN, CNS, PHN, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN, FCNS

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a progressive complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. As DR can remain asymptomatic until advanced stages, annual screenings are critical for early detection and management. Teleretinal imaging is an evidence-based method for DR screening, offering cost efficiency and reduced demand on ophthalmology clinics. At the Veterans Administration’s (VA) Loma Linda Healthcare System …

Mental Health And The Role Of Social Support In The Lives Of Vulnerabilized Sexual Minority Women, Jennifer L. Glick, Megan G. Nguyen, Aimee K. Huang, Kamila A. Alexander, Danielle German

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Introduction Sexual minority women (SMW; women who self-identify as lesbian, queer, etc., as well as heterosexually-identified women who experience attraction to romantic or sexual partnerships with women) and vulnerabilized women (those marginalized due to structural forces such as housing insecurity, violence, sex exchange, drug use, or HIV positive status) experience a range of mental health challenges compared to their heterosexual and general population counterparts. General populations studies show a positive relationship between social support and mental health; less is known about SMW experiencing intersecting multi-layered vulnerabilities. This study characterizes mental health stressors, identifies social support sources and forms, and explores …

A Retrospective Study Of Pulmonary Function Tests In Bronchiectasis: An Infectious Disease Of The Respiratory System, Vinod Mutkule, Mahesh Shinde, Vidya Bapmare, Sangramsingh Dixit, Atharva Sharma, Kshitij Sarwey, Yogeshwari Patil, Sanket Jethlia, Aayushi Dwivedi, Disha Pardeshi, Anmol Rai, Kunal Shah, Vidhi Kalwar

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Introduction: Bronchiectasis, currently being recognized worldwide, is an abnormal dilatation of the bronchi and bronchioles brought on by recurrent cycles of inflammation and airway infection. Impaired pulmonary function has a predictive significance in bronchiectasis. When treating patients with suspected or confirmed respiratory diseases, pulmonary function tests (PFT) are useful examinations. Very few studies have been done on PFTs in bronchiectasis. The main aim of this study is to study PFTs in bronchiectasis.

Method: This is a retrospective observational study done on 50 patients over two years at the tertiary care center. The previous records of patients were collected from the …

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 …

More Than A Diagnosis: Elevating Person-Centered Care In The Surgical Intensive Care Unit Through Personalized Communication Boards, Sierra B. Poe

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Intensive care units are associated with complex care and high acuity interventions, however, there is a potential for dehumanization of patients. With the focus being placed on life-saving interventions, many patients and their family members feel that they are not being treated beyond their medical diagnosis. Aim: This quality improvement project aims to address these barriers in care by designing and implementing communication whiteboards in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) at Hospital A to enhance patient and family-centered care, improve patient satisfaction, and enhance interdisciplinary communication. Post-implementation, the goal was to increase utilization of the standardized whiteboards from …

Strengthening The Birthing Bridge: Educating Labor And Delivery Nurses On Scope And Impact Of Volunteer Doulas, Catherine H. De La Torre

Master's Projects and Capstones

The objective of this quality improvement project was to address the lack of collaboration between the Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurses and the volunteer doulas on a L&D unit at a Bay Area hospital. There were reports of not understanding the role of the volunteer doula, which may have led to a lack of collaboration between both teams. The aim of this project was to improve the L&D nursing staff's understanding of the scope of practice of the volunteer doula to increase positive perception and collaboration between both professions by 25%, from 63% to 88%, following an educational intervention at …

Enhancing Intimate Partner Violence Screening: Implementing Standardized Ehr Protocols And Staff Education In A Community Health Center Serving The Latinx Community, Gabriela Alejandra Davila Barajas

Master's Projects and Capstones

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a public health issue that disproportionately impacts Latinx populations, who often face barriers such as cultural stigma, language barriers, fear of legal consequences, and limited access to culturally competent care. Community Health Centers (CHCs) are well-positioned to identify and address IPV. This project aims to increase IPV screening rates in a CHC serving a predominantly Latinx population by implementing standardized EHR protocols and culturally responsive staff education. The project’s goal is to raise IPV screening rates to 25% by April 15, 2025. The intervention includes two key components: integrating the Hurt, Insulted, Threatened, and Screamed …

The Effect Of An Audio-Recorded Intervention Program On The Knowledge And Self-Reported Practices Of Menstruation And Hygiene Among Visually Impaired Young Girls In Rwanda: A Mixed Method Study, Justine Bagirisano, Marie Laetitia Ishimwe Bazakare, Aimable Nkurunziza, Jean Bosco Henri Hitayezu, Godfrey Katende

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Menstrual hygiene practices among visually impaired young girls are a significant public health concern in Rwanda. Limited knowledge about menstruation leads to inadequate hygiene practices, increasing the risk of cervical cancer, urinary tract infections, and reduced quality of life. The menstrual hygiene needs of visually impaired girls who depend on daily assistance for personal hygiene have not been adequately addressed in previous studies. Objectives To assess the effect of an audio-recorded program on the knowledge and self-reported practices of menstruation hygiene among visually impaired young girls in Rwanda. Methodology A pre-post mixed intervention study was conducted involving 93 visually …

Implementation Of An Adolescent Women’S Health And Wellness Education Program, Lauren Acker, Laynee Conner, Jennifer Cera

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Objectives: The goal of this research study was to provide scientific evidence supporting the importance and effectiveness of implementing a women’s health and wellness education course and its effect on (1) adolescent knowledge of sexual health and hygiene, (2) self-efficacy in menstrual management, and (3) self-empowerment in managing their own reproductive health.

Design: This was a mixed methods pilot study utilizing a pre/post-test single intervention efficacy trial. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained.

Setting: The setting included two different sites including one outpatient ambulatory obstetrics/gynecology clinic and one community outreach center. Both sites were located within a midwestern metropolitan …

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 …

The Lasting Legacy Of Dr. Fritz Smith And Dr. Aminah Raheem: Founders Of Zero Balancing And Soul Lightening/Insight Acupressure, Deanna Waggy Otr

Journal of Transformative Touch

Dr. Fritz Smith and Dr. Aminah Raheem were pioneers in the field of holistic bodywork. Their innovative techniques, Zero Balancing (ZB) and Insight Acupressure (formerly Soul Lightening International), helped shape integrative medicine practitioners around the globe. Their marriage not only symbolized a personal union but also a professional synergy, with their complementary therapies offering a yin-yang approach to mind-body healing. Their legacy continues through the many practitioners trained in Zero Balancing and Soul Lightening/Insight Acupressure and the various organizations that uphold their commitment to research, education, and professional standards.

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 …

Dnp Final Report: Improving Adherence With Cms Sep-1 Sepsis Bundle In The Emergency Department, Emmanuel Bernards

DNP Final Reports

Adherence to the CMS SEP-1 Sepsis bundles is critical to sepsis management and leads to lower sepsis mortality, lower incidence of readmission, reduced length of hospital stay, and improved patient outcomes. This medical center has struggled to meet the required 71% adherence rate set by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare, representing the benchmark of acceptable care of sepsis patients. Therefore, the following PICOT question arises: among the hospitals’ ED physicians and nursing staff (P), how does a multimodal approach consisting of education, visual reminders, and audit and feedback (I) compared to a single approach (education) (C) affect adherence to …

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 …

From Stillness To Life: A Family's Experience Of Craniosacral Therapy In The Nicu, Veronica Quarry

Journal of Transformative Touch

The mother of a newborn in the NICU shares the benefits both infant and parents experienced when their daughter received CranioSacral Therapy during that critical time.

Promotion Of Women’S Preventative Health Behaviors For Breast And Cervical Cancer, Shelby Lopez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Women’s health prevention is typically not a significant topic for discussion. Health prevention measures are often discussed after a new diagnosis, rather than being a proactive approach toward improving women’s health. Breast and cervical cancer continue to be prevalent today and, to decrease the number of women diagnosed with late-stage cancer, this scholarly project will focus on improving the participation in prevention behaviors among women 18-45 years of age, but also acknowledge the role self-efficacy and perception of health behaviors has on the participation in prevention measures. Pender’s Health Promotion Model will help acknowledge how social-behavioral factors affect prevention behaviors. …

Promoting Increased Consumption Of Fruits And Vegetables In Older Adults Through Self-Efficacy And Social Cohesion, Ashley Lynn Nelson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

The purpose of this scholarly project was to design and offer a nutrition education program on fruit and vegetable consumption to a group of rural adults aged 65 and older. It was hypothesized that the nutrition program would directly motivate older adults to increase dietary consumption of fruits and vegetables. The project utilized the Health Promotion Model as the theoretical framework. To incorporate this project into a quantitative design, the methodological design that was applied is a non-experimental or observational design. This project included a four-week educational program in the Spring of 2023 that provided information on the importance of …

Stress And Burnout Among Icu Nurses, Jaspreet Kaur

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Burnout is a significant occupational hazard for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses. High patient acuity, staffing shortages, and long shift hours increase stress and diminish well-being among nurses, affecting patient care outcomes. This study examined the prevalence of stress and burnout among ICU nurses to identify contributing factors and potential interventions. An anonymous online survey was conducted among 110 ICU nurses, utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Perceived Stress Scale(PSS). Findings revealed that 42.5% of nurses reported high emotional exhaustion, while 37.5% felt they had little to no control at work. The most frequently cited workplace stressors were …

Enhancing The Eden Alternative Model With Well Standards: A Case Study Analysis, Mariah Stoner

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

This thesis investigates the potential for improving the Eden Alternative Model, a person-centered approach to elder care that emphasizes creating a homelike environment and meaningful relationships, using WELL Standards, a building certification system focused on enhancing human health and well-being through improvements in environmental quality. Through a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative data analysis and qualitative case studies, this research examines how WELL Standards, which cover aspects such as air quality, water quality, lighting, and thermal comfort, can improve environmental quality and resident satisfaction within the Eden Alternative Model. This research introduces a tailored approach to elder care by combining these …

Maternal Responsiveness To Infant Hunger Cues: Is It Possible To Mitigate Risk Of Obesity Starting In Infancy?, Arrianna A. Powers

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Childhood obesity is becoming a predominant health concern with over 37 million children under the age of 5 being overweight. Instances of rapid weight gain in infancy correlate to greater risk for obesity later on in life.

Methods: This study aimed to look at feeding modality and style for their impact on maternal responsiveness to infant hunger cues and RWG. A database search identified 21 studies eligible to be included in the review out of 150.

Discussion: Key findings showed breast-feeding mothers were most responsive to hunger cues, breastfed infants expressed greater cues than their formula-fed peers, and responsive …