Nursing Commons^™

Opioid Abuse: Community Education, Meggan N. Wolff-Jackson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The opioid epidemic in the United States has persisted for over two decades and has become one of the leading causes of accidental deaths nationwide (Robert et al., 2022). The opioid crisis represents a widespread public health emergency that extends beyond individual and community boundaries, imposing burdens on both the national economy and the healthcare system (Kyei et al., 2024). Although the opioid epidemic is a global concern, it is particularly concerning in the target community located in the western part of North Carolina. This region has some of the highest rates of opioid overdoses within the state, with 118 …

Improving Overall Morale Of Nurses By Implementing A Serenity Room, Ruth B. Clarke-Johnson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing, while a highly respected profession grounded in research and scientific practice, continues to face persistent challenges related to staff retention and morale. Key contributors include burnout related to high workloads, challenging staffing ratios, lack of supportive leadership, and an aging workforce. Together, these factors hinder healthcare organizations’ ability to sustain a stable and experienced staff. The implementation of a serenity or relaxation room is supported by growing evidence highlighting its positive effects on nurse morale and stress reduction. A review by Mileski et al. (2022) found wellness spaces significantly reduced burnout, emotional exhaustion, and stress while improving resilience, job …

Integrating Lactation Education Into Centering Pregnancy To Enhance Maternal Confidence And Lactation Initiation Rates, Courtney Barbee

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Introduction: Breastfeeding remains the gold standard for infant nutrition providing physical and psychological benefits for both mother and baby. The inadequacy of lactation education and support continue to hinder breastfeeding initiation in the rural areas of North Carolina. Integrating a board-certified lactation consultant into the Centering Pregnancy model provides an evidence-based strategy to improve maternal confidence and increase lactation initiation rates within the target community.

Method: Using a quality improvement framework, the project targeted expecting mothers participating in Centering Pregnancy. Pre- and post-surveys assessed confidence levels after receiving two educational sessions with a board-certified lactation consultant.

Results: …

Beat By Beat: Empowering Communities With Lifesaving Cpr Skills, Allyssa Mb Hutchins

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Introduction: This doctoral project was created to increase bystanders' willingness and ability to perform CPR by building their confidence in performing it effectively. A total of 13 participants participated in this project to increase knowledge and confidence in CPR interventions.

Background: Cardiac arrests remain a leading cause of death, yet research indicates that rural communities have lower rates of bystanders trained and willing to assist. Increasing CPR awareness and eliminating barriers to care for classes can improve CPR confidence and have a positive community impact.

Methods: Three 4-hour CPR classes were held in Zirconia, NC, at no …

Safe And Effective Injection Practices For Insulin And Glp-1 Users, Lydia A. Anderson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Improper insulin and GLP-1 injection techniques can reduce treatment effectiveness in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. This quality improvement project aimed to improve patients' knowledge and safety regarding insulin and GLP-1 medications by conducting an educational session and demonstration of proper injection techniques. The project took place at a community senior center where individuals reported not receiving instruction or education on correct injection practices when prescribed these medications. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed changes in patient knowledge, confidence, and understanding of proper injection methods. Results demonstrated clear improvements in patient knowledge, confidence, and technique. This project highlights the significance of …

Enhancing Uncontrolled Hypertension Compliance And Self-Management In A Senior Center, Kimberly D. Strickland

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hypertension is a complicated, chronic condition that affects individuals worldwide. The prevalence of this condition has increased nearly 48% in the last decade in America. This project served to determine if participants in a targeted area/community would show increased knowledge and awareness of hypertension after implementation of educational sessions. A post-session survey was provided to determine if the educational sessions were effective. Data was collected and analyzed that showed an increase in awareness and knowledge regarding the prevalence of hypertension, diet modification, lifestyle, and compliance.

Increasing Awareness Of Obesity And Its Associated Risks In Adults, Esther E. Bayode

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Obesity is a significant and growing public health concern in a metropolitan area of North Carolina, reflecting statewide and national trends. With 36% of adults in North Carolina classified as obese, the condition contributes to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This project targeted adults aged 18 and older within a local faith-based community, where preliminary findings showed a strong association between elevated body mass and increased chronic disease burden. To address this issue, a two-session educational intervention was implemented in partnership with a religious organization to increase knowledge about obesity, its causes, associated risks, …

The Essentials Of Heart Failure Management, Emily W. Greene

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Heart failure remains a leading cause of hospitalization among older adult women, often due to delayed recognition of symptom exacerbation and limited knowledge of self-management strategies. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate whether a brief educational intervention could improve knowledge of heart failure management among older adult women at a community senior center. The DNP project leader conducted two educational sessions focusing on early recognition of heart failure symptoms, heart-healthy diet, and when to contact a healthcare provider. Participants completed a pre- and post-test survey containing four knowledge questions and one Likert-scale question on perceived knowledge …

Spreading Awareness To College Athletes About Skin Cancer And Improving Sun Protection Habits, Baylee B. Whiteside

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Introduction: The intention of this Doctor of Nursing Practice evidence-based project was to provide education on improving awareness of skin cancer to potentially improve sun protection habits. A total of 100 college athletes participated in this project. The goal was to increase educational knowledge and practice intentional sun protection habits.

Background: One in 5 people will develop a type of skin cancer by age 70 (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2024). Several studies have proven that young adults, ages 15-25, are at an increased risk of sun exposure due to decreased knowledge about skin cancer. Teaching and improving the knowledge in this …

Increasing Teens' Knowledge On The Health-Related Effects Of Vaping, Anteja Gore

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Vaping in teens has become an increasing public health issue related to the growth in the number of teens who are using vapes. Many teens are not aware of the potential associated risk of using vapes, as they perceive them to be a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. The purpose of this project was to increase the middle school teens’ knowledge of the potential health risks associated with vaping through an educational awareness session. This project was implemented in the middle school setting, targeting students aged 12-14 years. The students who participated completed anonymous pre- and post- questionnaires that evaluated …

Spreading Awareness To Adults About Cardiovascular Disease And Improving Healthy Lifestyle Habits, Madison L. Eldridge

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Introduction: The intention of this Doctor of Nursing Practice evidence-based project was to evaluate if providing education to the target community would increase awareness and knowledge of cardiovascular disease and healthy lifestyle habits. The goal was to increase educational knowledge and promote awareness of cardiovascular disease and healthy lifestyle habits.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a critical health issue that prevails across the state of North Carolina, while continuing to remain one of the leading causes of death across the south-center Piedmont area of North Carolina. Several studies have proven that increasing knowledge on cardiovascular risks, promoting healthy exercise, and …

Effects Of Educational Programs On Reducing Sexually Transmitted Infection Rates, Phierica D. Gardin

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant public health concern in the United States, with increasing rates reported in many states, including North Carolina. Limited sexual health education, stigma surrounding sexual health discussions, and lack of awareness regarding prevention and screening contribute to ongoing transmission, delayed diagnosis, and potential long-term complications associated with untreated STIs. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to implement a sexual health education program aimed at increasing knowledge of STI transmission, prevention strategies, and the importance of screening among adults aged 18 years and older. Two educational sessions were completed within …

Combating Pressure Injuries In Critical Care: A Dnp Project On Nursing Education And Prevention Strategies In The Icu, Tijuana M. Johnson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are preventable complications that significantly increase patient morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and healthcare costs, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). At a rural 146-bed hospital, the ICU pressure injury rate of 1.17 per 1,000 discharges exceeded the national benchmark of 0.58 per 1.000 discharges, identifying a critical gap in prevention practices. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to improve ICU nurses' knowledge of pressure injury prevention and reduce unit-based educational intervention grounded in Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory and implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement framework.

A pre-and post-intervention design was …

Building Clinical Competency In Central Line Care: A Nurse-Focused Initiative To Prevent Clabsis, Glenda A. Robbins

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a significant yet preventable source of increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in acute care settings. Despite established evidence-based prevention bundles, inconsistent nursing adherence remains a primary contributor to elevated CLABSI rates. A 241-bed acute care hospital reported CLABSI rates above the national benchmark. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project utilized Neuman’s Systems Model. The intervention consisted of a structured educational module on central line care and maintenance, including pre- and post- knowledge assessments. Additionally, standardized daily central line visual audits were reinforced by the Vascular Access Team. A total of 363 bedside …

Diabetes Education In Buncombe County, Deonna Nicole Blount

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The growing number of Americans living with diabetes has reached an all-time high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2026), there are 40.1 million people diagnosed with or underdiagnosed with diabetes. Evidence has shown that with education tailored to the patient's lifestyle, changes can be made and healthier lifestyles exhibited. Understanding the why of the patients can assist in changes that are feasible and can be implemented for the now and the future. Several studies outlined by Alonso-Carril et al. (2024), Lander et al. (2022), and Hodges et al. (2019) showed that education was implemented and …

Mental Health First Aid Training In The Community, Vester Agbley Gideon

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Mental health issues impact one in five adults in the United States; however, many individuals lack the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively respond to mental health crises. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training empowers individuals to recognize and address mental health concerns, thereby fostering early intervention and support. This review analyses the efficacy of MHFA training, best practices for its implementation, and its influence on mental health outcomes. Empirical evidence indicates that MHFA training enhances mental health literacy, diminishes stigma, and encourages supportive behaviors. Customized approaches for targeted populations, such as youth and older adults, have also shown significant …

Improving Timeliness Of Extubation Post-Cabg: An Educational Intervention Utilizing A Nurse-Driven Checklist, Christy Scott

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Timely extubation following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is associated with improved patient outcomes. In a rural six-bed cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) in North Carolina, extubation times were previously reported at approximately 15 hours. A lack of a standardized nurse-driven process and inconsistent familiarity with extubation readiness criteria contributed to variation in practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to implement and evaluate an educational intervention using a nurse-driven extubation checklist to improve nurses' knowledge, confidence, communication, and role clarity related to post-CABG extubation readiness in the CVICU.

Methods: The staff education …

Musical Measures: Nurse Education On Music-Based Interventions To Reduce Patient Restraints, Crystal D. Tucker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The use of physical restraints in acute psychiatric settings poses significant risks to patient safety, including physical injury and psychological distress. Evidence supports the need for alternative, non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce reliance on restraints. This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on nurses’ knowledge and confidence in implementing music-based interventions, specifically binaural beats, to manage patient anxiety and agitation.

The project was conducted on a medical observation and behavioral health holding unit and utilized a pre- and post-intervention design. Registered nurses participated in educational sessions on music-based interventions and were …

Knowledge Is Power: Educating The Community About The Dangers Of Vaping, Heather B. Hector

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to increase knowledge among parents, coaches, teachers, nurses, community leaders, and members about the dangers of e-cigarette use among adolescents by implementing a community-based education session vital to protecting the health and well-being of adolescents in the target community. Education and preventative measures have been proven to decrease the use of tobacco cigarettes, and the same needs to be done with e-cigarettes and vaping, especially among adolescents, to protect the future of their health. Education and prevention programs are not only targeted at adolescents but also at adults who …

Affecting Test Anxiety In Nursing Students, Michelle S. Porterfield

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing students often face significant test-taking anxiety, which negatively impacts both their academic performance and overall well-being (Samuel et al., 2022). This project aims to explore the effects of mindfulness coloring with mandalas on reducing pre-test anxiety among pre-licensure nursing students. The intervention, spanning one semester, will assess changes in anxiety levels and student academic test performance. The anticipated outcome is a reduction in pre-test anxiety, leading to improved academic performance and enhanced mental well-being. The findings will provide valuable insights into non-pharmacological strategies for managing anxiety in students.

Stress To Success: The Impact Of Aromatherapy On Nursing Students With Test Anxiety, Patricia A. Mullens

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Test anxiety has been identified as a significant problem in pre-licensure nursing students. This project aims to investigate how aromatherapy can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with lower test scores and the emotional and psychological impacts it has on students' overall well-being. A literature review supported that students who experience test anxiety characteristically scored lower on high-stakes nursing exams than students who did not experience the same stress. The potential results of this project are multifaceted and include improved test scores, enhanced students’ psychological well-being, and completion of their nursing degree.

Implementing A Pressure Injury Prevention Bundle On A Medical Surgical Unit: A Quality Improvement Project, Katrina Daye-Whitehead

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) continue to be one of the biggest challenges healthcare facilities face which has required increased attention on prevention. The national cost of treating HAPIs ranges from approximately $3 billion to $22 billion annually and as a result, hospitals have faced a tremendous financial burden, which has led hospitals to strengthen reduction strategies (Padula & Delarmente, 2019). The aim of this evidence-based project was to increase nurses’ knowledge about HAPI prevention bundles and increase the compliance with a HAPI prevention bundle implemented within 8 hours of admission or transfer to the unit. The preventative HAPI bundle consists …

Breastfeeding Education In Peripartum Women, Kristen Chassner

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Breastfeeding is nature’s medicine. Though it is considered a natural experience between a mother and a child, it does not always come easy. Education is imperative for peripartum women to learn more about breastfeeding in general, its benefits to the mother and the child, identifying improper latching, and resources to seek help. The purpose of this project was to provide introductory breastfeeding education to peripartum women at a government-funded public health facility in Cleveland County, North Carolina, to increase breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy, and the intention to breastfeed for the baby’s first 6-months of life in 100% of the participants. Though …

The Use Of Music Therapy And Various Mechanisms Of Diversion To Aid Caregivers Of Those With Alzheimer’S Disease And Dementia, Sarah Elizabeth Kane

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia inhabit an increasingly alarming number of individuals within the United States with the majority of their caregivers being loved ones with limited to no healthcare education. This DNP project was designed to specifically educate caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. The goal of this project was to increase the knowledge of the disease while also increasing the ability and confidence to better care for their loved ones. In using the resources outlined in this project, such as music therapy and diversional tools, the caregiver would see a decrease in emotional outbursts and …

Achieving Optimal Wellness: Exploring The Benefits And Impact Of Community Health, Erin Riley

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Community health is an essential practice that utilizes non-clinical approaches to reduce health disparities, improve health, and prevent disease through engagement with a population of a certain geographical area. Building on earlier research, this study focused on the members of Alamance County and the increasing numbers of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia cases from year to year. While community resources and health programs have improved over time, they are lacking in certain geographical areas. The aim of this project was to increase the knowledge and conversations around the most common diseases in Alamance County, through health seminars conducted at a …

Human Trafficking In The Er: Will You Recognize The Signs?, Lauren Neff

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Current data reveals that 88% of human trafficking (HT) victims seek some form of health care while being trafficked. More specifically, 63% seek care in the emergency department setting (McAmis et al., 2022). A recent literature review indicates that regarding human trafficking and healthcare, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge on the issue. Healthcare team members often have little to no education or knowledge of potential signs and symptoms of a victim in a trafficking situation. The purpose of this DNP project was to increase healthcare staff knowledge of human trafficking (HT) and, more specifically, nurses in an …

Enhancing Sleep Quality: The Interrelationship Between Sleep Hygiene And Comprehensive Well-Being, Marissa Strenkert

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In North Carolina, many adults face sleep loss, negatively impacting cognitive functioning, mental health, and physical well-being. This project aimed to educate the public about sleep hygiene techniques and their benefits. An informational session was conducted on sleep hygiene. The informational session included 31 participants, who then completed a voluntary survey to assess their likelihood of adopting the techniques and their satisfaction with the session. Out of 31 participants, 18 completed the survey. The survey consisted of 10 questions, scored on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), allowing for total scores between 0 and 50. Higher …

Increasing The Knowledge And Access To Naloxone (Narcan) For High-Risk Populations, Jessica E. Jones

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This study investigated the knowledge and access to Naloxone (Narcan) in high-risk populations in Robeson County, NC. In order to mitigate the rate of overdose in tribal members who are part of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Indigenous populations have had the highest overdose rate of increase since 2019. In collaboration with CORE Pathways, a quality improvement project was implemented at the Harvest Moon Fall Powwow. Opioid overdose education was provided to voluntary participants, free Naloxone was provided to individuals, along with a created video presentation of Naloxone education. Pre- and post-surveys were utilized to gauge participants' knowledge before …

Educational Sessions On Opioid Use Disorder In A Rural Community: A Faith-Based Approach, Tarrelle Reade

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This scholarly project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a faith-based community education program regarding opioid use disorder (OUD) in a rural area of Person County, North Carolina. Through 4 weekly sessions hosted at Lattisville Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the program provided education on the signs and symptoms of opioid misuse, associated risks, available treatment options, support resources, and the use of Narcan. A pre- and post-survey design using a Likert scale measured changes in knowledge and confidence across five key domains. Data from participants (n = 54 total) showed statistically significant improvements in awareness and self-efficacy in most areas, …

Sleep Promotion In Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Maelyn G. Cranford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Sleep is a fundamental requirement for the human body to achieve and sustain overall health and well-being. In Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), sleep is a vital step in an infant’s routine to allow for proper neurodevelopment and growth. Parents of infants in the NICU may be unaware of the critical role sleep plays in their child’s health. Without realizing it, they can unintentionally disrupt their infant’s sleep by speaking loudly, using bright lights, or playing loud sounds from their phone. This DNP project was created to increase NICU parent education on the importance of sleep promotion and involve them …