Nursing Commons^™

Does A Telehealth Education Program Improve Lifestyle Behaviors Of Individuals With Prediabetes?, Loretta A. Richardson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Chronic conditions are a considerable burden on the healthcare system, and one that is becoming increasingly prevalent is diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition that has become more common and diagnosed in many patients before an actual diagnosis of diabetes. Healthcare professionals strive to empower individuals to make lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes from occurring by informing individuals on how to manage prediabetes. For individuals that do not make the necessary changes to lower their hemoglobin A1c to below the standards of less than 5.6%, a diagnosis of diabetes occurs. It is estimated that five per 1000 individuals are diagnosed with …

Nursing Faculty Experiences Of An Academic Merger: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Sherry Michelle Boone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experience of undergoing a merger of two or more academic institutions within the United States for nursing faculty who chose to voluntarily depart the organization following the merger. The theoretical framework guiding this study was social capital theory as it discusses the importance of relationships and the resources those relationships provide. While assets may be acquired during a merger, social capital must be developed over time and is important for building a new combined healthy organizational culture. The study included nine participants who departed the institution in the timeframe …

Nonpharmacologic Measures To Maintain Or Increase Bone Density In Patients At Risk For Osteoporosis: An Integrative Review, Katie Saporsky

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Osteoporosis is a major phenomenon, impacting a large proportion of the population of the United States. Effective prevention and mitigation strategies for this condition and its related complications are necessary to promote health and well-being for the aging population. Current pharmacologic agents used to combat osteoporosis bring the risk of adverse effects, resulting in poor patient adherence. Nonpharmacologic methodologies, specifically weight-bearing exercise, targeted nutrition, and whole-body vibration, have proven to be successful in increasing bone mineral density and mitigating the risk of osteoporosis and its related complications. Implementing these methodologies results in increasing bone mineral density, strength, and well-being.

A Clinical Nurse Leader Nurse Navigator Program For Heart Failure Patients, Shanna Lantel Negron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this integrative review is to examine the literature regarding nurse-led educational interventions, transitional care (TC) strategies for heart failure (HF) patients, nurse navigation, HF self-care, and the clinical nurse leader (CNL) role to support integrating a CNL into the care delivery model serving as a nurse navigator (NN) for adult HF patients being discharged home from the hospital. The basis for this review is to identify an innovative way to improve patient reported and clinical outcomes for the HF population which increases each year. The economic and symptom burden associated with this disease is high further enhanced …

Prenatal Educational Strategies To Increase The Duration Of Breastfeeding: An Integrative Review, Kayla Caryl Carter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants, many women in the United States of America do not breastfeed their infants. Infants should be breastfed for the first 6 months of life. Not only does this benefit the baby, but the mother as well. While prenatal education has been linked with improvements in breastfeeding rates, little research has been completed on which educational strategies are most effective. The purpose of this integrative review is to determine effective prenatal educational strategies for increasing the duration of breastfeeding. The strategies reviewed were single methods, multiple methods, and education with continued …

Stroke Symptom Identification Tool For Hospitalized Patients In A Rural Setting, Cheryl Ann Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Thousands of persons in the United States yearly suffer acute large vessel occlusion stroke (LVO). Caring for these individuals with strokes and the ensuing issues increases healthcare dollars. In underserved, rural communities, there is a dire need for improved methods to access care for these individuals. A 3-month evidence-based practice (EBP) project was conducted in a small rural town in Virginia with one of the state’s highest rates of acute stroke. Nurses in the rural hospital voluntarily participated in an educational program on recognizing acute stroke and utilizing the Vision, Aphasia, Neglect (VAN) assessment tool. The participants (N-15) were asked …

Enhancing The Patient Experience By Providing A Visual Cue To Reference/Reinforce Medication Communication, Janet Radzykewycz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to examine how placing a visual cue (sticker) for patients and nurses to reference during the patient’s acute care admission on the Telemetry unit will affect the patient’s perception of medication communication (purpose and side effects of medications). Background: Approximately 1.3 million people annually in the United States experience an injury due to medication-related errors. Hospitalized patients are at greatest risk for medication errors at the time of discharge due to medication changes in the acute care environment and these changes being implemented in the patient’s plan of care in the home environment. …

The Effects Of Dietary And Lifestyle Management On Diabetic Neuropathy, Courtney Renee Wyatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Numerous patients who have uncontrolled diabetes have developed complications associated with diabetic neuropathy. The apparent knowledge deficit and noncompliance have led to the development of clinical concerns related to improving patient outcomes. This scholarly project assesses the effects of dietary, weight, and exercise management on improving diabetic neuropathy symptoms. The debilitating effects of diabetes continue to affect numerous people each day. Uncontrolled diabetes can create innumerable complications, including diabetic neuropathy. Appropriate nutrition associated with accountability, monitoring, and proper education can alleviate the progression of uncontrolled diabetes. Assessment of the improvement of diabetic neuropathy with dietary and exercise management is examined …

The Lived Experiences Of Faculty Conducting Post-Simulation Debriefing In Nurse Practitioner Programs, Jodi Borden Duncan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Simulation-based education is a teaching–learning pedagogy widely used in nursing programs today. While much research has been done on student perceptions of simulation and the fact most learning occurs in the post-simulation debriefing session, little research has been done on how learning takes place in debriefing. Nurse practitioner faculty also use simulation as a teaching methodology, but the implementation of debriefing methods and faculty experiences with debriefing sessions are not known. As simulation may not be counted as direct clinical hours in nurse practitioner programs, more research must be done before the substitution of hours can be considered. The substitution …

Early Activity And Mobility Of Intensive Care Unit Patients To Reduce Hospital Length Of Stay And Improve Patient Outcomes: An Integrative Review, Scott D. Crofts

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Patient physical inactivity during hospital admission is a key contributor to increased length of stay and poor outcomes. Patient inactivity and immobility in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting promote the loss of physical function and increase the risk of complications such as pressure injuries, bone demineralization, lung infections, and ICU delirium. The cumulative effects of immobility are persistent through discharge, as patients are at risk for the long-term effects of posthospitalization muscle atrophy and weakness. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine current evidence to determine if early activity and mobility in the ICU setting reduce length …

The Effects Of Therapeutic Activities On Depression In The Long-Term Care Population, Stephanie Nacole Knowles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Therapeutic activities are activities that encourage social interaction and promote cognitive skills. When these activities are put on hold for an extended period of time it can be detrimental to the Long-Term Care population. Depression related to social isolation has plagued the LongTerm Care population since the onset of COVID, causing increased sickness and in some situations death. The purpose of this integrative review is to determine the effectiveness of therapeutic activities in decreasing depression in the Long-Term Care (LTC) population. Literature was collected from 2018 through 2023 from the CINAHL database and analyzed using the PRISMA model. A total …

Reducing Medication Errors In Inpatient Hospital Settings By Implementing The Barcode Medication Administration Technology: An Integrative Review, Kali A. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Medication administration errors adversely affect patient outcomes, satisfaction, safety, and quality of care. Barcode medication administration (BCMA) technology automates the verification process during medication administration by requiring that nurses scan the barcode on the medication and the patient identification wristband to confirm the five rights of medication administration. The BCMA thus helps to intercept medication errors that occur at the point of administration. A review of 32 articles published within the past six years was conducted to explore the impact of using BCMA technology on medication error rates in inpatient hospital settings. The review findings indicate that systemic and individual …

Improved Education For Caregivers Of Hospice Heart Failure Patients To Reduce Hospital Admissions: An Integrative Review, Sierra Spain Sanford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Heart disease is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being the leading cause of death, heart failure only comprises 15% of hospice deaths and remains the most likely to be discharged from hospice services due to acute hospitalizations compared to all other hospice diagnoses. This leads to low patient and family satisfaction as well as high medical costs. This integrative review synthesizes current published evidence highlighting the need to improve caregiver education for symptom management of terminal heart failure patients in hospice. The literature supports that improved caregiver education can lead to …

A Team-Based Approach To Increase Initiation Of Self-Management Goals In Adult Patients Diagnosed With Hypertension With The Use Of A Self-Management Goal Toolkit, Kristel Danette Ramsay

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Due to the high risk of cardiovascular disease and other negative complications, it is imperative that patients in the primary care clinic diagnosed with hypertension control blood pressure levels. The purpose of this scholarly project was to increase the initiation of self-management goals (SMGs) among adult males and females age 30 to 60 diagnosed with hypertension. These patients were active duty military, reservists, and dependent beneficiaries who receive care at the Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit–Memphis. The practice change took the onus of introduction and education about SMGs off the provider and added key responsibilities to support staff, who provided …

Kangaroo Care And Improved Physiological Status In Preterm Infants: An Integrative Review, Kira Juunia Harkonen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Preterm births continue to cause long-term sequelae for infants worldwide. Interventions in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that promote better outcomes can make an impact on preterm infants’ futures. The purpose of this review was to determine if kangaroo care has positive physiological effects on preterm infants in the NICU. Practice changes to enhance kangaroo care in the NICU include reducing barriers such as medical complexity and staff misconceptions as well as facilitating increased parental presence. The review of the literature found evidence to support the positive outcomes that kangaroo care has on neonates’ growth, vital signs, stress outcomes, …

Infertility: An Evaluation Of Treatment Modalities And Ethical Considerations, Elise Ferenczy

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis reviews a variety of options for treatment of infertility, along with ethical considerations for each. The basis for ethical concerns will be primarily a biblical worldview, as the goal is to support Christian couples in decisions regarding infertility treatment. The biblical worldview is outlined to provide readers with an understanding of its core principles, and the Bible is used as the primary source for ethical discussion. The most common etiologies of infertility are outlined, followed by treatment modalities grouped by category. While some modalities present very few ethical concerns, others require careful consideration in many regards. Many of …

Addressing Health Illiteracy In The Hispanic Community – A Call To Action: An Integrative Review, Sarah Akers Dersch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States Hispanic population is rapidly growing; however, existing healthcare endeavors are insufficiently accommodating this expansion. This demographic is linked to multiple serious health problems, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, cancer, and liver disease. In order to improve health outcomes within this community, interventions, such as health literacy screening, need to be further explored to identify current insufficiencies and help this population overcome these health challenges. This integrative review seeks to determine the effectiveness of current health literacy screening tools among native Spanish speakers in the U.S. This review seeks to amalgamate data from various studies to demonstrate …

How Does Obstetric Simulation Impact Undergraduate Pre-Licensure Bsn Student’S Clinical Judgement Related To Using And Understanding Fetal Monitoring?, Brandy Leona Clayton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Obstetric simulation can impact undergraduate prelicensure Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) students’ clinical judgment related to using and understanding fetal monitoring. The purpose of this study aimed to determine if a relationship exists between a student's obstetrical simulation practice and increased knowledge gained for fetal monitoring interpretation. Simulation practice provides a tangible way to test knowledge and competency, but is there an effect on student learning with the knowledge and understanding of fetal monitoring, and can simulation practice create that knowledge? A purposive sample of 24 undergraduate prelicensure BSN nursing students, within their obstetrical course, with the intent to …

Champion Training For Two Clinicians Indwelling Urinary Catheter Insertion Technique, Punitha Stevenson

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Basic

Child Abuse From A Nursing Perspective: Assessment And Implications, Ashtyn Spring

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Textual or Investigative

Process Improvement In Appropriate Placement Of Patients In Acute Care Settings; An Integrated Literature Review, Austin Love

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Theoretical Proposal

Effects Of Nicotine On Fetal Development: Enhancing Education In Nursing Practice, Ashtyn Spring, Emily Vernon, Mandi Foldesi, Mariah Mizell

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Theoretical Proposal

Upskilling In Emergencies: Benefits And Consequences, Dawn Veltre

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Theoretical Proposal

Recognizing The Unique Health Care Needs Of Pregnant Female Afghan Refugees, Catherine Mcelroy

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Theoretical Proposal

Morality Of Restraint Use In Medicine: A Literature Review And Ethical Application, Gracyn Wagner

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Theoretical Proposal

Improving Cultural Competence In The Nurse To Reduce Adverse Patient Events, Anna Ponder, Julia Booker

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Theoretical Proposal

The Priority Patient In Maternal/Fetal Conflict, Eden Alley

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Theoretical Proposal

Nursing Care Of Family Caregivers: Interventions And Considerations Regarding Current Issues Facing Family Caregivers Of Persons With Dementia Relevant To Nursing Practice, Alayna Kent

Senior Honors Theses

There are an estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older who are currently living with Alzheimer’s dementia. A large majority of these individuals receive care from a nonprofessional family caregiver, typically in the home setting. It is well documented that family caregivers of dementia patients experience many unique challenges. These challenges provide valuable opportunities for nurses to provide helpful interventions to aid this vulnerable population. An integrated review of the recent literature was conducted, and articles were chosen by a method modeled after the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowsheet. The research was then analyzed …

Child Abuse From A Nursing Perspective: Assessment And Implications, Ashtyn Spring

Senior Honors Theses

Nurses experience the relationship dynamics between pediatric patients and their families firsthand. Being informed by the goals of holistic care, nurses should be assessing for unhealthy dynamics among pediatric patients and their caregivers so they can respond appropriately when a potential for abuse is present. Healthcare workers have the duty to provide safety and healing to their patients. Through the unique contact nurses have with patients, their training for accurate assessment skills, and their responsibility as healthcare workers, nurses are placed with the opportunity to help children out of abusive situations. Prompt identification of the potential for abuse can prevent …

Mandates, Mistrust, And Misconceptions: An Overview Of Vaccine Hesitancy, Evelyn Ryan

Senior Honors Theses

Vaccines are one of the most successful ways to prevent diseases and are considered one of the most influential achievements in the history of public health. While vaccines have many benefits, the number of parents that refuse vaccinations for their children is increasing. People are concerned about potential risks and health problems that are thought to result from vaccination. There are risks and contraindications involved with vaccines, but many reasons for vaccine hesitancy that are cited by the public are not founded on evidence-based data. When making vaccine decisions, it is essential that the public has accurate information and that …