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Full-Text Articles in Nursing

Executive Summary: Executive Leadership System Improvement Workplace Violence, Mercedes Ivette Tejada Dec 2025

Executive Summary: Executive Leadership System Improvement Workplace Violence, Mercedes Ivette Tejada

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Introduction This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Leadership Project is focused on the reduction of workplace violence in a critical access hospital using an organized prevention program. Workplace violence in nursing is increasing, exposing the health of staff, patient safety, and quality of care in critical access hospitals. The question of the DNP project is: In nurses (P) in small critical access hospitals, how does implementing a structured workplace violence prevention program (I) compared to having no formal violence prevention strategy (C) impact the occurrence of workplace aggression and perceptions of safety among staff (O)? This practicum project used …


Preventing Psychotropic Medication Duplication: Improving Communication Between Primary Care And Psychiatric Providers, Linda Nwachuku Dec 2025

Preventing Psychotropic Medication Duplication: Improving Communication Between Primary Care And Psychiatric Providers, Linda Nwachuku

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project is an education-based initiative designed to address the persistent problem of psychotropic medication duplication in integrated care settings. Duplication occurs when patients receive multiple prescriptions of the same or similar psychotropic drugs. The practice gap exposes patients to adverse drug events, complications of polypharmacy, and reduced adherence, and subjects the providers to liability. The practice-focused question guiding this project is: For primary care and psychiatric providers, will an education program on structured communication and medication reconciliation, compared to current usual practices, increase provider confidence and awareness of the risks of duplication, communication strategies, and increased the use of …


Staff Education To Implement Phq-9 Depression Screening Among Adults, Sharon C. Nwanne-Temple Dec 2025

Staff Education To Implement Phq-9 Depression Screening Among Adults, Sharon C. Nwanne-Temple

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Depression remains one of the most prevalent and underdiagnosed mental health conditions globally, resulting in substantial morbidity, diminished quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve early detection of depression among adults in a primary care setting through a structured staff education program on the use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) screening tool. A mixed-methods quality improvement design guided implementation over a six-week period with nine clinical staff participants, including nurses, medical assistants, and providers. The educational intervention comprised a PowerPoint presentation, interactive discussion, and post-training …


Improving Patient Access To Providers By Optimizing Message Center Workflow, Serena Valino Dec 2025

Improving Patient Access To Providers By Optimizing Message Center Workflow, Serena Valino

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project was an evaluation of a quality improvement initiative that addressed the practice problem of having large volumes of unanswered messages within the patient portal. To increase patient access to the healthcare provider, a literature search was conducted using the practice-focused question: Can standardization of patient portals improve the message turnaround time? In January 2024, a scoping review of nursing message center pools determined 79 pools lacked standardized names and established workflows for 37 ambulatory clinics. Pool names were identified for each clinic and listed using an Excel spreadsheet. Clinic pool members were isolated, and it was determined by …


Exploring The Experiences Of Bahamian Men Diagnosed With Hypertension And Medication Adherence, Bianca Edwards Nov 2025

Exploring The Experiences Of Bahamian Men Diagnosed With Hypertension And Medication Adherence, Bianca Edwards

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hypertension (HTN) is associated with significant health complications, including stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and kidney disease. Despite advances in the treatment and management of HTN, a lack of medication adherence contributes to the persistence of HTN-related morbidity and mortality affecting men in The Bahamas. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study, guided by Pender’s health promotion model and Bandura’s social cognitive theory, was to explore the lived experiences of Bahamian men diagnosed with hypertension regarding their adherence to prescribed medications. Using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method, in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 participants. Data were analyzed through repeated …


Development Of An Evidence-Based Guideline For Nurse-Led Interventions To Improve Medication Adherence In Patients With Severe Mental Illness, Grace Uche Kalu Nov 2025

Development Of An Evidence-Based Guideline For Nurse-Led Interventions To Improve Medication Adherence In Patients With Severe Mental Illness, Grace Uche Kalu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

I conducted this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project to address medication nonadherence among adults with severe mental illness (SMI) in a psychiatric care setting by developing an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) for nurse-led interventions. The identified practice gap was the absence of a standardized, evidence-informed framework to guide nurses in enhancing pharmacotherapy adherence, which is a critical issue linked to relapse, rehospitalization, and diminished quality of life in this population. This project was guided by the following practice question: Will an evidence-based guideline on nurse-led interventions to improve medication adherence in patients with SMI be approved by a …


Psychopharmacologic Management Of Serious Mental Illness In State Prisons, Clarel Neuvieme Nov 2025

Psychopharmacologic Management Of Serious Mental Illness In State Prisons, Clarel Neuvieme

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focused on developing and evaluating an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the psychopharmacologic management of serious mental illness (SMI) in a state correctional health system. The project explored a critical practice gap: the unavailability of standardized, evidence-based prescribing and monitoring protocols for incarcerated individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, or bipolar disorder. The evidence-based project was structured around the central question: “Will an interprofessional team achieve consensus on updating the clinical practice guideline for psychopharmacologic management of serious mental illness in state prisons, thereby improving consistency and quality …


Development Of Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines For Monitoring Diabetic Patients Using Smartphone Technology, Ganiyat Funmilayo Efuntoye Nov 2025

Development Of Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines For Monitoring Diabetic Patients Using Smartphone Technology, Ganiyat Funmilayo Efuntoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this doctoral project, I developed and validated an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for implementing smartphone technology to monitor diabetic patients in primary care settings with an 80% threshold. The project addressed a critical gap in standardized guidance for diabetes technology integration, which has resulted in inconsistent adoption and suboptimal patient outcomes. A systematic literature review of four major databases yielded 12 high-quality studies representing all evidence levels (I–V) according to the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model. Evidence synthesis revealed strong and compelling evidence with consistent results supporting smartphone technology implementation, including HbA1c improvements of 0.4%–0.8%, sustained patient engagement rates …


Streamlining Sepsis Care And Enhancing Antibiotic Administration Efficiency Through Emergency Department Staff Nurse Education, Dafina Jamillah Skinner Nov 2025

Streamlining Sepsis Care And Enhancing Antibiotic Administration Efficiency Through Emergency Department Staff Nurse Education, Dafina Jamillah Skinner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires rapid identification and treatment. Delays in administering antibiotics are directly associated with increased mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher complication rates. Without intervention, patients faced preventable harm, and the organization risked continued non-compliance with federal quality measures. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented a structured educational program for emergency department (ED) nurses to improve knowledge of evidence-based sepsis protocols. The practice-focused question asked: For nurses in the ED, will an educational intervention on sepsis recognition and antibiotic stewardship improve knowledge of timely antibiotic administration and blood culture acquisition? Twenty ED …


Nursing Faculty Demographics, Attitude, Knowledge, And Integration Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Nursing Curriculum, Patricia L. Balistreri Nov 2025

Nursing Faculty Demographics, Attitude, Knowledge, And Integration Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Nursing Curriculum, Patricia L. Balistreri

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nurses have demonstrated positive attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); however, additional education is limited in nursing programs to prepare them to discuss and educate patients about these practices. Nursing faculty play a significant role in educating, mentoring, and influencing students’ knowledge levels and attitudes toward CAM. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional study, guided by the CAM healthcare model, was to examine relationships among nursing faculty demographics, CAM knowledge, attitudes, and curriculum integration. The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use of CAM survey was administered to 111 nursing faculty across multiple programs. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression …


Staff Education On The Timeliness Of Administration Of Insulin For The Hospitalized Diabetic Patient, Precious C. Abidoye Nov 2025

Staff Education On The Timeliness Of Administration Of Insulin For The Hospitalized Diabetic Patient, Precious C. Abidoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this DNP project was the necessity for a nursing staff education program (SEP) focused on the prompt administration of insulin and order management as well as the evaluation of the hospital policy regarding diabetes mellitus in nonpregnant adult patients concerning hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia. Timely administration of insulin in the hospital is essential to maintain blood glucose levels within a permissible range, which greatly reduces the chances of encountering complications related to diabetes. The project questions were: Will there be an alteration in the nursing team members’ understanding of the promptness of insulin administration and the associated policy from …


Staff Education On Understanding Nurse Burnout, Kathlyn Tracy Mcglynn Nov 2025

Staff Education On Understanding Nurse Burnout, Kathlyn Tracy Mcglynn

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was a staff education program on nurse burnout, which remains a pressing issue in healthcare. Burnout is marked by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal achievement. Addressing burnout within the nursing profession is important because burnout leads to job dissatisfaction, absenteeism, and turnover. The project was guided by two practice-focused questions: Will there be a change in knowledge from pre- to posttest after participating in an educational program on nurse burnout? Will the objectives of the educational program be met relative to the curriculum presented? Therefore, the purpose of …


Experiences Of Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses On Their Transition To Novice Faculty Members, Theresa Jade Lombardo Nov 2025

Experiences Of Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses On Their Transition To Novice Faculty Members, Theresa Jade Lombardo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The shortage of qualified nursing faculty in Canada threatens the ability to educate sufficient numbers of nurses to meet healthcare demands. Despite this, limited research explores how baccalaureate-prepared nurses experience the transition into nursing faculty roles. The purpose of this qualitative study, guided by Schoening’s nurse educator transition model, was to explore the experiences of baccalaureate prepared nurses on the transition to novice nurse faculty members teaching in 2-year diploma prepared nursing programs in Northwestern Ontario. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with baccalaureate-prepared novice nursing faculty members, analyzed, and transcribed using Zoom. Data were coded and analyzed using Saldana’s first …


Reducing Missed Appointments In Mental Health Outpatient Care Using Sms Reminders, James Avoseh Nov 2025

Reducing Missed Appointments In Mental Health Outpatient Care Using Sms Reminders, James Avoseh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Missed appointments remain a serious problem in mental health outpatient clinics. They break the flow of treatment, waste staff time, and worsen outcomes for patients. In this setting, the practice problem is the lack of an evidence-based system for reminding patients about their visits. This doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project focused on developing and evaluating a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for automated text message (SMS) appointment reminders. The guiding question asked: Can a CPG using SMS reminders help reduce missed appointments in a mental health outpatient setting? A thorough review of CINAHL and PubMed found strong support for this …


Staff Education Workshop Focusing On Enhancing Nurse Knowledge And Adherence To The Time (Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture, Edge) Framework To Improve The Quality Of Wound Assessment And Care, Ijeoma G. Onyejiji Nov 2025

Staff Education Workshop Focusing On Enhancing Nurse Knowledge And Adherence To The Time (Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture, Edge) Framework To Improve The Quality Of Wound Assessment And Care, Ijeoma G. Onyejiji

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This staff educational project focused on implementing training on the tissue, infection/inflammation, moisture, edge (TIME) framework to address gaps in nurses’ knowledge and improve adherence to the TIME framework during wound assessment. Current evidence shows inconsistent use of standardized wound assessment among nurses, which can lead to inappropriate treatment, delayed wound healing, increased infection risk, and higher healthcare utilization. This project’s question sought to assess whether implementing a staff education workshop focusing on the TIME framework would enhance nurse knowledge and adherence to the TIME framework. Six nurses participated in the training. Pre/post questionnaires were used to evaluate knowledge before …


Staff Education To Reduce The Incidence Of Central Line Infections In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Khldon Hassan Al-Omari Nov 2025

Staff Education To Reduce The Incidence Of Central Line Infections In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Khldon Hassan Al-Omari

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project aimed to reduce the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) by educating clinical staff on the importance of hand hygiene and bundle compliance. Despite established guidelines, CLABSI remains a significant issue in healthcare, particularly in PICUs, where patients are at higher risk for infections. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: How does staff education on hand hygiene and CLABSI bundle compliance impact the prevention of CLABSI in the PICU? Twenty-five PICU nurses participated in the educational sessions. Analytical strategies included pretests and …


Reduce Readmission Among Patients Within 60 Days Of Discharge In A Behavioral Health Unit, Iretioluwa Emmanuella Adeniran-Adetoye Nov 2025

Reduce Readmission Among Patients Within 60 Days Of Discharge In A Behavioral Health Unit, Iretioluwa Emmanuella Adeniran-Adetoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project focused on a staff education initiative to reduce 60-day readmission rates in a behavioral health unit within a hospital. The project was staff focused, emphasizing the provision of training to the nursing staff to effectively design the discharge planning of patients by actively involving them in the discharge plans. The purpose was to provide nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to strengthen discharge planning and directly influence patient outcomes. Addressing the practice problem was an urgent need because patients in the behavioral health unit were at increased risk of readmission. The main factors …


Over Reliance On Antidepressant Medication In Long-Term Care Facilities: Rethinking Mental Health Approaches, Kaylene Elder Nov 2025

Over Reliance On Antidepressant Medication In Long-Term Care Facilities: Rethinking Mental Health Approaches, Kaylene Elder

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition among older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities and is often managed primarily through antidepressant medications. While these medications can be effective, their overuse in elderly populations increases the risk of falls, sedation, cognitive decline, and adverse drug interactions. This project addresses the need for safer, evidence-based alternatives by promoting non-pharmacological interventions that support holistic well-being. The proposed approach integrates gratitude journaling, vitamin D testing to identify deficiencies, and vitamin D supplementation for residents experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Implementation is led by nursing staff and supported by the interdisciplinary care team, …


Effect Of Workplace Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Programs On Black Women Leaders At Nonprofit National Associations Of Regulatory Boards, Alba Gisel Ayala Nov 2025

Effect Of Workplace Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Programs On Black Women Leaders At Nonprofit National Associations Of Regulatory Boards, Alba Gisel Ayala

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed a critical knowledge gap among clinical staff regarding the application of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) within a local health department. Although SDOH screening tools and the statewide NCCARE 360 referral system were in place, inconsistent use hindered integration into patient care and limited efforts to advance health equity. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model and the ADDIE instructional framework, an educational intervention was developed and implemented to enhance staff knowledge, confidence, and integration of SDOH principles into workflow. Thirty-five clinical staff members participated in pre- and post-intervention assessments. Data …


Staff Education To Improve Clinical Staff Knowledge Of The Social Determinants Of Health In A Public Health Setting, Alba Gisel Ayala Nov 2025

Staff Education To Improve Clinical Staff Knowledge Of The Social Determinants Of Health In A Public Health Setting, Alba Gisel Ayala

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed a critical knowledge gap among clinical staff regarding the application of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) within a local health department. Although SDOH screening tools and the statewide NCCARE 360 referral system were in place, inconsistent use hindered integration into patient care and limited efforts to advance health equity. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model and the ADDIE instructional framework, an educational intervention was developed and implemented to enhance staff knowledge, confidence, and integration of SDOH principles into workflow. Thirty-five clinical staff members participated in pre- and post-intervention assessments. Data …


Staff Education For Nurses To Increase Nursing Staff Knowledge On Hospital-Acquired Infection Prevention, Mimi M. Farride Nov 2025

Staff Education For Nurses To Increase Nursing Staff Knowledge On Hospital-Acquired Infection Prevention, Mimi M. Farride

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focused on a staff education initiative aimed at reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in healthcare settings. HAIs contribute to patient morbidity, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Despite established infection control policies, inconsistencies in adherence had highlighted the need for targeted education. The central practice question guiding this project, conducted in a hospital setting, was, “How did implementing a comprehensive infection prevention education program for healthcare staff influence their knowledge?” The primary goal was to educate staff with the skills needed to minimize infection risks and enhance patient outcomes through effective prevention techniques. …


Educating Staff On Hourly Rounding Toward Fall Prevention In A Long-Term Care Facility, Princess Aminata Kanu Nov 2025

Educating Staff On Hourly Rounding Toward Fall Prevention In A Long-Term Care Facility, Princess Aminata Kanu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The identified problem at the project site facility was rising incidences of patient falls, which was attributed to insufficient staff knowledge of evidence-based strategies for preventing falls, including purposeful hourly rounding (PHR). Research has demonstrated that PHR effectively reduces the risk of falls among patients by allowing clinicians to proactively address patient needs. The purpose of this staff education project was to enhance healthcare providers’ knowledge of PHR and its role in fall prevention. The practice-focused question that guided this project was: For staff in a long-term care facility, will training on hourly rounding increase knowledge toward the goal of …


Staff Education For Catheter-Related Urinary Tract Infection Prevention In Intensive Care, Ascar Boinett Nov 2025

Staff Education For Catheter-Related Urinary Tract Infection Prevention In Intensive Care, Ascar Boinett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctor of nursing practice (DNP) staff education project was conducted to address inconsistent adherence to catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention bundles in an adult intensive care unit (ICU). CAUTIs remain a leading cause of morbidity, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. The project aimed to improve nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding CAUTI prevention through structured education and the integration of daily catheter reassessment checklists into practice. A quantitative pretest–posttest design was used to measure changes in participants’ knowledge and attitudes following two 45-minute educational sessions. Forty-two ICU nurses participated in the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive …


Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies For Falls Prevention, Gregory Njong Nov 2025

Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies For Falls Prevention, Gregory Njong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Older adults are particularly susceptible to post-fall injuries and loss of independence. This project was implemented to decrease the number of resident falls within a long-term care setting by enhancing the knowledge and daily routine of direct-care personnel. Falls remain one of the most frequent and severe safety concerns. Although policies on fall prevention are in place, workers often inconsistently incorporate risk evaluation and fail to identify all the causes of a fall. The purpose of this project was to determine whether a structured educational program could raise the level of knowledge about fall-prevention and provide safer care practices. The …


Staff Education To Acute Care Nursing Staff On Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation, Melissa Marie Emeott Nov 2025

Staff Education To Acute Care Nursing Staff On Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation, Melissa Marie Emeott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

For this Doctor of Nursing Practice project in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), the focus was on enhancing education for acute care nurses about the benefits of inpatient rehabilitation for appropriate patients. The practice problem was the underutilization of inpatient rehabilitation despite its proven benefits in improving patient outcomes and reducing readmissions. With this project, I aimed to educate nurses on identifying suitable candidates for inpatient rehabilitation, thereby improving patient care transitions and outcomes. The practice-focused question revolved around assessing the effectiveness of educational interventions in increasing nurse knowledge and referral rates to inpatient rehab. Analytical strategies included pre- and …


Staff Education Program To Improve Nurses' Knowledge Of Diabetes Self-Management Education (Dsme) Toward Reducing Readmissions, Vivian Adaora Okechukwu Nov 2025

Staff Education Program To Improve Nurses' Knowledge Of Diabetes Self-Management Education (Dsme) Toward Reducing Readmissions, Vivian Adaora Okechukwu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project was a staff education program to enhance nurses' knowledge and skills in Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) in reducing hospital readmission. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs as a direct result of the body's inability to produce enough insulin or the inability to utilize insulin in the bloodstream effectively, consequently accounting for life-threatening health complications. At the local organization, where diabetes is the third leading cause of hospitalization, evidence shows that it critically affects about 25% of the patient population. Also, some care providers at the organization do not have the distinctive competencies to give DSME …


Staff Education Project To Improve Management Of Depression, Maryjane Henshaw Nov 2025

Staff Education Project To Improve Management Of Depression, Maryjane Henshaw

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

I designed this Doctor of Nursing Practice staff education project to enhance the ability of primary care nurses at a mental health outpatient clinic to manage depression in patients who are non-compliant with treatment. Currently, nurses lack structured training in recognizing and addressing depression, which contributes to inconsistent care, increased relapse and readmission rates, lower patient satisfaction, and greater healthcare utilization. This project aimed to provide evidence-based education to close a critical gap in practice that affects care quality, continuity, nurse confidence, and patient outcomes. The guiding practice-focused question was: In primary care nurses at a mental health outpatient clinic, …


Executive Summary: Multi-Departmental Resilience And Stress Reduction Program, Joy Adeyemi Nov 2025

Executive Summary: Multi-Departmental Resilience And Stress Reduction Program, Joy Adeyemi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Background: Primary care nursing faces an escalating burnout crisis threatening patient safety and organizational sustainability. Internal data reveals 68% of primary care nurses report high emotional exhaustion scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), significantly exceeding the national average of 45%. Annual voluntary turnover of 28% results in direct replacement costs exceeding $750,000, with associated increases in absenteeism (15% higher) and overtime costs (22% higher) compared to regional benchmarks. Purpose: This quality improvement project implemented a comprehensive multi-departmental resilience and stress reduction program to reduce nurse burnout, improve retention, and enhance patient safety outcomes in a primary care setting serving …


Development Of A Clinical Practice Guideline For Diabetic Ketoacidosis (Dka) Management In The Intensive Care Unit, Kushom Gurung Leftwich Nov 2025

Development Of A Clinical Practice Guideline For Diabetic Ketoacidosis (Dka) Management In The Intensive Care Unit, Kushom Gurung Leftwich

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed a critical gap in care at a 24-bed, combined, intensive care unit (ICU): The absence of a standardized, evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) for managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a life-threatening emergency requiring timely, coordinated, and evidence-driven management. Despite its prevalence, the project site ICU lacked formal guidelines, resulting in fragmented care delivery and inconsistent treatment practices. Project site leadership expressed concerns that the absence of a unified protocol contributed to increased workload for nurses and physicians with frequent interruptions for order verification and delays that compromised patient safety and care …


Improving Staff Knowledge And Competency In Saint Louis University Mental Status Dementia Screening, Arteece Noel Crum Nov 2025

Improving Staff Knowledge And Competency In Saint Louis University Mental Status Dementia Screening, Arteece Noel Crum

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary Early recognition of cognitive decline is vital to improving outcomes and maintaining patient safety across healthcare settings. The Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) screening tool assists nurses in detecting early cognitive changes; however, inconsistent administration and interpretation of the screening tool can reduce its effectiveness. A gap in staff knowledge regarding scoring, education-level adjustments, and documentation accuracy was identified at the practice site. To address this gap in practice, I developed and implemented a staff education program focusing on SLUMS administration and evidence-based clinical response to abnormal scores. The practice-focused question guiding this Doctor of Nursing Practice project …