Effectiveness Of A Multi-Departmental Nursing Tiered Orientation Model On Service Line Culture, Self-Efficacy Of Nurses, Positive Patient Outcomes And Nurse Satisfaction, Kimberly Thompson

DNP Projects

Abstract
Background: Nurses who transition into specialty practice areas in healthcare settings may demonstrate a lack of confidence and a high level of stress. Decreased levels of nursing engagement, self-efficacy, and interdepartmental team collaboration may also be seen. Multi-departmental tiered orientation models can help facilitate the development of increased confidence and competence and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this doctoral project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-departmental tiered orientation model for nurses hired into a specialty area. The specific objectives included were to a) determine the effectiveness of the model on service line …

Evaluation On The Effectiveness Of A Virtual Reality (Vr) Guided Meditation Intervention On Pre-Procedural Anxiety In An Outpatient Dental Clinic, Anansa Thompson

DNP Projects

Background: Mental health issues, particularly anxiety, represent a significant public health concern in the United States, with dental anxiety affecting anywhere between 50% and 80% of adults (White et al., 2017). Pre-procedural anxiety in outpatient dental clinics complicates patient care and can lead to avoidance of necessary dental treatments, impacting both oral and overall health. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as immersive virtual reality (VR) guided meditation, offer promising solutions to address anxiety in healthcare settings.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR guided meditation on pre-procedural anxiety among adults undergoing painful dental procedures at an outpatient …

A Triage Process To Decrease Door To Ekg Times For Adult Patients With Suspected Cardiac Abnormalities In The Emergency Department, Khay Douangdara

DNP Projects

Objective: The emergency department (ED) triage process for adult patients presenting with suspected cardiac abnormalities should be reliable; however, delays in identifying significant cardiac rhythms can negatively impact patient outcomes. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend that patients presenting to the ED with cardiac-related concerns undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG) within 10 minutes of arrival. This project aimed to educate ED nurses and implement changes in the triage process to reduce door-to-EKG times for adult patients with suspected cardiac abnormalities.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a pre- and post-intervention design to evaluate the effectiveness …

Implementation And Evaluation Of Diet And Physical Activity Screening Tools For Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Primary Care, Ashley O. Dalton

DNP Projects

Background: Only half of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) of less than 7%, indicating poor glycemic control and contributing to a global diabetes epidemic. Diabetes is considered a diet-sensitive disease and an individual’s diabetes-related nutrition knowledge is one of the most challenging aspects of the treatment plan. Empirical evidence supports that a combination of dietary and physical activity interventions is more effective than nutrition education alone. Performing a dietary evaluation is fundamental to establishing nutrition goals. The use of the Starting the Conversation (STC) tool, which assesses an individual’s dietary practices, and Physical …

Screening For The Unseen: Depression Detection Through Phq-9 And Provider Education In Pain Management, Veronica Shaw

DNP Projects

Background: Depression leads to significant economic and health burdens, causing 200 million lost workdays and costing employers $17 to $44 billion annually (CDC, 2022). It accounts for 4.3% of the global disease burden and is a leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2021). Chronic pain, affecting 20.9% of United States adults, often exacerbates depression, creating a vicious cycle of physical and emotional suffering (Rikard et al., 2023). Despite the availability of effective treatments, depression is frequently missed in primary care settings, with 50% of cases undiagnosed (Hawkes, 2019). Addressing both depression and chronic pain through improved screening and holistic care …

Evaluating The Implementation Of Social Determinants Of Health Screening In An Interdisciplinary Clinic, Taylor M. Adams

DNP Projects

Background: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including food, housing, interpersonal violence, and transportation are non-medical problems that can influence health outcomes (World Health Organization, 2020). Low-income minorities and public-payer groups are at considerable higher risk for social needs. Collaboration within the community can improve health outcomes (Sulley et al., 2021). A literature review revealed limited evidence of screening in dental clinic settings. Failure to identify and address SDOH needs in this population can lead to poorer health outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate social determinants of health screening and evaluate the …

Utilization Of Organ Inventories In The Primary Care Setting: Two Questions To Increase Usage, Siobhan A. Lister

DNP Projects

Background: The Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) population experiences significant health disparities in accessing preventative care when compared to their cisgender counterparts. These disparities often occur with organ-specific screenings and lead to poorer health outcomes, due to patients having organs that do not match their sex assigned at birth. The evidence recommends a two-question method of gender identification to identify those patients whose gender does not match their sex assigned at birth. Using the 2-question method can help identify patients who need an organ inventory completed, which will lead to appropriate preventative health screenings being done.

Purpose: The purpose was …

Evaluating The Outcomes Of An Educational Intervention For Providers And Two-Week Home Blood Pressure Monitoring In Adults, Michelle Ann Schuler

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Approximately 1.28 billion adults worldwide have hypertension (HTN), which greatly increases the risk of morbidity and premature death. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) has been shown to increase efficacy of treatment decisions, but is underused in primary care. About 46% of adults are unaware that they have hypertension and only about 21% of those who have been diagnosed have it controlled.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to evaluate a previous practice improvement project and improve the HBPM process for sustainability.

Methods This HBPM study utilized a retrospective study design combined with a practice improvement project …

Facilitating Caregiver Involvement In Reducing Delirium Among Critically Ill Children In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Emma R. Bilberry

DNP Projects

Background: The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a dynamic, fast-paced, and high-acuity unit where children are prone to the development of pediatric delirium (PD). PD is a condition of neurologic dysfunction increasing risk of morbidity and mortality among patients. Literature on PD is rapidly expanding, providing an opportunity for increased research on how to manage PD. Caregivers know their children, are often readily available at the bedside, and invested in being included in care. Additionally, literature shows that caregiver presence at the bedside is one non- pharmacological intervention that can aid in reducing PD. The development and implementation of …

Primary Nurse Framework: All-Registered Nurse Staffing Model In A Twelve Bed Critical Care Unit, Jeanette E. Sanders

DNP Projects

Background: Registered Nurses (RNs) comprise one of the largest professions in healthcare, and they play a critical role in delivering patient-centered care. The nursing shortage exacerbates inadequate nurse staffing levels, leading to increased workloads, higher patient-to-nurse ratios, and a high-stress work environment.

Purpose: This project aimed to evaluate the implementation of a primary-nurse-led care delivery model with an all-RN staffing design and its effects on nurse-sensitive patient outcomes, patient length of stay, nurse-sensitive related outcomes, and associated financial implications in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting. Nursing knowledge and opinions about the all-RN staffing model were also assessed.

Methods: Staffing …

Evaluating The Effect Of A Mindfulness App On Pediatric Nurses Caring For Adolescent Patients Diagnosed With Disordered Eating, Kaitlyn Green

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background. The health and wellbeing of nurses are affected by the demands of their workplace and the people that they care for. In turn, nurses’ wellbeing affects their work and patient outcomes. There are opportunities to address certain workplace structures, systems, and policies that create stressors and lead to burnout, fatigue, and poor mental and physical health. For nurses to continue to provide quality care in environments that have increasing demands, they must first feel healthy, well, and supported themselves. Healthcare leaders have a role in ensuring the wellbeing of their nursing staff. Compassion fatigue is a large focus …

The Impact Of Code Lavender On Compassion Fatigue And Burnout Of Pediatric Bedside Staff, Sara L. Castle

DNP Projects

Background: Compassion fatigue is a significant problem in healthcare that can impact staff retention, job satisfaction, and patient outcomes. Code Lavender combats compassion fatigue by serving as a crisis intervention tool using evidence-based relaxation techniques, paired with increased support from Leadership.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of Code Lavender on reported levels of compassion fatigue and burnout amongst pediatric bedside staff working on a 12-bed progressive care unit at a Children’s Hospital in a large Academic Medical Center.

Method: This study employed a pilot evaluation design, consisting of pre- and post-surveys utilizing questions from …

Evaluation Of A Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention Of Work-Related Stress, Job Satisfaction, Retention, And Quality Care: A Quality Improvement (Qi) Project, Laura M. Bragg

DNP Projects

Burnout among advanced practice providers (APPs) remains a significant concern nationally and within the University of Kentucky Healthcare system, with post-COVID evidence showing persistently elevated stress and emotional exhaustion. This quality improvement (QI) project implemented and evaluated a brief, app-based mindfulness intervention using the Headspace “Learn the Basics of Meditation” program for work-related stress, job satisfaction, mindfulness, and retention intentions among APPs. A one-group pre-post design was implemented, with 45 APPs completing the pre-intervention survey and four completing both the pre- and post-intervention surveys. Although no statistically significant improvements were observed, nonsignificant decreases in emotional exhaustion, fatigue, and turnover intention …

Enhancing Engagement In Cardiovascular Risk-Reducing Behaviors Through Motivational Text Messaging (Mtm) In An Underserved Population Of Memphis, Tennessee, Lindsey H. Dao

DNP Projects

Enhancing Engagement in Cardiovascular Risk-Reducing Behaviors Through Motivational Text Messaging (MTM) in an Underserved Population of Memphis, Tennessee

Peer Mentorship’S Effect On Nursing Students’ Perceived Stress, Collaboration, And Overall Well-Being, Brooklyn Loxtercamp

DNP Projects

Peer mentorship has proven benefits for undergraduate nursing students, such as improving a sense of belonging and teamwork, improving relationships, helping foster student-directed learning, improving leadership skills, and providing another layer of support for students (Andersen & Watkins, 2018). Because of these notable benefits, this project aimed to extend the work of these researchers to create a sustainable peer mentorship program at one Midwestern nursing program to decrease perceived levels of stress, increase collaboration, and improve students’ overall well-being. Participants (n=58) were recruited from the undergraduate nursing program and consent was obtained. The intervention included a month-by-month toolkit for mentors …

Supporting Nursing Care Transition For Late Preterm Infants From Nicu To The Level 1 Nursery, Megan R. Deans

DNP Projects

Late preterm births are increasing each year due to increasing rates of IVF, multiple births, and advancing maternal age (Visruthan et al., 2015). This group has been traditionally cared for in the NICU, but facilities may consider transitioning this care to the level 1 nursery due to the relative physiologic stability of this population (Visruthan et al., 2015). The transition, without appropriate planning, creates a potential for inconsistencies in caring for the diverse needs of 35.0-35.6 week late preterm infants (LPIs), including variations in education provided to parents and care of the LPI (Visruthan et al., 2015). This project aimed …

Improving Parent And Nurse Communication Using The Lowline Model In The Cvicu, Nelli Hodorff Noor

DNP Projects

This project was designed to help improve family and nurse communication using the LOWLINE model in the CVICU to allow families and nurses to be on the same page and work as a team.

Implementation Of A Sickle Cell Disease Toolkit In The Emergency Department To Improve Provider Knowledge And Confidence, Kendra Paeper

DNP Projects

No abstract provided.

Feasibility Of Individualized Toolkits To Reduce Childhood Obesity In A Pediatric Primary Care Setting, Molly Sexe

DNP Projects

Background: Childhood obesity rates continue to rise, leading to comorbid conditions presenting in adolescence and adulthood (Durbin, 2018). Individualized toolkits focusing on various health habits have been identified as an effective intervention in pediatric primary care practices (Byrne et al., 2018; Henderson, 2021; Mead et al., 2017; Smith et al., 2021 & Wright et al., 2018). This project assessed barriers of the current obesity prevention program at a pediatric primary care clinic, Operation Get FIT. This project identified steps to revising Operation Get FIT to tailor it more to the needs and goals of the participating clinic, the providers, and …

Integration Of Depression And Anxiety Screening Among Uninsured And Underinsured Patients In A Mobile Nurse-Led Clinic, Samantha Hamm

DNP Projects

This quality improvement project sought to increase screening rates and referrals for pregnant and postpartum depression/ anxiety using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and increase the rate of mental health referrals as a result of that screening in an underserved population /community health mobile clinic. Maternal mental health is a key public health concern. In the most recent community health needs assessment (2022-2025) in one Midwestern rural community, priority needs were identified with the top priority of building families with access to culturally competent healthcare, including access to mental health services (Central MN Alliance, 2022). Under-reporting anxiety and depression …

Knowledge And Attitudes Toward Baby-Led Weaning In Primary Care, Taylor Schreiner

DNP Projects

Objective

Adequate nutrition is critical for an infant’s growth and development. Around the age of six months, most infants can begin the process of being introduced to table foods. The debate is about what method is safest for the infant, spoon-led feeding or baby-led weaning (BLW).

Methods

This project explored the beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of both parents of infants and primary care providers (PCP) on baby-led weaning. Data were obtained through the use of pre-and post-surveys following the implementation of specific education for parents and PCPs.

Results

The findings from parents who participated would suggest that most parents who …

Obstetric Education For Critical Care Nurses, Anna Forberg

DNP Projects

Background The purpose of this study was to educate ICU nurses on the care of obstetric women in critical care through the use of a toolkit with intentions to increase knowledge and confidence.

Method The toolkit was created via the platform WordPress™ and topics were chosen based on the most common admission diagnoses found during the literature review. Data were collected via forms manager and voluntary participation among ICU nursing staff was obtained.

Results Mean scores from the pretest to the post-test showed improvement from 7.08 to 8.50 and the minimum and maximum scores increased from pretest to post-test supporting …

Barriers To Implementation Of Practice Guidelines In Heart Failure, Mary Geisenhof

DNP Projects

In 2022, the most recent guidelines for care of the patient with heart failure (HF) were released by the American Heart Association (AHA), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). In summary, this group did not recommend fluid restriction for patients with heart failure, unless they are in the end stages of heart failure, and only if fluid restriction may be beneficial (Heidenreich et al., 2022). Despite this recommendation, some providers and nurses continue to restrict fluids. The aim of this DNP project, therefore, was to analyze barriers to implementation of best practices …

Evaluation Of An Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program, Amber Juetten

DNP Projects

The primary care physician shortage can be mitigated by effective preparation and placement of qualified advanced practice providers (APPs) (Zhang et al., 2020). APP residency programs have shown to increase confidence and competency, which leads to an increase in productivity, job satisfaction, retention, and has a positive financial impact on the organization (Minichiello et al., 2020; Nutting et al., 2022; & Han et al., 2018). Potential concerns around the skills and confidence of new APPs has been the impetus for this DNP project, which aimed to provide an APP residency program that provided the support needed for an effective transition …

Increasing Stroke Symptom Awareness In The Hispanic Community, Karina Barabash

DNP Projects

Ethnic and racial minorities are at higher risk for many health conditions including coronary artery disease and stroke (Mital et al., 2021). The Hispanic population specifically faces more risk factors, less knowledge of stroke symptoms, and higher probability of death and disability post stroke (Eisenstein et al., 2018). Unless this gap is addressed, ethnic and racial minority patients will continue to experience higher rates of death and disability from stroke, compared to non-Hispanic White patients. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to provide clinic-based stroke education in Spanish to Hispanic community members. The goal was to increase awareness of …

Reducing Cesarean Sections With Peanut Ball Use: A Quality Improvement Project, Alexi Rivera Bsn, Rn

DNP Projects

Cesarean sections, although sometimes medically necessary, carry multiple risks and complications. Movement and frequent repositioning throughout labor has been shown to support the natural physiologic process of birth, leading to less medical intervention and increased incidences of vaginal deliveries. The peanut ball is a variation of a birthing ball that assists women with this movement and repositioning. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to see if increasing nursing knowledge on peanut ball benefits, risks, and proper technique would reduce cesarean section rates. It is expected that peanut ball use throughout labor would decrease cesarean sections and increase the …

Screening For Social Determinants Of Health Screening In The Primary Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Project, Arifa Khan

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Social determinants play a major role in the overall health of our nation. While screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) in the primary care setting is encouraged, there is no streamlined process in place. Studies have determined that improved SDOH screenings can result in better patient outcomes and a decrease in healthcare costs. A protocol to improve SDOH screenings was needed to guide patient outcomes at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Connecticut.

Purpose: Deliver education to providers and healthcare staff across the health system on significance of social determinants of health and PRAPARE screening …

An Undergraduate Baccalaureate Simulation On Weight Bias And Caring For A Patient With Obesity, Kathy Andrews

DNP Projects

Background: There is considerable evidence showing the correlation between weight related bias among healthcare professionals, and poor health outcomes for patients with obesity. Educating healthcare professionals on both safe and effective care practices and compassionate patient-centered care techniques can reduce the negative health impact of weight bias on this patient population. Purpose: This scholarly project adjusted the existing curriculum to address existing weight bias among a cohort of undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students and to inspire improvement in their care of patients with obesity. Methods: Using Kolb’s ELT a sequence of learning activities were adapted and implemented as a …

Student Veterans’ Transition To Nursing Education: Barriers And Facilitators, Bruce P. Hunter, Steven Busby Dr., Jeannie Giese Dr., David Phillippi Dr.

DNP Projects

Student Veterans’ Transition to Nursing Education: Barriers and Facilitators

Abstract

The transition for student veterans from military service to higher education can be a challenging endeavor, especially for those pursuing an education in nursing. While the experiences and perspectives of each student veteran is unique, their successful integration into an academic environment can be influenced by a complex array of barriers and facilitators. This mixed-methods study aims to explore the themes and concepts that can be found in the transition experiences of student veterans in nursing education, with a focus on identifying the barriers they face and the facilitators that …

Promoting Mental Health And Well-Being Among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Practice Guideline, Armen Mailyan

DNP Projects

Poor mental health and well-being among undergraduate nursing students negatively affects social dynamics, communication, decision making, and stress management, thus compromising the quality of healthcare delivery and patient care outcomes. It is imperative that nursing programs support students to develop positive self-care, resilience, and mental health skills while in school to foster their well-being, enhance their academic success, and to promote high-quality, patient-centered care in their future practice. The purpose of this Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) project was to develop a mental health and well-being practice guideline with a comprehensive set of evidence-based interventions for academic nursing programs to …