Nursing Commons^™

Teamstepps Training And Vital Signs Chart To Improve Situational Monitoring For Clinical Deterioration, Rosemarie A. Patrick

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Failure to monitor early warning signs of patient deterioration can result in cardiopulmonary arrests and patient death. Implementation of team building programs emphasizing vital sign data, with consistent monitoring and trending have demonstrated positive outcomes in multiple health care environments. This project implemented TeamSTEPPS© education for 23 registered nurse (RN) residents in an acute care medical center. Specific aims included: (a) increased knowledge of team communication techniques; (b) improved attitudes towards vital sign monitoring, especially respiratory rate assessment; and (c) improved attitudes towards early rapid response system activation. The education program included support tools, behavioral-modeling, simulation exercises based on de-identified …

Pathophysiology Of Heart Failure, Tori Morrow

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

As a nurse in the Emergency Department at Mount Carmel West, many patients come in exhibiting signs and symptoms of heart failure. Not every patient displays the same symptoms and not all patients are on the same treatment regimen. There are several different types of heart failure. These include left ventricular failure (systolic and diastolic heart failure) and right ventricular failure. It is beneficial for nurses taking care of these patients to be knowledgeable on the disease process and what symptoms patients can experience. Many compensatory mechanisms contribute to the development of heart failure. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and sympathetic nervous …

Infective Endocarditis, Christine Hein

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe inflammatory disease of the endocardium, affecting valve structure and function. IE occurs when endothelial lining of the heart is damaged by direct trauma or scarring. Platelets and fibrin develop on the damaged endothelium, forming a thrombus. Thrombus formation makes it susceptible for circulating microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae to colonize (Thornton, 2000). The vegetation enlarges due to recurrent fibrin deposition and microbial multiplication (Sandoe, Watkin, & Elliott, 2013). Patients with IE often present with a high fever, new-onset cardiac murmur, and peripheral emboli causing a rash to the extremities. Complaints may …

Ulcerative Colitis Pathology, Shannon Beitel

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Ulcerative Colitis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract, in particularly the colon. It can be defined as intermittent bouts of inflammation with the colon causing bloody stools, pus and diarrhea. This poster delves into the pathology and pathophysiology behind the disorder.

Motivational Interviewing In Primary Care To Improve Lifestyle Choices For School Age Children, Angela D. Wood

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States placing children at risk for immediate and long-term health problems. Primary care providers are optimally placed to address this high-priority health issue. The purpose of the project was to implement a practice change in the delivery of nutrition and physical activity information during well child visits. The 5-2-1-0 healthy habits message was delivered via motivational interviewing to the parent/guardian of overweight/obese children. A sample of seven parents/guardians participated in the educational program, which included an initial visit, two-week follow-up phone call, and one-month follow up visit. An initial assessment of family …

Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy For College Students With Symptoms Of Depression, Sandra Robertson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

College students have high rates of depression, but do not always receive appropriate mental health care. Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) has the potential to provide students rapid access to an evidence-based treatment for depression. This project examined the acceptability and effectiveness of the ICBT program MoodGYM for college students with significant symptoms of depression. Nineteen college students with scores of 10 or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression scale were enrolled in the project. Attrition, defined as failing to complete any MoodGYM modules, was high at 31.6% (n=6). Only 26.3% of participants (n=5) completed all five modules. …

Perioperative Preceptor Education In An Agency Preceptor Workshop, Kimberly N. Crawford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There is a critical shortage of perioperative nurses and the demand in the United States (US) is growing steadily by 1% to 2% each year. It is estimated that nearly 20% of registered nurses (RNs) currently working in the perioperative area will retire in the next five years. In the perioperative area, when using the 6 to 12-month orientation time frame, as outlined in the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) orientation calculator, the cost of orienting a new RN can exceed $100,000. A preceptorship workshop is one strategy that has been shown as an evidence-based intervention to decrease RN …

Development Of A Leadership Program For Hospital Employees:, Diana Marie Beckman

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Healthcare leader’s ability to respond to the dynamic environment of healthcare is essential for positive health care outcomes. Leaders set the strategic direction for healthcare organizations, and this requires that leaders assess themselves and their employees to develop effective education programs needed to meet any knowledge gaps limiting the workforce ready to respond to the new demands. The purpose of this project is to implement and assess a revised curriculum of a leadership development program by measuring gained self-identified development of leadership practices.

The Pathophysiology Of Sepsis: Early Recognition And Intervention In The Healthcare Setting, John Walsh

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Sepsis can affect anyone including the immunocompromised and those at both ends of the age spectrum. The implications for nursing care with an understanding of sepsis is paramount in providing optimal patient outcomes and reducing mortality. Advanced practice nurses should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of sepsis throughout its continuum and possess an understanding of its underlying pathophysiology. In the realm of anesthesia, the ability of the nurse anesthetist to recognize and competently manage the septic patient is imperative in promoting the best possible patient outcomes.

Clostridium Difficile, Ryan Osborn

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Clostridium Difficile infection (CDI) is an antibiotic resistant bacterium that is widely recognized and currently noted to be the "most common and costly healthcare associated infection in the United States" (Abt, McKenney & Pamer, 2016). The topic of CDI is important to discuss, as this infection can attack all patient populations especially those following antibiotic treatment. A disruption in a person's intestinal microbiota is known to place them at higher risk for CDI (Abt, McKenney & Pamer, 2016). Becoming infected with this bacterium leads to symptoms of diarrhea, bloating, belly pain, and occasionally fevers. The growing prevalence, antibiotic resistance associated …

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd), Kaitlyn Newkirk

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a commonly diagnosed disease process, affecting nearly 20% of the population. GERD can greatly hinder one’s quality of life. “Routine” surgical procedures can become potentially life threatening to those affected by this disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal malignancy. The advance practice nurse is responsible for accurately diagnosing a patient with GERD to avoid these potentially fatal consequences. The APN must recognize and acknowledge risk factors for GERD, assisting the patient in altering modifiable risk factors. Treatment options must be individualized to each patient and may include solely medical management or …

Ards Pathophysiology, Lisa K. Bowman

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a condition that involves severe injury to the lung and was first identified during the Vietnam War. Continual research has been performed which has led to multiple treatment modalities. Some treatment modalities are viewed as controversial which proves that more research regarding ARDS needs completed in order to improve patient outcomes. Further education and investment in bedside interventions will continue to improve the clinical treatment and survival rates of affected patients.

Congestive Heart Failure (Chf), Kari Vance

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Heart failure affects almost six million Americans and is the leading cause of hospitalizations for patients older than 65 years, requiring more hospitalization than any type of cancer. Heart failure affects roughly two percent of the American population, and continues to be the most rapidly growing cardiac disease in the country (Parikh & Kadowitz, 2013). As stated, since this topic is of growing concern, and as our population ages, healthcare will continue to experience more patients experiencing heart failure as a condition. As clinicians manage patients with this condition, they will also have to consider the numerous other health factors …

Malignant Hyperthermia, Daniel Talbot

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Malignant Hyperthermia overview, signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, treatment, and implications for nursing care.

The Pathophysiology Of Acute Ischemic Stroke, Rahel Mitiku

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

This poster discusses the pathophysiology of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) and the importance of timely intervention to minimize irreversible tissue damage. Ischemic stroke is characterized by the obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. The general population is not well informed as to the warning signs or symptoms of stroke, leading to substantial delays in emergency medical services. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of acute ischemic stroke in timely fashion is very important because the treatment window is very narrow. This author worked as a nurse at Interventional Radiology (IR); observing patients with AIS undergoing clot …

The Pathophysiological Process Of Sepsis, Stefane Adams

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Sepsis is a medical emergency and can be a life-threatening illness that results as a complication from a severe infection, which occurs when chemicals that have been released into the bloodstream by the body’s defense system work to fight off an infection (Mayo Clinic, 2016). Sepsis is one of the leading causes of deaths in patients in the hospital setting worldwide, becoming more common than breast and bowel cancer combined (Nursing Times, 2014). Sepsis can affect anyone; however it is more common in the elderly or in individuals with weaker immune systems. Health care providers (HCPs) must fully understand this …

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Jacqueline Hill

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Eosinophilic esophagitis is newer autoimmune disease recognized by healthcare providers. This poster will include information on the pathophysiology of the disease process, treatment, nursing considerations, sign and symptoms, and diagnostic criteria. Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis are often misdiagnosed for years before treatment is started. This poster is to spread awareness of the disease process.

Hiv/Aids, Rachel Muir

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a disease in which the virus attacks and depletes the CD4+ T cells leading to a weakened immune system in which a pMersin can no longer fight pathogens. This weakening of the person's immune system makes them more susceptible to opportunistic infections and malignancies (Coffin & Swanstrom, 2017). In the initial acute HIV infection period the person usually does not show symptoms but is highly infectious which can allow for transmission unknowingly (Center for Disease Control and PrevenBon, 2017). HIV can eventually progress to AIDS without treatment. Admission to the hospital can expose this person …

Health Literacy: Improving Patient Comprehension Of Dialysis Treatment Using A Low-Literacy Consent Form, Ava Cavanagh, Julie Moffitt

All Nursing Boot Camp Posters

No abstract provided.

Aromatherapy: Using Essential Oils To Decrease Nausea And Vomiting In Patients In The Acute Care Setting, Amanda Hanley, Sofia Costas, Ma Fe Chase

All Nursing Boot Camp Posters

No abstract provided.

Nurse Burnout And The Effects Of Coping And Stress Management, Meghan Baranda

Capstone Research Projects

Aim: To investigate the relationship among nurses and decrease in nurse burnout followed by primary research to compare the relationship of certain coping mechanisms and burnout levels. Setting and Subjects: Southern Adventist University and BS, MSN, DNP students. Results: Showed that practicing stress management and coping mechanisms contributed to a decrease in burnout levels, especially coworker support, family support, positive attitude/optimism, exercise/physical activity, and spirituality/religion. Conclusions: Primary research supported the findings from the initial research study, which gives further evidence that coping and stress management is important and effective in minimizing burnout levels.

Realizing Improved Patient Care Through Human-Centered Design In The Operating Room, Volume 3-4, Clemson Center For Health Facilities Design & Testing

Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing

This 4-year grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality supports the development of a learning lab focused on designing a safer, more ergonomic operating room. Sponsor: Agency for Healthcare Research Quality Project period: 9/1/15 to 8/31/19 Project Description: The overarching goal of the learning lab titled, “Realizing Improved Patient Care through Human-Centered Design in the Operating Room (RIPCHD.OR) is to develop an evidence-based framework and methodology for the design and operation of operating rooms such that it impacts improved perioperative outcomes including surgical site infections, surgical errors and staff injuries.

Reducing Violence On The Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Using The Bars Protocol One Hour Prior To Shift Change, Carlyn Chamberlain, Melinda Green, Salome Accardi

All Nursing Boot Camp Posters

No abstract provided.

Mindfulness Decreases Nurse Burnout, Sherry Hutton, Cindy Kenyon

All Nursing Boot Camp Posters

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Centralized Vs. Decentralized Nursing Station On Patient Falls, Ann Sarvent, Nancy Hart, Lynette Savage

All Nursing Boot Camp Posters

No abstract provided.

The Art Of Compassion: Educating Nurses For The World (Chapter In Awaken The Stars: Reflections On What We Really Teach), Lorretta Krautscheid

Faculty Publications - College of Nursing

Excerpt: "A unique and perhaps subtle difference exists between educating the best nurses in the world and educating the best nurses for the world. There is a distinction between the two that is at the heart of what makes caring for someone in their time of need an incredible vocation. Think upon a time when you experienced the knowledge, skills, and care of a nurse! think each of us can identify or recall nurses who were proficient and effective coordinators of care. They were nurses who were professionals in the world, protecting and promoting health and safety for ind ividuals, …

Organizational Improvement Readiness Assessment (Oira) Tool Evaluation, Leslie Hough Falk

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Research shows that despite an increase in the number of organizational improvement initiatives there is a lack of consistent, sustained outcomes. Organizations struggle with how to reliably and accurately measure their readiness to drive and sustain outcomes. A search of the literature failed to identify a comprehensive, evidence-based tool that has been developed or evaluated to assess organizational improvement readiness. The objective of this project was to evaluate a newly developed Organizational Improvement Readiness Assessment (OIRA) Tool.

Project Design: Guided by two theoretical models, Delphi-Based Systems Architecting Framework (DB-SAF) and the Rogers Diffusion of Innovation Model, a 3-round, modified …

Creating A Rural Nursing Workforce, Heidi Johnston

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Nursing students living in rural areas often encounter barriers, real or perceived, to receiving education. These students may be unable to leave home to obtain higher education due to expectations, financial issues, and geography (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2010), thus contributing to a shortage of qualified nurses in rural communities. Great Basin College (GBC) recently implemented synchronized distance education Synchronized Distance Education (SDE) for the (AAS) nursing program, and there was a need to conduct a program evaluation in order to maintain/improve program quality. One goal of Healthy People 2020 (2014) is improving access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services. …

Improving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Skills Using Unit Based Simulation, Lesa R. Smith

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The performance and quick interventions by nurses during a code blue event can have significant impact on patient outcomes. Code blue events can be stressful for nurses practicing in the medical surgical environment where, since the implementation of rapid response teams, the number of code blue events has decreased. The traditional basic life support (BLS) offering in the acute care settings offers nurses the opportunity to practice cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with manikins and automatic external defibrillators (AED). However, the experience is lacking real working environment teams and equipment in which nurses practice every day. It is also well documented in …

Incorporating Caring Competencies In The Academic Setting Through Simulation, Rebecca Marie Cheyne Threatt

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Teaching caring, caring science, and the importance of caring competencies incorporated throughout the academic curriculum is vital in healthcare education. The purpose of this project is to increase the focus and importance of caring through didactic, interactive activities, and simulation experiences to promote the modeling and incorporation of caring competencies throughout the curriculum. Boykin and Schoenhofer's Caring Theory (2001) framework makes the assumption all persons are caring, and notes the caring relationship between the nurse/provider and the patient takes place in both actual practice and the simulated environment. A convenience sample of 32 first year ADN students enrolled in a …