Nursing Commons^™

Slot Antenna Integrated Re-Entrant Resonator Based Wireless Pressure Sensor For High-Temperature Applications, Shujing Su, Fei Lu, Guozhu Wu, Dezhi Wu, Qiulin Tan, Helei Dong, Jijun Xiong

Publications

The highly sensitive pressure sensor presented in this paper aims at wireless passive sensing in a high temperature environment by using microwave backscattering technology. The structure of the re-entrant resonator was analyzed and optimized using theoretical calculation, software simulation, and its equivalent lump circuit model was first modified by us. Micro-machining and high-temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) process technologies were applied to fabricate the sensor, solving the common problem of cavity sealing during the air pressure loading test. In addition, to prevent the response signal from being immersed in the strong background clutter of the hermetic metal chamber, which makes its …

Recognizing Symptoms Of Withdrawal Through Implementation Of The Cows Scale In Adult Acute Care Settings., Maria Bermudez Rn, Bsn, Carlie Griffiths Rn, Bsn, Shannon Martin Rn, Bsn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Perinatal Oxycodone Exposure On Behavioral Outcome In A Rodent Model, Thitinart Sithisarn, Sandra J. Legan, Philip M. Westgate, Melinda E. Wilson, Kristen Wellmann, Henrietta S. Bada, Susan Barron

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Opiate addiction is now a major public health problem. Perinatal insults and exposure to opiates such as morphine in utero are well known to affect development of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis of the offspring adversely and are associated with a higher risk of developing neurobehavioral problems. Oxycodone is now one of the most frequently abused pain killers during pregnancy; however, limited data are available regarding whether and how perinatal oxycodone exposure (POE) alters neurobehavioral outcomes of the offspring. We demonstrated that exposure to 0.5 mg/kg/day oxycodone in utero was associated with hyperactivity in adult rats in an open field. No significant …

Interprofessional Grand Rounds: Student Hotspotting Team 2016-2017, Caroline Komanecky, Peter Sacci, Danielle Mcfadden, Nuriya Neumann, Michaela Scotten, Melissa Murphy

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Implementation And Evaluation Of A Preceptor/Mentorship Program During Orientation In A Long Term Care Facility: A Strategy To Increase Nursing Employee Satisfaction, Maria A. Painter

Doctoral Projects

High nursing turnover in long-term care (LTC) facilities is a significant problem that results in additional expenses, lower quality of patient care, increased adverse patient events, and decreased patient and nursing satisfaction. A structured orientation and supportive preceptors are protective factors in retaining nurses as well as increasing nursing job satisfaction and improving patient outcomes. The goal of this pilot project was to implement an evidence-based preceptor program for staff registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in an LTC facility to develop preceptors’ skills and preceptees’ orientation satisfaction. The preceptor development project facilitated by …

The Use Of Simulation To Increase Critical Thinking Of Perinatal Nurses In The Care Of Preeclampsia Patients, Catherine Olubummo

Publications and Research

Objective: To increase critical thinking in perinatal nursescaring for patients with preeclampsia, with the support of key nursing, education, and medical leadership, an evidence-based practice.

Design: Quantitative, Descriptive study.

Setting: Metropolitan area of New York.

Participants: A total of six nurses were involved at a time: two from antepartum, two from labor and delivery, and two from postpartum.

Methods: This included 45 minutes for completion of the CCTST, a one-hour lecture supplemented with PowerPoint slides and two studies, two hours engaged in the simulation, 30 minutes for debriefing, and 15 minutes for a post-CCTST.

Results: The test results indicated that …

Reflection On Retention: An Evaluation Study On Minority Students’ Success In An Online Nursing Program, Amanda Hawkins, Elizabeth Frander, Melissa Young, Kaylen Deal

Perspectives In Learning

The United States nursing workforce faces a health care challenge for providing culturally competent care to the growing number of racial and ethnic minority groups. According to Gertner et al (2010), cultural competency in health care is defined as providing care to patients with diverse backgrounds to meet the social, cultural and linguistic needs. Research has shown that patients receive a higher level of culturally competent care from nurses who are from their own cultural background. Administrators and faculty working in Schools of Nursing must recognize this important fact and take action to ensure the admissions, progression, and graduation of …

Strategies To Improve Interdisciplinary Communication In An Acute Care Inpatient Pediatric Unit, Sarah Thompson, Haley Pelletier, Barbara Bush Children's Hospital-Inpatient, Maine Medical Center, Suneela Nayak, Ruth Hanselman, Stephen Tyzik

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Interdisciplinary patient rounding has been shown to improve patient and family satisfaction as well as reduce patient length of stay and readmission rates. In an acute care inpatient pediatric unit, baseline metrics demonstrated that 100% of the time, nursing was not included in these rounds thus resulting in sub optimal communication.

The goal of this performance improvement project was to attain increased nursing participation. Data collection demonstrated several reasons for lack of participation and corrective actions were instituted. After undertaking this KPI goal and utilizing operational excellence, 95% of the time, nurses were called to morning rounds with the medical …

Delirium Reduction Strategies For The Critically Ill, June Chaves, Sam Canonico, Will Cheney, Tammy Corey, Gil Fraser, Alex Kowalewski, Jen Low, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Haley Pelletier, Cathy Palleschi, Stephen Tyzik, Suneela Nayak, Ruth Hanselman

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Delirium, an acute and fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and cognition, is a common manifestation of acute brain dysfunction in critically ill patients. Patients with delirium have longer hospital stays and a lower 6-month survival rate than do patients without delirium. Preliminary research suggests that delirium may be associated with cognitive impairment that persists months to years after discharge.

In a large acute care hospital, the cardiac intensive care staff became interested in mitigating their unit’s high delirium rate of ventilated patients. At baseline, many members of the healthcare team did not believe that delirium could be prevented and the predominant …

Improving Cardiology Patient Flow In Nuclear Medicine, Kelly Haar, Hannah Sullivan, Kathryn Laverdiere, Nuclear Medicine Department, Haley Pelletier, Stephen Tyzik, Suneela Nayak, Ruth Hanselman

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

At baseline, a nuclear medicine department found it difficult to complete cardiac stress tests within scheduled times. Using the performance improvement process, a nuclear medicine department looked to improve patient experience related to wait times for this test.

Two goals were identified and a root cause analysis was initiated. After identifying some process issues, two KPIs were developed to address them.

A root cause analysis identified some processing issues and two KPIs were instituted to address them.

As a result, one outcome was to hire an additional physician assistant to address the barrier of inadequate cardiology coverage. Next steps include …

Interdepartmental Rounding, Peggy Anderson, Carrie Strick, R3 Med-Surg Unit, Haley Pelletier, Suneela Nayak, Stephen Tyzik, Ruth Hanselman, Maine Medical Center Operational Excellence

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DOCTORS AND NURSES IN AN ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL

Effective interdisciplinary communication is imperative for safe patient care in an acute care hospital environment.

A surgical unit used their HCAHPs scores to assess how often patients perceived there was good communication between different doctors and nurses during their hospital stays. The data demonstrated that this occurred 22% less often than the national average.

As a result of a root cause analysis, a number of countermeasures were initiated with the goal of achieving scores greater than the national average. Post KPI inception in the second quarter of …

Communication Of Medication Side Effects In An Acute Care Hospital, Deb Bachand, Rachel Caiola, R6 Neurology Med-Surg Unit, Haley Pelletier, Brendan Lilley, Suneela Nayak, Ruth Hanselman, Stephen Tyzik

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

COMMUNICATION OF MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS IN AN ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL

Effective patient education of prescribed medication side effects improves patient safety and reduces overall risk. On an acute care hospital unit, nursing staff felt previous attempts at this education had been ineffective as demonstrated by their HCAHPs scores for communication about medications.

A root cause analysis demonstrated some flaws and several countermeasures were instituted. The goal of this KPI project was to attain a higher than national average for the specific HCAHPs score.

Post KPI inception, the unit’s HCAHPs data showed steady improvement. Within one month, the goal of an …

Identification Strategies For The Very High Fall Risk Patient In An Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, P6 Inpatient Geri-Med Psychiatry, Haley Pelletier, Suneela Nayak, Stephen Tyzik, Ruth Hanselman

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Patients falling as a result of geriatric and psychiatric impairments are at a much higher risk than the average patient population. An acute care inpatient psychiatric team used baseline metrics to demonstrate increasing fall rates per month that surpassed the unit’s target number. As a result, a quality improvement project around falls was felt to be warranted.

The overall goal of this study was to improve patient safety by reducing falls for their very high risk fall population. A root cause analysis determined that this population was not being properly identified and several tools were developed and employed to better …

Strategies To Improve Control Of Blood A1c In Diabetics, Jennifer Aronson, Leanne Bellino, Elizabeth Eisenhardt, Diane Bryant, Haley Pelletier, Internal Medicine Team, Adult Outpatient Clinic

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

A1c monitoring is an important aspect of controlling the health of a diabetic patient. An adult internal medicine clinic noted that the percentage of their diabetic patients who had an A1c higher than 9 or no reading within the past year exceeded the national average. As a result, operational excellence methods were implemented with the overall goal to reduce their percentage to 18% or less.

A root cause analysis identified several deficiencies to includelack of essential equipment, variations in

staff education and the absence of daily reminders.

Post KPI implementations, an overall decrease in the percentage of patients with poorly …

Patient Fall Prevention, R9 West Cardiovascular, Cathy Palleschi, Suneela Nayak, Ruth Hanselman, Stephen Tyzik

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

PATIENT FALL PREVENTION STRATEGIES IN AN ACUTE HOSPITAL

Every year in the United States, hundreds of thousands of patients fall resulting in injury. Injured patients often require prolonged hospital stays and a resultant increase in medical costs.

The purpose of this study was to identify the current state of fall prevention strategies on a hospital inpatient acute care cardiac unit. Through a root cause analysis, some deficiencies were identified and a process improvement plan was implemented.

Several positive outcomes were attained as a result of the countermeasures initiated. Patient falls per month and total waste in dollars saw a decline …

Efficacy Of A Weight Loss Intervention For African American Breast Cancer Survivors, Patricia M. Sheean, Melinda Stolley, Ben Garber, Claudia Arroyo, Linda Schiffer, Anjishnu Banerjee, Alexis Visotcky, Giamila Fantuzzi, Desmona Strahan, Lauren Matthews, Roxanne Dakers, Cynthia Carridine-Andrews, Katya Seligman, Sparkle Springfield, Angela Odoms-Young, Susan Hong, Kent Hoskins, Virginia Kaklamani, Lisa Sharp

Nursing: School of Nursing Faculty Publications and Other Works

African American women with breast cancer have higher cancer-specific and overall mortality rates. Obesity is common among African American women and contributes to breast cancer progression and numerous chronic conditions. Weight loss interventions among breast cancer survivors positively affect weight, behavior, biomarkers, and psychosocial outcomes, yet few target African Americans. This article examines the effects of Moving Forward, a weight loss intervention for African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS) on weight, body composition, and behavior.

A Standardized Electronic Handover Report For Anesthesia Providers, Amber Kristine Lindsay, Elisa Rue

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Despite numerous studies and agencies recommending the standardization of handovers to improve the quality and safety of patient care, intraoperative anesthesia handovers have remained unstandardized at many institutions.

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to 1) develop the preliminary Anesthesia Handover Report (AHR) and evaluate its accessibility, layout, and content using feedback from an Expert Sampling Group; 2) create the finalized AHR and evaluate the impact it had on the perceived quality of handover among anesthesia providers; and 3) to assess the uptake of the finalized AHR.

Methods: This study was implemented at NorthShore University Health System (NSUHS), …

Intraoperative Blood Pressure And Effect Of Volatile Anesthetic In Brain Dead Organ Donors, Alison Lynn Karmanian

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: There is a large disparity between the number of people waiting for organ transplants and the number of organs available. Optimal hemodynamic management can influence transplant outcomes, therefore evidence-based hemodynamic management should be practiced to maximize scarce donor organs.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine intraoperative blood pressures and administration of volatile anesthetics during brain dead organ donor procurements. Use of volatile anesthetics was examined to determine how use and dose affected the ability to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) between 60 to 90 mmHg.

Design: This study was a retrospective chart review.

Results: Twenty-eight cases …

Video Simulation As An Educational Strategy To Increase Knowledge And Perceived Knowledge In Novice Nurse Anesthesia Trainees, Rachel A. Kozlowski, Jennifer A. Kurdika

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Video simulation is gaining popularity as an alternative method of teaching and can play an important role in nurse anesthesia education.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of an educational video simulation on acquisition of knowledge and perceived knowledge of anesthesia induction in novice nurse anesthesia trainees (NATs).

Method: A single group pre-test post-test design was used to compare knowledge and perceived knowledge on standard and rapid sequencing induction of anesthesia. Pre test scores on knowledge and perceived knowledge were obtained and followed by a viewing of pre-recorded video simulation on standard and rapid …

Intra-Operative Awareness With Recall Under General Anesthesia, Kelly Lannert, Dulcie J. Schippa

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Anesthesia practitioners are familiar with awareness with recall (AWR) as a phenomenon, however, research has shown it is inadequately assessed, evaluated, and treated in patients receiving general anesthesia leading to significant undesired sequela.

Objectives: The purpose of this quality improvement project (QIP) was to attempt to improve the perceived knowledge and comfort of anesthesia practitioners relative to the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of patients with AWR, thus, closing the gap between knowledge and practice.

Method: The sample consisted of 150 anesthesia practitioners from the Northshore University HealthSystem. Pre-and post-test Likert-type surveys were used and uploaded into Qualtrics to maintain …

Crna’S Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Acupressure As An Adjunct To Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting Prevention, Kimberly A. Homa, Jacqueline Kuhn

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) continues to be a problem for patients despite multimodal pharmacologic treatments available. Although acupressure has demonstrated clinical usefulness, it is still not widely used in mainstream anesthesia practice. Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive survey design was to assess current knowledge and attitudes among CRNAs and SRNAs regarding acupressure for PONV treatment. A secondary objective was to develop an educational handout designed to increase the use of acupressure as an adjunct to postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention using the findings from this current study. Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional survey design was utilized to …

A Needs Assessment For Development Of An Interpreter Services Educational Tool For Crnas, Rachel Ferral, Angela Meyer

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Despite evidence of provider misuse of interpreter services and the resultant adverse outcomes that can and have occurred, few studies have assessed or addressed the gaps in knowledge and attitudes of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) towards interpreter service usage when providing care for and consenting limited English proficient (LEP) patients. Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to identify CRNA knowledge and attitudes toward interpreter service usage for LEP patients to guide the development of a competency educational tool for CRNAs. Methods: A descriptive, online survey research design was used. The Qualtrics online survey platform was …

Pharmacological And Non-Pharmacological Management Of Depression In Patients With Alzheimer’S Disease, Alicia Cebulak

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Task-Management Training For Recognition, Prioritization And Decision-Making For The Srna, Laura Majewski, Pauline Kenneth Borja Tselonis

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Non-technical skill deficiency can increase the chance of error, which can result in adverse events. While the traditional anesthesia teaching plays a significant role on knowledge acquisition and development of technical skills, non-technical skills have been identified to be the key determinant of successful anesthesia particularly during crisis management (Yee et al., 2005). Task-related non-technical skills, such as recognition, prioritization, and decision-making are essential for safe administration of anesthesia (Wunder, 2016). Purpose: The purpose of this study is to improve three non-technical skills (recognition, prioritization, and decision-making) in SRNAs new to the clinical setting with the use of an …

Evaluation Of A Video-Based Left Ventricular Assist Device Education Program For Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists And Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Andrew Gause, Zain Rehman

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Video-based educational programs have been proven as a more effective means of instruction than traditional lecture and paper-based formats. Therefore, a video-based left ventricular assist device (LVAD) program was developed to address an identified knowledge gap for the NorthShore University HealthSystem (NSUHS) Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) and Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNA). Objectives: The purpose of this quality improvement project (QIP) was to pilot a newly developed educational video intervention and evaluate the CRNAs’ and SRNAs’ pre- and postintervention knowledge difference of the LVAD and the LVAD patient population. Methods: The sample consisted of CRNAs and SRNAs from …

Implementing The Weefim System In Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation, Chelsea Ratilainen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

This project was designed to achieve an unmet criteria in the accreditation process for the outpatient pediatric rehabilitation program at a local, community hospital in the greater Bay Area. The clients range from 6 months old to 20 years old with functional disabilities. The Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) requires that applicants demonstrate outcome measure data over a 6 month time period. During the self-evaluation process this was noted to be a deficiency in the department’s efforts. The WeeFIM system was chosen as the first tool to implement in the department. This is a functional improvement measurement …

Electronic Health Record Utilization And Education: Improving Role-Specific Confidence And Competence In The Outpatient Setting, Nicole Neuman

Master's Projects and Capstones

The call for meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR) and its universal benefits are well known. Despite mandates for change resistance to adoption of paper-less system remains problematic. Non-use of the EHR has persisted in the outpatient specialty care setting in spite of 4 all-staff trainings and stakeholder backing. This project suggests that implementing team leadership and educational tools provides staff with confidence and supportive resources to achieve proficiency. Objectives for this project include (a) providing staff with training and tools to access self-guided troubleshooting videos, follow quick-guide checklists for crucial tasks, and provide handouts for patient portal access, …

Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On Prenatal Nutrition And Postpartum Depression, Kelsey Moran

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication of childbirth, affecting 11-20% of women who give birth each year. Women suffering from PPD may experience feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and anxiety related to birth, and may think of suicide or harm towards their baby. Nutrition plays a key role in the onset, severity, and duration of general depression. Although nutritional deficiencies can be prevalent among all Americans, they disproportionately affect low-income individuals. There is currently a knowledge gap regarding postpartum depression causation in low-income women. It is important to understand the cause of postpartum depression to provide appropriate intervention …

Reframing The Conceptual Model Of Telehealth Nursing For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Luz Rivera

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Of the huge influx of retirees expected in the next 10 years, the vast majority prefers aging in place; a concept commonly used to refer to the practice of remaining in a community-based setting as the changes of life unfold with age. Extant health systems currently fail to provide the structure to promote staying at home when increasing health care assistance or monitoring is needed. Clinical pilot studies using telehealth are providing evidence for improving patient healthcare provision and outcomes from the setting of the patient’s choice. As the landscape of healthcare changes with technological advances, nursing practice also …

A Needs Assessment For Development Of An Interpreter Services Educational Tool For Crnas, Angela Meyer, Rachel Ferral

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Despite evidence of provider misuse of interpreter services and the resultant adverse outcomes that can and have occurred, few studies have assessed or addressed the gaps in knowledge and attitudes of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) towards interpreter service usage when providing care for and consenting limited English proficient (LEP) patients.

Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to identify CRNA knowledge and attitudes toward interpreter service usage for LEP patients to guide the development of a competency educational tool for CRNAs.

Methods: A descriptive, online survey research design was used. The Qualtrics online …