Nursing Commons^™

An Educational Intervention To Raise The Awareness Of Limited Health Literacy And The Need To Utilize Recommended Strategies And Interventions Among Healthcare Clinicians In A Program Of All-Inclusive Care For The Elderly Setting, Esther Carpenter

Doctoral Dissertations and Scholarly Projects

Health literacy is a complex, common, and challenging issue facing the United States and the world today. Occurring in the context of care delivery and significantly impacting the quality of care provided, health literacy is not simply a patient problem; but places a substantial burden on healthcare clinicians to ensure they are providing clear communication. Research suggests a lack of awareness and training among healthcare clinicians related to health literacy, resulting in clinicians being unaware of and unprepared to address this issue in practice. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to raise the awareness of limited health literacy …

Chart Audit And Educational Provider Feedback Intervention To Improve Appropriate Use Of Spirometry In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Ruth Demetros

Doctoral Dissertations and Scholarly Projects

Despite being a GOLD guideline and having documented benefits, confirming a COPD diagnosis with spirometry is not routinely done. The purpose of this project was to increase patient referrals for spirometry to confirm COPD diagnosis. A quasi-experimental design was incorporated in a primary care office. A retrospective pre-intervention chart audit and two post-chart audits, 30-days apart, compared the frequency of documented spirometry to confirm a COPD diagnosis. An educational intervention with a pre and post-survey examined provider behavior intention to order spirometry to confirm a COPD diagnosis. The pre-chart audit revealed that 27/50 (54%) of patients had spirometry documented to …

The Impact Of An Educational Intervention To Enhance Self-Management In Type 2 Diabetes Patients, Demetria Bates

Doctoral Dissertations and Scholarly Projects

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic health condition that requires patients to be engaged in their health care. Knowledge of the disease and self-management skills are key components to improving health and outcomes in diabetes patients. Due to the lack of self-management skills, diabetes patients are at risk for diabetes-related health complications. Hemoglobin A1c is a measure that demonstrates the average blood glucose level, which is an indicator of diabetes control. Medical treatments and education are continuously improving and readily for type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this project was to enhance knowledge and self-management skills among chronic care …

Evaluating Impedance Monitoring To Reduce Hospital Readmissions For Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: An Integrative Review, Abigail Newton

Doctoral Dissertations and Scholarly Projects

Congestive Heart Failure (HF) is a chronic progressive cardiac disorder with high mortality rates and is the number one reason for hospital readmission in the United States. More than 5 million Americans live with HF with more than 900,000 new diagnoses annually. The likelihood of developing HF increases with age making it the most common primary diagnosis for patients over age 65. HF has a significant impact on quality of life, with depression being a common comorbid condition. Thoracic impedance monitoring has shown to reduce exacerbations and hospitalizations in patients with HF. This project evaluated the literature related to impedance …

Enhanced Depression Screening In The Cardiac Rehabilitation Setting An Evidence-Based Project, Heidi Winslow

Doctoral Dissertations and Scholarly Projects

Depression is common amongst patients with cardiovascular disease. This evidence-based project was designed to evaluate the impact of a practice improvement intervention for screening and referrals in cardiac patients with depression. The American Heart Association Advisory Council recommends depression screening, treatment, and support to provide adequate diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up to patients. Cardiacrehabilitation (CR) is a coordinated effort of structured treatments with physical, mental, and social components, to favorably influence cardiac healing and resume optimal functioning. The problem is current depression screening and referrals are not being documented electronically in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) setting limiting real-time communication amongst the …

The Effect Of Training And Recognition On Nursing Assistant Retention In Acute Care Settings, Rachael Austin Swann

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nursing assistants are being hired in acute care settings to alleviate staffing issues associated with the nursing shortage. This has been a great economical solution to ensure adequate staff because of the large number of trained individuals in this vocation. Turnover and retention with nursing assistants in all settings including acute care is an expensive and reoccurring problem. Although several strategies have been implemented to prevent this, few provide a sustainable positive outcome. This situation requires an approach to look at the causes of turnover and provide interventions to reverse the negative impact. The intent of this research looked at …

Child Care Teachers’ Knowledge Of Fun Physical Activities And Healthy Food Choices For Pre-School Children, Elizabeth Gwyn

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The focus of this project was to explore child-care teachers’ knowledge of fun physical activities and healthy food choice activities for preschool children. A four-week educational session was implemented in a rural child-care center. The intervention provided education in relationship to the implementation of fun physical activities and healthy food choice activities for child-care teachers during preschoolers structured playtime. The Child Care Teachers’ Knowledge Evaluation (CCTKE) tool developed by the doctoral student was used to collect responses from participants before and after the intervention. The participants’ data was analyzed using a t-test. There were no statistically significant differences between the …

Menstrual Cycle As A Vital Sign, Lauren Elizabeth Bennett, Lisa M. Brown

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine and explore which factors affect the menstrual cycle and how the menstrual cycle has a significant health impact on women’s lives. Theoretical framework: Dorothea Orem, with the Orem Model of Nursing is patient driven. Orem’s beliefs are based on promoting life processes, modes of functioning within health and disease, growth and development, and movement within space. Learning about menstrual cycles and fertility, achieving or preventing pregnancy, delivering a baby, and becoming a mother are all comprised of multiple journeys that are intertwined within one another in women’s health. Research articles: Twenty-two …

Identifying Barriers To Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Usage Among Adolescents, Emily Kathleen Davis, Viktoryia Petrusevich

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although LARC methods including IUDs and implants are highly effective in preventing pregnancies and both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend it for adolescents as a first-line choice given their efficacy, safety, and ease of use, its utilization by sexually active adolescents remains low. The purpose of this critical literature review was to identify what barriers to LARC impact utilization and continuation rates among adolescents and young women.

Culturally Appropriate Breastfeeding Education For African American Mothers, Alicia Marie Freppert

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is globally recognized as the best possible source of nutrition for infants due to breastmilk’s extensive health benefits. Significant disparities in breastfeeding initiation and duration exist among demographic groups in the United States, with African American breastfeeding initiation rates being significantly lower than any other race. Purpose: The purpose of this critical review of the literature is to explore the impact of providing culturally appropriate breastfeeding education interventions on the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among African American mothers with children 0 to12 months of age. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical frameworks utilized to guide this systematic review of …

Effects Of Palliative Care On Quality Of Life For People With Dementia And Their Informal Caregivers, Sara S. Martin

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Dementia is a leading cause of debility and dependence and its incidence is increasing exponentially as the global population ages. Despite the terminal nature of dementia, the end-of-life process is often poorly recognized due to a prolonged decline and cognitive deficits. As a result, people with dementia may be subject to health care interventions that have questionable efficacy and may not align with their wishes. Palliative care, a plan of care that prioritizes comfort, is becoming more widely utilized for patients with chronic illnesses such as dementia. Purpose: The purpose of this critical review of the literature is to …

Obesity And Eating Disorders Prevention Programs: Effects On Adolescents And Young Adults With Weight Related Conditions, Jean Marie Parsons

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: With implementation of healthy weight education programs throughout schools, questions have been raised whether a preoccupation with obesity prevention contributes to an increase in the incidence of eating disorders. The purpose of this critical review of research is to compare obesity prevention programs and eating disorder prevention programs and possible unintended negative effects on adolescents with weight-related conditions. Theoretical Framework: Neuman Systems Model and Erickson’s Psychosocial Development were used. While Neuman theorizes a human being is a total person characterized by physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, and developmental factors, Erickson focuses on identity versus role confusion at the adolescent age. …

The Maternal And Neonatal Outcomes Of Utilizing Nitrous Oxide For Labor Analgesia, Joy L. Sayler

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Inhaled nitrous oxide has been used in many developing countries for labor analgesia but fell out of practice in the United States over the past 40 years. Recently it has been reintroduced into practice in the U.S. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the literature in order to determine the maternal and neonatal effects of utilizing nitrous oxide for labor analgesia. Methods: Twenty research articles were critically reviewed in order to determine the maternal and neonatal effects of utilizing nitrous oxide for labor analgesia. Results: Nitrous oxide appears to be safe for both mother and …

Teen Car Control Courses: Impact To Develop Safer Drivers?, Jaime (Wayne) W. Street

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Since the dawn of the automobile, crashes have resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, in our modern era the novice teen driver population suffers the most. In an attempt to decrease crashes, government officials have mandated that all teen drivers take a driver’s education course prior to having their driver’s license. Even with this intervention teen drivers still suffer from the highest morbidity and mortality rates from their crashes compared to any other population group. Recognizing this public health tragedy, the government has sponsored multiple studies examining various ways of reducing these crashes. As a result of these …

Assessment Of Nurses' Knowledge Of Tools And Implementation Of Interventions To Prevent Intensive Care Unit Delirium, Gertrude Brown Thomas

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) acquired delirium is a significant practice issue for nurses. Delirium in ICU patients can be perceived inaccurately by nurses as an expected part of patients’ ICU stay. Increased morbidity and mortality is highly correlated with increased symptoms of delirium during the ICU stay. Nurses are in the position to notice subtle changes in patients and intervene in a timely manner to avert negative outcomes resulting from delirium. Purpose: The aim of this research is to investigate nurses’ knowledge of assessment tools, and discover how effectively nurses are using the tools and implementing interventions to prevent …

Nursing Annual Report: 2018, Centracare Health

Nursing Annual Report

St Cloud Hospital Statistics

Nursing Strategic Plan FY 2017-2018

March of Dimes Distinguished Nurse of the Year - Melissa Fradette

Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Clinic

Fourth Magnet Designation

Nursing Research Studies

Shared Governance

Nursing Podium Presentations, Posters, and Publications

Nursing Awards

Carry Your Candle...And Light The Way, Tiffany Omann-Bidinger, Deb Eisenstadt, Jenelle Brekken

Nursing Posters

The initial goal and purpose of this symposium was to develop a structured leadership class to prepare support charge nurses for the challenges they face in today's healthcare environment. Using a transformational leadership framework aligned with the Professional Practice Model (PPM): The Compass, a content outline was developed for the charge nurse's role. The focus was based on the charge nurse's role using the following components: autonomy, accountability, critical thinking, crucial conversations, innovation, productivity, coaching and mentoring, healthy work environment principles and shared governance. This would ultimately optimize the Neuroscience/Spine Unit and Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit charge nurse's professional function.

The Hidden Impact Of The Functional Independence Measure, Joyce Belanger

Nursing Posters

An integral piece to Rehabilitation is the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). All staff having a love/hate relationship with FIM scores. How do you make your staff understand the importance of FIM?

Improving Nursing Skills In Caring For Culturally Diverse Patients, Jenna Czech

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this project is to improve nursing competency in caring for culturally diverse populations within St. Cloud Hospital through nursing education and initiation of a care plan related to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patient populations.

Building The Foundations Of Practice Of The Lpn And Cma In Ambulatory Care, Renee Doetkott

Nursing Posters

The practice of the RN is well defined and supported across the profession. But, there is little published information supporting the practice of the LPN and MA in ambulatory care.

Exploring Community Associated Clostridium Difficile, Patricia Dumonceaux Msn, Rn, Cic, Phn, Dana Schmidt Rn

Nursing Posters

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a life threatening bacteria spread in spore form through diarrhea. C. difficile effects approximately 500,000 people annually (CDC, 2016). From 2009-2016, the incidence rate of C. difficile in Minnesota* has increased from 50 to 227/1000,000 persons, with 58% of cases considered community associated** (CA), 17% healthcare facility onset (HCFO), and 25% community onset-HCFO (MDH, 2016). MDH 2016 data indicates C. difficile is being transmitted within healthcare and community settings and among patients primarily greater than 65 years of age, with 54% of CA cases using antibiotics during the 12 weeks prior to positive specimen (2016).

Benefits Of Bedside Report, Golden Fisk

Nursing Posters

Bedside report is part of the nursing handoff policy at St. Cloud Hospital. This research was used to identify benefits of bedside reporting to present to staff to reinforce the importance of following this hospital policy.

Optimizing Documentation For Inpatient Nurses, Melinda Freund

Nursing Posters

For nurses (P) that document motor strength on the assessment flow sheet, will a new prototype for documentation (I), compared to the current system (C), reduce confusion (o) as to where motor strength should be located?

Project Goals: decrease double documentation , decrease confusion, improve end-user satisfaction, improve patient outcomes, improve ability to mine data.

Stop: No-Suicide Contracts, Paul Friebe

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this evidence-based project is to reduce the number of suicide attempts by identification of at risk patients with the Adult and Adolescent Mental Health Units (MHUs) through implementation of the APNA Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Essential Competencies for Assessment and Management of Individuals at Risk for Suicide as compared to the use of No-Suicide Contracts (NSCs).

Post-Stroke Bladder Management, Oniria Gillenwaters

Nursing Posters

Urinary incontinence is commonly observed in patients recovering from a stroke. Bladder management and nurse-led interventions such as timed voiding, and double voiding, may be helpful to decrease the risk of urinary tract infections and incontinence episodes in these patients.

Care Transitions For Hospital To Home: Ideal Discharge Planning, Jeanne Friebe

Nursing Posters

To increase patient satisfaction with the discharge process based on patient's readiness; for patients with uncomplicated vaginal and Cesarean birth through the application of the IDEAL model.

Ebp: House Wide Education, Melinda Jennings

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to improve the content and quality of Computer Based Training (CBT) education and reduce the average CBT module time, through the application of evidence-based guiding principles for CBT content and development, compared to previous practice of ineffective guidelines.

Clinical Research: Evaluation Of Healing Touch's Effect On Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (Cabg) Recovery, A Randomized Study, Bridget Klein, Kirsten Skillings, Roxanne Wilson Phd, Rn, Kathleen Sowada, Teresa Jahn, Jessica Thoma

Nursing Posters

This study is assessing the efficacy of Healing Touch on patients receiving Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting at St. Cloud Hospital. A single previous research study determined Healing Touch, when added to standard nursing care, can significantly reduce anxiety and length of stay in patients undergoing CABG procedures.

Reducing Dialysis Tunneled Catheter Blood Stream Infections, Sharon Hoffman

Nursing Posters

To reduce bloodstream infections related to tunneled dialysis catheters through implementation of aseptic, sterile dressing changes completed by RN's.

Irrisept: Redefining Irrigation, Nicole Koening

Nursing Posters

IrriSept is the only FDA-Cleared device that delivers a pressurized solution containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) for cleansing and debridement. As a final rinse, prior to closure in surgical procedures, IrriSept has the potential to help reduce SSIs and associated treatment costs. IrriSept was developed with the goal of becoming the "Standard of Care" and improving patient outcomes.

IrriSept has a wide range of activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It has demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy and persistence in laboratory testing.