Nursing Commons^™

Heart Failure Follow Up Phone Calls, Melissa Lampert, Anne Major

Nursing Posters

Increase the number of 72-hour post-discharge follow-up phone calls for patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of heart failure.

This is a quality measure required for Joint Commission Heart Failure Certification and also to maintain American Heart Association Gold Plus Status.

Central Line Policy Updates, Hanni Lyon, Sara Maciej, Alea Stanger

Nursing Posters

The policy changes reflect the current guidelines and standards used to prevent central lines and associated bloodstream infections and its complications.

Introduction Of A Yellow Flag List In A Call Center Setting, Allyson Mezera

Nursing Posters

Improve work processes of newly established triage/scheduling call center by creating a nurse driven yellow flag list that supports RN scope of practice, improves access to care, and an overall goal of reducing total cost of care.

Proper Hand Hygiene Practice In The Clinic Setting, Wendy Middendorf

Nursing Posters

The use of proper hand hygiene in the clinic setting is critical for infection control and prevention of nosocomial infections.

Orthostatic Blood Pressure Monitoring, Carla Olson

Nursing Posters

To apply the evidence of orthostatic blood (O B/P) pressure monitoring techniques as compared to inconsistent O B/P monitoring. Enhance the knowledge and skill of staff completing O B/P to promote consistent technique and reliable assessment data. Identify and modify order sets which include O B/P monitoring to ensure the order is written for use based on the evidence.

Collaboration To Improve Care Of Oncology Patient, Kara Panek, Melinda Jennings

Nursing Posters

It was identified that there were opportunities to enhance the care of the inpatient oncology patient when they were not on the Medical and Oncology Unit. Upon completing leadership rounding, patients identified that they did not receive consistent oncology specific interventions when they were transferred to a higher level of care.

Enhancing Retention For Patient Care Assistants: Effective Strategies To Implement To Reduce Turnover, Tiffany Omann-Bidinger

Nursing Posters

Develop and implement a hospital-wide, evidence-based recruitment and retention program to reduce turnover rates for Patient Care Assistants (PCAs).

I.D.E.A.L. Transition Plan, Colleen Porwoll

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to increase the number of discharges prior to noon by using the IDEAL discharge planning tool with noncomplex total joint replacement patients and maintaining score of discharge phone call follow up. "Were you aware of the discharge plans and felt prepared?"

Rn Case Manager Case Consultation, Nancy A. Schug

Nursing Posters

Purpose:

Apply the Collaborative Care Management Practice Model to address:

• Complex transition planning
• Clinical progression
• Readmission risk

Promote professional growth

Increase knowledge of the ACMA Scope and Standards of Practice for RN Case Managers.

Preceptor Class Evaluation & Redesign, Katherine A. Schulz

Nursing Posters

In August 2016, Education Committee identified need to comprehensively evaluate Preceptor Class for curriculum structure, content, teaching modalities, etc. Preceptor Class Subgroup was formed to lead evaluation efforts.

Decreasing Unnecessary Pharmacy Cost In The Cath Lab, Scott M. Scepaniak, Kristi Patterson

Nursing Posters

AngioMax is a single dose heparin alternative introduced in 2002 that is used in cardiac patients undergoing percutaneous intervention (PCI). Bivalirudin costs $377 per dose; heparin is less than $15 per dose. Noting practice variations, the Cath Lab set out to eliminate unnecessary pharmacy cost for PCI patients by:

• Using current literature to inform clinical care
• Standardizing practice
• Using data to track and guide implementation

Music Heals: Therapeutic Music To Reduce Pain And Anxiety In Adult Icu Patients, Kathleen Sowada

Nursing Posters

To decrease pain and anxiety in adult intensive care unit patients through the use of therapeutic music as compared to no music intervention.

Integrating Holsitic Care Modalities Into An Inpatient Physical Rehabiliation Program, Kathleen Sowada

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this pilot project was to determine the feasibility of incorporating integrative therapies, including acupuncture, into the plan of care of patients undergoing physical rehabilitation in an inpatient setting, and to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Medication Assessment In The Older Adult: Using The Beer's List, Gretchen Zunkel

Nursing Posters

• Describe appropriate pharmacologic principles of medication use in older adults
• Review Beer's List Criteria (American Geriatric Society)
• Identify inappropriate and/or overlooked medication for the older adult
• Share with BH Unit staff, patients, families

Overcoming New Hire Obstacles With An Individualized Rn Orientation In The Critical Care Area, Heather D. Blais, Melissa M. George, Jessica M. Thoma

Nursing Posters

To improve RN new hire orientation in the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU). Research reveals we tend to assign two patients to a new hire too early. They may not be able to safely care for two acutely ill patients, causing both the new hire and preceptor to become frustrated.

Conversion Disorder, Ann Summar

Nursing Posters

Conversion Disorder:

• Neurologic symptoms that are inconsistent with a neurologic disease
• Symptoms cause distress and/or impairment
• No radiological or laboratory findings for symptoms
• May have poor outcomes without proper treatment

The Impact Of Schizophrenia On Copd Readmission Rate Among Hospitalized South Carolinians, Emilienne Y. Watonsi

DNP Research Projects

Due to elevated readmission costs, the Affordable Care Act established the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program in 2012 to curb the 30-day readmission rates. COPD and schizophrenia are two very expensive diseases, COPD national medical costs is projected to be $49.0 billion in 2020; the cost of schizophrenia was 155.7 billion in 2013. The main objective of this study was to determine if schizophrenia is a significant predictor of 30-day readmission following hospitalization for acute exacerbation of COPD after adjusting for age, gender, anxiety, smoking status, T2DM, chronic ischemic heart disease, and GERD. Methods: A retrospective cohort design was used to …

Parkinson's Disease: Promoting Wellbeing Through Creation Health, Rupelin Pichot

DNP Research Projects

There are approximately 1.5 million Americans affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). In spite of medications and technological advances in managing the disease, patients with PD still live poor quality lives. Therefore, effective natural interventions are essential in promoting wellbeing and quality of life among PD patients. This research study aimed to examine the usefulness and efficacy of a PD brochure designed especially for PD patients and their caregivers by utilizing CREATION Health (CH) principles to promote wellbeing and quality of life in patients with PD. This study employed mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative research designs to evaluate the design, …

A Randomized Controlled Trial To Evaluate The Impact Of Nurse Navigator Programme (Nnp) On Anxiety, Psychological Distress And Quality Of Life Of Breast Cancer Patients In A Tertiary Care Hospital, Karnataka”, Shejila C H

Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Study To Determine The Effectiveness Of Antepartum Breathing Exercises On Outcome Of Labor Between Primigravid And Multigravid Women In Selected Hospital Of Udupi District, Karnataka, Sushmitha Ramona Karkada

Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Nurse-Driven Protocol To Reduce Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections, Elva Hamilton

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major source of avoidable hospital-acquired infections. The scientific evidence supports utilization of nurse-driven protocols to reduce CAUTIs.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to update and implement an evidence-based CAUTI prevention protocol for the nursing staff on a medical-surgical unit in an adult acute care hospital to decrease the utilization of indwelling urinary catheters and CAUTIs.

Theoretical Framework: Donabedian’s structures, processes, and outcomes (SPO) model was utilized as the framework for this project. Donabedian’s SPO model focuses on strong healthcare structures and processes to improve nurse, patient, and organizational …

Lose To Win: Fighting Obesity In The Workplace, Latoya Dotson

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Obesity is a significant healthcare problem in modern American society. It has led to decreased longevity of employees and decreased productivity in day-to-day duties of healthcare workers. There are more negative attributes to obesity than positive, regardless of the race affected. One of the leading causes of death in 2012 was cardiovascular disease. Due to poor dietary choices, the promotion of sedentary lifestyle has led to complications of obesity such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Major improvements can be made within a community that acknowledges the risks of obesity and seeks to implement preventive programs. Increasing one’s physical …

Implementation Of The Essential Competencies For Evidence-Based Practice In Baccalaureate Nursing Education, Elizabeth Whorley

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Integrating evidence-based practice into healthcare education has been a recommendation for the past 16 years. Despite this, barriers still exist with the utilization of evidence-based practice. The purpose of this study was to describe the current state of EBP scholarship in the curriculum of baccalaureate pre-licensure nursing programs. Essential Competencies for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing (Stevens, 2009) was utilized to measure the state of EBP scholarship. The research question stated: how is evidence-based practice scholarship addressed within baccalaureate pre-licensure nursing programs? The research design was guided by Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theoretical framework and the star model of knowledge transformation …

Reducing The Prevalence Of Falls In The Assisted Living Facility Setting, Joan Louis Pierre

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Falls are an issue of concern among the elderly population; it is not only costly, but their impact can have long-term consequences on the quality of life of the elderly. Fall risk in this population increases with age, and falls are the leading cause of accidental death and disability among older adults (Morris et al., 2016). Fall prevention is needed to help reduce these events. The success of this project required consideration of the unique needs of residents in the assisted living environment. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to reduce the prevalence of falls in the assisted …

Reducing The Prevalence Of Fall In The Assisted Living Facility Setting, Joan Louis Pierre

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Falls are an issue of concern among the elderly population; it is not only costly, but their impact can have long-term consequences on the quality of life of the elderly. Fall risk in this population increases with age, and falls are the leading cause of accidental death and disability among older adults (Morris et al., 2016). Fall prevention is needed to help reduce these events. The success of this project required consideration of the unique needs of residents in the assisted living environment.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to reduce the prevalence of falls in the assisted …

Management Of Hypertension Among Haitian Immigrants: Using A Cultural Competency Tool To Improve Practice, Soeurette Bruny

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The number of Haitian immigrants living in the United States has significantly increased as a result of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010. Hypertension is one of the most significant health concerns among Haitian immigrants, which is one of the fastest growing ethnic groups. A clear understanding of the issues that impact the health practices, beliefs, and attitudes of the Haitianpopulation is essential for positive healthcare outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve healthcare practitioners' standard of practice when providing culturally congruent care to Haitian immigrants at a small community clinic …

Bridging University Institutional And Accreditation Standards: An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (Aprn) Program Exemplar, R. Arends, V. Britson, M. E. Minton

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

The complexity of the health care environment requires the nursing profession to effectively anticipate current and future health care needs. Similarly, nursing education must ensure preparedness of future nursing professionals as well as meet the rigor of program accreditation standards. South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Nursing Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), one of the two national specialized accrediting bodies for nursing. Both graduate programs must align with an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials document that corresponds to the respective degree and specialty, …

Aerobic Physical Exercise Increases The Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults, Patricia L. Parker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Problem Description: Globally, the older adult population is expected to substantially increase in number throughout the next few decades. The aging process causes the body and mind to undergo many detrimental changes. Typically, older adults succumb to a more sedentary lifestyle due to factors such as decreased musculature and skeletal changes, chronic pain, socioeconomic and psychological stressors, and memory changes. Inevitably, health-related quality of life and overall independence dwindles in this population negating their perception of happiness and life satisfaction. There is significant research on preventing and/or managing cognitive disabilities in the older adult; however, Western medicine approaches, such …

An Evidence-Based Practice Assessment And Quality Improvement Initiative In Idaho's Critical Access Hospitals, Deena R. Rauch

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Health care providers and systems have been challenged to discard tradition-based care and outdated practices in lieu of evidence-based practice (EBP). Yet, little is known about the state of EBP, barriers and facilitators to EBP, and organizational readiness for EBP in Idaho’s Critical Access Hospitals (CAH). To affect positive change, it was necessary to understand whether providers in Idaho’s CAHs were using evidence as a foundation for practice—and, if not, what challenges existed in implementing EBP. Mitigating barriers and providing EBP education by way of webinar-based online technology has been proven to be practical and feasible. Providing EBP education, …

Does Prophylactic Administration Of Ondansetron Prior To Spinal Anesthesia Decrease Spinal-Anesthesia Induced Hypotension In Obstetric And Non-Obstetric Patients?: A Literature Review, Quinnton Rees

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Neuraxial (spinal) anesthesia is a favored modality in the care of obstetric patients undergoing a cesarean-section (C-section). Spinal anesthesia is additionally popular as an alternative method for various surgical procedures in non-obstetric patients allowing practitioners to avoid potential risks associated with the use of general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (SAIH) is a common side effect that presents status post-initiation of spinal anesthesia. The source of the hypotension produced after the initiation of spinal anesthesia is due to inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system (sympathectomy) and bradycardia caused by stimulation of the Bezold-Jarisch Reflex. A relatively new intervention that …