Nursing Commons^™

Mobile Health Interventions In Diabetic Care In Times Of Environmental Crisis, Sarah Weisbrod, Makenzie Snyder, Maren Nerem, Katrina Hopkins, Pam Hulstein

Celebration of Research

A literature review was conducted between the months of August 2024 - November 2024 to explore the impact that the environmental effects of flooding have on those with diabetes mellitus (DM) and how the implementation of multiple forms of mobile health (mHealth) can aid in recovery and preparedness. Ten articles focusing on the various impacts that flooding and other natural disasters have on diabetic individuals, as well as the positive health outcomes tied to mobile applications and SMS messaging systems were reviewed. The purpose of this review was to examine current research regarding the treatment, education, and preparedness of diabetic …

Subcutaneous Infusions For Hydration And Nutrition, Bryn Hoekman, Kelsie Dulmes, Laci Van Hauen, Megan Vankalsbeek, Mikayla Johnson, Pam Hulstein

Celebration of Research

Subcutaneous (SC) infusions deliver fluids or medications into the body's fatty tissue using small needles. They are cost-effective, easy to use, comfortable, and carry a low risk of serious complications like infections. In hospital settings, IV access can be challenging, and oral fluid intake may be insufficient for proper hydration. Spencer Hospital was interested in the potential benefits of SC infusions and what population would benefit most. The purpose of this project was to examine SC infusions as an alternative for hydration when IV access is unavailable, focusing on pediatric, geriatric, and palliative population. It compared Hydration, nutrition status, and …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Predischarge Referrals In Preventing Emergency Mental Health Hospital Readmissions: A Scoping Review, Pretia Carpenter Bsn, Rn, Stephanie Mays Bsn, Rn, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc, Sharon H. Little, Dnp, Fnp-Bc, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Emergency mental health hospital readmissions present significant challenges to healthcare systems, often resulting in increased costs, prolonged hospital stays, and poor patient outcomes. Continuity of care through predischarge referrals to outpatient mental health services, psychosocial support, and community resources has been proposed as a strategy to reduce readmissions. However, the effectiveness of these interventions remains inconsistent across different populations and settings.

Objective

This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of predischarge referrals in reducing 30-day emergency mental health hospital readmissions, identify key components of successful programs, and assess the influence of demographic factors on readmission rates.

Methods

A …

Staff Education Program On Pressure Ulcer Prevention, Khadijah Y. Ndiaye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This staff education program was aimed at improving pressure ulcer prevention practices in long-term care settings by increasing staff knowledge. Pressure ulcers remain a significant issue in long-term care facilities, leading to adverse patient outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Addressing this problem is critical within nursing practice to ensure patient safety, enhance quality care, and reduce preventable harm. The practice-focused question was: What is the effectiveness of a staff education program on pressure ulcer prevention in increasing staff knowledge in long-term care settings? The purpose of this doctoral project is to design and evaluate a comprehensive staff education intervention, incorporating …

Assessing Various Methods Of Social Media Use To Combat Vaccine Hesitancy, Jeremy Abe, Janelle Angelo, Emily Martin, Braden Prillwitz

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Science is no stranger to skeptics, and vaccine technology has proven no exception to being immune from detractors since the inception of inoculation (Lanzarotta, 2024). At first, people questioned vaccine safety and efficacy, fearing contraction of disease. Public trust in vaccination gained traction with such successes as the polio vaccine, but the Wakefield article published in 1998 falsely linked the MMR vaccine to autism, arguably launching modern vaccine skepticism (Motta & Stecula, 2021). It was retracted twelve years after publication following refutation by evidence-based research, but not before increasing internet speeds allowed for the dissemination and proliferation of vaccine misinformation. …

Connecting Through Activities: How Social Engagement Impacts Isolated Older Adults, Lekisha Wilde

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Executive Summary

Problem Description: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression and contribute to a variety of mental and physical conditions. In socially isolated older adults, managing depression and chronic medical conditions can lead to negative outcomes that include poor quality of life, increased disability and morbidity leading to higher healthcare costs, and elevated mortality rates.

Setting: Project took place in a community behavioral health clinic in the Pacific Northwest.

Rationale: This project is guided by the Iowa Model. The model was tailored to assist in identifying the problem, gathering and evaluating relevant evidence from the …

A Scoping Review Protocol: Hispanic Individuals’ Influences For Pursuing Nursing Education Prior To Nursing School Admission, Katherine R. Luecke, Orcid Id : 0009-0003-8013-821x

College of Nursing Reviews and Protocols

In the United States, a major contributing factor to health outcome disparities in minoritized populations is a lack of diversity in the healthcare setting. Nursing has intentionally sought to recruit individuals from minority backgrounds into the workforce to negate these disparities and have greater community representation. The purpose of this scoping review was to systematically explore literature on the influences of Hispanic individuals when pursuing nursing education prior to nursing school admission.
A scoping review methodology was utilized following the nine-step process described by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guideline utilizing …

The Growth Of African American Nurses

The Civil Rights Movement (HIS/BLS 347) Zine Project

No abstract provided.

Thoughts From The Frontline - April 2025, Tennessee Center For Nursing Advancement, East Tennessee State University

Thoughts from the Frontline Newsletter

No abstract provided.

The Succession Plan: Using Competency-Based Curriculums To Educate A New Generation Of Nurse Leaders, Cheryl Green, Evelyn Jacovino Msn, Rn, Cmsnl, Beth Boyd Dnp, Rn, Cne, Amy Ashman Msn, Rn, John Cooper Rn, Michele Velush Bsn, Rn, Pccn

Posters

Framework:

The guiding framework for this study was Mentoring Up (Hale & Phillips, 2019), a grounded theory of nurse-to-nurse mentoring. The Mentoring Up Theory identifies five phases of mentoring: seeding, opening, laddering, equalizing, and reframing.

Provider-Nurse Rounding Checklist: A Qi Project, Danielle Ursone Rn, Bsn, Jennifer O'Neil Bsn, Rn, Ccrn, Susan Penque Ph.D, Anp-Bc, Ne-Bc, Nc-C

Posters

• Communication between healthcare providers and nurses is an essential component for a good working relationship.
• Increased collaboration has been shown to improve staff attitudes and job satisfaction.
• Interprofessional rounds with a rounding checklist provide an organized way to perform rounds to increase satisfaction with teamwork and decrease miscommunication.
• At the DNP project site, a rounding checklist is not being used, resulting in a disconnect between the nurses and healthcare providers.

Closing The Wellness Gap: Distribution Of Health & Wellness Resources To Families Of High School Students During Summer Break, Danielle Harvey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Closing the Wellness Gap

Background: During summer break, when schools are closed, students in K-12 schools lose critical resources to support their social, emotional, and physical wellbeing. This project addresses the critical gap in rural Southeastern Washington, where schools act as the primary support system by providing activities, food security, and wellness services.

Aim: Increase families’ awareness and confidence accessing resources to support students when schools are closed.

Methods: To identify key resources a Community Resource Gap Questionnaire was distributed to families. Eight weekly community resource guides were shared electronically with families based on the top priorities identified in the …

Palliative Care Education To Heart Failure Patients, Lindsay Thompson, Emily Lydiatt, Madison Thramer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Purpose: This project aims to increase heart failure patients' knowledge of the benefits of palliative care for improved quality of life, advance understanding of the difference between palliative and hospice care, promote attendance at heart chat classes, and increase referrals to outpatient palliative care clinics.

Methods: This quality improvement project used a one-group, descriptive, exploratory design with pre-and post-testing. The study was conducted on a cardiac unit at a large urban medical center, involving heart failure patients. A tailored educational pamphlet and heart chat class were provided to promote understanding and attendance, along with pre-and post-tests to measure changes in …

The Spiritual Call Of Nursing: Supporting Patients In Spiritual Distress, Cheryl Green, Lauren Thayer, Eliza Dickerson Rn

Posters

Nursing has historically been associated with the spiritual. Referred to “anamcara,” a soul friend in Celtic writings (Groves & Klauser, 2005), nurses accompany those in need, and the ill, from birth to end-of-life. The purpose of this project was to increase awareness of nurses in the identification of patients’ Spiritual Distress, a NANDA diagnosis.

Addressing Organizational Factors Contributing To The Underreporting Of Workplace Violence In Nursing, Jason K. Blomquist

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Nurses routinely face threats, verbal abuse, and physical violence, yet widespread underreporting obscures the full scale of the problem, hindering efforts to address workplace culture and protect nurses.

Aim: Through leadership engagement and targeted staff education, this quality improvement project sought to increase workplace violence reporting rates on a 35-bed medical/surgical unit.

Methods: Over eight weeks, a three-phase intervention was implemented. Phase one equipped charge nurses with uniquely designed training (DIVER framework) to strengthen leadership support. In phase two, staff received micro-education through established communication channels. Phase three reinforced learning via interactive staff meetings. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed …

Patient Care Technician Led Reduction In Blood Culture Contamination Rates, Elena Estrella Pct, Elissa Reyes Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Bethany Zoufaly Msn, Rn, Jennifer O'Neil Bsn, Rn, Anne M. Aquila Dnp, Rn, Cenp

Posters

Purpose:

To decrease blood culture contamination by improving staff competency

Needs Assessment: Examining Nurse Mentorship In A Military Treatment Facility, Laurie E. Chavez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Despite 4.3 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States, nearly a third are not practicing, exacerbating nursing workforce shortages across the nation’s healthcare settings. The Military Health System (MHS) reported significant attrition, with some specialties losing up to 37% annually. Research shows mentorship boosts job satisfaction and retention, yet the MHS lacks a formal program to support and sustain its nursing workforce long-term.

Aim

This needs assessment investigates the feasibility of establishing a nurse mentorship program at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) to help elevate job satisfaction and strengthen nursing retention.

Methods

Anonymous questionnaires, structured interviews, and stakeholder …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated With Postpartum Hemorrhage Among Postpartum Women In Selected Health Facilities In Machakos County - A Case-Control Study, Daniel Kyalo Muthiani

MSc in Advanced Practice Midwifery

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) refers to blood loss ≥500mls after vaginal birth and ≥1000mls after cesarean section. PPH is of concern in low and middle-income countries and is estimated to cause maternal mortality every 10 minutes, with a prevalence of 25% and 34% in Uganda and Kenya, respectively. Despite efforts to address this issue, the prevalence of PPH remains high and is associated with maternal and fetal risk factors that can present along the continuum of birth. Understanding the risk factors is necessary in designing appropriate interventions for their prevention.

Objective: To determine the prevalence, maternal and fetal risk factors …

Improving End-Of-Life Care In The Medical Intensive Care Setting Of A Midwest Hospital Through Nursing Practice Analysis And Education, Hannah Myers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

The acuity of patients within the intensive care setting compounded by comorbidities and illness complications can lead to death in a large percentage of ICU admits annually. Increased mortality rates translate into end-of-life care being a prominent part of the critical care scope. Using a mixed methods approach the project looks to examine barriers, supportive measures, interdisciplinary communication, procedures, and leadership styles that determine quality end-of-life care. A comprehensive literature review revealed a number of barriers reported by nurses including a lack of interdisciplinary communication, disagreements on care plans, and a lack of communication with patients and their families about …

A Survey On The Use Of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure In Newborn Care In Kenya In 2017–2018, Jemma L. Wright, Emma Haddon, Helen Nabwera, Fiona M. Dickinson, Mary Jo Hoare, Pamela Godia, Judith Maua, Mercy K. Sammy, Bridget C. Naimoi, Onesmus Muchemi

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background

Globally, complications of preterm birth are the leading cause of under-5-mortality. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common and life-threatening complication among preterm infants. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a relatively simple and effective intervention that is recommended for RDS treatment. However, appropriate infrastructure and processes are required to ensure that it is used safely, effectively and sustainably. This study describes how CPAP was used in newborn care in Kenya between 2017–2018. Our aim was to identify enablers, barriers and gaps in CPAP use.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out across all newborn baby units in Kenya …

Implementing A Social Determinants Of Health Screening Tool To Improve Appointment Attendance In Primary Care Practice, Phuong Truong

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a screening tool to identify the social determinants of health (SDoH) that may prevent patients from attending their scheduled appointment and to improve patient’s attendance adherence. The project was conducted at a primary care clinic in La Grange, Texas

Background

Missed appointments negatively impact a person’s health status. Missed appointments have been associated with a variety of social factors such as transportation access, socioeconomic status, health literacy, and insurance status.

Methodology

The Logic Model and PDSA model for improvement were used to guide this project. The project utilized …

Improving Bone Density Screening Rates In Patients At Risk For Falls Using Chart Screening And Protocol Orders, Lona Winnegan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE: This quality improvement project’s purpose was to identify those at risk for low bone density from a clinic’s population of positive fall risk screenings, to encourage bone density screening and identify those who would benefit from bone health optimization.

BACKGROUND: Spine fractures result in serious morbidity and mortality. The type of treatment options available for spine fractures and the timing of intervention is affected by the patient’s bone density.

METHODOLOGY: The aim was for patients diagnosed with spine fractures and degenerative spine conditions to be screened for osteoporosis/osteopenia according to screening recommendation standards. The goals were to maintain …

Virtual Hospital Follow-Up: Effects On 30-Day Readmission And Patient Satisfaction, Lidia Wiersum, Karen Valiyev, Kristin Wisegarver, Lucas Hopkins

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

“I’Ll Be There For You”: F·R·I·E·N·D·S And Spirituality May Impact Intent To Stay, Danell Stengem, Alison Smock, Ashley Doherty, Dana Kopp, Karen Colorafi, Teresa Rangel

Social Work

No abstract provided.

Empowering Staff Wellbeing: A Team-Based Qi Initiative, Rebecca Lauren Smith, Elizabeth Morse, David Phillippi

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Project Title: Empowering Staff Wellbeing: A Team-Based QI Initiative

Keywords: Burnout, wellbeing, DNP, primary care, QI methodology

Background and Rationale: The consequences of burnout in healthcare are alarming: worse patient outcomes, lack of continuity of care, higher turnover, and increased cost to employers. Many studies of burnout and wellbeing of clinicians focus on larger institutions such as hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Over the past several years, burnout has been discussed among our small, eight-person clinician team working in a small, non-profit primary care clinic. Yet, there has been no formal assessment of the level of burnout among …

Monitoring Weight Loss Management And Patient Satisfaction By Utilization Of Phone-Based Check-Ins: An Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Project, Katie O’Neill

DNP Projects

Background

Obesity is one of the fastest growing public health issues across the nation. Obesity is a critical factor in prevention of obesity-related non-communicable diseases (OR-NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease. The increase in obesity creates a global burden on chronic disease prevention for future healthcare systems. With the increasing popularity of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1’s) being prescribed, the level of provider communication should be evaluated and encouraged for successful weight management outcomes.

Project Goals

1.) Implement a phone call to patients on a GLP-1 to provide education on healthy lifestyle habits from October 2024 to December 2024. …

Program Evaluation: Family Centered Rounding To Support Communication In Pediatric Care, Kristy M. Schmidt

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Family centered rounding (FCR) is a pediatric evidence-based practice intended to bring healthcare teams, patients, and families together at the bedside in a collaborative approach to care planning. FCR emphasizes communication and shared decision-making between healthcare teams and families, leading to improved patient outcomes. Despite well-documented benefits of FCR, challenges such as inconsistent nursing participation, variability in practices, and workflow disruptions hinder implementation and sustainability of FCR.

Aim: This program evaluation was designed and conducted at an urban pediatric hospital to assess the processes, perceptions, and impact of FCR. The overall quality of FCR and the strengths and barriers …

Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention Through Helmet Safety Education For Parents And Free Helmets For Elementary-Aged School Children, Kelli E. Camp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Problem Description: Head injuries from bicycle accidents are a leading cause of emergency visits among elementary-aged children, particularly in rural areas (Safe Kids Worldwide, 2017). Helmets significantly reduce traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) up to 88% (Field Neurosciences Institute, n.d.). However, low-income families, especially in rural areas, often lack access to helmets and safety education, resulting in lower helmet use and higher injury rates. These challenges are amplified in communities facing high traffic injury rates, limited access to safety resources, and economic constraints (Gilna et al., 2022; World Health Organization, 2023).

Setting: This project took place in Othello, WA (pop. 8,915), …

Implementing Nutrition Education For Patient’S Being Initiated In Semaglutide: Quality Improvement Project, Liliane Colbert

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: The nutrition literacy assessment instrument (NLit) and healthy eating habits assessment, are underutilized tools, as components in providing nutrition education for patients in primary care. There is a lack of knowledge of their availability, thus leading to missed opportunities to provide a more targeted approach to improve nutrition literacy. In the primary care setting, no formal approach is utilized in providing nutrition education to patients being seen for medical weight-loss management. Another element missing from the current process, is a tool that medical providers can utilize, to understand a patient’s baseline nutrition literacy and eating habits. Thus, …

Fighting Falls On An Inpatient Cardiovascular Unit: A Quality Improvement Project, Alice Lam

DNP Projects

Background

Patient falls are amongst the most preventable yet costly accidents that occur in an inpatient setting. Research has shown that falls are the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries and hip fractures, which can be detrimental, especially to the aging population. Furthermore, inpatient falls pose a major financial burden on all hospital institutions worldwide. Interventions that have proved to decrease fall rates involve a combination of patient and staff education, proper footwear and accessibility to walking aids, and ensuring that alarms are active and audible, and the patient beds are in lowest position. Therefore, a combination approach to …