Nursing Commons^™

Contemporary Structures, Processes, And Outcomes Of Critical Care Nursing Education: An Integrative Review, Farida Saghafi, Carol Grech, Belinda Causby, Angelique Clarke, Jacqueline Jauncey-Cooke, Deb Massey, Kaye Rolls, Kylie Thompson, Melanie Greenwood

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: The critical care workforce requires nurses who are specialised, educated, and adaptable to manage complex situations, with the capability to make informed decisions for optimal patient care. The Australian College of Critical Care Nurses supports evidence-based practice through an education position statement, which is periodically updated to reflect evolving needs. In this review, our aim was to inform revisions to the position statement on critical care nurse education by examining the structure, processes, and outcomes of contemporary education programs designed to enhance the capability of registered nurses working in critical care environments internationally. Review method used: An integrative review …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Transitional Care Management (Tcm) Follow-Up Through Medical Assistant Education, Oben Assick

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The underutilization of Transitional Care Management (TCM) services in primary care significantly contributes to preventable hospital readmissions and revenue loss. Despite established Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, execution often fails due to knowledge gaps among frontline staff. This quality improvement project addressed low TCM task completion rates by implementing a structured educational intervention for medical assistants (MAs). The purpose was to evaluate whether targeted training improves timely patient follow-up, visit scheduling, and billing accuracy. The project utilized Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model to guide organizational change and the Health Belief Model to address behavioral barriers. A quantitative, quasi-experimental …

Falling For You: A Look At Fall Risk Assessment In The Cvicu, Kirsten Sutherland, Noelle Mason, Maggie Shepherd

2025

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Dialectical-Behavioral Intervention On Emotional Regulation Difficulties, Distress Tolerance, And Social Functioning Among Patients With Bipolar Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial, Nashwa Ibrahim

Nursing

Aim

To determine the effect of implementing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training groups on emotional regulation difficulties, distress tolerance, and social functioning among patients with bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 120 patients diagnosed with BD who were attending follow-up at the outpatient clinic. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which received 16 group psychoeducation sessions held twice weekly, or the control group, which received standard outpatient care. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was applied to compare normally distributed quantitative variables across more than two time points or stages, …

International Normative Charts For Twin Weight, Length, And Head Circumference At Birth, By Gestational Age And Sex: The Twin Neonatal Cross-Sectional Study Of The Intergrowth-21st Project, Francesca Giuliani, Sonia Deantoni, Enrico Bertino, Yasmin A. Jaffer, Manorama Purwar, Fernando C. Barros, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Wu Qingqing, Ilaria Stura, Maria Carvalho

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Assessing the size of twins at birth using charts developed for singletons may over diagnose small for gestational age in this sub-population. The study aimed to produce international, twin-specific, newborn size normative charts by gestational age and sex. This longitudinal observational study in eight geographically diverse settings prospectively collected data between May 2009 and August 2013 from healthy pregnant women and their newborn twins. The participants were enrolled as part of the INTERGROWTH-21st study, and recruited based on World Health Organization recommendations for evaluation of anthropometric measures. All the women met, in addition to the underlying population characteristics of low …

Caring For Post Icu Patients: Knowledge And Attitude Among Nurses Working In General Wards, At Tertiary Hospitals, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Nazahed Mkiramweni, Kahabi Isangula, Masunga Iseselo, Dickson Mkoka, Emmanuel Mlay

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Caring for patients from the Intensive Care Unit (post-ICU) in general wards iscritical in determining patient outcomes. As primary caregivers, nurses provide hour-to-hour care and are essential in monitoring and addressing any signs of deterioration during this crucial transition period. Adequate knowledge and a positive attitudeare vital for ensuring the timely identification and management of complications. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of nurses caring for post-ICU patients in general wards.

Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study wasconducted from May to August 2021 at Muhimbili National Hospital (MHN), Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI), and Jakaya …

Intrapartum Experiences Of Gestational Surrogates And Intended Parents In Australia: A Qualitative Study, Jutharat Attawet, Leo Ng, Evie Kendal, Yunjing Qiu, Myles Ojabo, Sarah Jefford, Micah D.J. Peters

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Gestational surrogacy is an increasingly visible, though tightly regulated, pathway to parenthood in Australia, yet intrapartum care remains under-examined. Existing maternity models are grounded in woman-centred care and offer limited guidance for births involving surrogates and intended parents within a triadic care relationship. Objectives To describe the intrapartum experiences of gestational surrogates and intended parents in Australia and to identify care processes that support or hinder respectful, inclusive practice. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with purposive sampling. Seventeen participants took part between December 2024 and May 2025, comprising nine gestational surrogates and eight intended parents who had …

Leader Rounding For Outcomes To Improve Employee Retention, Laura R. Escobar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Intention to leave a nursing staff position, if not addressed, may lead to an increased rate of nursing turnover. High turnover rates can negatively affect staffing patterns, increase organizational costs, and disrupt the continuity of patient care. A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-/posttest design was used to evaluate the impact of the High Reliability Organization Leader Rounding for Outcomes tool to reduce the intent-to-leave scores, as measured by the Turnover Intention Scale (TIS-6), compared to current practice over 12 weeks. Implementation of the tool provided a structured leader rounding process designed to strengthen communication, recognize staff contributions, and proactively identify workplace concerns. …

Patient Wait Time And Throughput Interventions In The Cardiology Outpatient Setting, Chioma Ohiri Tawose

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Healthcare collaboration and patient care require effective communication. Poor communication impacts wait time. Inadequate communication in the outpatient cardiology clinic can lead to disruptive patient throughput, or workflow, and extend patient length of visit. The purpose of this project was to implement a means of communication for clinicians and healthcare assistants to improve patient flow and cut down idleness, ultimately reducing patient wait time. The project established the incorporation of a built-in electronic health record communication notification system, the Event Button, for asynchronous communication between staff. A quantitative quality improvement design was used to conduct this project. Inferential and descriptive …

Humanity Is Evolving Its Consciousness: The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels.  Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say.  However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born—to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be.  That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an unfolding period of weeding out and alignment with the …

Ease The Quease! Educating Nurses On Non-Pharmacologic Nausea Intervention, Hawa Abdalla, Hannah Bookout, Leslie Martinez, Sidney Mcgregor, Jillian Norman, Gabriella Tadlock, Lucille Willians

2025

No abstract provided.

Cool Under Pressure: Optimizing Skin Integrity With The Arctic Sun, Claire Little, Ariana Medrano, Zaria Duncan, Neyda Saravia

2025

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Rn Confidence In Early Recognition And Treatment Of Sepsis, Tiffany Lee Gossai

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Background: Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in U.S. hospitals, with delays in recognition and treatment significantly contributing to poor patient outcomes. Nurses are essential to early identification and timely intervention; however, gaps in confidence and preparedness persist, particularly among newly hired staff. Traditional educational approaches may be insufficient to support rapid clinical recognition and evidence-based management. Purpose: This staff education project evaluated whether participation in a virtual sepsis escape room during general nursing orientation improved newly hired nurses’ confidence in early identification and treatment of sepsis. Methods: A virtual escape room was integrated into an existing general nursing …

Clinical Practice Guidelines For Suicide Risk Assessment, Jelitta Cleatus

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this doctoral project, I developed a clinical practice guideline (CPG) to address the lack of a standardized suicide risk assessment protocol at a Texas mental health clinic. At project initiation, suicide risk assessment at the facility was inconsistent due to the absence of a CPG. The guideline incorporated the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), a validated instrument that improved early detection of suicidal ideation and behaviors, which were often under recognized in older adults. This inconsistency led to the following clinical question, Does the evidence support the development of a CPG for assessing suicide risk among high-risk patients using …

Staff Education On Medication Adherence, Jerome Obiagba

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focuses on improving medication adherence in mental health settings, where many patients do not take medications as prescribed, leading to worsening symptoms, relapse, frequent hospitalizations, higher healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. This problem mainly affects individuals with anxiety, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, and is often related to poor understanding of treatment, cultural beliefs, or limited access to care. Because nurses play a key role in medication monitoring, education, and patient support, the project examined whether staff education improves nurses’ knowledge, confidence, and effectiveness compared to standard practice …

Staff Education To Streamline Congestive Heart Failure Education, Shannon Hunter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a progressive disease that affects a diverse population. Patient-centered education is key to lowering rehospitalizations and mortality rates. Although nurses are essential providers of patient-centered education, those in acute care settings often have unclear directions for implementing and documenting CHF education. Multiple educational materials within electronic health record (EHR) systems further complicate the process and highlight the practice gap. The aim of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to streamline CHF education by clarifying the role of nurses in education delivery and documentation, potentially enhancing nurse confidence and improving patient health outcomes, with …

Staff Education To Improve Nurse Use Of Teach-Back In Outpatient Diabetes Care, Latoya Hodge-Curtis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic condition in the United States, with ineffective patient education and low health literacy linked to poor glycemic control, preventable complications, and increased health care utilization. At the project site, a practice gap was identified related to a lack of knowledge among nurses regarding the use of teach-back strategy for use with Type 2 diabetes education. The practice-focused question was: Does educating nurses on the teach back strategy for Type 2 diabetes improve knowledge as evidenced by pre- to post-survey? This project was implemented using the ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation) …

Enhancing Medication Adherence In Home-Based Hypertension Care Through Targeted Staff Education, Marie Lunie Bazile

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary In this practice-based, quality improvement project, I incorporated a one-group, pre-/posttest design with the aim to evaluate a staff education intervention, reflecting on key principles in improving practice, including continuous evaluation and informing locally based change. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed the issue of inconsistent adherence to medication and the lack of staff skills in home-based hypertension management. Notably, the nurse plays an important role in medication adherence to care and in the consistent, evidence-based care with chronic diseases. The practice-focused question was: For home health staff, how does participation in an evidence-based medication adherence education …

Connecting Through Creativity: Enhancing Pediatric Care With Playful Ppe, Betty Abraha, Lauren Burns, Alayna Smith

2025

No abstract provided.

Mental Health First Aid Training In K-12 Schools, Jenna L. Workman, Brianna L. Schierberg, Grace H. Sullivan, Erin Robinson

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among school-aged children has become a rising public health concern. Recent data indicates that nearly 70% of schools report heightened mental health problems among students, with anxiety and depression being most common (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). The purpose of this capstone project is to raise awareness of mental health issues in K–12 public schools and to increase faculty and staff confidence in recognizing and assisting students experiencing mental health difficulties through nurse-led Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Using Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory as a guiding framework, this project emphasizes the …

The 24 Hour Rule: Science Over Subds Improving Newborn Physiological Stability, Paige Orth, Grace Brown, Jena Rhoads, Erin Robinson

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The first few hours after birth are the most crucial period in a newborn’s life. Adapting to a world outside of the womb can be both challenging and stressful, leaving the neonate susceptible to many health complications. The purpose of this project is to explore if delaying the first bath for 24 hours improves the physiological stability of the newborn. Bathing time policies vary among hospitals, and there is no clear set time to follow. The importance of this project is to address the inconsistencies throughout hospital bathing policies and implement a specific 24-hour policy. Multiple databases were used to …

Assessment Of Parental Knowledge And Anxiety Surrounding The Informed Consent Discussion For Neonatal Cardiac Interventions, Kristal Mancuso Hock

ETDs from 2020-2029

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the complexities of the informed consent (IC) process in the context of neonatal cardiac interventions, with a focus on parental knowledge and anxiety during decision-making. Across three manuscripts, this work examined conceptual dimensions, feasibility, and acceptability of a new prenatal treatment (palliative care (PC) support sessions), and the effect sizes of this new treatment on parental knowledge and anxiety levels surrounding the IC discussion for neonatal cardiac palliations. The first manuscript employed dimensional analysis to conduct a concept analysis of IC in surgical care. The review of 27 publications revealed three distinct …

Staff Education To Enhance Psychiatric Medication Adherence In Psychiatric Care, Emmanuel Nusta

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Medication non-adherence affects 49% of psychiatric patients and contributes to poor outcomes and increased hospitalizations. At the project site, 40% of patients demonstrated suboptimal adherence and 12 medication-related incidents occurred. Nursing staff lacked specialized training in motivational interviewing and comprehensive adherence assessment. This project developed and implemented an evidence-based educational program to enhance nursing competencies in psychiatric medication adherence counseling. Seven nursing staff members (5 registered nurses, 2 licensed practical nurses) participated in a 90-minute session incorporating the four-domain assessment framework, motivational interviewing techniques, and psychoeducational strategies. The ADDIE framework guided program development with interactive discussions, case-based learning, and role-play …

Staff Education To Emergency Nurses On Improving Handoff Communication Using The I-Pass Tool, Lekeyna Gleason

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Effective communication during nurse-to-nurse handoff remains a critical determinant of patient safety in high-acuity emergency settings, where rapid decisions and fluctuating clinical demands can lead to inconsistent structure, omission of critical information, and inefficient transitions of care. The practice gap identified was a lack of standardized knowledge and consistent use of a structured bedside handoff tool among emergency department (ED) nurses. The practice-focused question guiding this project was, Does educating ED nurses on using the I-PASS bedside handoff tool improve knowledge of structured bedside reporting as measured by pre- and post-implementation surveys? The ADDIE framework and the Johns Hopkins evidence-based …

Staff Education For The Management Of Chronic Pain In Patients With Mental Health Disorders, Jude Osagie Ukpebor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project was a practice-focused quality improvement staff education initiative designed to address a gap in nurses’ knowledge related to chronic pain management in patients with mental health disorders. Chronic pain frequently coexists with psychiatric conditions, yet nurses often lack formal education on biopsychosocial, trauma-informed, and non-pharmacologic pain management approaches, contributing to fragmented and inequitable care. Addressing this gap is essential to improving patient outcomes and advancing evidence-based nursing practice. The practice-focused question asked whether implementing a targeted nurse education program would improve nurses’ knowledge related to chronic pain management in patients with mental health disorders. …

Bringing The Heat: Optimizing Current Feed Warming Practices For Hospitalized Infants, Kaitlyn Ballard, Christine Nguyen, Madison Pavelka, David Rice, Yesica Rivas, Hannah Gabrielle Sellers, Nathan Xie

2025

No abstract provided.

Executive Leadership System Improvement Mobile Lung Cancer Screening, Tracy Holladay

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project is an evidence‑based practice initiative to develop a mobile lung cancer screening program that expands early detection services in rural Arkansas. The practice problem involves low screening rates, high mortality, and access barriers that delay diagnosis for high‑risk individuals, making this work essential to nursing roles in prevention, coordination, education, and population health. The practice focused question examined whether creating a Mobile Lung Cancer Screening Unit proposal will support timely referrals and treatment. The purpose of the project was to design a feasible, evidence informed model aligned with organizational capacity and equitable access goals. Analytical strategies included …

Self-Stigma Of Seeking Help, Psychological Safety, And Employee Assistance Program Use In Nurses, Latisha Lenee Marshall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) remain underutilized across various U.S. work sectors, including nursing. There are several barriers that impede nurses from using EAP services, including self-stigma of seeking help (SSOSH) and psychological safety (PS). The purposes of this study, which used the health promotion model as its theoretical framework, were to determine (a) if there was a difference in the level of SSOSH in nurses who have used EAPs and those who have not used EAPs, (b) if there was a difference in the level of PS in nurses who have used EAPs and nurses who have not used EAPs, …

Exploring The Relationship Among Nurse-Specific Factors And Triage Accuracy In The Emergency Setting, Krisada Suamchaiyaphum

ETDs from 2020-2029

Triage is a critical function of emergency nursing practice, directly influencing patient safety, flow, and outcomes in the emergency department (ED). Despite widespread use of standardized triage training and resources, triage accuracy among ED nurses remains suboptimal. The purpose of this three-manuscript dissertation was to examine factors associated with triage accuracy in the ED setting. Manuscript One was an integrative literature review of 14 studies published between 2011 and 2021, with reported triage accuracy rates ranging from 59.3% to 82%. Primary factors associated with triage accuracy were: nurse-specific, patient, and work environment factors. Manuscript Two reported a retrospective study of …

Bridging The Gap Transition From Pediatric Care To Adult Care, Jordan Garcia, Haley Henry, Amina Jamma, Guiliana Jimenez Carrion, Alexis Lowary, Jenna Potts, Josie Ramirez, Iman Siraj

2025

No abstract provided.