Nursing Commons^™

Preventing Nurse Burnout In The Trauma Icu, Annelise Wilson, Samantha Pendleton, Hailey Dowd

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This change project identifies that nurse burnout is a prevalent problem within the healthcare setting, specifically with nurses working in a critical care environment. Burnout can be described as a negative outcome resulting in exhaustion (emotional, mental, physical) due to stress. The population focused on is the nursing staff on the trauma intensive care unit at VUMC. The proposed recommendation for change is to have a mandatory resource nurse on every shift. Essentially, this nurse is one who has no patients and can be utilized to fill in for breaks and perform anything under the nurse's scope of practice when …

Exploring Lgbtq+ Competency In Healthcare, Jordan Whiteman

Honors College Theses

Marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community are known to face healthcare disparities that negatively affect their process of navigating healthcare systems. This project explores the perceived lack of representation and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community within healthcare settings, exposing the deficits in knowledge for unique challenges and inequalities these patients may face. By viewing the literature, a myriad of complications faced by LGBTQ+ people in clinical settings can be identified. They possess a generalized feeling of mistrust towards the healthcare system. Healthcare staff overall describe low confidence with caring for this demographic. Heteronormativity’s presence in the field of healthcare …

Promoting Student Retention Through Mandatory Remediation, Randi Mccoy

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP Project seeks to identify and evaluate among associate degree nursing (ADN) faculty, will implementing a pilot remediation policy, compared to the current remediation policy, impact faculty perception regarding exam remediation? Exam remediation is important as it helps students understand why they missed questions, how to improve on their next exam, provides guidance and confidence. It is also essential to determine whether required remediation for students after failing an exam promotes student retention, growth, and expansion at a local university in Oklahoma in the setting of an unprecedented program. Does adding required remediation after a failed exam offer students …

Quality Improvement Project - Virtual Escape Rooms: A Teaching Strategy For Nurse Educators, Alisha Mcafee

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Virtual escape rooms (VERs) are an active learning activity that engages students with learning materials while applying theory and knowledge to life-like patient scenarios. Nursing faculty at one nursing program required education about VER development. The problem identified for this quality improvement (QI) project was the lack of knowledge of the nursing faculty on the use and development of this active learning strategy. This QI project aimed to enhance nurse faculty knowledge and ability to utilize VERs within their courses. Faculty participated in an educational session about VERs. Completion of a pre-and post-questionnaire took place. Three Likert-scale questions were asked …

An Exploration Of The Clinical Senior Nursing Student Preceptor Relationship, Kimberly Nicole Dunker

Dissertations

Problem

The use of clinical preceptors for training is well documented in the literature as an effective strategy for helping students, new graduates, and RNs orient to their roles in healthcare facilities. The need to ensure that the preceptor is adequately trained and then matched to a preceptee for a successful relationship is a challenge. The healthcare facility does its best to identify a preceptor and ensure adequate training is completed and there is a willingness to facilitate the experience. The academic institution is required to ensure that preceptors are chosen based on criteria outlined by the board of nursing …

Design And Implementation Of A Nursing Peer Practice Case Review Program In An Academic Surgical/Trauma Icu, Natalie Tredway

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Peer review has been in use in healthcare for many years, primary by physicians. Recently, however, nursing has adopted a framework for peer review within the profession. According to the American Nurses Association (admin, 2011), organizations are required to maintain a systematic peer review process aimed at evaluating nursing care and nursing care providers to obtain/maintain Magnet designation. According to Foster (2015) nursing peer review (NPR) is “process by which practicing registered nurses systematically assess, monitor, and make judgments about the quality of nursing care provided by peers as measured against professional standards of practice”. The focus is on …

A Framework For Mixed Reality Within Healthcare Education, Benyamin Ebadinia

Theses

Understanding complex three-dimensional systems and spatial relationships is a recurring difficulty in healthcare education, where students are often expected to reason about internal structures and multi-system processes from 2D diagrams, textbook figures, and static mannequins. This thesis presents the design, implementation, and mixed-methods evaluation of Systems Simulation, a reusable mixed reality (MR) application intended to help undergraduate nursing students explore human anatomy and pathophysiology using immersive 3D visualization.

Built in C# with the StereoKit framework for Microsoft HoloLens 2, Systems Simulation organizes nine anatomical body systems within a shared application. Learners can select a system, anchor the model in their …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Nursing Faculty Perception Of Student Advising, Gayla Micek

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP Project aimed to influence a process change within the nursing faculty advising process for pre-licensure nursing students at the project site. The clinical site mandates faculty to meet with their assigned advisees twice per academic semester for advising. However, no guidelines have been provided by the educational institution on items to cover during these advising meetings. A mixed method approach, pre- and post-survey design with quantitative and qualitative data collection was utilized for this project. The major findings from this DNP project support evidence from the literature review that include the need for a structured faculty advising process, …

Improving Nurse Knowledge And Attitudes Through Education On Integrative Pain Management In A Medical-Surgical Unit: A Quality Improvement Project, Samantha Hamilton

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Pain management in medical-surgical microsystems is complex, with many patients experiencing acute and chronic pain that can be difficult to control. Nurses often receive limited continuing education on integrative and comprehensive pain management strategies, highlighting a need to improve their knowledge and attitudes toward evidence-based, multimodal approaches.

Local Problem: Nurses in this 38-bed medical-surgical microsystem identified a gap in education related to integrative pain management strategies. This may lead to a reliance on pharmacological interventions and missed opportunities for holistic, patient-centered care

Methods: A 25-day quality improvement project was conducted using an asynchronous educational PowerPoint on integrative …

The Role Of Game-Based Learning Simulation To Enhance Leadership In Pandemic Preparedness For Nursing Students, Scott James Andrews

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses around the world suffered with the impact of resource scarcity on the provision of quality nursing care to patients. Nursing staff were at higher risk of infection than all other healthcare workers, with working conditions during the pandemic resulting in significant staffing pressures. The challenges faced by staff during the pandemic inevitably influenced the quality and delivery of clinical education, highlighting the need for innovative solutions such as digital learning to address emerging training needs. Further, the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on clinical education has highlighted the benefits of digital learning environments as alternatives to …

The Effects Of School-Based Menstruation Education Programs On Anxiety And Self-Efficacy In Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Review, Hannah C. Hart

Honors Undergraduate Theses

A significant global knowledge gap exists for adolescent girls regarding what constitutes a healthy menstrual cycle, proper menstrual hygiene practices, and the implications of reproductive maturity that is ushered in by menarche. This limited understanding can lead to poor health outcomes and the development of negative sentiments and beliefs surrounding the normal experience of menstruation.

This systematic review aims to comprehensively investigate the current state of research regarding the effects of school-based, formal menstruation education programs on adolescent girls, particularly the effects on anxiety and self-efficacy related to the management of menstruation. Furthermore, this work aims to take a stance …

Sickle Cell Disease Nursing Education: A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation, Lauren Brooke Clemons

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common disorder of the hemoglobin and affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide. In response to a drastic lack of available education a group of SCD experts developed the Sickle Cell Boot Camp to Promote Nursing Excellence Train the Trainer. This initiative provided the first opportunity for nurses worldwide to gain knowledge and skills curated by the leading experts in a safe and interactive environment. By adapting the program to a train the trainer modality, education materials are provided to the attendees, and they are encouraged …

Nursing Students' Clinical Placement Experience In A Residential Aged Care Facility: A Comparative Study, Nitasha Aarni Narayan

Theses

Nursing education programs play a significant role in preparing future nurses to care for the growing number of older people who will require health care. A key component of this preparation is the learning that nursing students acquire through clinical placement experience in a residential aged care facility. This clinical placement provides them with opportunities to experience caring for older adults. However, many students are reportedly reluctant to accept clinical placement in aged care and are ill-prepared for the challenges of the residential aged care facility environment. Hence, it is important for the development of future nursing programs and the …

Implementation Of A Process To Improve Compliance With A Nurse Driven Foley Catheter Removal Protocol In Nursing Staff Of A Medicine Intensive Care Unit, Kendall L. Pfister

DNP Projects

Background: Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are the most prevalent healthcare acquired infection (HAI) in the acute care setting. Unfortunately, CAUTIs can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates, longer length of stay (LOS) and increased healthcare costs. Unfortunately, in critically ill patients which often suffer multi-organ failure/injury, there remains an increased risk for infection and poor outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to increase medical intensive care unit (MICU) nursing staffs’ knowledge of existing nurse driven indwelling urinary catheter removal protocol and to implement an electronic medical record (EMR) prompt for removal of unnecessary urinary catheters …

The Effect Of A Hospital Community Garden On Healthcare Workers’ Professional Quality Of Life, Madelyn Renee Cline

DNP Projects

Background: Healthcare professionals experience a variety of stressors which negatively impact their professional quality of life (ProQOL) potentially leading to increased turnover and nurse shortages in hospitals. There are growing studies addressing ways to improve healthcare ProQOL, yet few have examined the impact of alterations to the workplace on these outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of a dedicated outdoor green space for nurses during shift breaks on their ProQOL.

Methods: This project used a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data analysis was completed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. The Professional Quality of …

Integration Of Virtual Simulation Within A Nursing Curriculum: A Mixed Methods Study, Martina Costello, Hugh Davies, Fiona Williams, Michelle Gay, Jennifer Jennings, Joyce Muge-Sugutt, Olivia Gallagher

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Virtual simulation is a valuable learning tool for health professionals to facilitate knowledge, skills, and confidence. Simulation-based learning in Nursing has increased with advances in digital technologies, embedding diverse virtual modalities. The integration of virtual simulations requires careful consideration of pedagogical approaches and implementation strategies. The vSim® for Nursing platform was integrated into the curriculum of an undergraduate nursing program at an Australian university to enhance clinical learning experiences. Aim: To evaluate the implementation of the vSim® for Nursing learning platform within the second-year curriculum. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional survey design was used, guided by Kirkpatrick's training evaluation model. …

Game-Based Learning Contributions To Clinical Leadership In Times Of Resource Scarcity, Scott James Andrews, Olivia Gallagher, Alecka Miles, Carol Crevacore, Jessica Watson, Sean Cashman, Wyatt De Souza, Martin Masek, Julie Boston, Lisa Holmes, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Early progression of Registered Nurses into leadership roles is commonplace in clinical settings. Student nurses can prepare for leadership by gaining exposure through simulation-based learning. A novel and expanding modality are Game-based learning (GBL) simulation.

Aim: To understand if a GBL simulation is useful in preparing student nurses for leadership roles during times of resource scarcity, student nurses were asked to evaluate a novel GBL simulation requiring learners to manage patient triage and hospital resources during a pandemic.

Methods: The study design leveraged Kirkpatrick's Training Evaluation Model. Nursing students (n = 74) from one university in Perth, Western Australia, …

Nursing Simulation For Pediatric Communication: An Integrative Literature Review, Jayla R. Call

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The aim of this thesis is to explore literature focused on enhancing nursing students' communication skills with pediatric patients through simulation. Effective communication is key to building rapport and trust, which are essential for improving patient outcomes. However, nursing students may experience anxiety when interacting with pediatric patients due to limited training in communication techniques. Simulation offers a valuable opportunity for students to practice and refine their skills in a risk-free environment, allowing them to build confidence and competence. An integrative literature review was conducted, utilizing three databases and PRISMA guidelines (Page et al., 2021) to gather relevant studies for …

Three Wishes Project: Individualizing End Of Life Care, Sarah Seddon Rn

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Nursing Research Symposium. •We used the journal article to create tangible ways to individualize the dying process •A binder ways created with the different “wishes” nurses can provide.

Adolescent Suicide Prevention Techniques, Kaitlyn R. O’Malley

Honors Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to understand prevention techniques for adolescent suicide. Suicide is defined as death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds (WHO). From 2021 to 2022, the number of suiciderelated deaths increased by 2.6%. 48,123 people died from suicide in 2021 alone. (CDC) From 2011-2021, 13% of high school girls tried to commit suicide, and 30% of them considered trying (Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary and Trends Report: 2011–2021). Suicide is very preventable in society, which is why, with how many people try …

Improving Performance And Documentation Of The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool, Joseph P. Chellew

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objectives: Decreased patient mobility is associated with negative health outcomes including decreased functional capacity, pressure injuries, deep vein thrombosis, and bloodstream infections (Yasmeen et al., 2020). Early and increased mobilization mitigates these complications and is associated with positive outcomes (Wang et al., 2020). The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool 2.0 (BMAT) is a mobility assessment that guides the selection of equipment to safely mobilize patients (Boynton et al., 2020). Aim: This quality improvement project aims to increase BMAT documentation compliance by 10% in three medical-surgical units at Hospital A where only 31.3% of patients were assessed per day using the BMAT. …

Take Charge Of Your Health: Start With Your Smile, Jordan L. Lacey, Brizette O. Owusu, Sophia Gardner, Madeline Whitehead, Haeun Park, May Ligno

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

Take Charge of Your Health: Start with Your Smile

Oral health is a fundamental component of overall health, yet it is often neglected-particularly among vulnerable populations like houseless individuals (Freitas et al., 2019). Houseless individuals face numerous barriers to accessing healthcare, with dental services being limited. This lack of access contributes to a higher prevalence of oral diseases, which if left untreated, can lead to severe complications. Poor oral health doesn’t just affect the mouth; it negatively impacts one’s overall systemic health, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life (Csikar et al., 2019).

As nursing students engaged in a Community Health …

Exploring Generational Differences Within The Nursing Profession: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Danielle Sienkiewicz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nursing practice has evolved since its initial presentation. The 2020 pandemic played a significant role in changing nursing dynamics. Acute care nurses have become responsible for a plethora of tasks once a patient enters the doors of their facility. While education and skills training can be implemented, there are other aspects requiring greater attention. Generational differences have become more apparent in practice. Generational differences are only recently gaining attention and could use more focus in large organizations. The workforce has become a combination of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. The Silent Generation, also referred to as Veteran …

Virtual Reality Mindfulness For Nursing Stress And Burnout, Rebecca Jean Cantrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Burnout has been a term that has been researched since the 1970’s; however, it has been noted that throughout the past few years there has been increased burnout amongst healthcare workers. Mindfulness has been researched as a tool to decrease burnout and stress. The delivery of mindfulness activity has been completed through different avenues such as in-person and virtual. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality mindfulness experiences and the burnout rates amongst nursing staff in the ambulatory units of a VA Healthcare System. Six nursing staff members volunteered to participate in the …

Robotics And A.I In Oncological Surgery, Ian Ngo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Throughout the decades, advancements in

technology have been surpassing limits that

were thought impossible. Every day these

breakthroughs are improving modern

surgery whether it be enhancing precision

on surgical sites, increasing accuracy of

procedure, or reducing recovery rates for

patients. Among the newly increasing

innovations, the implementation of robotics

systems and artificial intelligence (AI) into

the surgical field has emerged into

becoming a transformative force, especially

within a context as delicate as tumor removal.

This study explores the numerous benefits

of incorporating robotics and artificial

intelligence (AI) in tumor removal surgeries.

We investigate how these innovations

improve surgical accuracy, reduce …

The Effects Of Music Therapy On Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Defects In The Pre And Postoperative Setting, Janelle Marie Choy

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Congenital heart defects is a prominent medical occurrence especially in pediatrics. These defects often require surgeries and extensive treatment plans. These treatment plans often include invasive surgeries and extensive treatment plans which can require long recovery times along with potential surgical complications. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy on pediatric patients with congenital heart defects in the pre and postoperative setting and how music therapy can be implemented in treatment plans to yield effective recovery results for these patients. This research is significant as elevated vital signs and preoperative anxiety are associated with an increased need …

“Time To Rebuild The Healthcare Workforce”: Addressing Socio-Cultural And Psychological Perspectives Of Men’S Presence In Nursing And Midwifery, Sarmad Muhammad Soomar, Salima Farooq, Sarosh Tahar Khymani, Nargis Asad

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: There is a global scarcity of healthcare workers, particularly nurses and midwives, who make up more than half of the current workforce associated with “care”, which is the essence of nursing and midwifery in patient and family care. This is always considered as a profession for women in most of the global workforce. In a patriarchal society, nursing and midwifery limits the choice to be adopted by men. Based on male nurses and midwives’ experiences and stories, it was aimed to explore the present literature to see the citations related to this area, which have been cited to address …

Emergency Room Nurses' Perceptions Of Medication Errors In The Emergency Department, Yasmeen Mustafa

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Medication errors (MEs) remain a pervasive issue in United States emergency departments, where emergency room (ER) nurses play a central role in the medication process. The medication process involves transcribing, prescribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring. Proper adherence to the process ensures that the right medication is given to the right patient in the correct dose, route, and time. It also allows consideration of potential interactions and side effects, with the goal of achieving safe and efficacious therapeutic outcomes. Given the potential life-altering consequences of MEs, it is imperative to harness the unique insights and experiences of ER nurses who are …

Improving Primary Care Providers Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, And Intention To Change Practice About Uncontrolled Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Its Effect On Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, Formerly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Prognosis, Olivia Amoakowaa-Senya

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the world. The mechanisms involved in its development and progression continue to be a mystery that scientists are trying to unravel. However, many research studies found a correlation between uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and worsening of NAFLD. Chronic intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation in OSA increase sympathetic activity and promote oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and metabolic dysregulation, which increases the risk of various diseases, including NAFLD/MASLD progression. Early assessment and screening for OSA in patients …

Medical Aid In Dying Education For Hospice Nurses, Ian K. Woo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Medical aid in dying (MAID) is an option surrounding end-of-life care for hospice patients. This process gives patients the autonomy to end their life during the time and location of their choosing. MAID is growing in legalization and practice across the US. However, many nurses feel uncomfortable or unprepared when providing care for patients contemplating it. Hospice nurses should have confidence in their ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of education in strengthening new hospice nurses’ ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Method: The research will …